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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Waves MV2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your audio game with the Waves MV2, a powerhouse in the realm of compressor plug-ins. This intuitive tool brings together the best of both worlds with dual fader technology that effortlessly balances high and low-level compression. Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer or a passionate hobbyist, the MV2 offers a streamlined and dynamic approach to sound optimization, ensuring your tracks are always studio-ready.
The MV2 is engineered for simplicity without sacrificing capability. Its unique interface allows you to quickly adjust dynamics, making it an indispensable tool for both music production and post-production settings. The high-level compression keeps your peaks polished, while the low-level compression ensures even the subtle nuances of your audio are brought to life, enhancing room ambience and adding depth to any instrument.
Perfect for dialogue leveling and adding body to your music, the MV2 also supports mono and stereo components, making it compatible with a variety of setups. Plus, with automatic dither included, you can say goodbye to digital quantization errors, ensuring a clean, professional sound every time.
Key Features:
- High and low-level compression in one plug-in
- Intuitive dual fader controls for quick and easy dynamic optimization
- Enhances room ambience and adds detail to instruments
- Ideal for dialogue leveling and post-production
- Supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
- Compatible with mono and stereo setups
- Includes automatic dither to reduce digital quantization errors
Owner's manual
Waves MV2 User ManualProduct specs
| Software Type | Compressor |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | AAX Native, TDM, 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 is the primary function of the Waves MV2 compressor plugin?
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The Waves MV2 is a dynamics processor designed to provide both low-level and high-level compression, allowing for greater control over the dynamic range of audio tracks.
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Is the Waves MV2 compatible with my DAW?
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The Waves MV2 is compatible with most major DAWs as it supports AAX Native, TDM, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid formats.
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Can the Waves MV2 be used on both Mac and PC?
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Yes, the Waves MV2 is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, requiring macOS 10.15.7 or later and Windows 10 or later (21H2), respectively.
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What are the system requirements for running the Waves MV2 on a Mac?
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To run the Waves MV2 on a Mac, you need an Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support) and a minimum of 8GB RAM, with macOS 10.15.7 or later.
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Does the Waves MV2 support 64-bit processing?
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Yes, the Waves MV2 supports 64-bit processing, ensuring high-quality audio performance and compatibility with modern systems.
Videos
Help Me Devvon
UPWARD COMPRESSION The Technique You're Not Using
Reviews
PROS
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Enhances quiet passages while smoothing loud peaks effectively
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Low CPU usage for improved performance
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Simple interface with minimal controls for ease of use
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Optimizes spoken word recordings without distortion
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Ideal for vocals, drum buses, and sound design
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Allows each song element to stand out in the mix
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Versatile tool suitable for both professionals and beginners
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Continues to be a valuable all-rounder over years of use
CONS
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Lacks adjustable parameters like Threshold, Attack, or Release
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Imparts a specific coloration, which may not be desired for all applications
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Not suited for precision output adjustments
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves MV2.
Features and functionality
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MV2 offers a unique dual-slider control, simplifying upward compression: one slider for quiet parts and another for loud parts, making it efficient for quick adjustments.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Particularly effective for whispery vocals and balancing vocals against heavily compressed guitars, the MV2 is used for adding depth in complex mixes.
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User experience
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The simplicity of MV2 is praised, with some users finding it indispensable for quick vocal leveling, despite broader criticisms of Waves' business practices.
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Comparisons
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Koen Heldens (mixing engineer for XXXTENTACION) claimed they used the Waves MV2 plugin for the vocal chain on "SAD!" in this Youtube short.
At 53:16 this Plugin is being used by Jonas Blue inside his 2015 Macbook Pro, which is also running Logic Pro X
Used for the vocals on "Intro", as stated by Kirk mix engineer Kevin "Black Pearl" McCloskey in this December 2019 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings can be found here.
"Typically, my processing on vocals here is EQ-compression, EQ-compression, EQ-compression and so on. When vocals are recorded well, I don't have to do that, but in this case, because of the hotel room sound, I had to do many corrections. Because speed was of the essence, I just added more plug-ins as I encountered issues — I did not have the time to go into settings of plug-ins already there. The plug-ins on the vocal busses, with a number of variations, start with the Waves DeEsser, and then the UAD SSL-E Channel strip, thinning things out, and the Waves CLA76 knocking off 3dB to flatten peaks, as they did not track with a compressor. I also use the Avid EQ7, and the Waves MV2 compressor, which acts more like an expander."
"Just a limiter... And a limiter, because we've pulled so much out of it, we need to help its volume." - the MV2 appears on screen around 14:16 in the Waves webinar with Guy Sigsworth
12:54 - "I've also got this which is a great little plugin, which is the MV2 from waves. And what this does is... it's effectivly an up and down compressor and it just brings up the lowest points of the signal and brings down the highest points. So you can without proccessing it too much and getting the sound of compression"
Album Usage
The Waves MV2 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 MV2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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