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Sweetwater
4.5 (13)
$39.99 $34.99 $5.00 · All time low
Thomann
4.7 (25)
$38.00 $33.00 $5.00

Average Price: $37

Budget/Beginner

$49

$150+

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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Waves Scheps 73". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the legendary sound of the iconic 1073 console EQ with the Waves Scheps 73, a meticulously crafted plugin that brings the unmistakable warmth and depth of classic British studio gear right to your digital workstation. Designed in collaboration with acclaimed mixing engineer Andrew Scheps, this 3-band EQ plugin captures the essence of the vintage 1073's signature harmonic distortion and rich tonal character. Whether you're polishing a vocal line or adding punch to a kick drum, the Scheps 73 delivers clarity and sheen that will elevate any mix.

The Waves Scheps 73 stands out with its innovative mid-side (M/S) processing, allowing you to apply EQ adjustments independently to the mid and side channels of your stereo mix. This adds an incredible level of control over your stereo image, enabling more precise and tailored sound shaping. With its high, mid, and low interrelated bands, alongside a high-pass filter, this plugin offers a versatile toolset for both subtle adjustments and bold tonal transformations.

Crafted using advanced modeling techniques, the Scheps 73 faithfully reproduces the Marinair transformer and even includes the rare 10kHz midrange band from the 1078 module, providing you with a palette of sonic possibilities. Elevate your audio projects with the timeless character and professional-grade sound of the Waves Scheps 73.

Key Features:

  • Developed in collaboration with Andrew Scheps
  • Faithful emulation of the classic 1073 EQ
  • High, mid, and low interrelated bands with a high-pass filter
  • Mid-Side (M/S) processing for enhanced stereo imaging
  • Includes 10kHz midrange band from the rare 1078 module
  • Modeled Marinair transformer for authentic sound
  • Delivers classic harmonic distortion and saturation

Owner's manual

Waves Scheps 73 User Manual

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 is the main function of the Waves Scheps 73 plugin?

The Waves Scheps 73 is a 3-band equalizer plugin designed to emulate the classic Neve 1073 EQ, providing users with the ability to shape their audio with warm analog-style EQ and harmonic distortion.

Is the Waves Scheps 73 plugin compatible with my DAW?

The Waves Scheps 73 supports multiple formats including AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid, making it compatible with most major DAWs on both Mac and PC platforms.

Can the Waves Scheps 73 plugin add analog warmth to my tracks?

Yes, the Waves Scheps 73 is known for its ability to add analog warmth and color to tracks, thanks to its emulation of the Neve 1073's harmonic distortion and EQ characteristics.

What are the system requirements for running the Waves Scheps 73 on a Mac?

To run the Waves Scheps 73 on a Mac, you need macOS 10.15.7 or later, an Intel Core i7 processor or higher (M1 supported), and a minimum of 8GB RAM.

Does the Waves Scheps 73 plugin offer any presets for quick use?

Yes, the Waves Scheps 73 includes presets that can help users quickly apply EQ settings modeled after the classic Neve 1073 sound, making it easier to achieve desired tones.

Puremix

Puremix

(Drums) EQing Snare Drum Using Waves Scheps73 | Get A Fat Punchy Sound

Video thumbnail for (Drums) EQing Snare Drum Using Waves Scheps73 | Get A Fat Punchy Sound by Puremix

(Drums) EQing Snare Drum Using Waves Scheps73 | Get A Fat Punchy Sound

Puremix

Puremix

Video thumbnail for Introducing the Scheps 73 EQ Plugin by Waves Audio

Introducing the Scheps 73 EQ Plugin

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for UAD Neve 1073 Review With Waves Scheps 73 Comparison by Production Expert

UAD Neve 1073 Review With Waves Scheps 73 Comparison

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Scheps 73 EQ Plugin Tutorial by Waves Audio

Scheps 73 EQ Plugin Tutorial

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Andrew Scheps’ Tips on Using the Scheps 73 EQ Plugin by Waves Audio

Andrew Scheps’ Tips on Using the Scheps 73 EQ Plugin

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Waves Scheps 73 Plugin Tour by Waves Audio

Waves Scheps 73 Plugin Tour

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Waves Scheps 73 Plug-In Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Waves Scheps 73 Plug-In Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Scheps 73 from Waves || Tuesday Review Day by Topmop Productions

Scheps 73 from Waves || Tuesday Review Day

Topmop Productions

Topmop Productions

Video thumbnail for WAVES SCHEPS 73 | ОБЗОР ПЛАГИНА by Barrel Sound

WAVES SCHEPS 73 | ОБЗОР ПЛАГИНА

Barrel Sound

Barrel Sound

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone and character; adds fullness to drums, bass, and clarity to strings

  • Authentic 1073 emulation at a great price, especially on sale

  • Versatile distortion and preamp saturation for electric guitar and bass

  • Wide stereo imaging and 3D-like midrange; enhances acoustic instruments profoundly

  • Intuitive linking of faders; vintage EQ modeling can be disabled for nuanced control

  • Excellent for adding clarity and punch to vocal tracks and stereo mains

  • Tremendous harmonic complexity; ideal for driving parallel drum tracks

  • Adds a unique color that enhances master busses significantly

  • Offers useful presets as starting points for varied mixing scenarios

CONS

  • Limited to one device per license; requires uninstall/re-install for multiple uses

  • Some presets may not meet expectations

  • Found free alternatives that provide a cleaner sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves Scheps 73.

Use cases and applications

  • The plugin is favored for subtle vocal distortion and shaping, especially when paired with its 4-band EQ, following gates and de-essers for vocal processing.

    Source
  • The Lindell 80 series, similar to Scheps 73, avoids the "digital" sound and offers low CPU usage, making it a strong alternative for users concerned with processing efficiency.

    Source
  • Users frequently recommend the Arturia Pre 1973 for its low CPU usage and effective saturation, positioning it as a strong contender against the Scheps 73.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to IK Multimedia 1073, the Scheps 73 is less favored by some users due to its perceived "fart" distortion sound when driven, unlike the smoother distortion of the IK version.

    Source
  • Some users suggest that the Decapitator plugin provides a more authentic analog clipping experience compared to Waves' Scheps 73, especially when emulating Neve preamp characteristics.

    Source
  • UAD Unison plugins are noted for precise impedance emulation, offering a different, more authentic analog preamp experience compared to the Scheps 73.

    Source
  • Voosteq Model N is often highlighted as superior to Scheps 73, praised for its versatility and sound quality, especially when compared to other Neve 1073 emulations.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Scheps 73 plugin can effectively create dynamic tonal shifts, maintaining clean low notes while introducing breakup on higher registers, particularly useful for electric pianos (EPs).

    Source
  • Cranking the Mic side rather than Line on the Scheps 73 makes preamp effects more noticeable, with Drive further enhancing the harmonic content.

    Source
  • Acustica Audio's plugins, including "Fire the Gold," are noted for high-quality preamp emulations, though they demand significant CPU resources, making them less ideal for complex projects.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • It's crucial to manage input levels carefully; overdriving the plugin's front end in a digital environment often leads to undesirable distortion, unlike in the analog domain.

    Source
  • The Voosteq Model N lacks mid-side EQ, prompting some users to alternate between it and NoiseAsh plugins for Neve-style processing.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the preamp effect of the Scheps 73 subtle even when enabled, requiring careful listening and analysis to detect harmonic changes.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Waves Scheps 73

soundonsound.com

Waves Scheps 73 is a faithful digital homage to the iconic Neve 1073, crafted with the expertise of Andrew Scheps. It captures the warm, musical essence of its hardware predecessor, offering intuitive EQ with limited yet liberating options that encourage a hands-on, ear-driven approach. The plug-in's standout features include stereo and M/S processing, as well as authentic harmonic distortion via the modeled Marinair transformer. However, its premium price might deter budget-conscious musicians, and the bypass button status could be clearer. Overall, it's a versatile tool that earns its place in any mix engineer's digital rack.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
liam_phillips

REALLY great EQ!

I love using the Scheps 73 on master busses. It doesn't just add lows, mids, or highs, it adds a beautiful color to the sound that is hard to describe. I think it is really cool that plugins can do this nowadays, but what would you expect from Waves and Andrew Scheps. Try it out!

chokaprod

I love it

Not a session without this wonderful plugin's.

laproper

works well

works well, but i've found free vst's that do a better/cleaner sound. maybe i'm missing something. check out baxter eq

medicatedrobots

Outstanding

Anyone who wants to talk shit about plug-ins not sounding like the real thing needs to use this plug-in.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Patton uses Waves Scheps 73

Mike Patton

Singer, Keyboardist

Faith No More

...
Verified via waves.com

Mike Patton
Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, Film Composer, Producer Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk, Fantomas “This super-clean EQ is all over the live strings on my Mondo Cane record. It enabled me and my engineers to really dig deeply into specific bothersome frequencies.”

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses Waves Scheps 73

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via YouTube

When in the video Fluff shows the mixer, you can see on the first slot of the EZDrummer's snare channel the Scheps-73

See how Dave Clarke uses Waves Scheps 73

Dave Clarke

Music Producer

Hothouse Flowers

...
Verified via waves.com

In the video titled "Dave Clarke EMP Toolbox Overview" on waves.com, Dave Clarke discusses his use of the Waves Scheps 73 plugin, highlighting its role in his music production workflow.

See how Razvan Diaconu uses Waves Scheps 73

Razvan Diaconu

Singer, Guitarist

The Kryptonite Sparks

...
Verified via Photo

Razvan Diaconu utilized the Waves Scheps 73 plugin during the second recording session to add saturation, as seen in a post shared by The Kryptonite Sparks on Instagram.

Album Usage

The Waves Scheps 73 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 Scheps 73, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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