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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

What are the key features of the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin?

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.

Is the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin compatible with my DAW?

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.

What are the system requirements for running the Waves API 560 EQ Plugin on a Mac?

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.

Can the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin be used for mastering?

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.

Does the Waves API 560 EQ Plugin require a specific power supply or hardware?

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.

MusicTechHelpGuy

MusicTechHelpGuy

Logic Pro X 10.4 - Vintage Graphic EQ vs. Waves API-560

Video thumbnail for Logic Pro X 10.4 - Vintage Graphic EQ vs. Waves API-560 by MusicTechHelpGuy

Logic Pro X 10.4 - Vintage Graphic EQ vs. Waves API-560

MusicTechHelpGuy

MusicTechHelpGuy

Video thumbnail for Waves API 560 review & demo by Vintique Sound

Waves API 560 review & demo

Vintique Sound

Vintique Sound

Video thumbnail for Logic Pro Vintage Graphic EQ vs Waves API-560 by Zed Marty

Logic Pro Vintage Graphic EQ vs Waves API-560

Zed Marty

Zed Marty

Reviews

PROS

  • Recreates the authentic sound of the hardware version

  • Excels at enhancing kick and bass tracks

  • Instantly improves track quality with minimal effort

  • Intuitive interface makes it easy to use

  • Highly effective for bus compression

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners mention the API 560's broad bands reduce the risk of phasing issues compared to narrower band graphic EQs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • The Maag EQ4 plugin is frequently mentioned as one of the most musical EQs, often used when non-surgical EQ adjustments are needed.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the fast workflow of fixed band EQs like the API 560, noting they simplify decision-making by focusing on broad frequency ranges.

    Source
  • Despite being a graphic EQ, the API 560 is valued for its intuitive interface, allowing quick tonal adjustments with its 10 fixed bands.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ramox

Ubiquitous

Ubiquitous!

beloow

yep!

carlosfbanegas

Excelent

I use it for bus compression

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kaskade uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Kaskade

Music Producer

Late Night Alumni

...
Verified via Emusician

Another one of Kaskade's go-to EQ plugins, the Waves API 560 is modeled after the 1967 classic.

See how Virtual Riot uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Virtual Riot

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Junkie XL uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via Twitter

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.

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Vintage King Blog

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.

See how Fehrplay uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Fehrplay

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Twitter

A video clip of a track preview reveals Fehrplay uses the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin.

See how Katy Perry uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Katy Perry

Singer, Guitarist

Katy Perry (band)

...
Verified via Soundonsound

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.

See how Dave Clarke uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Dave Clarke

Music Producer

Hothouse Flowers

...
Verified via waves.com

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.

See how Vanic uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Vanic

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Kylie Minogue uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Kylie Minogue

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

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.”

See how Jackson Phillips uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Jackson Phillips

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Twitch.tv

At 00:28:45 in this Twitch stream, Jackson can be seen using a Waves API 560 EQ plugin.

See how feezo uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

feezo

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

Feezo uses the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin, as it is listed in the description of his YouTube video "Feezo's Studio Tour 2025."

See how Addison Groove uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Addison Groove

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"One of my favorite plugins"

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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