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System Requirements

Feb 05, 2025

This page will help you determine if your system specifications meet the requirements to run various versions of Waves Plugins, Waves Central, and Waves applications including eMotion LV1, SuperRack, SuperRack Performer, SoundGrid Driver, SoundGrid Rack for VENUE, SoundGrid Studio and Tracks Live.

Plugins

  • Mac
    CPU
    Intel or Silicon Architecture
    See notes regarding Apple Silicon based processors

    Memory
    Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
    16 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    macOS Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

    Windows
    CPU
    X64 compatible Intel or AMD CPU

    Memory
    Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
    16 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 10 64 bit
    Windows 11

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

    Exceptions & Notes:

    • These specs are for software version 15.
    • Windows: AMD CPU support is for Ryzen 3000 Gen2 (Zen2) processors and up.
    • Windows 10 64 bit (Pre-21H2) is not supported with software version 15.
    • Current version licenses will activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exists in this software version.
    • To check if a plugin exists in an older version, scroll to the bottom of the older version's download page.
    • Waves plugins are officially supported on up to two screens in third-party DAWs and host applications.
    • Screen Resolution: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, Element, Codex, Dorrough, Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers require minimum screen resolution 1280x1024 / 1600x1024. Recommended screen resolution for Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers: 1920x1080.
    • If you experience unusually high CPU consumption from Waves Plugins V15 and above while using a non-Intel CPU on Windows, learn how to enable MKL optimization to improve CPU performance.
    • Waves Plugins and applications are supported and tested on operating systems installed on the built-in system hard drive. Operating systems installed on external hard drives are not tested and may not be fully functional with our software.
    • Clarity Vx / Pro and Clarity Vx DeReverb / Pro:

      Mac: Intel Xeon-E processors are not supported
      Windows:
      • Intel Xeon processors are not supported
      • Supported on Intel processors Gen 6 and above
      • AMD processors lower than Ryzen 9 are not supported
    • COSMOS Sample Finder, Key Detector, StudioVerse and Sync Vx
      • Intel processors must be Gen 5 or above and support AVX.
      • To install and run these products (or bundles that contain them) on Apple Silicon processors, the Rosetta 2 emulator needs to be installed on your computer.
    • Waves Instruments: Additional disk-space may be required for sample libraries. Specific information available on each instrument’s page.
    • RAM: Grand Rhapsody’s & Bass Finger’s & Sync Vx’s minimal RAM required is 16 GB (and not 8GB, as generally described for all plugins). [Mac & Windows].
  • Mac
    CPU
    Intel or Silicon Architecture
    See notes regarding Apple Silicon based processors

    Memory
    Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
    16 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

    Windows
    CPU
    X64 compatible Intel or AMD CPU

    Memory
    Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
    16 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 10 64 bit
    Windows 11

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

    Exceptions & Notes:

    • These specs are for software version 14.
    • Mac models without ‘Metal’ support are not supported with V14. Learn more.
    • Windows: AMD Ryzen 7 is not supported.
    • Windows 10 64 bit (Pre-21H2) is not supported with software version 14.
    • Current version licenses will activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exists in this software version.
    • Multiple versions of Waves plugins (for example v13 and v14) should be able to work on the same system (as long the system supports each of those versions)—but please note that we no longer test or officially support this scenario.
    • To check if a plugin exists in an older version, scroll to the bottom of the older version's download page.
    • Waves plugins are officially supported on up to two screens in third-party DAWs and host applications.
    • Screen Resolution: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, Element, Codex, Dorrough, Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers require minimum screen resolution 1280x1024 / 1600x1024. Recommended screen resolution for Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers: 1920x1080.
    • If you experience unusually high CPU consumption from Waves Plugins V14 and above while using a non-Intel CPU on Windows, learn how to enable MKL optimization to improve CPU performance.
    • Waves Plugins and applications are supported and tested on operating systems installed on the built-in system hard drive. Operating systems installed on external hard drives are not tested and may not be fully functional with our software.
    • Clarity Vx / Pro and Clarity Vx DeReverb / Pro:

      Mac: Intel Xeon-E processors are not supported
      Windows:
      • Intel Xeon processors are not supported
      • Supported on Intel processors Gen 6 and above
      • AMD processors lower than Ryzen 9 are not supported
    • COSMOS Sample Finder & StudioRack: Intel processors must be Gen 5 or above and support AVX.
    • StudioRack:

      • StudioRack V14 can load non-Waves VST3 plugins if supported on local OS and the plugins’ VST3 component is installed (not SoundGrid-compatible, no SoundGrid offload capabilities). Learn how to scan VST3 plugins here.
      • Non-Waves VST3 plugins without Apple Silicon support will open in DAWs that use the Rosetta 2 only.
    • Waves Instruments: Additional disk-space may be required for sample libraries. Specific information available on each instrument’s page.
    • RAM: Grand Rhapsody’s & Bass Finger’s minimal RAM required is 16 GB (and not 8GB, as generally described for all plugins). [Mac & Windows].
  • Mac
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 / Xeon / Apple Silicon
    See notes regarding Apple Silicon processors

    Memory
    Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
    16 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    10.14.6, 10.15.7, 11.6.5, 12.3

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

    V13 plugins require a graphics card that supports ‘Metal’. Learn more.
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Core i5, i7, i9, Xeon (all Gen 5 and above)
    AMD Quad Core

    Memory
    Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
    16 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 10 64 bit (20H1)
    Windows 11 (21H2)

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

    Exceptions & Notes:

    • These specs are for software version 13.
    • Windows 10 64 bit (Pre-2004) is not supported with software version 13.0.
    • Mac models without ‘Metal’ support are not supported with V13. Learn more.
    • Currently, having a Windows user account name that includes non-English characters may prompt a Waveshell error message while scanning V13 plugins in your DAW. We are working on a fix for this issue.
      Workaround: Create a new Admin user account with English characters only, then install and run the plugins on the new user account.
    • Current version licenses will activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exists in this software version.
    • Multiple versions of Waves plugins (for example v13 and v14) should be able to work on the same system (as long the system supports each of those versions)—but please note that we no longer test or officially support this scenario.
    • To check if a plugin exists in an older version, scroll to the bottom of the older version's download page.
    • Software versions earlier than 9.92 cannot co-exist with software versions above V10. To run V9 side by side with a newer version, please install version 9.92.
    • For this reason, installing a newer version alongside V9 may cause temporary loss of access to V9 plugins on systems that support both versions. We are aware of this issue, which can be resolved by reinstalling V9.92 plugins or contacting Tech Support.
    • Waves plugins are officially supported on up to two screens in third-party DAWs and host applications.
    • Screen Resolution: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, Element, Codex, Dorrough, Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers require minimum screen resolution 1280x1024 / 1600x1024. Recommended screen resolution for Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers: 1920x1080.
    • Clarity Vx / Clarity Vx Pro:
      • Mac: Supported on Apple Silicon (via Rosetta 2). Intel Xeon-E is not supported.
      • Windows: Supported CPUs are
        Intel Core i5, i7, i9, (all Gen 6 and above)
        AMD Ryzen 9
        Xeon processors are not supported
    • Waves Instruments: Additional disk-space may be required for sample libraries. Specific information available on each instrument’s page.
    • RAM: Grand Rhapsody’s & Bass Finger’s minimal RAM required is 16 GB (and not 8GB, as generally described for all plugins). [Mac & Windows].
    • Waves Plugins and applications are supported and tested on operating systems installed on the built-in system hard drive. Operating systems installed on external hard drives are not tested and may not be fully functional with our software.
  • Mac
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 / Xeon
    See notes regarding Apple Silicon processors

    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    8 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    10.13.6, 10.14.6, 10.15.7, 11.5.2 (Intel only)

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

    V12 plugins require a graphics card that supports ‘Metal’. Learn more.
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 / Xeon / AMD Quad-Core

    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    8 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 10 64 bit

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

    More helpful information about V12:

    Exceptions & Notes:

    • These specs are for software version 12.7.
    • macOS 11.0.1 is officially supported with software version 12.0, not 12.7.
    • Windows 10 64 bit (Pre-2004) is officially supported with software version 12.0, not 12.7.
    • Mac models without ‘Metal’ support are not supported with V12. Learn more.
    • MacPro models from 2012 and earlier are not supported with V12.
    • Current version licenses will activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exists in this software version.
    • Multiple versions of Waves plugins (for example v13 and v14) should be able to work on the same system (as long the system supports each of those versions)—but please note that we no longer test or officially support this scenario.
    • To check if a plugin exists in an older version, scroll to the bottom of the older version's download page.
    • Software versions earlier than 9.92 cannot co-exist with software versions above V10. To run V9 side by side with a newer version, please install version 9.92.
    • For this reason, installing a newer version alongside V9 may cause temporary loss of access to V9 plugins on systems that support both versions. We are aware of this issue, which can be resolved by reinstalling V9.92 plugins or contacting Tech Support.
    • Waves plugins are officially supported on up to two screens in third-party DAWs and host applications.
    • Screen Resolution: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, Element, Codex, Dorrough, Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers require minimum screen resolution 1280x1024 / 1600x1024. Recommended screen resolution for Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers: 1920x1080.
    • Waves Instruments: Additional disk-space may be required for sample libraries. Specific information available on each instrument’s page.
    • RAM: Grand Rhapsody’s & Bass Finger’s minimal RAM required is 16 GB (and not 8GB, as generally described for all plugins). [Mac & Windows].
    • Waves Plugins and applications are supported and tested on operating systems installed on the built-in system hard drive. Operating systems installed on external hard drives are not tested and may not be fully functional with our software.
  • Mac
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 / Xeon

    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    8 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    10.12.6 - 10.15

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 / Xeon / AMD Quad-Core

    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    8 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 10 64 bit

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

    More helpful information about V11:

    Exceptions & Notes:

    • Temporarily, parameter mapping and preset browsing via KOMPLETE KONTROL and MASCHINE are not possible on macOS 10.15 systems that never had Waves installed on them, as necessary NKS components cannot be installed at this time. We are working to fix this as soon as possible.
    • Current version licenses will activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exists in this software version.
    • Multiple versions of Waves plugins (for example v13 and v14) should be able to work on the same system (as long the system supports each of those versions)—but please note that we no longer test or officially support this scenario.
    • To check if a plugin exists in V11, scroll to the bottom of the V11 download page.
    • Software versions earlier than 9.92 cannot co-exist with software versions above V10. To run V9 side by side with a newer version, please install version 9.92.
    • For this reason, installing a newer version alongside V9 may cause temporary loss of access to V9 plugins on systems that support both versions. We are aware of this issue, which can be resolved by reinstalling V9.92 plugins or contacting Tech Support.
    • Waves plugins are officially supported on up to two screens in third-party DAWs / host applications.
    • Screen Resolution: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, Element, Codex, Dorrough, Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers require minimum screen resolution 1280x1024 / 1600x1024. Recommended screen resolution for Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers: 1920x1080.
    • Waves Instruments: Additional disk-space may be required for sample libraries. Specific information available on each instrument’s page.
    • Memory: Grand Rhapsody’s & Bass Finger’s minimal Memory (Ram) required is 16 GB (and not 8GB, as generally described for all plugins). [Mac & Windows].
    • Waves Plugins and applications are supported and tested on operating systems installed on the built-in system hard drive. Operating systems installed on external hard drives are not tested and may not be fully functional with our software.
  • Mac
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 / i7 / Xeon

    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    8 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    10.11.6 - 10.14.5

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

    Support for Visually Impaired Users
    Mac OS Sierra 10.12.4
    VoiceOver Utility enabled
    Pro Tools 12.7
    Logic 10.3.1
    Please note: Waves Central and preset management via the WaveSystem Toolbar are currently not supported.
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon / AMD Quad-Core

    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    8 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 7 with SP1 64 bit
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Windows 10 64 bit

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

    More helpful information about V10:

    Exceptions & Notes:

    • Current version licenses will activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exists in this software version.
    • Multiple versions of Waves plugins (for example v13 and v14) should be able to work on the same system (as long the system supports each of those versions)—but please note that we no longer test or officially support this scenario.
    • To check if a plugin exists in V10, scroll to the bottom of the V10 download page.
    • Software versions earlier than 9.92 cannot co-exist with software versions above V10. To run V9 side by side with a newer version, please install version 9.92.
    • For this reason, installing a newer version alongside V9 may cause temporary loss of access to V9 plugins on systems that support both versions. We are aware of this issue, which can be resolved by reinstalling V9.92 plugins or contacting Tech Support.
    • Screen Resolution: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, Element, Codex, Dorrough, Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers require minimum screen resolution 1280x1024 / 1600x1024. Recommended screen resolution for Flow Motion, Bass Slapper and Bass Fingers: 1920x1080.
    • Waves Central: to run on Windows 7 with SP1 64bit, KB 2999226 must be installed.
    • Mac OS El Capitan and later: When multiple GUI actions are performed on MultiRack, memory may gradually become full and the computer might freeze. We advise to restart the computer occasionally to clear the memory cache, or to restart it prior to the show.
    • Waves Instruments: Additional disk-space may be required for sample libraries. Specific information available on each instrument’s page.
    • Memory: Grand Rhapsody’s & Bass Finger’s minimal Memory (Ram) required is 16 GB (and not 8GB, as generally described for all plugins). [Mac & Windows].
    • Waves Plugins and applications are supported and tested on operating systems installed on the built-in system hard drive. Operating systems installed on external hard drives are not tested and may not be fully functional with our software.
  • Mac
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 / i7 / Xeon

    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    8 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    10.10.5 - 10.13.3

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

    Support for Visually Impaired Users
    Mac OS Sierra 10.12.4
    VoiceOver Utility enabled
    Pro Tools 12.7
    Logic 10.3.1
    Please note: Waves Central and preset management via the WaveSystem Toolbar are currently not supported.
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon / AMD Quad-Core

    Memory
    4 GB RAM
    8 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 7 with SP1 64 bit
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Windows 10 64 bit

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

    More helpful information about V9.92:

    Exceptions & Notes:

    • Current version licenses will activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exists in this software version.
    • Multiple versions of Waves plugins (for example v13 and v14) should be able to work on the same system (as long the system supports each of those versions)—but please note that we no longer test or officially support this scenario.
    • To check if a plugin exists in V9.92, scroll to the bottom of the V9.92 download page.
    • Software versions earlier than 9.92 cannot co-exist with software versions above V10. To run V9 side by side with a newer version, please install version 9.92.
    • For this reason, installing a newer version alongside V9 may cause temporary loss of access to V9 plugins on systems that support both versions. We are aware of this issue, which can be resolved by reinstalling V9.92 plugins or contacting Tech Support.
    • Screen Resolution: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, Element, Codex, and Dorrough require minimum screen resolution 1280x1024 / 1600x1024.
    • Waves Central: to run on Windows 7 with SP1 64bit, KB 2999226 must be installed.
    • MultiRack on Mac OS: When running MultiRack for long periods of time on Mac OS Sierra/El Capitan, occasionally restart the computer to clear the memory cache.
    • Waves Instruments: Additional disk-space may be required for sample libraries. Specific information available on each instrument’s page.
    • Waves Plugins and applications are supported and tested on operating systems installed on the built-in system hard drive. Operating systems installed on external hard drives are not tested and may not be fully functional with our software.
  • Mac
    CPU
    Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon

    Memory
    4 GB RAM
    4 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    10.9.5 - 10.12.4
    10.8.5 for ProTools 10 only, via offline installation and USB licensing.

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon / AMD Quad-Core

    Memory
    4 GB RAM
    4 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 7 with SP1 64 bit
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Windows 10 64 bit

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

    More helpful information about V9.6:

    Exceptions & Notes:

    • Current version licenses will activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exists in this software version.
    • Multiple versions of Waves plugins (for example v13 and v14) should be able to work on the same system (as long the system supports each of those versions)—but please note that we no longer test or officially support this scenario.
    • To check if a plugin exists in V9.6, scroll to the bottom of the V9.6 download page.
    • Software versions earlier than 9.92 cannot co-exist with software versions above V10. To run V9 side by side with a newer version, please install version 9.92.
    • For this reason, installing a newer version alongside V9 may cause temporary loss of access to V9 plugins on systems that support both versions. We are aware of this issue, which can be resolved by reinstalling V9.92 plugins or contacting Tech Support.
    • Screen Resolution: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, Element, Codex, and Dorrough require minimum screen resolution 1280x1024 / 1600x1024.
    • Waves Central: to run on Windows 7 with SP1 64bit, KB 2999226 must be installed.
  • Mac
    CPU
    Core Duo 2.3Ghz

    RAM
    2 GB

    Operating System
    10.5.8 - 10.7

    Screen Resolution
    1024x768
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz / AMD Athlon 64 or equivalent

    RAM
    1 GB on XP
    2 GB on Vista / Windows 7

    Operating System
    WinXP 32-bit SP2 & SP3
    Vista Business 32-bit SP1
    Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1
    Windows 7 32-bit
    Windows 7 64-bit (using 32 bit host applications)

    Screen Resolution
    1024x768 32-bit
  • Intel-based Mac
    CPU
    Core Duo 1.83Ghz

    RAM
    2 GB

    Operating System
    10.5.8 - 10.6.4

    Screen Resolution
    1024x768
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz / AMD Athlon 64 or equivalent

    RAM
    1 GB on XP
    2 GB on Vista / Windows 7

    Operating System
    WinXP 32-bit SP2 & SP3
    Vista Business 32-bit SP1
    Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1
    Windows 7 32-bit

    Screen Resolution
    1024x768 32-bit
    Mac PPC
    CPU
    G5 Dual 2Ghz

    RAM
    1 GB

    Operating System
    10.4.11 - 10.5.x

    Screen Resolution
    1024x768
  • Intel-based Mac
    CPU
    Core Duo 1.83Ghz

    RAM
    1 GB

    Operating System
    10.4.11 - 10.5.6

    Screen Resolution
    1024x768
    Windows
    CPU
    Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz / AMD Athlon 64 or equivalent

    RAM
    1 GB on XP
    2 GB on Vista

    Operating System
    WinXP 32-bit SP3
    Vista Business 32-bit
    Vista Ultimate 32-bit

    Screen Resolution
    1024x768 32-bit
    Mac PPC
    CPU
    G5 Dual 2Ghz

    RAM
    1 GB

    Operating System
    10.4.11 - 10.5.6

    Screen Resolution
    1024x768
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