Mastering for Electronic Music

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Author: Ilpo Karkkainen

The Best Bus Compressor Plugins in 2025
My quest for the best mix bus compressor plugin is neverending. I have spent countless of hours reviewing and testing different plugins. Here are my picks for the best bus compressor plugins in 2025.

There are a lot of plugins covered in this article and related video so let’s address one question first up: Do you have to have so many? Of course not. I’ve accumulated a lot of plugins over the years. Many of them I’ve bought but I also get a lot of plugins for free. I make music, but I also do mixing and mastering work for others. I need different types of tools for different situations.

In this review, I’m presenting you the mix bus compressor plugins I like and use. But please do not feel like you need to have a ton of different plugins in order to get good results.

Think about your needs. What kind of sound you are looking to achieve? Take a look at what is available. Maybe your DAW already has one that works for you? Demo different products.

Are you consistently working with the same type of material? You might only ever need one good mix bus compressor plugin. In any case, the key is to test it for yourself.

Table of Contents – These Are The Best Bus Compressor Plugins in 2025

For your convenience, here is a list of all of the chosen plugins. Continue reading for the blog post and video below.
iZotope Ozone

iZotope Ozone offers great tools for mix bus compression. The added benefit is that besides the compressors you also get a whole host of super useful tools. The Standard version of Ozone works as a single plugin that hosts all the different modules. With the Advanced version, which is what I use, you can also use all of the modules as separate plugins.

The standard and advanced versions of Ozone come with two different compression modules that are both great for bus compression: Dynamics and Vintage Compressor.

The Dynamics Module

The Dynamics module is super flexible and sound great. It has that modern hard hitting sound that works especially well for electronic styles, but also other types of music.

For bus duty I like using Dynamics in single band mode. But you can have up to 4 bands if you wish.

The Vintage Module

The Vintage Compressor is a single band compressor with three characters: Sharp, Balanced and Smooth. They all sound different and great in their own right. The UI is super clean and nice to operate. The great metering section as well as auto make-up gain are very nice to have also.

iZotope Ozone Dynamics Tips
- Try running the Dynamics in Mid/Side mode. A whole new world opens up from there.
- Try the different detection modes (Peak, Env, RMS). They all result in a different sound.
- The detection filter is very versatile. The Tilt setting works similarly to Thrust control in the famous API 2500.
- Ozone offers great facilities for working with the gain. This helps to make better decisions and not cloud your judgment by volume differences. Make use of these facilities!
  - There is an auto-gain option above the “Gain” fader. I like to keep it on but then fine tune the gain manually.
  - The master section has a “Gain Match” option to further help you match the level of your processed signal to the unprocessed one.
  - The RMS meters will help you too, and it’s nice to have precise input and ouput gain faders in the master section too.
Link: iZotope Ozone

FabFilter Pro-C2

A true all in one workhorse. The Fabfilter Pro-C2 has a ton of options including an extremely featured sidechain filtering section. It has several different compression modes including Bus, but also Clean and Mastering which can also work equally well in a bus compression context.

It has great metering and visual feedback which is especially helpful for someone just trying to learn about compression. A great learning tool! The Pro-C2 has switchable oversampling of up to 4x.

You can do just about anything with this plugin, which is also its downside. Personally I often rather reach for something quick and easy that I know will get the job done without too much tweaking. That said, the Fabfilter Pro-C2 comes with good presets for mastering and mix bus that will get you going in no time.

Link: FabFilter Pro-C2

UAD Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection

The UAD Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection is one of the finest emulations of vintage tube limiters on the market. The plugin imparts silky warmth and harmonic richness on the material.

If you’re looking to add a touch of vintage magic to their mixes, this compressor delivers just that.

Link: UAD Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection

Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

The Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain includes several nice tools for the mix bus. But for this article, let’s just focus on the wonderfully chunky compressor/limiter. If you want to read more about it, check my blog posts about The Best Waves Plugins and The Best Waves Plugins for Mastering.

The TG Mastering Chain has been in use in the Abbey Road studios ever since the early ’70s. It has contributed to the sound of countless hit records, including Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, Nirvana’s In Utero, Radiohead’s OK Computer and Ed Sheeran’s “+”.

The compressor on the TG Mastering Chain sounds chunky and has lots of character. It has three modes to choose from, each bringing a different flavor:
- Original
- Modern
- Limit
There are six different settings for release time, a ratio control, make-up gain and a wet/dry mix knob. By opening up the extended control panel, you also get access to separate controls for L/R or Mid/Side compression as well as very nice sidechain filtering options.

The compression sounds smooth, solid and deep. It brings together the low end of the song and makes it sound stronger. The different release characteristics and compression modes offer plenty of options for finding just the right timing for the material. It is easy to get very pleasant movement and pumping action going if that’s what you desire.

Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain Tips
- Personally I find myself going with the “Modern” compression mode most of the time. It works the best with the type of material I usually work with.
- The Mid/Side option on this compressor is great to have. You can use it to get the center of your mix really tight without having to worry about the compressor reacting to/affecting the material on the sides of the stereo image. Equally, you could use it to clamp down or widen the stereo field. Open the extended panel (top right corner of the compression module) and learn to make use of the M/S features!
- Learn to use the sidechain filtering options. The bell filter is especially nice to have for making the compressor react more on certain frequencies. The M/S functionality and the powerful sidechaining together bump up this compressor to a new level.
- The output/monitoring section of the plugin has options for soloing the Mid and Side components of the material, as well as checking how your mix sounds in mono. Very helpful, especially when doing Mid/Side compression!
- Remember to work with the makeup gain to keep your levels in check. You don’t want your compressed end result sounding any quieter or louder than your unprocessed signal. This makes it easier to do before/after comparisons.
Link: Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

Waves SSL G-Master Bus Compressor

The Waves SSL G-Master Bus Compressor is a classic plugin, modeled after a classic compressor. This SSL bus compressor clone has been around for a long time but I find it still holds up nicely. There is nothing wrong with it, it can be had for a great price and it works in many situations.

I typically use this to create just a small amount of movement in the mix, barely making the needle move.

What I also like about the Waves SSL bus compressor clone is that it’s very quick and easy to dial in and get a good sound going. I would not recommend paying the expensive full price for it because it’s very often discounted.

Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor Tips
- This compressor does not have a mix knob so be careful with the fast attack settings. You don’t want to kill your transients. Attack settings of 10 or 30ms are the safest.
- Adjust the release time so that the compression moves nicely in sync with your material, creating movement or glue.
- For a more aggressive sound, bring down the attack and use a faster release time.
Link: Waves SSL G-Master Bus Compressor

Waves MaxxVolume

Don’t be fooled by the ageing looks of Waves MaxxVolume. This plugin can do some seriously good things on your mix bus. It’s very easy to operate and gives you clean loudness and glue on the mix bus.

The Waves MaxxVolume is quite a unique plugin in that it offers both low and high-level compression. It brings together algorithms from different Waves plugins such as the L2, C1 and Renaissance Compressor.

In a standard compression setting, any signal above the set threshold gets compressed and attenuated. With a low level compressor, any signal that goes below the set threshold gets compressed upward, resulting in an increased gain. The dynamic range is thus compressed, pushing low levels up while leaving high levels as they were.

This is a set and forget type plugin. It’s very easy to dial in and quite safe provided you don’t go crazy with the gain reduction.

Waves MaxxVolume Tips
- I typically do only 1-2 dB of both high and low-level compression on the mix bus. This is enough to give me a nice boost in overall volume without changing the character of the mix much.
- Use the bypass switches on the threshold faders to hear the difference between processed and unprocessed signals.
Link: Waves MaxxVolume

u-he Presswerk

The U-He Presswerk is a compressor with lots of options. It is great for someone who likes to go deep. It sounds very analog, especially when you start to hit the saturation and soft clipping the right way. It’s also very easy to go overboard with this compressor.

The Presswerk has tons and tons of controls, and it’s all very useful. This plugin is a lot of fun to play around with! It also has several simplified modes that hide and automate many of the detailed controls and allow you to focus on what’s essential. The preset manager is very good too, complete with descriptions and a resizable GUI.

If you’re after a thick and gluey analog-type sound, definitely check this compressor out.

Link: U-He Presswerk

Tokyo Dawn Labs Kotelnikov GE

Now, I’m first to admit that I’m biased with this one. I have been involved with beta testing the TDR Kotelnikov GE. I’ve also been releasing a lot of music on Tokyo Dawn Records (the label) back in the 90’s! So I go a long way back – almost 30 years – with Tokyo Dawn. However, it also means I know that Tokyo Dawn Labs guys know what they’re doing.

The Kotelnikov GE is a super modern and transparent compressor for mastering and mix bus duties. It is inspired by the legendary Weiss DS1-MK3 compressor, but doesn’t attempt to sound the same.

It has a whole host of innovative features including things like equal loudness bypass and frequency-dependent ratio.

It’s an advanced plugin to use and because of the unique feature set, there is a learning curve. But all the information is clearly laid out for you in the interface as well as the manual.

Proudly digital, very trustworthy, great quality and affordable. Plus it comes with some presets designed by me! What more do you want may I ask?

Link: TDR Kotelnikov GE

TDR Limiter 6 GE

TDR Limiter 6 GE is an entire dynamics toolkit comprising of compressors, clippers, and limiters. I often use it for the purpose of mix bus compression alone. You can hide the other modules and just have the compression and output/metering sections visible.

The compression section includes five different compressors: Alpha, Sigma, Leveler, Nova, and Broadcast. For the type of music I often work with (modern drum&bass), Sigma works great.

I also love the excellent output and metering options. They are making the task at hand a lot easier.

Link: TDR Limiter 6 GE

UAD API 2500

The UAD API 2500 is modeled after one the most iconic compressors out there. It’s a great compressor to get some thickness, movement, and glue into your mix.

What about Waves API 2500 vs UAD API 2500? I’ve used both plugins extensively. My take is that the UAD sounds more analog and feels better in use, but the Waves plugin sounds more punchy. I have not been able to get the same kind of smack from the UAD. But for glue type compression, more nuanced analog modeling and overall better user experience, I would go for the UAD.

Link: UAD API 2500

The Best Bus Compressor Plugins – Video

Here is a video where I go through some of these compressors (and a few more) in a typical work setting!

The Best Bus Compressor Plugins in 2025 – Final Words

There we go – a review of what I think are the best bus compressor VST / AU / AAX plugins. What are your thoughts? Do you have some different favorites? Do you have any questions about any of the plugins?

Let me know in the comments.
August 17, 2024
The Best Waves Plugins for Mastering 2025
Mastering is the art of turning a mix into a polished, release-ready product. With 15 years of professional mastering experience and over 20 years of using and following Waves plugins, I’ve honed my understanding of which Waves tools are the best for mastering and mixing. Waves Audio offers an extensive range of plugins, often at great prices, but their vast catalog can be overwhelming with many overlapping options.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the best Waves mastering plugins for 2025—plugins that have proven their worth over time. I’ve also included practical tips on how to use them effectively in your mastering chain. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this guide will help you make the most of your Waves plugins.

Each plugin I recommend is one I’ve bought with my own hard earn money. Please note that this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click a product link and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog going and my coffee cup full!

Now, let’s dive into my review of the best Waves mastering plugins in 2025.

What are the best Waves plugins for Mastering in 2025?

Before we move on to the detailed reviews, here is the full list of my recommendations, with quick links to jump into the detailed reviews and tips.

These are the best Waves plugins for mastering:
Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ

Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ is overall the best Waves EQ plugin for mastering. It’s a clean and super versatile minimum phase tool for precise EQ adjustments and dynamic processing.

Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ Tips for Mastering:
- Use the “Solo” button to accurately hone in on the frequencies you want to target.
- With a short attack time, an EQ band can boost/reduce transients very effectively. This can be used to control punch in mastering context. With a longer attack time, the plugin sounds more transparent.
Link: Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ

Waves L2 Ultramaximizer

The Waves L2 Ultramaximizer has been a staple in my studio since the 2000s.

At its core, the Waves L2 Ultramaximizer combines peak limiting, level maximization, and dithering, all in one user-friendly package.

Back in the 2000s, the L2 was the plugin of choice for mastering engineers, helping to define the sound of that era. While it’s certainly not the most transparent limiter by today’s standards, its unique sonic character is precisely why many engineers still reach for it.

The Waves L2 Ultramaximizer has stood the test of time. While newer, more transparent options are available, the L2’s distinctive sound continues to be cherished by many engineers.

Waves L2 Ultramaximizer Tips for Mastering:
- The Adaptive Release Control (ARC) offers a more transparent sound, but for creative effects like pumping or intentional distortion, try switching to manual release control.
- A favorite trick of mine is to run the L2 in dual mono mode, which can noticeably widen the stereo image and add depth to your mix.
Link: Waves L2 Ultramaximizer

Waves C6 Multiband Compressor

The Waves C6 Multiband Compressor is a reliable and versatile friend for mastering. It offers dynamic compression, expansion and EQ across six frequency bands, allowing you to address specific frequencies independently.

Key features include four fixed bands and two floating bands, sidechain capabilities for external triggering, and a user-friendly paragraphic interface.

It’s a dependable plugin that has earned its place in many professionals’ toolkits, and comes in much more affordable than many of its competitors.

If you’re wondering whether you should be using the Waves C6 or the Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor, keep reading! I’ll dive into the differences and specifics of when to use each in the Linear Phase Multiband section.

Waves C6 Tips for Mastering:
- Control Low-End Dynamics: Apply multiband compression to the low-end to manage bass frequencies that can be overpowering on certain playback systems.
- De-Essing: The C6 can double as a de-esser by targeting the sibilant frequencies in the upper mids, providing transparent sibilance control.
- Optimize Attack and Release Times: Adjust attack and release times to match the tempo and characteristics of your audio material, balancing transient control and punch, or aggression and smoothness in compression.
- Use Opto Mode for Transparent Compression: Switch to Opto mode for natural and musical compression on sensitive material like vocals or the master buss, emulating classic optical compressors for smooth, transparent results.
- Monitor Gain Reduction: Watch the gain reduction meters and the Dynamic Line display to ensure you’re not over-compressing, allowing for more informed adjustments.
Link: Waves C6 Multiband Compressor

Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor

This is one of my secret weapons! The good old Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor still more than holds its own in the competition. Don’t let the archaic looks deceive you. I think the GUI is actually very clear and functional once you start working with it.

Linear phase technology is great for preserving punch in your music. A transient contains lots of different frequencies happening at the same exact time. A typical non-linear filter shifts each of these frequencies differently in time, smearing the transients. This plugin doesn’t do that.

The Linear Phase Multiband Compressor is very well tuned for mastering purposes. It has good precise controls. It sounds great and does what you want with minimal fuss. It is also extremely cost-effective (wait for the discount) for the quality of processing that you get.

Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor Tips for Mastering:
- ARC for easy natural results: The Adaptive Release control tends to result effortlessly in natural and transparent sounding results. But you always have the manual release control if you need something different.
- Try it for transient recovery: I also like to use this plugin as a transient recovery tool (sadly a lot of premasters I get are squashed lifeless). This can be achieved by setting a positive range value in the desired bands. If you need lots of snap, go for a short attack time.
- Soft vs Hard knee: Changing the knee setting completely transforms how the compressor responds. Soft knee sounds nice and smooth where has the hard knee gets aggressive – perfect for sharp transient shaping for instance.
- Read the manual: The LinMB utilizes several specialized techniques to achieve great fidelity. The manual is superb and explains everything in a very educational way. Make sure to read it (and yes, it’s long, which I really appreciate)!
Waves C6 Multiband Compressor vs Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor

The Waves C6 Multiband Compressor and Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor are both valuable tools in mastering, each suited for different tasks due to their unique processing characteristics.

Key Differences

The Waves C6 Multiband Compressor uses minimum phase processing, which can introduce some phase distortion. This compressor excels at addressing specific, precise issues in a mix, such as taming resonances, controlling dynamic elements like vocals, or tightening the low end. The phase distortion is often negligible in these scenarios, making the C6 ideal for surgical adjustments without affecting the mix’s overall tonal balance.

In contrast, the Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor avoids phase distortion altogether but can introduce time distortion, particularly in the form of pre-ringing. This makes it perfect for broad, smooth, and gentle tonal shaping, where preserving the natural stereo image is crucial. While pre-ringing can be an issue with more aggressive settings (especially in the low end), it’s not a problem if you understand what you’re doing.

When to Use Each
- Waves C6: Best for tackling specific issues within the mix, like resonances or dynamic inconsistencies, where precise control is necessary, or you need to go in harder.
- Waves Linear Phase Multiband: Ideal for smooth, transparent shaping of the overall sound, particularly when maintaining phase coherence and stereo imaging is important.
Link: Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor

Vitamin Sonic Enhancer

Sometimes there is a need to reach for some color and mojo. The Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer is designed for this purpose. It’s a multi-band harmonic enhancer that also can add some subtle punch and work with the stereo image.

I’ve always liked the sound of Vitamin. It’s silky smooth with just a hint of underlying aggression and edge lurking in there. For mastering this is usually exactly what you want. I like the way the controls are designed and presented. Vitamin is a joy to work with.

Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer Tips for Mastering:
- If you want to make your low-end mono, you can do that with Vitamin. Just dial the stereo width of the “Lo” band to zero.
- You can turn down the “Direct” fader completely to hear only the processing added by Vitamin. This is very useful.
- Watch the input and output meters. Match levels using the output gain to make better judgments.
Link: Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer

Waves Center

If you’re not used to mid-side programming, Waves Center gives you an easy and effective way to approach it.

Center allows you to take control of your stereo image in some interesting ways. The two big faders allow you to set the relation between “Center” (or mid) and “Sides” (side) content. The “Low” and “High” knobs balance the low and high-frequency content respectively between the middle and sides of the mix. The “Punch” dial then focuses the transient content of the material more to the middle, or the sides.

It’s a deceptively simple set of controls. Yet Center packs a lot of power to shape the impact of the material.

Waves Center Tips for Mastering:
- Center is a subtle plugin. When looking for the right settings, turn down the “Center” and “Sides” faders in turns and tweak the controls at the top. That way it will be much easier to hear what is going on.
- For emphasizing punch, try focusing “Low” and “Punch” towards the center.
- For simple widening or narrowing of the stereo image, all you need to do is to push the “Sides” fader up or down.
Link: Waves Center

Waves S1 Stereo Imager

The S1 Stereo Imager is, of course, a classic of the classics. And it is just as relevant today as it was 25 years ago. The S1 is a toolset that allows you to enhance, readjust and fix issues in the stereo image. It relies on well recognized, non-destructive engineering principles in its design. It won’t produce unwanted side effects, which is crucial in mastering work.

Beyond simple widening or narrowing of the stereo image, S1 can for example fix asymmetrical mixes. You can re-balance the left and right components without affecting the position of the center image. Alternatively, the center image could be shifted left or right without affecting the sides.

Waves S1 Stereo Imager Tips for Mastering:
- Enhance Width: Use the S1 to subtly widen the stereo image, making the mix feel more expansive and open. Be careful to avoid excessive widening, which can lead to phase issues.
- Correct Imbalances: If the stereo image feels lopsided, use the S1 to correct any imbalances between the left and right channels, ensuring a balanced and cohesive sound.
- Focus the Center: If the mix feels weak because it’s too wide, you can narrow the stereo image to focus central elements like vocals and bass, making them more prominent in the mix.
- Use the Shuffle feature to safely add dimension in the lower end of the frequency spectrum. The “Freq” control defines the frequency below which the effect is applied. Shuffle is fully phase compensated so it won’t cause problems with mono compatibility.
- Using Shuffle can cause the mix to lose some perceived weight because the low-end frequencies are being distributed over a wider area. Not to worry! The “Bass trim” control is included to compensate for that, and it works great.
- Rotate the Image: The S1’s rotation feature allows you to shift the stereo image, which can be useful for correcting spatial issues or creating a unique stereo effect in your master.
Link: Waves S1 Stereo Imager

Waves API-2500

The Waves API-2500 compressor is an emulation of the classic API unit, known for its punchy and musical sound. It’s a versatile compressor that can add character and glue to your mix during mastering.

There are newer and more expensive models of this compressor available today from other companies, and I’ve tried most of them. For me this Waves version holds its own and is definitely the most punchy one that I have tried. Run a shootout and let me know in the comments what you think!

Waves API-2500 Tips for Mastering:
- Ultimate Punch: Try a Hard Knee, Loud Thrust, New Type setting with 30ms attack and .05 Release for big punch. Experiment with Ratio and set to your liking. Careful not to overdo it in mastering though!
- Parallel Compression: If you do end up going in very hard, the mix control allows you to easily blend the dry signal back in to find the right balance.
- Tone Shaping: The can help preserve low-end energy or add brightness, depending on your needs.
- Analog or digital: For mastering applications, I quite often like to turn off the Analog switch. This still gives the dynamic action that I want from this compressor, but with less coloration.
Link: Waves API-2500

Waves Linear Phase EQ

The Waves Linear Phase EQ is a transparent equalizer that is a go-to tool for mastering engineers who often want to avoid introducing phase distortion.

The downside of linear phase processing is that it can introduce pre-ringing, a type of artifact where a sound appears to play slightly before its actual onset. This effect becomes more pronounced with stronger processing, and it’s typically more noticeable in the low frequencies.

It’s important to choose a right tool for each job. Pre-ringing won’t be a significant issue once you understand how linear phase processing works and how to adjust the plugin’s setting settings accordingly.

Waves Linear Phase EQ Tips for Mastering:

The Method setting affects the plugin’s accuracy and offers three different options: Normal, Accurate, and Low Ripple. A good way to approach these is to first get your EQ filters dialed in, and then switch between the different Method settings to see which one you like best.
- Accurate Method: The most precise filtering. This method is best for tasks requiring precision but may introduce audible coloration.
- Normal Method: A compromise between filter accuracy and coloration.
- Low Ripple Method: Useful for avoiding audible coloration but at the cost of less precise filtering.
Link: Waves Linear Phase EQ

Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

The Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain models the vintage EMI TG12410 Transfer Console used in all of the Abbey Road mastering suites ever since the ’70s. It was used on many legendary albums, such as Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, Nirvana’s In Utero, Radiohead’s OK Computer and Ed Sheeran’s “+” to name a few.

The plugin has several different sections including filters, EQ, compression and stereo widening. The sections can be switched on/off and you can change the order of the processing.

There is a small learning curve involved with the Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain. Especially if you’re not used to operating older analog equipment (or plugins modeled of them). The nature of some of the controls (particularly on the compressor) is not instantly obvious. The silver lining is that this plugin forces you to listen carefully and make decisions based on what you are hearing. That is a good thing in my books.

The reason I included this plugin here is simply because I love how it sounds. I am especially fond of the compressor. It’s very good for adding thickness and glue or creating subtle pumping movement. It has fantastic Mid-Side and sidechaining options, which make it a lot more versatile than it may seem at the first glance. Depending on the sound you’re looking for, it could be the best Waves compressor for mastering.

The stereo widener on the TG Mastering Chain can also sound amazing with the right material. The EQ is good too – vibey and quick to get good results with.

Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain Tips for Mastering:
- You can expand the modules to get more functionality. Click the little switch on the top right corner of each module. Easy to miss!
- Spend some time getting to know the different modes of the compressor. Try it with different kinds of material. Also works great on individual tracks or group buses.
- The plugin sounds quite rich and it’s easy to get carried away and do too much. Look out for that, because mastering is all about subtle enhancements!
- Work with the output gain so that the output of the plugin stays as loud as the bypassed signal. This will make it much easier for you to compare before/after results.
Link: Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is a digital recreation of the legendary SSL G Series console’s bus compressor. It’s famous for its ability to glue a mix together, providing punch and cohesion.

It’s a great tool to use for subtle pumping movement or glue compression. Besides the master bus, it can also work great on drums. If you don’t have a compressor like this yet and can grab this for a good price, the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is a good asset to have in your arsenal.

Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor Tips for Mastering:
- Glue the Mix: Use the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor with a low ratio and slow attack to create that famous “glue” effect, bringing the mix together without losing its dynamic range.
- Set the Threshold Carefully: Adjust the threshold so that the compressor is only applying 1-2 dB of gain reduction, which gives you subtle but effective compression.
- Auto Release for Consistency: Use the Auto release setting for a consistent response across different parts of the track. This maintains a smooth and natural sound.
- Enhance the Punch: Set a slow enough attack time to allow the transients to pass through. This setting preserves the punch of drums and percussive elements while controlling the overall dynamics.
Link: Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

FAQ

What are the best waves plugins for mastering?

The following Waves plugins are great for mastering:
Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ
Waves L2 Ultramaximizer
Waves C6 Multiband Compressor
Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor
Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer
Waves Center
Waves S1
Waves API-2500
Waves Linear Phase EQ
Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain
Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

What plugins should I use for mastering?
The basic types of tools in mastering include EQs, single-band and multiband compressors, stereo image processors, transient shapers and limiters.

Mastering is a very delicate process and it’s easy to ruin your music if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s best to adopt a “less is more” approach when it comes to mastering plugins.

How do I install my Waves plugins?
1. Download and install the Waves Central application from Waves.
2. Launch Waves Central and log in with your Waves account details if prompted.
3. Select “Install products” from the navigation.
4. Select “My products” to view the plugins you’ve purchased.
5. Select the plugin you wish to install and click “Install and activate”.

How do I uninstall Waves plugins?
1. Download and install the Waves Central application from Waves.
2. Launch Waves Central and log in with your Waves account details if prompted.
3. Select “Settings” from the navigation.
4. Go to “Maintenance”. You’ll find the uninstall options there.

Best Waves Mastering Plugins 2025 – Conclusion

What do you think? Any further questions about these plugins? Let me know in the comments section and I’ll get back to you.

For further reading, you may also want to check my broader post about best Waves plugins: The Best Waves Plugins in 2025.
August 15, 2024
Backblaze Review 2025 – The Best Online Backup Service
As a professional music producer and mastering engineer, I’ve learned the hard way how critical it is to have a robust data backup solution in place.

Yeah – I used to do my backups manually, messed up and lost a lot of data in a hard drive crash. I decided to never let that happen again. I did extensive research to figure out the best cloud backup service, and ended up with Backblaze.

That was over 10 years back, and ever since I’ve remained a loyal paying Backblaze customer. I use it to back up all my drives to the cloud. It’s affordable, reliable, and super effortless to use. I think Backblaze is without doubt the best cloud backup for personal use – but not only that. It’s probably also the best online backup for business.

In this review of Backblaze, I’ll share my experiences and insights into why it might just be the best online backup solution for you as well.

Table of Contents: Backblaze Review 2025 – The Best Online Backup Service
- What is Backblaze?
  - Unlimited Backup Space and Bandwidth
  - Simplicity and Ease of Use
  - Version History and File Recovery
- How does Backblaze work?
  - Restoring backups
- What Makes the Best Online Backup Service?
  - 1. Data Security
  - 2. Reliability
  - 3. Ease of Use
  - 4. Accessibility
  - 5. Cost
- Cloud Backup Solutions for Small Business
  - Centralized Backup Management
  - Affordable and Scalable Business Backup Solutions
- Is Backblaze Worth It?
- Backblaze Review 2024: Conclusion
- Backblaze Review – FAQ
What Is Backblaze?

Backblaze is a cost-effective online backup service. It offers:
- Unlimited storage space and bandwidth
- Affordable pricing
- Free version history and file recovery
- Strong encryption and security
- Great accessibility
- Wonderful ease of use (set it and forget it)
I’ve relied on Backblaze for over a decade to handle my online backups. As someone who constantly works with large audio files and project archives, I need a service that can handle the demands of my profession without breaking the bank. For me it’s the best cloud backup for mac and works on PC just as well.

Unlimited Backup Space and Bandwidth

Backblaze offers unlimited backup space, allowing me to back up multiple large drives without storage limits or extra fees. That makes is the best online backup for photographers, videographers, and audio professionals – anyone dealing with lots of large files. You won’t have to worry about exceeding storage limits or paying extra fees for additional space.

Simplicity and Ease of Use

Backblaze is incredibly easy to set up and use, automatically backing up everything without the need for manual adjustments or having to remember to do something.

This simplicity is crucial for me. I know from experience that if a backup requires manual work from me, it won’t happen as needed. And at that point, it isn’t really a backup anymore, right?

Version History and File Recovery

Backblaze’s version history feature has saved me on more than one occasion. This feature is crucial for recovering deleted or older file versions. Backblaze provides 30 days of version history by default.

Here’s a tip for you though! You can extend the version history to 1 year for free! You just have to go select that in your account settings.

Indefinite version history is available for an extra cost. Useful for businesses that need to comply with data retention policies, or if you just want an unlimited, cloud-based time machine for all your data.

Recovering files via the web or mobile interfaces is effortless and doesn’t cost anything. You can select what files to recover, or download full backups if you wish.

How does Backblaze work?

My Backblaze control panel

Backblaze works silently in the background. Setting it up couldn’t be easier. The client is very lightweight. By default Backblaze backs up everything on your computer. You can add your external drives, too.

You can customize scheduling, bandwidth, exclusions, and other settings, but for me, the default automatic setup, which provides continuous backup, has been perfect.

In over 10 years, I’ve only had to select which drives to back up. It has never clogged up my slow internet connection, either. It intelligently adjusts the bandwidth it uses according to what else is going on.

I love how invisible Backblaze is. It just works. Most of the time, I forget it’s even there, which is exactly what you would expect from the best online computer backup. It only interrupts me if something is actually wrong (like if one of my drives is offline and hasn’t been backed up).

I’ve had zero problems with Backblaze in the 10+ years that I’ve used it. That is why I am so happy to recommend it to anyone.

Restoring backups

Downloading files via the web application is free. You can download individual files directly or select multiple files or folders to restore in zip format. There is also a iOS/Android app which allows you to grab files using your phone or tablet.

Alternatively you could have your data sent to you anywhere in the world via FedEx on a USB drive. This costs but you can send the drive back within 30 days to get your money back.

What Makes the Best Online Backup Service?

In my books, an online backup program must meet four essential criteria to qualify as the best online backup service.

1. Data Security

Backblaze architecture, physical security and certifications are top-notch. Files scheduled for backup are encrypted on your machine using AES military grade encryption. There’s a lot more to it – you can read more about it here. Backblaze offers peace of mind that your data is safe and secure.

2. Reliability

Backblaze operates with a focus on uptime and reliability. The data centers are located in stable geographic regions, away from natural disaster zones, and feature 24/7/365 staff, biometric security, and redundant power supplies. In my over 10 years of using Backblaze, I’ve never had a problem with the service.

3. Ease of Use

A lesson I’ve learned is that a backup system must be as simple and automated as possible for it to be effective. Backblaze is exactly that. It only takes a couple of minutes to set up and after that you never really have to touch it.

4. Accessibility

One of the key advantages of online backup is the ability to access your data from anywhere and anytime. Backblaze makes this easy with its web application. You can download files directly or even order a physical copy of your data on a USB drive via FedEx if needed. The iOS and Android apps also provide access to your backups.

4. Cost

One of the biggest drawbacks of many online backup services is their steep pricing. It quickly adds up. Many cloud backup services charge high fees for limited storage, and then charge extra for additional space.

The Backblaze pricing stands out. It’s affordable and easy to understand, without sacrificing essential features. Honestly, it kind of beats me how they do this.

This affordability, combined with the robust security and functionality, makes Backblaze the best online backup and storage.

Cloud Backup Solutions for Small Business

When it comes to online backup solutions for small business, Backblaze is a great option. Small businesses typically cannot afford enterprise-level solutions, but Backblaze does deliver enterprise-grade security that is extremely cost effective.

If you’re running a one person business like I am, then Backblaze personal backup might be all you ever need.

If you need a solution for backing up more systems, that is where Backblaze for Business comes in.

Centralized Backup Management

Backblaze offers a Business Backup plan that includes centralized management features. It allows IT administrators to manage backups for multiple employees, so that all critical business data is securely backed up.

No matter if you’re dealing with Veeam, NAS, or server backups, Backblaze provides a business cloud backup solution that integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

Affordable and Scalable Business Backup Solutions

The Backblaze pricing model is very competitive. It’s a super attractive option for businesses looking for an online backup solutions that can scale while keeping the costs at bay.

With the ability to back up unlimited data, businesses can grow without worrying about outgrowing their backup solution.

Is Backblaze Worth It?

I think Backblaze is great value for my money and definitely the best online back up service for most people and businesses. You’ll be hard pressed to find another service that offers so much for the price.

Whether you’re looking for the best cloud backup for personal home use, small business, or remote work, Backblaze offers a great combination of features, security, reliability, and ease of use for a very affordable price.

Backblaze Review 2025: Conclusion

Backblaze offers easy, low cost online backups and version history with unlimited space and bandwidth. It gives me great peace of mind to know that my data is constantly being backed up securely, without me having to ever think about it.

After using Backblaze for more than a decade, I can confidently say it’s the best online back up service I have come across. It’s been absolutly worth it and I recommend it without hesitation.

The unlimited backup space, affordable pricing, ease of use, and strong security features make it excellent value for money.

Link: Backblaze

Backblaze Review – FAQ

Where is Backblaze located?

Backblaze is a public U.S. company with headquarters in San Mateo, California (Silicon Valley) and additional locations in Arizona and the Netherlands.

Where are Backblaze servers located?

The Backblaze data center is located near Sacramento, California. There is 24-hour staff, biometric security and redundant power. According to Backblaze, it’s one of the most stable geographic locations in California and is outside of earthquake fault zones and flood plains. The data center location also has a low risk for tornadoes.

How Backblaze works?

After installing the software on your Mac or Windows computer, Backblaze begins backing up. By default, it will back up your entire computer (with the exception of some system files).

After the initial backup, Backblaze will automatically back up any new data or existing data when it’s changed.

By default you get 30 days of version history for retrieving old versions or deleted files.

What is Backblaze B2?

B2 is a cloud storage service for hosting your files online. It is a separate service from Backblaze online backup, but the two can work together.

Can Backblaze backup external drives?

Yes, Backblaze can back up as many drives as you like as long as they’re connected to your computer.

Can I switch Backblaze to a different computer?

Yes. And if you’ve transferred your data from one computer to another, there is a function to have your new computer inherit your existing online backup. This way you avoid re-uploading everything. I recently did this and it worked great.

Is Backblaze safe?

There are always risks involved in anything, but from what I can gather the security is top notch. I don’t worry about trusting my data with them. I still do a local backup of my system as well, so that I’m covered if the internet connection goes down.
August 11, 2024
Best Waves Plugins 2025
As a seasoned music producer and mastering engineer, I’ve been using and following Waves plugins for decades.

Whether you’re searching for the best Waves plugins for vocals, mastering, or specific instruments, Waves offers a plethora of options to suit your needs. But there lies the problem – there are so many plugins, it can get overwhelming!

In this article I’ll share my thoughts on the top Waves plugins across various categories, including the best Waves plugins for mastering, vocals, drums, electronic music, and mixing.

My goal is to help you navigate the Waves Audio catalog and enhance your music production workflow. Let’s dive in and explore the plugins that can really help take your sound to the next level.

Table of Contents – Best Waves Plugins 2025

These are the best Waves plugins in 2025.
- Best Waves Plugins for Vocals
- Best Waves Plugins for Mastering
- Best Waves Plugins for Drums
- Best Waves Plugins for Electronic Music
- Best Waves Mixing Plugins
- Best Waves Bundle
  - Waves Gold
  - Waves Mercury
Considerations

Before diving into the review, here are a few pointers:
- Value for Money: Waves plugins often come with great discounts. I recommend waiting for these discounts rather than buying at full price. You can also check out my blog post about making buying decisions.
- Testing: This review highlights the plugins that stand out to me. Please conduct your own testing to find what works best for you.
- Credentials: Drawing on my 28 years of music production experience and 15 years in professional mastering, I’ve crafted this review from a seasoned perspective, focusing on what will work best for most people.
- This post contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps keep the blog afloat and me caffeinated enough to continue creating good content.
What are the best Waves plugins in 2024?

Best Waves Plugins for Vocals

Waves Tune

Waves Tune is a tool for natural sounding pitch correction and vocal tuning. It allows for precise adjustments, ensuring your vocals are perfectly in tune without sounding artificial. If you’re after the “Auto-Tune” effect, check Waves Tune Real-Time (coming up next).

Waves Tune Tips:
- Use the graphic editing mode for detailed pitch correction.
- Adjust the speed and note transition settings to achieve natural-sounding results.
Link: Waves Tune

Waves Tune Real-Time

Waves Tune Real-Time offers instant, zero latency pitch correction. It’s easy to use and perfect for maintaining pitch accuracy on the fly, or creating “the Auto-Tune effect”.

Waves Tune Real-Time Tips:
- The presets offer great starting points for different styles of correction.
- The “Quantized correction” preset will give you that Auto-Tune sound.
Link: Waves Tune Real-Time

Waves Harmony

Waves Harmony is a creative tool that generates vocal harmonies from a single vocal track. It’s perfect for adding depth and richness to your vocal arrangements.

Waves Harmony Tips:
- Experiment with different harmony presets to find the perfect blend for your track.
- Use the MIDI control feature to customize the harmony notes in real-time.
Link: Waves Harmony

Waves Vocal Rider

Waves Vocal Rider automatically adjusts the level of your vocals to ensure they sit perfectly in the mix, saving you hours of manual volume automation. It’s a classic and definitely a top Waves plugin!

Waves Vocal Rider Tips:
- Use the sidechain input to ensure the vocals stay prominent without clashing with other elements.
- Try putting Silk Vocal after the Vocal Rider plugin. It’s an effortless way into a modern vocal sound.
Link: Waves Vocal Rider

Waves Silk Vocal

Waves Silk Vocal is an intelligent EQ & dynamics processor, designed to remove boominess, harshness and sibilance from vocals. It automatically identifies resonances across 2000 bands.

Waves Silk Vocal Tips:
- Apply Silk Vocal subtly to retain the natural character of the vocals.
- Don’t forget the compressor! It’s perfectly tuned for vocals.
Link: Waves Silk Vocal

Waves Clarity Vx

Waves Clarity Vx is an AI powered tool that excels in removing background noise from vocal recordings. It’s great for music but also voiceovers, podcasts, and dialogue post-production.

Waves Clarity Vx Tips:
- Adjust the sensitivity to strike a balance between noise reduction and preserving vocal detail.
- Use the A/B comparison feature to ensure the processing doesn’t affect the vocal quality.
Links: Waves Clarity Vx

Waves Ovox Vocal Resynthesizer

Waves Ovox turns your voice into a versatile production tool. Explore chord generation, vocoding, pitch tuning, and more. Convert vocals to MIDI or synthesize drums and bass.

Waves Ovox Vocal Resynthesizer Tips:
- Explore the presets for ideas – there are over 500!
- Use Ovox to convert your voice to MIDI in real-time, and send MIDI to any instrument.
Link: Waves Ovox Vocal Resynthesizer

Best Waves Plugins for Mastering

Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain is a model of a vintage mastering console from the 70’s which is still being used today. It sounds awesome and is fun to use. The EQ is smooth, the compressor is solid and snappy, and the stereo widener is beautiful in small doses.

Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain Tips:
- Hit the switch on the top right corner of each module for extended functionality.
- You can get many different behaviors out of the compressor. Spend some time with it to learn how it performs with different types of material.
Link: Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

Waves C6 Multiband Compressor

The Waves C6 Multiband Compressor allows for precise dynamic control across different frequency bands, making it ideal for mastering.

Waves C6 Multiband Compressor Tips:
- When mixing, utilize the external sidechain feature to make the C6 respond to other elements of the mix, such as ducking the background vocals when the lead vocal enters.
- You can change the behavior of the compression by choosing between Electro and Opto settings.
Links: Waves C6 Multiband Compressor

Waves Center

Waves Center is one of the best Waves mastering plugins. It allows you to adjust the center and sides of your stereo mix, perfect for mastering. You can push the bass to the center, widen the stereo image, or enhance the punch in the center or sides, and so on.

Waves Center Tips:
- To emphasize punch and impact in a full mix, try directing “Low” and “Punch” towards the center.
- For simple widening or narrowing of the stereo image, adjust the “Sides” fader up or down.
Link: Waves Center

Waves L2 Ultramaximizer

Waves L2 Ultramaximizer is a legendary Waves mastering plugin. In the 2000s, the L2 was the go-to plugin of its kind, shaping the unique sound of that period. Although it’s a transparent limiter by today’s standards, this very trait is what many users now find appealing. It’s light on the CPU and low latency, so you can use it on individual tracks, too.

Waves L2 Ultramaximizer Tips:
- The Adaptive Release Control (ARC) tends to be more transparent, while different effects from pumping to distortion can be achieved with manual release control.
- One of my fav tricks is to set the L2 up in dual mono and hear the stereo image open up!
Link: Waves L2 Ultramaximizer

Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer

Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer is a multiband harmonic enhancer that adds warmth, clarity, and presence to your mix. It sounds very good and is easy to operate. This is probably the best Waves saturation plugin and without doubt one of the best Waves plugins for mastering. But it’s equally good for using on subgroups or individual tracks.

Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer Tips:
- The width control for each band offers fantastic control for your stereo image.
- You can turn down the “Direct” fader completely to hear only the processing added by Vitamin. This is very useful.
Link: Waves Vitamin Sonic Enhancer

Waves SSL Compressor

Waves SSL-G Master Buss Compressor is a classic tool for adding glue and cohesion to your master, ensuring a smooth and polished sound. It is probably the best Waves master compressor.

Waves SSL-G Master Buss Compressor Tips:
- For a classic setting, try ratio of 4:1, attack 30ms and auto release.
- It can be easier to discern and set the attack/release characteristics by momentarily cranking the threshold harder, then easing off once you’ve found the right settings.
Link: Waves SSL-G Master Buss Compressor

Best Waves Plugins for Drums

Waves Smack Attack

The Waves Smack Attack is a transient shaper that enhances the attack and sustain of your drum recordings, adding punch and definition.

Waves Smack Attack Tips:
- Use the Transient and Sustain controls to sculpt the attack and release of your drum hits.
- Experiment with the Sensitivity control to achieve the perfect balance between natural and processed sound.
Link: Waves Smack Attack

Waves CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter

Waves CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter is a versatile tool for adding punch and sustain to your drum tracks. Its fast attack and release times make it ideal for drums. It may also very well be the best Waves vocal compressor.

Tips:
- Use the “All Buttons In” mode for a distinctive, aggressive compression effect.
- Adjust the attack and release settings to control the transient response of your drums. 1 is the slowest setting while 7 is the fastest.
Link: Waves CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter

Waves API-2500

The Waves API-2500 is a powerful bus compressor that can add glue and punch to your drum bus, ensuring a cohesive and dynamic sound.

Waves API-2500 Tips:
- Experiment with the Thrust control to shape the overall tone of the compression.
- Use the different compressor modes (Soft, Medium, Hard) to find the best setting for your drum mix.
Link: Waves API-2500

Best Waves Plugins for Electronic Music

Waves Element

Waves Element is a powerful virtual analog synthesizer, perfect for creating rich, dynamic sounds in electronic music. It’s quite a beast and comes with over 400 of presets for instant inspiration.

Waves Element Tips:
- The “Punch” switch on the VCA can really give your bass patches some extra energy.
- I like creating polyrhythmic patterns with the sequencer. Set mode to “Sequence” and set the number of steps to your liking.
Link: Waves Element

Waves Space Rider

The Waves Space Rider is a creative reverb plugin designed to add depth and space to music.

Waves Space Rider Tips:
- Experiment with different reverb algorithms to find the perfect space for your track.
- Use the modulation features to add movement and complexity to the reverb tail.
Link: Waves Space Rider

Waves CR8 Creative Sampler

Waves CR8 Creative Sampler allows for versatile sample manipulation and creative sound design, perfect for electronic music. It comes with 2500 royalty-free samples and a free copy of the Cosmos Sample Finder.

Waves CR8 Creative Sampler Tips:
- Use the built-in effects and modulation options to transform your samples into unique sounds.
- Experiment with different sample layers and envelopes to create dynamic and evolving textures.
Link: Waves CR8 Creative Sampler

Waves Cosmos Sample Finder

Waves Cosmos Sample Finder is an AI-powered tool that helps you quickly find the perfect samples for your electronic music productions. It integrates seamlessly with the CR8 Creative Sampler plugin.

Waves Cosmos Sample Finder Tips:
- Use the tagging and search features to quickly locate samples that fit your project.
- Experiment with the similarity search to find variations and complementary samples.
Link: Waves Cosmos Sample Finder

Best Waves Mixing Plugins

Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ

Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ is the best Waves EQ plugin for mastering and mixing. It’s a clean and super versatile tool for precise EQ adjustments and dynamic processing.

Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ Tips:
- Use the “Solo” button to accurately hone in on the frequencies you want to target.
- With a short attack time, an EQ band can boost/reduce transients very effectively. It’s a great trick for working with drums. With a longer attack time, the plugin sounds more transparent.
Link: Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ

Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer

The Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer emulates the analog summing of classic mixing consoles, adding warmth and character to your mix.

Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer Tips:
- Experiment with the different console models to find the perfect analog vibe for your mix. My fav is using Mike on the channels and Spike on the bus. Open and crunchy!
- Use the drive control to add saturation and harmonic distortion.
Link: Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer

Waves NX Virtual Studio Collection

Waves NX models the acoustics of world-famous mixing rooms on any headphones. You can mix with 3D acoustic replications of Ocean Way Nashville, Chris Lord-Alge’s Mix L.A., and Germano Studios New York. Includes EQ correction curves for over 270 headphone models.

Waves NX Tips:
- Use NX to check your mix in different rooms to spot possible issues.
- Experiment with the head tracking feature for an immersive mixing experience.
Link: Waves NX Virtual Studio Collection

Best Waves Bundle

Waves Gold

The Waves Gold bundle has sold over 1 million copies making it the most popular plugin collection in history. It includes over 45 plugins, covering everything from EQs and compressors to reverbs and effects. This is what I would recommend for most people.

Link: Waves Gold

Waves Mercury

I wouldn’t recommend this to everyone, but I’m including it because this is what I have (and yes, I bought it with my own money). Waves Mercury isn’t exactly cheap, but then it comes with close to 200 plugins. Waves keep adding stuff with major Waves version upgrade, too.

Link: Waves Mercury

Best Waves Plugins: Demo Video

In this demo video you’ll see me using many of my fav Waves VST plugins in a setting that is typical for me. Please note: this is an older video and some of the plugins featured in this post are not featured. I’ll be working on an updated video. If you have any questions just let me know in the comments section or email me via the contact page.

In-Depth Reviews of Best Waves Plugins for Vocals and Mastering (2025 Edition)

There’s only so much I could cover in this post without making it too long (it’s already very long!). To dive deeper into these specific topics, I’ve created a couple of further posts with a lot more detailed information and tips on each plugin:

Best Waves Plugins for Vocals 2025

Best Waves Plugins for Mastering 2025

Questions About Waves Plugins?

So here you have my review of the best Wave plugins. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section! If you have any questions about a specific Waves plugin, I’ll be happy to answer. You can also email me via the contact page.
26 responses to “Best Waves Plugins 2025”
1. J_Whtrz
  
  August 24, 2017
  
  I regularly use Vinyl Light on drums, does nice stuff to the highs (the main version smashes the CPU).
  
  Also I used the G Channel a lot – although I know Ilpo has pointed out there are more accurate, newer versions. I use the gate to carve out space on certain sounds and the EQ is nice and solid. Also a fan of the SSL bus compressor.
  
  J37 is good on synths to add some body – I’d avoid the Kramer one, it does some horrible things to the low end.
  
  Only other one use regularly is the Puigtec EQ. I like the boost/attenuate function (although i know a lot of people have an issue with this as I think it was a necessity on the original hardware, not a deliberate design choice).
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Karkkainen
  
  August 25, 2017
  
  Good observations!
  
  I like G Channel, especially the comp. I just felt uneasy about including it here for the reason you mentioned. I am currently using the Brainworx Console E to do the bulk of my mixing work – absolutely smashing.
  
  Agreed about Kramer Tape. Also not a big fan of how the saturation sounds on that one. J37 for me.
  
  Puigec EQ nice too! But also a lot of other good Pultec clones out there (Sonimus, UAD, Softube, etc) so nothing very special about the Waves one. I use the newer UAD one myself and I do use it a lot. Anyway, yes, Waves Puigtec does a good job too!
  
  Reply
  
  J_Whtrz
  
  August 25, 2017
  
  I think the Kramer stuff in general is probably worth avoiding if you’re making clean-sounding electronic music with a lot of low end. It seemed more suited to mid-rangey rock music.
  
  Re Puigtec – it does seem to be the case that a lot of Waves’ emulation plugins have been overtaken by other products. Looking through your list I wasn’t surprised how few of their “classic hardware” plugins were on it.
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Karkkainen
  
  August 27, 2017
  
  Yeah some of them are approaching (if not approached) 10 years. CPU power and modeling technology have come a long way in that timespan. To be fair, the same applies to older UAD stuff as well for example. And then again, if you are using something and it works, then that is what you should use!
  
  Reply
  
  J_Whtrz
  
  August 26, 2017
  
  Thanks for your input.
  
  Reply
2. dan
  
  September 6, 2017
  
  Another great blogpost Ilpo, i think most producers have at least one waves plug in their arsenal !
  As mentioned alot of their analog emulations are a bit old now and are superceded by stuff by uad, slate, plug-in alliance etc… but i still really like their api 2500 compressor, i been using this at the end of my bass buss and it does a nice job of pulling everything together.
  Over time ive picked up waves plug-ins the $29 sales and i still use them often even though they quite old now, some of them you featured like the PS22, S1, Soundshifter, Doubler and Center. One id like to mention is the InPhase plug in, ive used it a few times on old breaks to clean them up a bit, its good for monitoring the left or right channel to mono quickly , and playing with the all pass filters can really change the sound
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Karkkainen
  
  September 7, 2017
  
  I think there is a lot to be said about sticking to your guns. In fact changing tools is always a decision that should be taken only after careful consideration. I review and go through a lot of great plugins as part of my work, but for something to make it into my permanent music making workflow actually is not very easy at all and does not happen too often. And usually it’s not about whether the tool itself is good or not. It’s more about whether or not using something will evolve my workflow in the direction I want it to go. So yeah stick to what works!
  
  Good thing you mentioned InPhase, I do need to dive on that one more. It really is a useful plugin.
  
  Reply
3. lambdoid
  
  September 26, 2017
  
  I just bought H-Reverb recently and it’s rapidly become my favourite reverb. I still use other reverbs sometimes(eg Valhalla, Toraverb, Waves older reverbs) but I have so much fun tweaking H-Reverb and it sounds great in a dance music context, particularly on drums. You can also come up with some really weird reverbs with all the modulation options, the buildup knob and the reverse switch. There’s a good selection of early reflections to choose from and you can tweak the tail to perfection.
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Karkkainen
  
  November 3, 2017
  
  Yup agreed it is a lot of fun to use for experimenting! The amount of control is quite something else, and it sounds great.
  
  Reply
4. Catz Audio
  
  October 24, 2017
  
  Great list Ilpo 🙂 I have recently purchased the F6 EQ. It’s probably the best EQ i have ever used!
  
  Thank you 🙂
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Karkkainen
  
  November 3, 2017
  
  Good to hear Nadav!
  
  Reply
5. mehedi hasan
  
  December 4, 2017
  
  nice
  
  Reply
6. Tim Bick
  
  October 2, 2018
  
  Thanks for this, a really useful list. I can certainly vouch for the C1 which does a great job without colouring the sound like many compressors.
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Kärkkäinen
  
  December 30, 2018
  
  Cheers Tim. Yeah it has that quality! Great plugin.
  
  Reply
  
  Tim Bick
  
  January 7, 2019
  
  Just remembered also, used in its gate format it is completely undetectable when dropping the noise floor, unlike many that give you that “oh yeah I can hear the gate” sound.
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Kärkkäinen
  
  January 7, 2019
  
  A mark of a well designed plugin!
  
  Reply
7. Peter Bingo
  
  June 12, 2019
  
  Hey there!
  
  I use to like reading your CM contributions and was disappointed you left, but found happiness on your site.
  
  Cheers from Montreal Canada!
  
  PS how’s your tinnitus these days anyways?
  
  Regards
  
  Peter Bingo
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Kärkkäinen
  
  July 16, 2019
  
  Hi Peter,
  Glad to hear that! My tinnitus is not as bad as it used to be a few years back. I still have hyperacusis in my right ear (it’s oversensitive, causing crackling in the ear and unpleasant sensations). But most of the time I don’t have tinnitus, although my ears do start to ring and pop if I blast music too loud (especially on headphones). That usually lasts for a week or so and then goes away. So it’s under control and I can work normally as long as I stay mindful of volume.
  
  Reply
8. Amrit Rao
  
  March 20, 2020
  
  Hey Ilpo! Thanks for the article. What are your thoughts on the SSL bundle? I’m a home studio composer/producer, who’s starting out to mix/master my own small projects that don’t require a top of the line Engineer. Vocals are also a big deal for me. My options are the SSL bundle vs Renaissance vs Silver. I know the SSL bundle doesn’t have the reverbs and vocal or bass specific options like the R Vox and R bass. With the bundle discount going on, I just want to spend my budget wisely,
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Kärkkäinen
  
  March 20, 2020
  
  Thanks. The Waves SSL plugins are some of their oldest ones. While they’re still good plugins, to me there are much better SSL channel strip emulations out there these days. Personally I use the ones from Brainworx.
  
  Out of those three bundles I would go for Silver. It has the most versatility, good workhorse plugins, and it also includes the most important plugins from the Renaissance bundle.
  
  Reply
  
  Jon
  
  June 5, 2020
  
  Hello Ilpo. Which model bx_console SSL do you prefer and why? E, G or J?
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Kärkkäinen
  
  August 3, 2020
  
  Hey. I have not used the J console but I own E and G. I prefer the black knob EQ on the E for most things. I especially love the low band on anything that lacks bass. Sounds very solid. Sometimes I prefer the G compressor over the E. It’s not a night and day difference though. But I like to switch them up to see which one I like more in that particular situation.
  
  Reply
9. Richard Ezama
  
  May 4, 2020
  
  Thanks Man
  this was helpful
  
  Reply
  
  Ilpo Kärkkäinen
  
  August 3, 2020
  
  Glad to hear that!
  
  Reply
10. Juan
  
  December 13, 2021
  
  My fav waves plugins are:
  
  . Abbey Road Vinyl
  Great on the master channel and drum bus
  
  . DeEsser
  It’s simple, it works.
  
  . J37
  I just use it on every channel for color, and sometimes use it as a creative tool (delay, wow & fluter, saturation)
  
  . CLA-2A
  “vox” presset is amazing
  
  . RBass
  Perfect plugin. Better than MaxxBass IMO
  
  . Reel ADT
  A must have to produce vocals
  
  . RVox
  Probably the best plugin ever made. Try “In your face” presset and tell me how you lived without it all this time.
  
  . SSLComp
  Perfect plugin.
  
  . S1 Stereo Imager
  To widen vocals… or anything… Perfect plugin.
  
  Reply
  
  Resound
  
  August 9, 2024
  
  Yup all good stuff. The saturation in Vinyl is unique and realistic, and I haven’t been able to get that sound with any other vinyl plugin.
  
  Reply
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August 11, 2024
Solitude

Have you secured your solitude?

If not, you are making everything much harder for yourself than it needs to be.

In my mind, solitude is the requisite for true creative incubation. For something novel and useful to form or problems to resolve, there needs to be enough solitary time and space in the process.

Solitude is my strongest ally.

Let’s be clear: solitude is not to be confused with loneliness.

Solitude is fertile ground.

It gives me the freedom to focus, step into a flow, and to experiment. The space to fail and iterate.

It lets me engage free from the pressure of having to change or explain my natural creative process, or having to achieve something tangible right there and then.

But here’s the problem:

Accessing true solitude can be a challenge.

Our lives are busy and filled with distractions.

If solitude doesn’t happen naturally, we must create it.

For me, moving away from the city to live deep in the countryside has helped.

It’s easier to achieve the ideal frame of mind in tranquil surroundings.

Even here, I have to actively take steps to create solitude.

(Indeed I still have a life – a quite busy one often)

My traditional Finnish wood fire sauna never fails to energise me with a sense of clarity and new creative ideas. It’s a ritual I practice several times a week.

I’m not suggesting you should follow my drastic steps by leaving your old life behind and risking everything to start anew elsewhere. It’s not necessary at all to go that far.

Maybe you could get to work in the early hours of the morning, do late night sessions, meditate, take long walks or perhaps retreat into nature.

What could be your ritual for solitude?

Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.”

Embrace solitude as a resource. Your sanctuary for clarity and creativity.

September 17, 2023
Stay Imperfectly Perfect

Imperfections are the fingerprints of creativity.

They contribute unique identity to our work.

Having raw, unpolished and imperfect elements is also one of the best ways to carry emotion in music.

Of course, it’s part of the art to be able to do that well.

I try to work in ways that enables unexpected quirks to happen. I will then iron out some of them, but actually highlight others.

Imperfections capture the essence of the moment. The mystery and the miracle of creation.

They make our music more relatable and memorable.

As listeners, we respond to imperfection intuitively. We may not be conscious about it, but we feel it and we instantly connect to it.

We appreciate the honesty. Authenticity trumps precision.

Imperfections act as signals that we’re all embarked on this voyage collectively. They foster a sense of shared creative exploration.

A few questions for you to think about today:

What imperfections can you infuse into your work?

How can you make that happen more?

How can you turn a perceived flaw into an asset?

And ultimately, how can you extend this philosophy beyond your music, embracing the imperfect beauty of life itself?

August 27, 2023