Before you buy, you need to know about the Waves Update Plan (WUP). When you buy a plugin, you get one year of updates. After that, if you want to update your OS or get the next major version, you pay a fee.
Pro tip: Wait for a sale. Never pay full price. Waves runs "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" or $29.99 sales every other week. Buy your 14 picks over a few months.
The true “best” Waves plugin isn’t a single winner—it’s the one that solves your problem at that moment.
Waves 14 isn't just an update number. It represents decades of analog obsession translated into digital precision. Whether you're a bedroom beatmaker or a Grammy-winning mixer, these 14 plugins will never leave your channel strip.
Now go make some waves. 🌊
Waves 14 is a suite of audio processing plugins that offers a wide range of tools for music production, post-production, and live sound. With so many plugins to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are the best. Here are some of the most popular and highly-regarded Waves 14 plugins:
Top 5 Waves 14 Plugins:
Honorable Mentions:
Keep in mind that the "best" plugin is always subjective and depends on your specific needs and preferences. These are just some of the most popular and highly-regarded Waves 14 plugins, but there are many more to explore within the suite.
The Best of Waves 14 Plugins: A Comprehensive Guide
Waves Audio is a renowned brand in the music production industry, offering a wide range of high-quality plugins that cater to the needs of producers, engineers, and musicians. With the release of Waves 14, the company has once again raised the bar, introducing new and improved plugins that boast cutting-edge technology and unparalleled sound quality. In this article, we'll dive into the best of Waves 14 plugins, exploring their features, and highlighting what makes them stand out from the rest. waves 14 plugins best
What is Waves 14?
Waves 14 is the latest version of Waves' plugin suite, which includes a vast collection of audio processing tools. This update brings a fresh wave of plugins, along with significant improvements to existing ones. Waves 14 is designed to provide users with a more intuitive and efficient workflow, while also delivering exceptional sound quality and flexibility.
Top 5 Waves 14 Plugins
After careful evaluation, we've selected the top 5 Waves 14 plugins that are worth your attention. These plugins have been chosen for their exceptional sound quality, versatility, and user-friendly interface.
The C4 Multiband Compressor is a highly versatile plugin that's perfect for controlling dynamics and adding punch to your tracks. This plugin features four bands of compression, each with its own set of controls, allowing you to target specific frequency ranges with precision. The C4 also includes a comprehensive metering section, making it easy to visualize your compression settings.
The Mercury Bundle is a flagship plugin suite that comprises some of the most popular Waves processors, including the C6, C4, and Renaissance EQ. This bundle offers a wide range of tools for mixing and mastering, including compression, EQ, and saturation. The Mercury Bundle is a must-have for any serious producer or engineer.
The CLA-76 Compressor is a recreation of the legendary 1176 compressor, which has been a staple in the music industry for decades. This plugin delivers fast and aggressive compression, with a characteristic "over-compression" sound that's perfect for adding punch and character to your tracks.
The F6 EQ is a high-end equalizer plugin that's designed to provide precise control over your tone. This plugin features six bands of EQ, each with a wide range of filter types, including bell, shelf, and high/low pass. The F6 also includes a comprehensive metering section, making it easy to visualize your EQ settings.
The S1 Imager is a stereo widener plugin that's designed to enhance the spatiality of your tracks. This plugin uses advanced algorithms to create a more immersive soundstage, adding width and depth to your mixes. The S1 Imager is perfect for creating a more engaging and professional-sounding mix.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to our top 5 picks, there are several other Waves 14 plugins that are worth mentioning:
What Makes Waves 14 Plugins Stand Out?
So, what sets Waves 14 plugins apart from the competition? Here are a few key factors:
Conclusion
Waves 14 plugins offer a wealth of options for producers, engineers, and musicians looking to elevate their sound. From the versatile C4 Multiband Compressor to the exceptional CLA-76 Compressor, there's a Waves 14 plugin to suit every need and style. Whether you're mixing and mastering, or simply looking to add some character to your tracks, Waves 14 plugins are an essential tool in any music production arsenal.
Best Practices for Using Waves 14 Plugins
To get the most out of your Waves 14 plugins, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Tips for Choosing the Right Waves 14 Plugin
With so many Waves 14 plugins to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
Conclusion
In conclusion, Waves 14 plugins offer a wealth of options for producers, engineers, and musicians looking to elevate their sound. Whether you're mixing and mastering, or simply looking to add some character to your tracks, Waves 14 plugins are an essential tool in any music production arsenal. By following best practices and choosing the right plugin for your needs, you can unlock the full potential of Waves 14 and take your music to the next level.
Waves V14 introduced significant workflow upgrades, such as mix and output trim knobs on popular compressors and high-DPI resizable GUIs. For most producers, the "best" plugins remain the industry workhorses that have been refined in this latest version. Essential Mixing & Mastering Plugins Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain
update (and subsequent V15) solidified several industry-standard tools while introducing advanced AI-driven noise reduction. Experts from
frequently highlight these 14 plugins as the best for modern production: Top 14 Essential Waves Plugins
What are your favorite Waves Audio plug-ins? : r/audioengineering 14 Apr 2023 —
If you’re new to Waves V14, avoid buying single plugins. Get one of these bundles:
| Bundle | Includes | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Gold (~$100 sale) | 40+ plugins: SSL E-Channel, C4, H-Delay, L2, RComp, RVox, etc. | All-purpose mixing | | Horizon (~$200 sale) | Gold + Abbey Road, API, CLA compressors, F6, H-Reverb, Vitamin | Professional mixing | | Diamond (~$250 sale) | Horizon + J37, Kramer Tape, Manny series, Ovox | Producers & beatmakers |
Do not buy at full price. Waves puts everything on sale for 70–80% off every few weeks.
Jack Joseph Puig’s personal Pultec. Use the famous "low-end trick": Boost the low frequency, then attenuate the low frequency simultaneously. It creates a huge, round bass. Best for: Kick drum and 808s.
H-Delay is a hybrid delay that models vintage bucket-brigade devices. It offers analog saturation, a low-pass filter in the feedback path (to darken repeats), and modulation for chorus effects. What makes it the best? The "Ping Pong" mode and the ability to sync to host tempo instantly. For slapback echo on vocals or rhythmic delays on synths, H-Delay is faster and warmer than FabFilter Timeless. Before you buy, you need to know about
The glue of thousands of hit records. Waves’ version of the SSL 4000G bus comp is legendary. Set it to 4:1, 30ms release, and grab the threshold until the meter kisses -3dB. Best for: Your mix bus.
RBass is a "psychoacoustic" processor. It adds harmonics to low-end frequencies so that small speakers (laptops, phones, airpods) perceive deep bass, even if they cannot reproduce 40Hz. On kick drums, bass guitars, or 808s, one instance of RBass set to 60-90Hz will transform your low-end translation. It is simple, effective, and irreplaceable.