Waves Complete V9.6: The Most Comprehensive and Versatile Plugin Package for OS X
Waves Complete V9.6 (2016.08.08) OS X Review: A Comprehensive Plugin Package for Music Production
Introduction
If you are looking for a plugin package that offers a wide range of professional, fully customizable and functional audio workflows, you might want to check out Waves Complete V9.6 (2016.08.08) OS X. This is a plugin package for VST, DX and AU synthesizer and sampler plugins from Waves, one of the leading plugin manufacturers in the industry.
Waves Complete V9.6 (2016.08.08) OS X
Waves Complete V9.6 is the latest version of Waves' flagship plugin bundle, which includes over 200 plugins that cover everything from analog emulations to cutting-edge tools. Whether you are into music mixing, mastering, sound design, live sound, or post-production, Waves Complete V9.6 has something for you.
In this article, we will review Waves Complete V9.6 and give you an overview of some of the most popular and useful plugins included in the package. We will also show you how to install and activate Waves Complete V9.6 on your Mac OS X system.
Plugins Overview
Waves Complete V9.6 contains plugins for various categories of audio processing, such as compressors, limiters, reverbs, delays, modulation effects, tape and vinyl emulations, EQs, filters, multiband and dynamic processors, stereo and sonic enhancers, noise reduction and restoration tools, and more.
Here are some of the plugins that we think are worth highlighting:
Compressors and Limiters
Compressors and limiters are essential tools for controlling the dynamics of your audio signals. They can help you achieve a consistent level, enhance the punch and clarity of your tracks, glue your mix together, or add some character and color to your sound.
Waves Complete V9.6 offers a variety of compressors and limiters that emulate some of the most famous hardware units, such as the legendary SSL, API, and Pultec models, as well as some of the signature plugins from renowned engineers like Chris Lord-Alge and Jack Joseph Puig. Here are some of the compressors and limiters that you can find in Waves Complete V9.6:
CLA MixHub
CLA MixHub is a plugin that allows you to mix up to 64 tracks using the console workflow of Grammy-winning mixer Chris Lord-Alge. You can access the dynamics, EQ, saturation, and input/output controls of each channel from a single interface, and switch between eight different bucket groups for easy organization. You can also use the CLA MixHub in live mode, which lets you adjust the input gain and polarity of each channel in real time.
Renaissance Compressor
Renaissance Compressor is a versatile compressor that combines vintage warmth with modern features. You can choose between two compression modes: Opto, which emulates the smooth and musical response of optical compressors, and Electro, which offers a faster and more aggressive sound. You can also adjust the attack and release times, the ratio, the threshold, the output gain, and the knee shape. Additionally, you can use the ARC (Automatic Release Control) feature, which automatically adjusts the release time according to the input signal.
Renaissance Vox
Renaissance Vox is a compressor designed specifically for vocals. It can help you achieve a smooth and consistent vocal level with minimal effort. You can adjust the compression amount, the output gain, and the gate threshold. Renaissance Vox also has a built-in de-esser that reduces sibilance and harshness in your vocal tracks.
SSL E-Channel & G-Channel
SSL E-Channel and G-Channel are plugins that emulate the EQ and dynamics sections of two classic SSL consoles: the SSL 4000 E-Series and the SSL 4000 G-Series. Both plugins offer a four-band parametric EQ with high-pass and low-pass filters, a compressor/limiter with variable threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain, and an expander/gate with variable range, threshold, attack, hold, and release. The main difference between the two plugins is that the E-Channel has a slightly more aggressive sound than the G-Channel, which is more smooth and warm.
SSL G Master Buss Compressor
SSL G Master Buss Compressor is a plugin that emulates the master buss compressor of the SSL 4000 G-Series console. This compressor is famous for its ability to glue a mix together and add punch and cohesion to your tracks. You can adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain of the compressor, as well as activate the auto-fade and auto-release functions. You can also use the analog switch to add some subtle harmonic distortion to your signal.
CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter
CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter is a plugin that emulates two versions of the classic FET compressor/limiter: the blacky (based on the UREI 1176LN) and the bluey (based on the blue-stripe revision B). Both versions have a fast and punchy sound that works great on drums, bass, guitars, vocals, and more. You can adjust the input and output levels, the ratio, the attack and release times, and the all-buttons mode, which creates a more extreme compression effect. You can also switch between the blacky and the bluey models with a single click.
CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter
CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter is a plugin that emulates the classic tube compressor/limiter: the Teletronix LA-2A. This compressor has a smooth and warm sound that works well on vocals, guitars, bass, and more. You can adjust the peak reduction, the gain, and the compression mode (compress or limit). You can also use the analog switch to add some subtle noise and distortion to your signal.
Reverbs and Delays
Reverbs and delays are effects that create a sense of space and depth in your audio signals. They can help you create realistic or creative ambiances, enhance the stereo image, add movement and interest, or create special effects.
Waves Complete V9.6 offers a variety of reverbs and delays that emulate some of the most iconic hardware units, such as the Abbey Road studios' chambers and plates, as well as some of the innovative plugins that use advanced algorithms and features. Here are some of the reverbs and delays that you can find in Waves Complete V9.6:
H-Reverb
H-Reverb is a plugin that uses a hybrid algorithm to create rich and natural-sounding reverbs. You can customize every aspect of the reverb, such as the decay time, the pre-delay, the early reflections, the diffusion, the modulation, the damping, the EQ, and more. You can also use the drive control to add some harmonic distortion to your reverb tail, or use the freeze function to create infinite reverb effects.
H-Delay
H-Delay is a plugin that offers a versatile delay effect with analog character. You can adjust the delay time, feedback, modulation, filtering, panning, wet/dry mix, and output level of the delay. You can also use the ping-pong mode to create stereo delays, or use the lo-fi mode to add some grit and noise to your delay signal. Additionally, you can use the tap tempo function to sync your delay to your host tempo.
Abbey Road Chambers
Abbey Road Chambers is a plugin that emulates the legendary echo chambers of Abbey Road studios. These chambers were used to create natural reverbs for some of the most famous recordings in history. You can choose from four different chambers (Chamber One, Chamber Two, Chamber Three, and Mirrored Drum Room), and adjust the reverb time, level, tone, and width. You can also use the S.T.E.E.D. (Send. Tape. Echo. Echo. Delay.) setup, which allows you to add tape delay, echo, and feedback effects to your chamber signal.
Abbey Road Reverb Plates
Abbey Road Reverb Plates is a plugin that emulates the four EMT 140 plate reverbs that were installed at Abbey Road studios in the 1950s. These plates were used to create lush and smooth reverbs for vocals, drums, guitars, and more. You can choose from four different plates (A, B, C, and D), each with its own sonic character and decay time. You can also adjust the damping, bass cut, treble cut, drive, analog noise, and wet/dry mix of the plate signal.
Modulation and Pitch Effects
Modulation and pitch effects are effects that alter the frequency or phase of your audio signals. They can help you create chorus, flanger, phaser, vibrato, tremolo, pitch shift, or detune effects. They can also help you enhance the width and movement of your tracks, or create vocal harmonies and doubling effects.
Waves Complete V9.6 offers a variety of modulation and pitch effects that emulate some of the classic hardware units, such as the Roland RE-201 Space Echo or the Eventide H910 Harmonizer, as well as some of the innovative plugins that use advanced algorithms and features. Here are some of the modulation and pitch effects that you can find in Waves Complete V9.6:
Doubler
Doubler is a plugin that creates a natural-sounding doubling effect for your vocals or instruments. You can adjust the delay time, detune amount, pan position, feedback level, and output gain of up to four voices. You can also use the modulation section to add some subtle variation to your doubled signal.
Reel ADT
Reel ADT is a plugin that emulates the Artificial Double Tracking effect that was invented at Abbey Road studios in the 1960s. This effect creates a realistic doubling effect by using a tape machine to vary the speed and timing of a duplicate signal. You can adjust the variance, drive, bias, flutter, wow, phase, and output level of the ADT effect. You can also use the link switch to link the LFOs of the two tape machines, or use the sync switch to sync the LFOs to your host tempo.
Vocal Rider
Vocal Rider is a plugin that automatically adjusts the level of your vocal tracks in real time. It can help you achieve a consistent and balanced vocal level without using compression or manual automation. You can adjust the target range, the sensitivity, the response, and the output gain of the vocal rider. You can also use the music mode to make the vocal rider react to the music signal, or use the live mode to reduce the noise floor.
MetaFlanger
MetaFlanger is a plugin that creates a vintage-style flanger effect with a rich and warm sound. You can adjust the rate, depth, feedback, delay, LFO shape, phase, and mix of the flanger effect. You can also use the tempo switch to sync the rate to your host tempo, or use the thru-zero switch to create a dramatic jet-like effect.
Tape and Vinyl Emulations
Tape and vinyl emulations are effects that recreate the sound and feel of analog recording mediums, such as tape machines and vinyl records. They can help you add some warmth, saturation, compression, noise, wow, flutter, or crackle to your digital tracks.
Waves Complete V9.6 offers a variety of tape and vinyl emulations that emulate some of the most iconic hardware units, such as the Abbey Road studios' tape machines and vinyl cutter, as well as some of the innovative plugins that use advanced algorithms and features. Here are some of the tape and vinyl emulations that you can find in Waves Complete V9.6:
Abbey Road Vinyl
Abbey Road Vinyl is a plugin that emulates the entire vinyl production process, from cutting to playback. You can choose from four different turntables (TG Mastering Console, J37 Tape Machine, EMI TG12410 Transfer Console, or Vinyl Cutter), and adjust the speed, pitch, wow & flutter, noise & crackle, phase distortion, cartridge type, tone arm position, groove wear, and output level of the vinyl signal. You can also use the lacquer switch to simulate a freshly cut lacquer disc.
J37 Tape
J37 Tape is a plugin that emulates the legendary Studer J37 four-track tape machine that was used at Abbey Road studios in the 1960s. This tape machine can add some warmth, saturation, compression, and harmonic distortion to your tracks. You can adjust the input and output levels, the tape speed, the tape formula, the bias, the wow & flutter, the noise, and the delay of the tape signal. You can also use the flux switch to add some extra tape character to your sound.
Kramer Master Tape
Kramer Master Tape is a plugin that emulates the rare Ampex 350/351/440 1/4" reel-to-reel tape machine that was used by legendary engineer Eddie Kramer. This tape machine can add some vintage vibe, glue, and punch to your tracks. You can adjust the input and output levels, the tape speed, the bias, the wow & flutter, the noise, and the feedback of the tape signal. You can also use the slap & feedback switch to create some tape delay effects.
EQs and Filters
EQs and filters are essential tools for shaping the frequency spectrum of your audio signals. They can help you boost or cut specific frequency bands, correct or enhance the tonal balance of your tracks, remove unwanted noises or resonances, or create special effects.
Waves Complete V9.6 offers a variety of EQs and filters that emulate some of the most famous hardware units, such as the API and Pultec models, as well as some of the innovative plugins that use advanced algorithms and features. Here are some of the EQs and filters that you can find in Waves Complete V9.6:
API 2500
API 2500 is a plugin that emulates the API 2500 stereo bus compressor, which is known for its punchy and transparent sound. This compressor also has a unique feature called "thrust", which allows you to adjust the sidechain filter curve and preserve the low-end energy of your tracks. You can adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, release, makeup gain, knee shape, link type, tone type, thrust level, and output level of the compressor. You can also use the analog switch to add some subtle noise and distortion to your signal.
API 550 & 560
API 550 and 560 are plugins that emulate two classic API EQ modules: the API 550A three-band parametric EQ and the API 560 ten-band graphic EQ. Both EQs have a musical and flexible sound that works well on any source. You can adjust the gain and frequency of each band, as well as activate or bypass each band individually. You can also use the analog switch to add some subtle noise and distortion to your signal.
PuigTec EQs (Pultec EQP-1A & MEQ-5)
PuigTec EQs are plugins that emulate two legendary Pultec EQ units: the Pultec EQP-1A program equalizer and the Pultec MEQ-5 midrange equalizer. These EQs have a warm and smooth sound that can add some magic to your tracks. You can adjust the low frequency boost and attenuation, the high frequency boost and bandwidth, the midrange boost and frequency, and the output level of each EQ. You can also use the analog switch to add some subtle noise and distortion to your signal.
F6 Floating Band Dynamic EQ
F6 Floating Band Dynamic EQ is a plugin that combines the features of a parametric EQ and a dynamic processor. It allows you to adjust the gain, frequency, Q, threshold, range, attack, and release of up to six bands independently. You can also use the sidechain function to trigger the dynamic EQ from an external source, or use the solo function to isolate each band for fine-tuning. Additionally, you can use the RTA (Real-Time Analyzer) feature to visualize the frequency spectrum of your signal.
Multiband and Dynamic Processors
Multiband and dynamic processors are effects that split your audio signal into multiple frequency bands and apply different processing to each band. They can help you control the dynamics, tone, and stereo image of your tracks more precisely and creatively.
Waves Complete V9.6 offers a variety of multiband and dynamic processors that use advanced algorithms and features. Here are some of the multiband and dynamic processors that you can find in Waves Complete V9.6:
C4 & C6 Multiband Compressor
C4 and C6 are plugins that offer a flexible and powerful multiband compression effect. You can adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, release, gain, range, knee shape, and crossover frequencies of up to four (C4) or six (C6) bands independently. You can also use the sidechain function to trigger the compression from an external source, or use the solo function to isolate each band for fine-tuning.
MaxxVolume
MaxxVolume is a plugin that offers a four-in-one volume processor. It combines a high-level compressor, a low-level compressor, a gate/expander, and a leveler in one interface. You can adjust the threshold, range, gain, release, and output level of each processor independently. You can also use the envelope switch to change the behavior of the processors from peak-based to RMS-based.
Trans-X
Trans-X is a plugin that offers a transient shaper effect. It allows you to enhance or reduce the attack and sustain of your audio signals. You can adjust the range, sensitivity, duration, release, and output level of up to four frequency bands independently. You can also use the sidechain function to trigger the transient shaping from an external source, or use the wideband switch to apply the same processing to all frequency bands.
Stereo and Sonic Enhancers
Stereo and sonic enhancers are effects that improve the quality and perception of your audio signals. They can help you widen or narrow the stereo image, center or spread the low-end, add brightness or warmth, or boost the overall loudness.
Waves Complete V9.6 offers a variety of stereo and sonic enhancers that use advanced algorithms and features. Here are some of the stereo and sonic enhancers that you can find in Waves Complete V9.6:
S1 Stereo Imager
S1 Stereo Imager is a plugin that offers a powerful and flexible stereo enhancement effect. You can adjust the width, rotation, asymmetry, and output level of your stereo signal. You can also use the shuffle switch to add some low-end punch to your signal, or use the MS matrix switch to convert your signal from stereo to mid/side or vice versa.
Center
Center is a plugin that offers a simple and effective way to control the center and sides of your stereo signal. You can adjust the level, bass, treble, and width of the center and sides independently. You can also use the punch switch to add some extra clarity and presence to your center signal, or use the high-pass filter switch to remove any unwanted low frequencies from your sides signal.
Vitamin Sonic Enhancer
Vitamin Sonic Enhancer is a plugin that offers a multiband harmonic enhancer effect. It allows you to add some sparkle, warmth, body, and punch to your tracks by adjusting the level and saturation of up to five frequency bands independently. You can also use the solo function to isolate each band for fine-tuning, or use the direct switch to blend in some of the original signal.
Submarine
Submarine is a plugin that offers a subharmonic generator effect. It allows you to add some deep and powerful low-end to your tracks by generating two subharmonic frequencies from your original signal. You can adjust the level, range, drive, dynamics, crossover, and output level of each subharmonic frequency independently. You can also use the filter switch to apply a high-pass filter to your original signal.
Noise Reduction and Restoration Tools
Noise reduction and restoration tools are effects that help you remove or reduce unwanted noises or artifacts from your audio signals. They can help you clean up your recordings, restore old or damaged tapes or vinyls, or create special effects.
Waves Complete V9.6 offers a variety of noise reduction and restoration tools that use advanced algorithms and features. Here are s