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The Cstrip Audio Plugin is your all-in-one solution for professional-quality audio processing, tailored for mixing engineers and music producers. Featuring a cutting-edge design with seamless integration and precise control, Cstrip offers an advanced channel strip loaded with powerful functionality to elevate your sound.
Cstrip combines the essential tools of a professional channel strip in one plugin, offering flexibility, power, and ease-of-use. Whether you are mixing vocals, drums, instruments, or completing a full mix, Cstrip provides the tools you need to achieve a polished, radio-ready sound.
Bring finesse and transparency to your workflow with Cstrip, and take full control of your mix!
The Cstrip Audio Plugin is your all-in-one solution for professional-quality audio processing, tailored for mixing engineers and music producers. Featuring a cutting-edge design with seamless integration and precise control, Cstrip offers an advanced channel strip loaded with powerful functionality to elevate your sound.
Navigate this guide by section.
CStrip is a complete, professional-grade channel strip plug-in by Babelson Audio. Inspired by the legendary hardware console strips that shaped the sound of countless recordings, CStrip delivers every processing stage you need in a single, elegant interface.
From subtle gain staging to aggressive parallel compression, from silky high-frequency air boosts to surgical de-essing — CStrip keeps your signal chain clean, your DAW session organised, and your mixes moving forward.
Precision ±20 dB faders for gain staging before and after all processing.
Triode Class-A analog saturation circuit that adds harmonic richness and musical grit.
Low shelf, Low-Mid bell (with Q), High-Mid bell (with Q), and High shelf. Full 20 Hz – 20 kHz coverage.
Transparent to punchy. Full control over Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Knee, and Parallel Mix.
High-frequency sibilance control with Cutoff, Threshold, Mix, Listen, Filter, and Phase flip modes.
CStrip installs in minutes and includes a 7-day free trial — no credit card required.
Download the CStrip installer for your platform (.pkg for macOS or .exe for Windows) from cynicos.com or your purchase confirmation email.
Double-click the installer file for your platform and follow the on-screen instructions. Choose which plug-in formats to install (AU, VST3, and/or AAX, depending on your system and DAW support).
Re-scan plug-ins in your DAW or simply add CStrip to a channel. On Logic Pro, AU plug-ins are discovered automatically.
On first launch, CStrip checks for a valid license. Click the key icon (🔑) in the top-right of the interface to enter an activation key, or click "Start 7-day trial" to begin evaluating without restrictions.
CStrip uses Cynicos License Management for activation, trial handling, and license control. Sign in to your Cynicos account or enter your activation details when prompted to authorise the plug-in on your system.
CStrip presents all processing modules in a single, horizontal channel-strip layout — just like a hardware console. Every control is immediately accessible with no hidden menus or pages.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ C S T R I P — Babelson Audio │ ├──────────┬───────────┬──────────────────────────────────┬─────────────┬────────────┤ │ INPUT │ WARMTH │ EQUALIZER │ COMPRESSOR │ DE-ESSER │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ fader │ [KNOB] │ [LO-F] [LM-F] [HM-F] [HI-F] │ [THRESH] │ [FREQ] │ │ ±20dB │ 0–20 dB │ [LO-G] [LM-G] [HM-G] [HI-G] │ [RATIO] │ [THRESH] │ │ │ │ [LM-Q] [HM-Q] │ [ATTACK] │ [MIX] │ │ INPUT │ │ │ [RELEASE] │ │ │ METER │ │ [ EQ BYPASS ] │ [KNEE] │ ♦ FILTER │ │ │ │ │ [MIX] │ ♪ LISTEN │ │ │ │ │ [ BYPASS ] │ ↔ PHASE │ │ │ │ │ GR METER │ ⏻ ON/OFF │ ├──────────┴───────────┴──────────────────────────────────┴─────────────┴────────────┤ │ OUTPUT FADER (±20 dB) OUTPUT METER PRESET A PRESET B │ │ [ PRESET BROWSER ] │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
All rotary knobs use vertical drag — drag up to increase, down to decrease. Hover over any knob to see a real-time tooltip showing the current value and unit. After 2 seconds without interaction, the tooltip fades automatically.
Each processing module (EQ and Compressor) has an independent bypass button. When bypassed, the button glows and the module is removed from the signal path — all other modules continue to process normally.
Right-click the plugin title bar or use your DAW's resize handle to scale the CStrip interface. Common sizes: 100%, 125%, 150%, 200%.
CStrip offers multiple background themes — right-click the background to access the theme menu and choose from Coloured, Dark, Blacker, and others.
Understanding the order of processing helps you make better mixing decisions.
The signal enters at the Input Gain fader, passes through Warmth (analog saturation), then the 4-Band EQ, then the Compressor, then the De-Esser, and finally exits through the Output Gain fader. Bypassing any individual module removes it from the chain while the rest continue processing.
Proper gain staging is the foundation of a great mix. CStrip places precision gain faders at both the start and end of the signal chain.
| Control | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Gain | −20 to +20 dB | 0 dB | Adjusts the level hitting the processing chain. Use this to optimally drive the saturation and compressor. |
| Output Gain | −20 to +20 dB | 0 dB | Controls the final output level after all processing. Compensate for gain added or removed by other modules. |
The Warmth module emulates a Triode Class-A tube amplifier circuit, introducing even-order harmonic distortion that gives digital recordings the depth, body, and "glue" associated with classic hardware.
| Control | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warmth | 0 to 20 dB | 0 dB | Controls the saturation drive level. At 0, the circuit is clean. As you increase, harmonic richness builds up progressively. |
The Warmth knob controls the saturation parameter of a Triode Class-A amplifier model. Low settings (1–5 dB) add a barely perceptible warmth and "analogue feel". Mid settings (6–12 dB) push the circuit into pleasant, musical saturation — perfect for vocals, bass, and acoustic instruments. High settings (13–20 dB) produce more aggressive harmonic content suitable for creative effect, synths, or parallel processing.
CStrip's EQ section gives you four fully parametric bands covering the entire audible spectrum, from sub-bass rumble to the highest air frequencies.
| Band | Type | Freq Range | Default Freq | Gain Range | Q Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Shelf | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 100 Hz | ±20 dB | — |
| Low-Mid | Bell (peaking) | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 800 Hz | ±20 dB | 0.05 – 0.95 |
| High-Mid | Bell (peaking) | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 3 kHz | ±20 dB | 0.05 – 0.95 |
| High | Shelf | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 10 kHz | ±20 dB | — |
All four frequency knobs use a logarithmic (skewed) scale centred at 1 kHz, giving you proportional resolution across the entire frequency spectrum. Dragging up on the knob moves the frequency higher; dragging down moves it lower.
Each band's Gain knob provides ±20 dB of boost or cut. The gain knobs use a linear scale with 0.1 dB steps for precision. Gain defaults to 0 dB (flat — no effect) for all bands.
Q (bandwidth) is available on the two bell (peaking) bands. The range is 0.05 – 0.95:
The EQ Bypass button removes all four EQ bands from the signal path simultaneously. Use this to A/B the EQ effect while keeping the compressor and other modules active.
High-pass the Low band around 80–120 Hz. Add 2–4 dB around 2–5 kHz (High-Mid) for presence. Gentle high shelf boost at 10–12 kHz for air.
High-pass below 80 Hz. Cut Low-Mid around 300–500 Hz to reduce boxiness. Boost High-Mid at 3–5 kHz for bite and definition.
Boost Low around 60–80 Hz for weight. Cut Low-Mid around 200–400 Hz. Boost High-Mid at 1–2 kHz for pick attack and definition.
Boost Low around 100–200 Hz for body. Cut Low-Mid at 400–600 Hz. Boost High-Mid at 5–8 kHz for crack. Gentle high shelf for sparkle.
CStrip's compressor is a versatile, low-latency dynamics processor capable of everything from transparent "glue" to heavy, pumping character — with a fully analogue-inspired knee control and parallel (New York) mix capability.
| Control | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold | −60 to 0 dB | 0 dB | The level above which compression begins. Signals below the threshold pass through unaffected. |
| Ratio | 1:1 to 20:1 | 2:1 | How much the signal is reduced for every dB above the threshold. 2:1 is gentle; 10:1+ is limiting-style. |
| Attack | 1 to 1000 ms | 30 ms | How quickly the compressor begins gain reduction after the signal exceeds the threshold. Slow attack lets transients through. |
| Release | 5 to 2000 ms | 60 ms | How quickly gain reduction recovers once the signal drops below the threshold. |
| Knee | 0 to 20 dB | 0 dB | Soft-knee width. At 0 the transition from uncompressed to compressed is abrupt (hard knee). Higher values create a smoother, more musical onset. |
| Mix | 0 to 100 % | 100 % | Parallel (New York) compression mix. 100% is fully compressed. Blend wet and dry for natural-sounding density without killing transients. |
Click the Compressor Bypass button to remove all dynamics processing from the signal path. The GR meter will go dark when bypassed.
The animated GR Meter shows real-time gain reduction in dB. Aim for 3–6 dB of reduction on mix bus applications, and up to 8–12 dB for heavy bus or parallel compression on individual elements.
Threshold: −10 to −6 dB · Ratio: 2:1 · Attack: 40–80 ms · Release: 100–300 ms · Knee: 4–6 dB · Mix: 60–80%
Threshold: −20 to −12 dB · Ratio: 3:1 to 5:1 · Attack: 5–20 ms · Release: 50–150 ms · Knee: 2–6 dB · Mix: 80–100%
Threshold: −15 dB · Ratio: 4:1 to 8:1 · Attack: 5–15 ms (let transients through) · Release: 40–80 ms · Knee: 0 dB · Mix: 50–70%
Threshold: −18 to −12 dB · Ratio: 4:1 · Attack: 20–40 ms · Release: 100–200 ms · Knee: 4 dB · Mix: 80–100%
CStrip's De-Esser targets harsh high-frequency sibilance — the "ess" and "shh" sounds in vocals — using a wideband dynamic processing approach with advanced listen and filter modes for precise adjustment.
| Control | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency (Cutoff) | 5 kHz – 10 kHz | 10 kHz | The crossover frequency. Frequencies above this point are monitored and attenuated when sibilance is detected. |
| Threshold | −60 to 0 dB | 0 dB | The level at which the de-esser begins attenuating. Lower the threshold to catch more sibilant events. |
| Mix | 0 to 100 % | 100 % | Blends the de-esser's output with the dry signal. Use partial mix for subtle, natural results. |
| Button | Icon | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | High-pass symbol | Enables a high-pass filter mode, isolating the high-frequency band so you can hear exactly what the de-esser is acting on. Mutually exclusive with Phase/Flip. |
| Listen | Audacity logo icon | Solos the de-esser's detection signal, allowing you to hear what is being attenuated. Automatically enables when the Frequency knob is turned. |
| Phase / Flip | Phase symbol | Inverts the polarity of the sidechain signal. Useful for certain cancellation and creative techniques. Mutually exclusive with Filter mode. |
| On / Off (Power) | Power switch | Enables or disables the entire De-Esser module, removing it from the signal path. |
Make sure the Power button is active (glowing).
Enable Listen mode, then adjust the Frequency knob until the harshest sibilance is most prominent in the solo'd signal.
Disable Listen mode and lower the Threshold until you see movement on the De-Esser GR meter only on the problem "ess" sounds.
Reduce Mix below 100% if the de-esser sounds too aggressive — a natural, transparent result is usually achieved around 70–90%.
CStrip provides comprehensive real-time metering to keep your levels under control throughout the entire signal chain.
| Meter | Position | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Input Meter | Far left | Displays the signal level arriving at CStrip after the Input Gain fader. Shows peak levels from −60 to 0 dBFS. |
| Output Meter | Far right | Displays the final output level after all processing and the Output Gain fader. |
| Compressor GR | Compressor section | An animated VU-style meter showing real-time gain reduction (0 to −18 dB). Moves left (or down) as compression is applied. |
| De-Esser GR | De-Esser section | Shows gain reduction applied by the de-esser to the high-frequency band. Useful for verifying the threshold is set correctly. |
| LED Indicator | Header | A small LED that lights up when the signal is exceeding a level threshold — a quick "clip check" indicator. |
CStrip ships with 20 professionally crafted factory presets covering a wide range of instruments and situations. User presets are saved to your Documents folder and synced across sessions.
CStrip has a built-in A/B preset comparison system that lets you store two completely independent sets of parameters and switch between them instantly — perfect for comparing processing approaches or showing a client two options.
Dial in your first processing setting — all parameters are stored automatically in slot A.
Click the B button. CStrip saves the current state to B and switches to comparing, letting you dial in a different approach.
Click A or B to instantly switch between the two states without losing either setting.
Save your own presets via the preset browser panel in the lower portion of the interface.
User presets are stored as .xml files in:
~/Documents/CStrip/
These files can be backed up, shared with collaborators, or moved between machines.
Here are some practical starting-point workflows to get the best out of CStrip on common mix scenarios.
Vocals are where CStrip shines brightest. The combined power of EQ, compression, de-esser, and warmth gives you a complete vocal chain in a single insert.
CStrip on the master bus is a powerful "finishing" tool. Use light settings to add cohesion without squashing the dynamics of your mix.
The Compressor's Mix knob enables built-in parallel (New York) compression. Set the compressor aggressively (high ratio, low threshold, fast attack), then blend the Mix to around 30–50% — you get density and punch without losing the natural transient feel of the original signal.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Reset knob to default | Double-click |
| Fine-tune value | ⌘ Cmd + drag |
| Type in value | Right-click → Enter value |
| Toggle EQ bypass | Click EQ Bypass button |
| Toggle Compressor bypass | Click Compressor Bypass button |
CStrip is compatible with any DAW that supports AU, VST3, or AAX plug-in formats, including:
CStrip is actively developed with regular updates adding new features, presets, and improvements.
To check for the latest version of CStrip and download new updates, visit your account page at:
https://www.cynicos.com/myaccount
Your account page displays the latest available version, download links for all plug-in formats
and supported platforms, and installation instructions. Simply download the latest .pkg or .exe installer
and run it over your existing installation — all your settings and presets will be preserved.
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