Waves API 550

Waves API 550 - 550A & 550B Equalizers | Legendary Proportional Q EQs, Recreating the Musicality and Transparency of Classic API

Discover the Waves API 550, a classic equalizer plugin developed in close collaboration with API (Automated Processes, Inc.), faithfully recreating the soul of the legendary 550A and 550B hardware from the late 1960s. The API 550 series is world-renowned for its unique "Proportional Q" design, which revolutionized the way recording engineers approach tone shaping. Its core concept is that the Q value changes with the amount of gain: as you boost a frequency band, the Q automatically narrows, making adjustments more focused and musical. Conversely, when you cut, it provides a range of tonal sculpting capabilities from natural and subtle to sharp and steep, giving you unprecedented control and precision.

Whether processing individual instrument tracks, group buses, or entire masters, the API 550 defines true musicality and transparency. This plugin is more than just a recreation; it's a bridge that brings the classic sound of legendary recording studios into the modern digital audio workstation (DAW). It can easily push instruments forward or pull them back in the mix, or sculpt the overall contour of a mix in an incredibly sweet way. For professionals seeking the ultimate in tone shaping and clarity, the Waves API 550 is an indispensable mixing tool, allowing you to experience the purest and most beautiful analog sound magic.

Core Advantages & Use Cases

Pioneering Musical Curves
API's groundbreaking Proportional Q curve design made it a favorite in high-end studios seeking musicality and transparency, not just the vintage sound common in the 60s and 70s. It brings unparalleled clarity and vitality to your sound while preserving its natural character.

Two Classic EQs, One Goal of Excellence
This plugin includes both the 550A and 550B models. They adhere to the same rigorous design standards and sound quality requirements but offer different EQ philosophies. The 550A provides broader, more general frequency points suitable for macroscopic tonal adjustments, while the 550B offers more frequency options, designed for more precise, surgical problem-solving.

Pure Tonal Sculpting, No Added Coloration
API's equalizers are designed to bring out the best potential of any sound source. Whether it's the brightness of violin strings, the powerful punch of a snare drum, the intimacy of vocals, or the contour of an entire mix, these EQs were created to make the sound itself better, not to change it.

Unique Symmetrical Boost and Cut
Thanks to the Proportional Q feature, the boost and cut operations are perfectly symmetrical, which works wonders when dealing with instrument layering. For example, you can easily distinguish between two overdubbed guitars with the EQ: apply a moderate boost on one guitar while applying an identical amount of cut on the other. This way, the total energy in that part of the spectrum remains unchanged, yet a clear sense of separation is created—something difficult to achieve with other EQs.

Tech Specs

• Plugin Type: Equalizer
• Models Included: API 550A (3-Band), API 550B (4-Band)
• API 550A Bands & Frequencies:
  • Low Frequency (LF): 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 Hz
  • Mid Frequency (MF): 400, 800 Hz, 1.5, 3, 5 kHz
  • High Frequency (HF): 5, 7, 10, 12.5, 15 kHz
• API 550B Bands & Frequencies:
  • Low Frequency (LF): 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 Hz
  • Low-Mid Frequency (LMF): 75, 150, 180, 240, 500, 700, 1000 Hz
  • High-Mid Frequency (HMF): 800 Hz, 1.5, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12.5 kHz
  • High Frequency (HF): 2.5, 5, 7, 10, 12.5, 15, 20 kHz
• Gain/Cut Range: ±12 dB per band in 2-3 dB steps
• Filter Type: Each band can be independently switched between Peak and Shelf filtering
• Band Pass Filter: The 550A includes an independent 50 Hz to 15 kHz band pass filter
• Output Level Control: Features an output level adjustment
• Sample Rate Support: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• Channel Modes: Mono / Stereo
• Latency: 0 samples (Zero Latency)
• Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX Native, AudioSuite
• Activation: Online activation via Waves Central application (local machine or cloud license)