Top 30 Audio Plugins to Try in Your Sessions

Updated Jul 14, 2025

With Waves Creative Access, you get instant access to the entire Waves plugin catalog. But if you prefer to grow your plugin collection one at a time, all these tools are also available as individual purchases via our online store.

Make Any Plugin Multiband

Whether you’re exploring Waves for the first time, expanding your setup or just looking to shake things up in your production and mixing workflow, this list highlights around 30 of the most popular and versatile Waves plugins used by real artists in real recording and mixing sessions today.

From timeless studio staples to cutting-edge smart plugins, these are the ones to check out first.

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Best Vocal Plugins by Waves Audio

Vocal Plugins

When it comes to vocals, Waves plugins deliver clean-up, control and character in equal measure. Whether you’re mixing leads, stacked doubles or tight harmonies, you’ll find tools here to shape tone, reduce noise, correct pitch and even create entirely new vocal sounds. Each plugin listed below is built specifically for vocal production, giving you quick, musical results without endless tweaking.

From subtle polish to full-scale transformation, these plugins cover the full range. Many are included in both Waves Essential and Waves Ultimate, while more advanced tools like OVox, Waves Harmony and Clarity Vx Pro are part of Waves Ultimate. Vocals are the centrepiece of most mixes — these plugins will help you make them shine.

Pitch Correction: Waves Tune Real-Time

Waves Tune Real-Time

Vocal tuning for live performance and studio vocals

Waves Tune Real-Time gives you automatic pitch correction. It’s fast, musical and doesn’t require any deep knowledge of scales or theory to get a great sound. You can also use Waves Tune Real-Time as you record, or as a mix only correction tool for getting transparent tuning and full-on robotic like effects.

Waves Tune Real-Time is the ideal tool for modern vocal production, especially in pop, hip hop and electronic styles where pitch-perfect vocals are expected. No need to draw notes or overthink settings, Waves Tune Real-Time simply works.

Waves Tune Real-Time Tutorial

From subtle corrections to full-blown hard-tuned effects, see how easy it is to get pitch-perfect vocals using Waves Tune Real-Time in our tutorial How to Get Pitch Perfect Tuned Vocals Without Trying.

Whether you’re a singer, producer or mix engineer, mastering pitch correction is key to achieving polished, professional-sounding vocals in any genre.

Vocal Alignment: Sync Vx

Waves Sync Vx

The latest standard in time and pitch correction for vocals

Sync Vx is an advanced vocal alignment plugin that instantly locks backing vocals, doubles and harmonies in time with the song’s lead vocal — all while preserving natural tone and feel. With one-click operation and zero manual editing, it delivers fast, phase-accurate results that clean up timing issues without fuss.

What sets Sync Vx apart is its ARA2 integration. Compatible in DAWs such as Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools and Studio One, Sync Vx allows for instant editing and drag-and-drop alignment directly within your DAW’s timeline — no need to bounce, export or leave your mix window. Whether you’re tightening stacks in a pop session or aligning gang vocals in a dense production, Sync Vx streamlines the process with speed and precision.

Waves Sync Vx Tutorial

Learn how to get started with Sync Vx in your next vocal production in this tutorial.

Creative Pitch & Formant Shifting: Vocal Bender

Waves Vocal Bender

The pitch and formant plugin for all modern vocal production styles

Vocal Bender is your go-to tool for real-time vocal manipulation. It delivers instant pitch and formant shifting, letting you create bold, modern vocal effects with zero latency — perfect for live tracking or creative experimentation during production. Whether you’re going for a subtle twist or something totally unrecognisable, Vocal Bender makes this task fast and intuitive.

From warped hooks to alien harmonies, this is the sound you’ve heard on tracks by artists like Travis Scott, Billie Eilish and Frank Ocean. Ideal for pop, R&B, hip hop and electronic production, Vocal Bender is built for creativity. No automation lanes or complex routing — just twist, bend and go.

Waves Vocal Bender Tutorial

Learn how to get started with Vocal Bender's real-time pitch & formant shifting. In this video you will see how easy it is to get a range of popular vocal sounds from some of the world's most famous hip hop records.

With just two simple knobs for pitch and formant control, plus powerful modulation options under the hood, this tutorial shows you how to unlock both the speed and depth of Vocal Bender’s creative potential.

Vocal Resynthesis: OVox

The renegade resynthesis plugin that makes vocals REALLY sing

Vocal resynthesis, from slightly stylized to supremely superior

OVox is a complete vocal resynthesis solution that goes way beyond traditional vocal processing. It can be used as a voice-controlled synth, harmonizer, vocoder and vocal FX unit all in one. OVox is perfect for transforming vocals into entirely new sounds or adding rich textures and layers to a track. Whether you’re after robotic tones, lush harmonies or full-on synth leads driven by your voice, OVox has everything you need to get the sound you want, or the sound you don’t yet know you need, fast.

With a huge palette of vocal morphing, tuning, talkbox, vocoder and creative modulation effects, OVox gives you endless sound design possibilities straight from your mic. Also controllable with MIDI, it’s a powerhouse for experimental vocal work, modern pop production and anyone looking to push vocals into new territories.

Waves OVox Tutorial

In this tutorial, learn how to reimagine any vocal as a powerful synth instrument.

Vocal Noise Suppression: Clarity Vx

Clarity Vx

Super transparent, AI powered noise reduction for vocals you can’t hear working

Clarity Vx is an Emmy® Award-winning, AI-powered noise removal plugin built specifically for spoken word voice recordings and sung vocals. Powered by Waves Neural Networks®, it intelligently separates the voice from unwanted background noise with incredible speed and accuracy. There’s no need to manually tweak thresholds or learn complex controls — just load it up, choose a Neural Network, grab the main dial and get clean vocals in seconds, without artifacts or damage to the recording.

It’s perfect for music, interviews, podcasts and any voice recording where extra clarity is required. For deeper control and multiband workflows, check out Clarity Vx Pro included in the Waves Ultimate subscription.

Waves Clarity Vx Tutorial

Learn how to dial in the best possible noise reduction results across your vocal recordings, artifact free, with this Clarity Vx tutorial.

Automatic Fader Riding: Vocal Rider

Waves Vocal Rider

A classic analog era mixing technique reimagined and supercharged for modern vocal production

Vocal Rider automatically rides the level of your vocal tracks in real-time, saving you hours of manual volume automation. It keeps your vocals consistently present in the mix without needing to squash the dynamics of performance with heavy handed compression. Just set a target range and Vocal Rider does the rest — adjusting levels smoothly and transparently as the vocal moves through the track.

Vocal Rider is a trusted go-to for helping vocal energy sound levelled. It’s especially useful in busy mixes where vocal presence needs to be maintained without compromising dynamics.

Waves Vocal Rider Tutorial

Compression is the best tool to sit a lead vocal track in a mix, right? Not always! In this tutorial, learn how to quickly get any vocal balanced perfectly in a mix using the automatic levelling wonders found within Vocal Rider.

Vocal Channel Strip: CLA Vocals

Waves CLA Vocals

A powerful vocal production chain without the pain

CLA Vocals is an all-in-one vocal processing plugin designed by mix engineer legend Chris Lord-Alge. It gives you instant access to his go-to vocal chain, with just the right blend of EQ, compression, reverb, delay and doubling — all laid out in a simple, intuitive interface. It’s fast, musical and built to get vocals sitting right in the mix without any guesswork.

Each control shapes your sound in a bold, mix-ready way, letting you dial in different tonal “flavors” with ease. Whether you want bright pop vocals, gritty rock presence or smooth R&B polish, CLA Vocals makes it happen in seconds.

Waves CLA Vocals Tutorial

Mixing killer sounding vocal tracks isn’t always a walk in the park. In this tutorial, learn how get the most out of all the controls and effects on offer within this one-stop-shop vocal plugin. With CLA Vocals, make your next vocal mix your best mix.

Vocal Production Essential: Waves Harmony

Waves Harmony

The most powerful real-time vocal harmony effects playground around

Waves Harmony gives you all the tools to generate rich, layered vocal harmonies instantly with up to 8 voices from a single vocal line. It’s the perfect plugin for thickening a chorus, creating dreamy backing vocals or building full vocal stacks without recording multiple takes. Whether you want tight, realistic harmonies or experimental, spaced-out textures, Waves Harmony makes it possible.

Each generated voice can be customized with pitch, formant, pan, delay, filter and modulation controls, giving you deep creative flexibility. With its intuitive interface, MIDI input and real-time control, Waves Harmony is more than a harmony engine — it’s a full on vocal sound design playground.

Waves Harmony Tutorial

In this tutorial, learn 5 amazing vocal harmony effect you can create easily with Waves Harmony.

Vocal Compression: Renaissance Vox (R-Vox)

Waves RVox

Possibly the only compressor you’ll ever need to mix vocals

Renaissance Vox is one of the most trusted vocal compressors in the industry — simple, fast and incredibly easy. With just three controls for gate, compression and output level, R-Vox takes the guesswork out of getting vocals sitting perfectly in any mix.

Don’t let RVox’s minimal interface fool you. This plugin delivers smooth, musical compression that works on just about any voice. It’s a go-to for engineers across all genres because it simply sounds great — every time.

Waves RVox Tutorial

Check out our video Renaissance Quick Look: RVox and RComp to hear RVox in action and to see how it compares to it’s bigger brother RComp.

Resonance Suppression: Curves Equator

Waves Curves Equator

Curves Equator: Take the trouble out of your tone

Curves Equator is an intelligent vocal resonance suppression plugin designed to help you remove problem tones from vocals “cleanly” with speed and precision. Whether you need to tame harshness or muddy tones, Curves Equator shows you exactly what’s going on in real-time and suggests the best moves to make.

With intuitive AI-guided controls and beautifully transparent sound, it’s ideal for engineers and producers who want fast, great-sounding results without second-guessing their EQ decisions. Curves Equator helps vocals cut through the mix naturally, without sounding hyped or over-processed.

Waves Curves Equator Tutorial

In this tutorial, learn how to Get Started with Curves Equator’s smart resonance suppression & unmasking capabilities, watch to see how easy it is to lift the veil up and away from your mix using Equators main “Learn” and “Sidechain Learn” features.

Best EQ Plugins by Waves Audio

EQ Plugins

EQ is one of the most essential tools in any mix and Waves offers a wide range — from clean, modern surgical EQs to rich, analog-style models with attitude. Whether you’re fixing issues, shaping tone or enhancing vibe, there’s an EQ listed below to match your style and session.

The plugin suggestions below include everything from precision EQs such as F6 to smart AI-guided tools like Curves AQ, as well as analog-inspired classics that have graced the mix session of countless chart-topping records.

Smart EQ: Curves AQ

Curves AQ

The first and last EQ plugin you can trust to do the job for you

Curves AQ is a smart, AI-powered EQ that goes beyond just fixing problem frequencies. It also helps shape the overall tone, energy and emotional impact of your mix. It listens, analyzes and suggests tonal changes that make your tracks feel more polished and intentional, with minimal manual tweaking.

While it can handle corrective tasks, Curves AQ truly shines as a creative tone-shaping tool. It’s designed to guide you toward mixes that sound fuller, clearer and more emotionally engaging — even if you’re not quite sure what’s “missing.” Think of it as a trusted second set of ears with expert-level instincts.

Waves Curves AQ Tutorial

In this tutorial, learn how Curves AQ creates unique EQ curves based on your audio. Watch how quickly you can get a balanced mix with AQ on every channel by simply clicking “Learn”.

Dynamic EQ: F6

Waves F6 Dynamic EQ

F6, the EQ that works with the dynamics of your mix

F6 is a fully parametric dynamic EQ that gives you total control over frequencies that change throughout a performance. Instead of setting static cuts or boosts, F6 reacts in real-time to the incoming audio — tightening low end, taming harshness or smoothing out vocal tone only when needed.

It’s perfect for sources with a wide dynamic range, like vocals that shift from soft verses to powerful choruses in a single take. Each band includes threshold-based dynamics, so your EQ bands only react when the mix calls for it.

Waves F6 Tutorial

Watch our free video Vocal Equalization Tips – F6 Dynamic EQ Tutorial to learn how to get the most out of the dynamic bands in a vocal mix.

Analog EQ: API 560

API 560

The most authentic no-nonsense EQ, giving you the most essential bands, broad or tight

API 560 is a 10-band graphic EQ modelled on the classic hardware unit, featuring the iconic “proportional-Q” design. This means the bandwidth of each EQ band adjusts based on how much you boost or cut — resulting in smooth, musical curves that sound natural, even when pushed hard.

With its straightforward layout of 10 sliders, the API 560 makes it easy to quickly shape the tone of complex, harmonically rich sources like drum overheads, guitars and pianos. It’s a great choice when you want powerful tone control without overthinking your moves.

Additional Waves API 560 Tutorial

Learn How to Mix Lead and Rhythm Guitars using the entire API Collection in this free video tutorial.

Passive EQ: PuigTec EQs

PuigTech EQs

The passive EQ that does everything we ask it to.

PuigTec EQs are modelled after iconic tube-based passive equalizers, prized for their smooth, musical curves and rich analog character. These EQs are perfect for broad-stroke tone shaping — whether you’re adding weight to a kick, air to a vocal or sweetening a full mix on the master bus.

One of the signature moves of a passive EQ is its ability to boost and cut the same frequency simultaneously, creating a subtle resonant shelf that enhances tone without harshness. If you’re looking for that classic “smiley face” EQ curve or a more vintage feel in your mix, this is a go-to tool that never sounds bad.

Best Compressor Plugins by Waves Audio

Compressor Plugins

Compression is a cornerstone of mixing, and Waves offers one of the most complete collections of compressor plugins around. From fast, aggressive FET-style compression and smooth optical levelling to clean smart tools, there’s something here for every producer, track and workflow.

Whether you’re tightening up vocals, adding punch to drums or gluing a full mix together across the stereo bus, Waves compressors cover every approach. Below are a few standout plugins that deliver super reliable results across a wide range of mixing styles.

Opto Compression: CLA-2A

CLA-2A Compressor

The original opto compression obsession

CLA-2A is modelled after one of the most iconic optical compressors in recording history. Known for its smooth, slow-attack response and natural-sounding gain control, CLA-2A is a go-to for vocals that need gentle levelling without harming emotion or nuance in a performance, making it perfect for ballads, crooners, rock singers, rap artists or any type of vocal that calls for a warm, intimate feel.

Like the original hardware, this plugin also imparts a subtle tube-style harmonic saturation that adds depth and richness to the signal. It’s just as effective on bass, guitars and other melodic instruments where you want compression to feel musical, not mechanical.

FET Compression: CLA-76

CLA-76 Compressors

The compressor we all wished we had in our racks, so the plugin will have to do

CLA-76 captures the punchy, aggressive character of one of the most legendary FET compressors ever made. Known for its ultra-fast attack and bold, upfront sound, it’s a favorite for adding energy and attitude to lead vocals, drums, guitars and more.

This plugin includes two distinct models (black and blue faceplate versions) each with their own subtle tonal flavor. Whether you’re pushing a vocal to the front of the mix or adding smack to a snare, CLA-76 delivers that classic analog bite with speed and style.

Analog Compressor+: API 2500

API 2500 Compressor

The compressor with EVERYTHING you need

API 2500 is a versatile analog-style compressor known for its punch, tone and powerful transient control. Originally designed as a bus compressor, it brings energy and glue to drum buses, mix groups and full mixes — while also shining on individual tracks when character and control are both needed.

With flexible attack, release and tone-shaping options, API 2500 can be clean and tight or thick and aggressive, depending on how you dial it in. It’s a favorite for drums, not just for controlling dynamics but for adding that unmistakable API punch and presence.

Multiband Compressor: C6

C6 Multiband Compressor

For when one compressor simply isn’t enough

C6 is a flexible multiband compressor that gives you pinpoint control over your dynamics. With six fully adjustable bands (including two floating bands) it lets you target specific frequency ranges and apply compression only where needed, leaving the rest of the signal untouched.

Ideal for taming harshness, tightening low-end or deEssing in a more surgical way, C6 also includes per-band internal and external sidechaining. Whether you’re mastering a full mix or fine-tuning a vocal, C6 gives you the tools to shape dynamics with total precision.

Waves C6 Tutorial

Learn 3 Simple Steps to Mixing with C6 Multiband Compression to get incredible sounding mixes and masters.

Inteligent Dynamics: IDX

Waves IDX compressor plugin

The new era of compression you never need to fight

IDX is a smart dynamics processor built to tame complex vocal and instrument levels while elevating energy. Unlike traditional compressors, IDX continuously analyzes your signal and applies adaptive compression — reacting to changes to make your tracks sound super powerful in any mix.

Whether you’re working with vocals, acoustic instruments or dense mixes, IDX delivers clean, controlled dynamics while preserving the musical feel and natural transients of your source. Simply twist the dial, and you may not need to use any other plugin in your chain.

Waves IDX Tutorial

In this tutorial, learn how to instantly add punch and focus to your mix using IDX. Hear how IDX transforms acoustic drums, piano, guitar and lead vocals with unparalleled clarity and energy.

Best Reverb and Delay Plugins by Waves Audio

Reverb and Delay Plugins

Reverb and delay are key to adding space, depth and emotion to a mix. Waves offers a wide selection of effects plugins that cover everything from modern processors to vintage analog-inspired classics. Whether you’re after a tight slapback sounds, lush reverbs or cinematic ambiences, there’s something here for every style and session.

These effects do more than just fill out the soundstage — they help place elements in a mix and bring performances to life. From subtle room ambience to epic, evolving tails, choosing the right reverb or delay can be the difference between a flat boring track and a fully immersive mix with style. Here are some standout effects plugins that can help shape your soundstage with ease and endless creativity.

The Classic Effects: Abbey Road Reverbs

Abby Road Plates and Chambers plugins

The most classic and renowned reverbs in the world

Abbey Road Reverbs bring two of the most legendary effects from one of the world’s most iconic studios straight into your session. The Plate Reverb delivers that unmistakable shimmer and richness that’s become a go-to for pop vocals, providing a polished, high-end shine without sounding artificial. It’s especially good at adding body and presence, even in subtle doses, and thickens a source in a way that feels instantly musical.

Abbey Road Chambers captures the quirky, vintage charm of the studio’s actual reverb chambers, with all their imperfect reflections and unique tonal imprint. It’s perfect for adding retro space and depth to vocals, drums or guitars, and even includes the S.T.E.E.D. delay setup — a tape-era trick that still works wonders in today’s music. Whether you want intimate ambience or classic character, these reverbs offer sounds you can’t replicate anywhere else.

Hear Abbey Road Chambers and Abbey Road Plates reverb plugins in action.

The Gold Standard Delay: H-Delay

Waves H-Delay Plugin

The delay plugin that doesn’t miss a beat

H-Delay is a classic analog-style delay plugin that’s earned its place as a go-to delay for producers and engineers worldwide. It’s easy to use, sounds great right out of the gate and covers everything from clean digital repeats to dirty, tape-saturated echoes.

With built-in modulation, lo-fi controls and a flexible delay range, H-Delay can handle subtle slapbacks, rhythmic delays or gritty, character-driven effects with ease. Whether you’re working on vocals, guitars or synths, it’s the kind of plugin you reach for again and again, because it just works. Watch the video below to get an overview of how H-Delay works and how to get amazing delay sounds fast.

Waves H-Delay Tutorial

Looking to take your delay mixing to the next level? Learn 7 Creative Ways to Supercharge Your Delay Effects.

Multi Effects with a Twist: Space Rider

Waves Space Rider plugin

Blending the best of both worlds

Space Rider is a creative multi-effects plugin that combines reverb, delay and modulation into a single, inspiring workflow. It’s designed to help you build rich, evolving spatial effects from subtle width and movement to full-blown ambient soundscapes without stacking multiple plugins.

Each section (Reverb, Delay and Motion) can be used independently or blended for complex, reactive FX chains. With intuitive controls, deep modulation and built-in Rider control, Space Rider makes it easy to shape unique FX tails that breathe extra interest in your tracks.

Waves Space Rider Tutorial

Learn how Space Rider could be your next best kept vocal mix secret in this free tutorial.

The Delays + Reverbs Powerhouse: CLA Epic

CLA Epic

The depth and dimension conv

CLA Epic is a powerful reverb and delay suite built in collaboration with mixing legend Chris Lord-Alge and was designed to make it fast and easy to create pro-level depth and space in your mix. What sets it apart is the ability to run four delays and four reverbs simultaneously, all within a single plugin. You can blend them together with dedicated faders, allowing you to build complex spatial effects without ever leaving one window.

Unlike traditional delay or reverb plugins that lock you into one sound at a time, CLA Epic lets you layer slap, throw, plate, hall and more, creating rich, dimensional spaces that evolve throughout your track. With its streamlined interface and Chris’s go-to settings baked in, it’s a one-stop solution for instantly adding width, atmosphere and motion to vocals, drums, guitars... whatever you feel needs extra space and depth.

Waves CLA Epic Tutorial

Watch the man himself show you around the CLA Epic Plugin in this tutorial.

Best Vocal Plugins by Waves Audio

Channel Strip Plugins

Channel strip plugins typically bring together EQ, compression and sometimes saturation or gating into a single interface to give the impression of working on a real mixing console. They’re great for building fast, consistent workflows and keeping your mix organized without jumping between multiple plugins.

Whether you’re lusting after the sound of a classic analog desks or want a modern all-in-one toolkit, Waves offers a variety of channel strips to suit different styles and needs. From shaping individual tracks to driving an entire mix session, these plugins give you the feel and function of working on a console — with all the conveniences of digital.

SSL EV2 Channel and SSL E-Channel

SSL EV2 and E Channel Strip

The sound of nearly every modern classic record

SSL EV2 Channel and SSL E-Channel are both official models of the legendary SSL 4000E console — fully authorized by Solid State Logic. These plugins capture the punch, clarity and forward tone that made the original desk a staple in hit-making studios worldwide.

SSL E-Channel has long been a go-to for engineers, faithfully recreating the sound and feel of the original. Released in 2021, EV2 offers a deeper level of detail with newly modelled circuitry, the option to switch between the black and original Brown EQ LF knobs and added analog mic preamp saturation. Choosing between these two plugins comes down to taste and many engineers keep both on hand to switch between depending on what their mixes demand. For maximum flexibility, the SSL 4000 Collection includes them both

Waves SSL Channel Strip Plugin Tutorials

New to SSL? Don’t worry, watch our tutorial The ABC’s of SSL to learn how to get the most out of every control in EV2.

The Modern Classic: Sheps Omni Channel 2

Scheps Omni Channel 2

The channel strip plugin we all wished existed in the analog days

Scheps Omni Channel 2 is a powerful all-in-one channel strip, designed in close collaboration with Grammy-winning mixer Andrew Scheps. It brings together his personal selection of analog-inspired processors into one streamlined interface — offering flexibility, speed and exceptional sound quality for any mixing task.

Inside, you’ll find multiple preamp saturation types, two flavors of compression, a gate, full parametric EQ, dual de-essers and a limiter — all working together like a custom-built analog rack. Whether you’re sculpting vocals, taming instruments or dialing in a full mix, Scheps Omni feels like eight world-class plugins in one.

Waves Omni Channel 2 Tutorial

Watch Andrew Scheps’ Mixing Tips for Scheps Omni Channel 2 tutorial to learn how to get started with this powerful channel strip.

Channel Strip with The Console Workflow: CLA MixHub

CLA MixHub

The channel strip plugin that gives you the entire console experience in the box

CLA MixHub delivers the sound and workflow of Chris Lord-Alge’s personal SSL console, modelled down to the smallest detail. You get his go-to channel strip chain — complete with input drive, rich EQ, two distinct compressors and gating — all tuned for punch, clarity and musical impact.

What makes MixHub truly stand out is its “bucket” mixing workflow. Instead of opening separate plugin windows for each track, you can mix up to 64 channels side by side (working in buckets of 8) from a single interface. It’s a powerful, time-saving way to work that mirrors the speed and control accessibility of a real analog console.

Waves CLA MixHub Tutorial

Learn How to Mix with CLA MixHub with Chris Lord-Alge.

Magma Tube Channel Strip

Magma Tube Channel Strip

Taking the best bits from the analog world, packaged in the simplicity one simple plugin

Magma Tube Channel Strip is all about delivering rich, warm analog character with minimal effort. Built on Waves’ Magma tube modeling technology, it gives you that thick, glued-together sound you’d expect from high-end hardware — without the complexity.

With just a few intuitive controls, you can easily add tube-style saturation, shape EQ and apply smooth compression. It’s perfect for when you want bold, cohesive tone fast, whether you’re working on vocals, drums or full instrument busses. No deep menus, no second-guessing — just instant control and sonic brilliance.

Waves Magma Channel Tutorial

Learn how to mix an entire song using Magma Channel.

Best Stereo-Bus and Mastering Plugins by Waves Audio

Stereo-bus and Mastering Plugins

Mastering and stereo bus processing are where final mix decisions come to life — from tightening dynamics to enhancing loudness, width and tonal balance. Waves plugins offer a wide range of tools for both subtle mix bus sweetening and full mastering chains.

Whether you’re looking to glue your mix together with compression, add analog warmth, shape transients or push loudness without losing clarity, the right combination of stereo bus and mastering tools is essential to getting your mix release-ready. This section highlights plugins built specifically getting those critical final mix stages completed.

SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

To ultimate salt and pepper to any mixbus

SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is a faithful model of one of the most iconic mix bus compressors in recording history. Known for its ability to “glue” tracks together, it brings punch, cohesion and just the right amount of polish to your final mix — without flattening the dynamics.

It’s especially effective on the stereo bus, but also works beautifully on drums, guitars and stems. If you don’t already have a go-to compressor for your master chain, this is a classic you need to stop sleeping on.

Waves SSL Comp Tutorial

Learn how to setup perfect Parallel Compression for Drum Mixes using the SSL G-Master Comp.

J37 Tape

Abbey Road J37 Tape

For when you want the sound of analog without trying too hard

J37 Tape is a meticulous model of the iconic reel-to-reel machine used at Abbey Road Studios — the same one behind countless classic recordings. It delivers the warm saturation, subtle compression and harmonic richness that only tape can provide, giving your mixes an unmistakable vintage vibe.

With adjustable tape formulas, bias settings, wow, flutter and even a built-in delay, J37 is far more than a basic tape emulation. Use it on your mix bus to glue everything together, or drop it on individual tracks to add warmth, character and analog depth.

Waves J37 Tape Tutorial

Learn how to add warmth and character to your mixes with Waves Abbey Road J37 Tape.

L1, L2 and L3 Limiters

Waves L Limiters

L stands for limiter, legendary and last line of defence

L1, L2 and L3 are Waves’ legendary series of brickwall limiters — iconic tools that have shaped the loudness and punch of countless records over the decades. Known for their precision and reliability, these plugins let you increase mix loudness without clipping, distortion or loss of clarity.

Each version builds on the last, offering more control and transparency as you move from L1’s classic simplicity to L3’s multiband limiting and intelligent peak handling. Whether you’re mastering a full track or tightening stems and buses, these limiters remain gold standards for final-stage dynamics.

Learn how to get the most out a limiter in this blog Loud & Clear: Top Limiter Plugin Tips for Mastering Music.

Infected Mushroom Pusher

Infected Mushroom Pusher

Every dial is a magic on your mix bus

Infected Mushroom Pusher is a multistage sonic enhancer and limiter (or clipper) developed with electronic music duo Infected Mushroom. Designed for bold, in-your-face results, IM Pusher lets you shape transients, push low-end power, brighten highs and increase loudness — all from one intuitive place.

It’s especially effective on stereo buses and masters when you need energy, clarity and weight without the complexity of traditional mastering chains. Whether you’re producing electronic music, hip hop or aggressive pop, Pusher gives your tracks that polished, punchy, club-ready sound — fast.

Waves Infected Mushroom Pusher Tutorial

Learn How to Master Your Tracks Faster with Infected Mushroom Pusher in this tutorial.

Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

Make your mix sound expensive on a shoe string

Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain is a modular mastering suite modelled after the legendary EMI TG12410 console used in Abbey Road’s mastering rooms. It brings together the distinct tone and workflow of vintage analog mastering gear in a flexible, modern plugin format.

With modules for input control, EQ, compression, limiting and stereo widening, it’s a complete solution for shaping your mix or master with warmth, punch and character. Whether you’re going for subtle sweetening or bold analog color, the TG Mastering Chain gives you the classic sound of Abbey Road in a streamlined, customizable layout.

Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain Tutorial

Learn how to Maste Your Music with Abbey Road TG Tone, presented by mastering super legend Ian Shepherd.

: Best Drum Mixing Plugins by Waves Audio

Drum Plugins

Drums or a beat are the backbone of modern productions and getting them to sit right in the mix often requires more than just EQ and compression. Earlier in this list, we covered some excellent EQs, compressors and effects that work beautifully on drums. But the plugins in this section are purpose-built for drum shaping, giving you more focused control over impact, tone and tuning.

Whether you’re retuning a snare to match the key of the track or reshaping the attack and sustain of a kick, these plugins let you manipulate the core character of each hit, helping your drums sound tighter, bigger and more intentional in the mix.

Transient Shaping: Smack Attack

Smack Attack

For when compression isn’t the right tool for the job

Smack Attack is a powerful transient shaper that gives you precise control over the attack and sustain of your drum hits without relying on traditional compression. It lets you emphasize the punch or tighten the decay of any percussive element, helping drums cut through the mix with clarity and intention.

If your drums are sounding flat, muddy or lifeless, this is the plugin that can bring them back to life (or more forward) with just a few quick moves.

Waves Smack Attack Tutorial

In this tutorial, learn how Snap and Sustain controls differ in SmackAttack and how you can use both to get super pro sounding results on drum and beat mixes.

Retuning Drum Elements: Torque

Torque

Retuning hits in beats, drum mixes and samples

Torque is a precision drum tone shaper that lets you retune individual drum hits without changing their character. Using advanced pitch-shifting technology, it adjusts the perceived pitch of a snare, kick, tom or percussion hit while preserving its natural transients, resonance and tone.

It’s ideal for situations where a drum doesn’t quite fit the key of the song or needs a little more weight or snap. Whether you’re working with live recordings, drum samples, beats or loops, Torque helps lock your drums into the musical context of the track without sounding artificial or processed.

Waves Torque Tutorial

Learn how to fix drums in the mix with Torque in this tutorial.

Waves plugins with a difference

Speciality FX and Spatial Audio Plugins

Some plugins types don’t always fit neatly into traditional categories. This last section highlights a few unique tools in the Waves catalog that can be the secret sauce to take a mix from good to great.

Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter

Aphex Aural Exciter

When EQ isn’t enough to add the sparkle

Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter is a faithful recreation of the legendary tube-driven processor known for adding brightness, clarity and energy without relying on EQ. It enhances presence in a way that lifts a track forward in the mix, making it sound more alive and expressive.

Unlike boosting high frequencies with an equalizer, the Aural Exciter adds harmonic content that brings out detail and sparkle, especially on vocals, acoustic instruments and overheads. It’s a subtle effect with a big impact. A little goes a long way and the results are instantly musical.

Renaissance Bass (R-Bass)

RBass

It’s all about the bass

Renaissance Bass (R-Bass) is a trusted tool for enhancing low-end without muddying your mix. It works by generating harmonics based on the fundamental frequency of your bass or kick, making those elements feel deeper and fuller, even on small speakers that often struggle to reproduce sub-bass.

It’s perfect for making low-end instruments cut through on earbuds, laptops and phone speakers, while still adding weight and presence on larger systems. Whether you’re fattening a kick, grounding a bass-line or reinforcing a full mix, R-Bass delivers powerful, controlled low-end that translates everywhere.

DeReverb

DeReverb

Remove the room from your vocals

DeReverb is a fast, focused tool for removing unwanted room ambience and natural reverb from recorded tracks. Whether you’re working with vocals recorded in a live space, dialogue captured on location or any source that sounds too roomy, DeReverb helps tighten and clean up the sound — no re-recording needed.

Using advanced AI analysis and adaptive processing, it reduces space and echo without degrading the original tone of the source. It’s especially useful in post-production, podcasting, or mixing home-recorded vocals where clean, dry audio is essential.

Nx

Nx headphone mix reference plugins

Check your mixes on headphones.

Nx is a series of spatial audio plugins that recreate the experience of mixing in world-class studio environments — all through regular studio headphones.

Whether you’re using Nx Ocean Way Nashville, Nx Germano Studios, or the original Nx Virtual Mix Room, these tools give you a reliable, immersive reference space over headphones that give you the feeling of mixing on real-world playback systems, which is critical when finalizing a mix on-the-go or when you’re not in an ideal studio to check your mixes in.

Nx plugins also include headphone EQ correction profiles for hundreds of popular models which corrects the frequency response of your specific headphones. This gives you the most accurate reference to make those ever important mix tweaks with. Combined with the room and monitor emulations, Nx lets you trust what you’re hearing and helps ensure your mixes translate better across different systems.

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