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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience the classic warmth and precision of the 1967 API 560 EQ with the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin. This meticulously modeled plugin captures the iconic sound and musicality of the original hardware, now perfectly integrated into your digital audio workstation (DAW). With its Proportional Q, the plugin offers a unique approach where each band narrows the frequency as the gain is increased, allowing for precise and musical sound shaping that producers and engineers have appreciated for decades. Whether you're enhancing vocals, sculpting guitars, or adding presence to a mix, the API 560 offers the flexibility and character needed to elevate your production.
The API 560's design includes ten one-octave frequency bands, each capable of a generous 12dB of boost or cut, giving you substantial control over your sound palette. The plugin's additional resolution in the critical +/-4dB range ensures smooth contouring, while the impressive +28 dBu clip level maintains a clean and distortion-free signal, even under heavy processing. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned professionals, this plugin is a valuable tool that brings the revered API sound directly to your fingertips.
Key Features:
- Vintage 560 EQ plugin meticulously modeled in collaboration with API
- 10-band graphic EQ with 1-octave frequency band centers
- 12dB boost/cut per band for precise sound shaping
- Proportional Q for dynamic frequency band adjustment
- Enhanced resolution in the critical +/-4dB region for smooth contouring
- +28 dBu clip level for exceptional headroom and clean signal integrity
Product specs
| Software Type | EQ |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, SoundGrid |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), 8GB RAM minimum |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher (AVX required), 8GB RAM minimum |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.15.7 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or later (21H2), 64-bit |
FAQs
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What are the key features of the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin?
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The Waves API 560 is a 10-band graphic equalizer plugin known for its "Proportional Q" design, which adjusts the bandwidth of each band based on the amount of boost or cut, providing precise control over the audio signal.
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Is the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin compatible with my DAW?
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The Waves API 560 is compatible with major DAWs that support AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid formats on both Mac and PC platforms.
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What are the system requirements for running the Waves API 560 EQ Plugin on a Mac?
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To run the Waves API 560 on a Mac, you need macOS 10.15.7 or later, an Intel Core i7 processor or higher (M1 support included), and a minimum of 8GB RAM.
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Can the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin be used for mastering?
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Yes, the Waves API 560 can be used for mastering, offering precise EQ adjustments with its 10-band configuration, making it suitable for signal sweetening and room tuning.
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Does the Waves API 560 EQ Plugin require a specific power supply or hardware?
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The Waves API 560 is a software plugin and does not require any external power supply or hardware, as it runs on your computer's processing power.
Videos
MusicTechHelpGuy
Logic Pro X 10.4 - Vintage Graphic EQ vs. Waves API-560
Reviews
PROS
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Recreates the authentic sound of the hardware version
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Excels at enhancing kick and bass tracks
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Instantly improves track quality with minimal effort
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Intuitive interface makes it easy to use
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Highly effective for bus compression
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Delivers a signature "magic" sound effect
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin.
Features and functionality
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The Waves API 560 EQ plugin is praised for its simplicity and speed in workflows, as it allows for broad EQ moves with fixed bands and limited adjustments.
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The API 560's fixed band design is valued for its psychoacoustic band selection, emphasizing important frequency ranges, which enhances its utility in mixing scenarios.
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Owners mention the API 560's broad bands reduce the risk of phasing issues compared to narrower band graphic EQs.
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Comparisons
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The plugin is often compared to the Lindell Channel 50, which offers an API channel emulation with a swappable graphic EQ section, providing a similar use case.
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The Maag EQ4 plugin is frequently mentioned as one of the most musical EQs, often used when non-surgical EQ adjustments are needed.
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Some users highlight the API 560 plugin as an exception among graphic EQs due to its broader bands and ability to avoid common phasing problems found in 31-band EQs.
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User experience
Use cases and applications
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The API 560 EQ plugin is noted for its ability to create unique tonal shaping and automation effects, making it a versatile tool for creative mixing.
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The API 560 is appreciated for its character in boosting or cutting specific frequencies, making it suitable for unique sound design on instruments like synths and guitars.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Another one of Kaskade's go-to EQ plugins, the Waves API 560 is modeled after the 1967 classic.
At 9:57 of this recording of one of Virtual Riot's livestreams, the Waves API 560 can be seen in the list of effects at the left of the screen.
Junkie XL posted to twitter, "But the waves api bundle plus cubase own eq are really warm and great too!!!" while showing a screenshot of the Waves API.
I use API 550As and 560s every day. I’m so glad 560s have become such a standard. I remember when I was starting out, they were this kind of oddball EQ that you would use only on the kick drum or something. I tend to use them on anything. Another one of my favorite EQs are the 70’s era Moog three-band parametrics, which I have a pair of. Those are great-sounding and still relatively affordable. They’re not subtle sounding, and impart quite a bit of character, which is cool.
A video clip of a track preview reveals Fehrplay uses the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin.
Mentioned by producer Sandy Vee in this Sound on Sound interview about the production of "Firework". An image of the settings can be found here.
In the Dave Clarke EMP Toolbox Overview video on waves.com, Dave Clarke discusses his use of the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin.
In this photo, posted to Vanic's Facebook, in top left corner, it can be seen that he uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin.
Used on Minogue's vocals for "Dancing", as stated by producer Sky Adams in this July 2018 Sound on Sound interview.
"My vocal chain on the Kylie bus begins with a Logic Channel EQ, with a high?pass at 69Hz; I also boost 285Hz and 3100Hz. Next is the Waves CLA Vocals, with which I again boost some high end and add some compression, and a tiny bit of reverb; altogether it enhances the vocals a bit. The third plug?in is the Waves Butch Vig Vocals, with the de?esser and compressor both at 50 percent and adding some presence and air, all to give it some sharpness. For some reason Butch Vig gives a nice saturation and clarity on vocals, but I find that it only works on the Aston microphone. With every other mic I’ve used it tends to sound too distorted.
“The next plug?in is a Waves dbx 160 for some more compression, then the Waves SSL G?master bus compressor, set to a ratio of 2, attack 1 and release 3, and the Waves C4 multiband set to the Pensado preset, adding above 8kHz, the Waves API 560 EQ adding yet more high end, and the Waves RVox, with the compressor set to 4.2. I find that the RVox really helps to bring the vocal to the front.
“My main reverb in this session, which I used mostly on the vocals, and my favourite reverb in general, is the Toraverb. It’s really hard to find a good reverb, but I freaking love it, and I use it on almost everything. It has a wonderful tail off, and also a delay that works really well. ‘Crystal Cave’ is a favourite preset, which I use mainly on vocals. I don’t mind using the same reverb on everything, but in addition I sometimes use Logic’s Space Designer, which also has a great sound, and a wonderful tail that you can crank all the way up. The latest update, the Chronoverb, is amazing.”
At 00:28:45 in this Twitch stream, Jackson can be seen using a Waves API 560 EQ plugin.
Album Usage
The Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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