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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

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 Kove uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Kove

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

27:02 - When discussing a vocal mix, Kove pulls up this plugin and says "The here I've added a bit of top end, like a nice shelf, just to get that nice sheen"

A

ABSOLUTE.

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "ABSOLUTE. Makes A Club Track From Scratch" by DJ Mag, ABSOLUTE. is seen using the Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin at 18:29, demonstrating its role in his music production process.

See how Sean David Grant uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Sean David Grant

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Sean uses the Waves API 560 when mastering. It was used on the Wonder Years album.

See how Tom Syrowski uses Waves API 560 10-Band EQ Plugin

Tom Syrowski

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

used in studio recording with Incubus

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

WATCHMAN

Drummer, Music Producer

...
Verified

On the official Equipment page of WATCHMAN's website, the Waves API 560 is listed as one of the plugins he owns.

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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