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Description

Unlock the legendary sound of API right in your DAW with the Waves API Collection. This meticulously crafted bundle brings the timeless API sound to your digital workspace, offering a suite of four iconic processors that have defined the sound of countless records. Whether you're tracking, mixing, or mastering, the Waves API Collection faithfully reproduces the sonic characteristics of the original hardware, giving you unparalleled control and warmth.

The bundle includes the API 550A 3-Band Equalizer, known for its precision and versatility, allowing you to shape your sound with classic analog warmth. The API 550B expands on this with a 4-band EQ, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities with its unique "Proportional Q" technology. For those who demand precision, the API 560 10-Band Graphic EQ provides unmatched versatility with its precision filtering and massive headroom. Meanwhile, the API 2500 Stereo Compressor offers dynamic processing with dual channel functionality and auto-makeup gain, ensuring your tracks have the punch and clarity they deserve.

Ideal for both seasoned engineers and budding producers, the Waves API Collection is more than just a set of plugins; it's a gateway to the authentic API sound that has shaped the music industry.

Key Features:

  • Includes four legendary APIs: API 550A, 550B, 560, and 2500
  • API 550A: 3-Band Equalizer for classic analog warmth
  • API 550B: 4-Band EQ with "Proportional Q" technology
  • API 560: 10-Band Graphic EQ with precision filtering
  • API 2500: Stereo Compressor with dual channel functionality and auto-makeup gain

Product specs

Software Type EQ/Compressor
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 plugins are included in the Waves API Collection?

The Waves API Collection includes the API 550A and 550B EQs, the API 560 graphic EQ, and the API 2500 compressor. These plugins emulate the classic API sound, known for its musical transparency and punch.

Is the Waves API Collection suitable for mastering?

Yes, the Waves API Collection is well-suited for mastering, offering precise control over tonal shaping and dynamics with its EQ and compressor plugins, which are designed to enhance clarity and punch.

What are the system requirements for running the Waves API Collection on a Mac?

To run the Waves API Collection 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 Collection be used with any DAW?

The Waves API Collection is compatible with DAWs that support AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid formats, making it versatile for various digital audio workstations.

How does the API 2500 compressor in the Waves API Collection enhance mixes?

The API 2500 compressor is known for its ability to shape the punch and tone of mixes with precision, offering dual-channel design for both stereo and mono operation, which is ideal for dynamic control.

Audio Tech TV

Audio Tech TV

7 Waves Plugins I Use In Every Project

Video thumbnail for 7 Waves Plugins I Use In Every Project by Audio Tech TV

7 Waves Plugins I Use In Every Project

Audio Tech TV

Audio Tech TV

Video thumbnail for Chris 'BRX' Apfalter on the API Collection by Waves Audio

Chris 'BRX' Apfalter on the API Collection

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Emulates API console channel strip with transparent detail

  • Provides clear and warm sound that enhances mixes

  • Adds a cohesive "glue" to mixes

  • Makes drum tracks stand out prominently

  • Offers a pleasant and enjoyable listening experience

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • Users find the Waves API 550A plugin particularly effective for guitar tracks, often used for boosting after compression and cutting with a pro-Q.

    Source
  • The 550A is frequently used for enhancing drum overheads with a high shelf boost, which helps bring out articulation, especially when using ribbon mics.

    Source
  • The API-550 EQ is particularly effective on kick drums to enhance low-end thump, providing a fuller sound in drum mixes.

    Source
  • Users find the API-550 EQ useful for comparing different EQ and compression settings, emphasizing its versatility across various instruments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The proportional Q of the API 550 series is praised for allowing quick, broad tonal sculpting, making it easier to achieve a desirable sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The API 550 series is preferred for its ability to create a "good sound" effortlessly, unlike more surgical parametric EQs, due to its broad tonal shaping capabilities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Waves API Collection

soundonsound.com

Waves' API Collection offers meticulously crafted emulations of revered API hardware, delivering rich, characterful EQs and a standout 2500 compressor. The EQs are not subtle, imparting substance and punch, while the 2500 excels in challenging mix situations, offering flexibility and clarity. Though the price is steep and the analog noise feature seems negligible, the collection's quality justifies the investment for serious users. Waves' interface design enhances usability, though the lack of finer gain adjustments may deter some. Overall, this collection is a premium choice for those seeking API's legendary sound in a digital format.

positive

WAVES API Collection Plug-Ins

barryrudolph.com

Waves' The API Collection is a stellar digital rendition of classic analog gear, boasting impeccable modeling of API's revered EQs and compressors. The plug-ins offer versatile applications, whether for subtle adjustments or aggressive tone shaping, and the Analog feature brings authentic analog warmth. However, the lack of a simple input trim control can be a minor inconvenience. Overall, this collection is a must-have for DAW users seeking the superior sound quality of API hardware in a digital format.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
majorasdrep

LIKED, LIKED, LIKED

I like this plugin because it has a very nice sound for the ear enjoy it

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mark Ronson uses Waves The API Collection

Mark Ronson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Silk City

...
Verified via waves.com

“The API plugins are great for getting an analog sensibility. I just go to the presets and tweak it from there very quickly.”

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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