How to Solve “Waves Plugin Server is Not Connected” or “Unavailable” Error Message

May 18, 2025

Learn how to solve error message regarding Waves Plugin Server when using COSMOS Sample Finder, Curves AQ, Key Detector, StudioVerse Audio Effects or Sync Vx.

‘Waves Plugin Server’ is an improtant Waves process that is used by plugins that utilize Waves Neural Network processing or detection.
When it does not intialize properly, the following error message will be displayed:

COSMOS Sample Finder: “Oops, something went wrong”.
Curves AQ: “Curves cannot be created because WavesPluginServer is unavailble”.
Key Detector: “Detection netwrok failed to initialize”.
StudioVerse Audio Effects: “Waves Plugin Server is not connected”.
Sync Vx: “Waves Plugin Server is not present or failed to load”.

If you encounter one of these error messages, please follow the steps below:

(After each step, try reloading the plugin or application that displayed the error message and check if the issue is resolved).

Restart your DAW.
Restart your computer.
In Waves Central’s Settings page, press Run next to ‘Fix permissions and ownership.’
Repair the installation from Waves Central:
1. Quit any host.
2. Launch Waves Central and go to the Settings page.
3. Click Repair.
Check if your Antivirus or Firewall programs are blocking Waves Local Server. If they are, create an exception or temporarily disable the program.
If you are connected to the internet via a proxy, temporarily disable it.
1. Windows:
  Go to Control Panel > Internet Options. On the Connections tab, click the LAN Settings button and uncheck Use proxy server for your LAN.
2. Mac:
  Go to the System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies tab.
  Under Proxies, make sure nothing is checked in the list.
If you are connected via a business network, ask your IT department or internet service provider whether something might be preventing Waves Central from connecting to our servers.

None of the above worked? Please contact Tech Support.

Troubleshooting