Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unlock the full potential of your audio productions with the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin. This versatile EQ tool bridges the gap between vintage and modern sound, offering a unique blend of British and American equalization styles. Whether you're aiming for that classic warmth or a cutting-edge clarity, the H-EQ gives you the flexibility to achieve any tonal palette.

Experience precision like never before with its real-time frequency analyzer and an intuitive keyboard graphic that lets you select frequencies by simply clicking on notes. Sculpt your sound effortlessly with seven filter types per band, ensuring that every nuance of your mix is finely tuned to perfection. This plugin is not just about versatility; it's about giving artists and engineers the power to innovate without limits.

Ideal for both novice and seasoned producers, the Waves H-EQ offers a user-friendly interface coupled with advanced features like an exclusive MS matrix mode, which allows different EQ settings for Mid and Side content. With support for up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution, your mixes will maintain their integrity and shine with professional polish.

Key Features:

  • Seven filter types per band
  • Vintage and modern British and American EQ options
  • Real-time frequency analyzer
  • Exclusive MS matrix mode for Mid-Side processing
  • Keyboard graphic for note-based frequency selection
  • Supports up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution
  • Includes mono and stereo components

Product specs

Software Type EQ
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX Native, VST, AU, AudioSuite, 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 standout features of the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin?

The Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin offers a unique blend of vintage and modern EQ characteristics, featuring seven different EQ types per band. It also includes an innovative real-time frequency spectrum analyzer and a flexible, intuitive interface for precise sound shaping.

Is the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin compatible with my DAW?

The Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin is compatible with major DAWs that support AAX Native, VST, AU, AudioSuite, and SoundGrid formats. Ensure your DAW supports these formats for seamless integration.

What are the system requirements for running the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin on a Mac?

To run the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin on a Mac, you need macOS 10.15.7 or later, an Intel Core i7 processor or higher (M1 support), and a minimum of 8GB RAM.

Can I use the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin on a Windows PC?

Yes, the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin can be used on a Windows PC with Windows 10 or later (21H2), an Intel Core i5 or AMD Quad-core processor or higher, and at least 8GB RAM.

Does the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin offer real-time frequency analysis?

Yes, the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin includes a real-time frequency spectrum analyzer, allowing users to visualize audio frequencies and make precise adjustments.

RealHomeRecording.com

RealHomeRecording.com

Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Review & Overview

Video thumbnail for Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Review & Overview by RealHomeRecording.com

Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Review & Overview

RealHomeRecording.com

RealHomeRecording.com

Video thumbnail for Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week: Waves H-EQ by Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week: Waves H-EQ

Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike

Video thumbnail for H-EQ plugin from waves - Complete breakdown by Warrior Sound - Unders

H-EQ plugin from waves - Complete breakdown

Warrior Sound - Unders

Warrior Sound - Unders

Video thumbnail for Waves HEQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin Demo - AES 2011 by soundpurestudios

Waves HEQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin Demo - AES 2011

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers multiple EQ curve options based on iconic models like Pultec and SSL

  • Smooth, natural sound even with minimal adjustments

  • Includes an interactive frequency analyzer for real-time visual feedback

  • Affordable price point for high-quality EQ functionality

  • Ideal for mastering and small adjustments on subgroups

  • Intuitive interface suitable for quick, minor tweaks

  • Presets provide significant value and utility

  • Effective for M/S processing, enhancing mixdown quality

  • High end is particularly natural and pleasing

CONS

  • Visual aesthetic may be less appealing compared to competitors like FabFilter

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin.

Features and functionality

  • The Analog feature offers various harmonic distortion profiles, distinct from typical noise effects in hybrid plugins.

    Source
  • A unique asymmetrical bell filter is available, enhancing the plugin's versatility and precision in sound shaping.

    Source
  • The plugin includes an exclusive Mid-Side (MS) Mode, permitting different EQ settings for stereo signals' sum and difference.

    Source
  • Users report the H-EQ can introduce unique echo-type sounds in the highs, suggesting an element of saturation that adds character beyond typical EQ functions.

    Source
  • The H-EQ allows significant boosting of saturation beyond the specifications of original analog models, offering potential for creative sound manipulation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users achieve a brighter, more open sound by using the H-EQ in conjunction with a stereo delay and tube saturation, particularly effective for high frequencies.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The H-EQ's filter curves and harmonic generation contrast sharply with the clean, precise nature of Ableton's EQ 8, offering a distinctly different tonal character.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Waves H-EQ

soundonsound.com

Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin is a powerhouse, blending digital precision with vintage analog charm. It offers versatility with multiple EQ algorithms, including unique asymmetrical bell curves and a musical keyboard for pinpoint accuracy. Its innovative features like controllable harmonic distortion and M/S processing make it standout, while the user interface could be more refined. Despite a higher CPU load, the H-EQ's rich sonic capabilities and reasonable pricing make it a valuable addition to any producer's toolkit.

positive

Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer shines in a saturated market with its versatile filter types and intuitive interface, including a keyboard graphic correlating notes and frequencies. It offers flexible stereo and M/S modes, making it a powerful tool for both mastering and individual instruments. Despite competition, its rich sound and user-friendly design make it a strong contender for sound-shaping tasks.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
liam_phillips

An EQ for the artistically minded musician

I found this EQ in a video from URM with John Browne. I know it's kind of cheesy to write a review based on that, but I really liked how intuitive it looked. So I picked up H-EQ, and I tried it out. What I love about H-EQ, is that, unlike surgical eqs like ReaEQ, or the FabFilter Pro Q, the H-EQ seems to focus on small adjustments. It can do big adjustments too, but H-EQ is mostly for the musicians who just want to do minor adjustments first to get an idea of where their song is going.

T

One of the best Waves products

Amazing for mastering, or for small ajustments on subgroups. The high end is very natural.

coxys

Utility

This is great for M/S processing at end game after mixdown. Try lifting the high end sides and add a bit of low end mid.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Martin uses Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin

Chris Martin

Singer, Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via Audiotechnology

Mentioned by FOH engineer Dan Green in this AudioTechnology magazine article about the Ghost Stories Tour.

AT: Could you run me through Chris Martin’s vocal chain?

DG: It starts with a Shure SM58 radio mic which he just loves singing into — the sound and the weight is just right for him. It goes to the Neve 1073 500 series module, and into a channel on the SD7. Then I just use a little bit of channel EQ to clean up the low end, to avoid pumping the compressor unnecessarily — the stage volume is blisteringly loud up there from PA spill, so there’s always going to be some low-end filtering. And then it goes into one of the Waves Puigchild 660 plug-ins. From there, into a Waves H EQ for some general EQ’ing. I really like that EQ for its visual feedback — the spectrum analyser is really handy to quickly pinpoint any frequencies that are poking out or not quite right. Then it finishes with the Waves C6 multiband compressor, which is the most incredible plug-in. I really rely on the C6 for the sound of Chris’s voice because when he’s getting into his low register, his voice is very bassy. But I find if I take some of those overpowering low frequencies out with a regular EQ, when he goes up to his falsetto voice, it sounds a bit thin. With the C6, because it’s a dynamic EQ, as soon as he hits his falsetto voice, all of those rich lows return. Effects-wise, I’ve got an old TC 2290 delay which is MIDI’d up to be part of my snapshot automation. I really like it because it’s hands-on. Saying that, after it’s set up the only control I touch is the tap tempo button. Finally, I have a Bricasti M7 reverb, which I prefer to a Lexicon for its character.

See how Tycho uses Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via waves.com

“This is my go-to subtractive mix EQ. Being able to assign different models to each individual band is really helpful.”

See how Ken Andrews uses Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin

Ken Andrews

Singer, Guitarist

Failure

...
Verified via Soundonsound

I have the NLS [plug-in] on a Spike Stent SSL setting, the Waves SSL G master bus compressor, and the Waves H-EQ. It is my favourite EQ, but it's a bit of a processor hog, so I tend not to use it on individual tracks too much.

Sound on Sound interview, 2013.

See how Darude uses Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin

Darude

Music Producer

...
Verified via Darude

According to the official gear list on Darude's Website (Click on the studio tab), it says he owns a license for Waves H-EQ.

See how Disfunktion uses Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin

Disfunktion

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Disfunktion posted this photo on their Facebook fan page which shows them using the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin (within Apple Logic Pro 9) with this caption: "Working on some tunes for Armada Music"

See how Adrien Mezsi uses Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin

Adrien Mezsi

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

This Instagram photo of a DAW session reveals Adrien Mezsi uses the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin (it's on the right in the photo).

See how Casino Times uses Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin

Casino Times

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Casino Times is shown using the Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin, highlighting its role in their music production process.

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 H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer Plugin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Waves EQ Plugins

Waves API 550A

$33.00 - $34.99

# 19

Rank

Aphex Twin Beck Metrik
6 artists using
Waves REDD

$33.00 - $249.00

# 46

Rank

Mick Gordon
1 artist using
FabFilter Pro-Q 3

$169.00 - $199.00

# 1

Rank

Mike Shinoda Skrillex Jonny Buckland
272 artists using
Sonnox Oxford EQ

$64.00 - $240.00

# 2

Rank

Adam Levine Omar Hakim Just Blaze
16 artists using
Soundtoys Sie-Q

$80.00 - $99.00

# 12

Rank

Fox Stevenson
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    gchiaren
    gchiaren

    Gear IQ 37538