Waves API Collection

Waves API Collection - Plugin Bundle | Classic Analog Sound, Recreating a Studio Legend

For nearly half a century, API (Automated Processes, Inc.) has pioneered a new path in audio processing, becoming a standard in top recording studios worldwide. Now, with the Waves API Collection, you can experience the legendary sound of these four classic processors right in your own digital audio workstation. This collection meticulously models the essence of API's hardware, from the unparalleled musicality and transparency of the API 550A and 550B equalizers, to the unique tone-shaping capabilities of the API 560 Graphic Equalizer, and the powerful punch and flexibility of the API 2500 Compressor. Every detail is perfectly recreated.

Whether you're engaged in professional studio mixing, mastering, or searching for a signature sound for your personal music projects, this suite of analog modeling plugins, developed in collaboration with API, will infuse your tracks with a warm, rich, and character-filled analog soul. The API Collection is more than just a set of tools; it's a sonic legacy spanning decades of music history. We have faithfully captured the harmonic distortion, subtle noise, and unique "Proportional Q" characteristics of the original hardware, allowing a new generation of producers and mixing engineers to easily harness this timeless, classic sound.

Key Features & Applications

Legendary API Classic Sound
Includes four classic processors officially licensed by API: the API 2500 Bus Compressor, API 550A 3-Band EQ, API 550B 4-Band EQ, and the API 560 10-Band Graphic EQ. Each plugin has been meticulously modeled to perfectly recreate the sound characteristics and operational feel of the original hardware.

Versatile API 2500 Compressor
Offers two distinct compression topologies: "Feed Back" mode for a smooth, vintage leveling-amp style, and "Feed Forward" mode for a fast, modern response. Its exclusive Thrust® patented technology is a secret weapon for processing drums and bass, effectively compressing high frequencies without causing low-frequency pumping, creating a powerful and punchy low-end impact.

Highly Musical 550A & 550B EQs
These two EQs are renowned for their exceptional musicality and problem-solving capabilities. API's unique "Proportional Q" curve design means that as you increase or decrease gain, the filter's bandwidth automatically narrows or widens, making adjustments sound extremely natural and precise. The 550A offers a classic three-band design, while the 550B provides more detailed four-band control.

Intuitive and Efficient 560 Graphic Equalizer
The API 560 combines the intuitiveness of a traditional graphic interface with API's signature pristine sound quality. It also features "Proportional Q" filtering, ensuring that even with drastic tonal adjustments, the sound remains natural and musical, making it an enduring classic for both studio and live applications.

Preset Library from Top Engineers
Includes presets meticulously crafted by world-class producers, mixing engineers, and mastering engineers, including signature settings from masters like Steve Lillywhite, Tony Maserati, Greg Wells, and Drew Lavyne. This allows you to quickly achieve professional-grade sounds and learn from their mixing techniques.

Authentic Hardware Emulation
For ultimate realism, the API Collection offers an optional analog noise and harmonic distortion switch. You can enable it to add the subtle and charming analog character of the original hardware to your digital audio, making the sound warmer and more three-dimensional.

Tech Specs

• Plugins Included: API 2500, API 550A, API 550B, API 560
• Sample Rate Support: Up to 192 kHz
• Channel Modes: Stereo, Mono
• Latency: 0 samples @ 44.1/48 kHz; 1 sample @ 88.2/96 kHz
• Controller Support: All parameters can be mapped to a MIDI controller or DAW automation
• Authorization: Waves Central online authorization system (internet connection required for activation)
• Plugin Formats (64-bit):
  • VST3
  • Audio Units (AU)
  • AAX Native
• Mac System Requirements:
  • Operating System: macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14
  • Processor: Intel Core i7 / Apple M1, M2, M3 or higher
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
  • Screen Resolution: Minimum 1280x1024 (1600x1200 recommended)
• Windows System Requirements:
  • Operating System: Windows 10 64 bit (22H2) or Windows 11 (22H2)
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-Core or higher
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
  • Screen Resolution: Minimum 1280x1024 (1600x1200 recommended)