Hello guys, I have been talking to a very good colleague from this website, and he has given me several tips that I am forgetting a little about Waves since there are many news and improvements regarding this, my dilemma is the following, when installing Waves, I would make a backup because I work like this, I happen that I make a copy, in case I have to go back and the time has come for the blessed Waves. I made a list of what I considered important, but when I installed it I saw that almost everything was EQ, Compressors and the truth is that I am quite new to the subject of recording and mixing. I have always produced my beats, I have written my lyrics and I have gone to record in an external studio where ONLY Waves were used. I would like you all to send me a cable, since I don't want to make the backup in vain, since when you install you can't uninstall the ones you don't like (being pirated, you install them all, you uninstall them all) and I don't want to make more mistakes. This is the list I made, I only want to stay with 4 or 5 that are essential one of them are the CODEX and the ELEMENTS and the Soundshifter that I have added in several old projects, the rest I wouldn't mind if it was new or old or other testers etc. I leave you the list and let's see if someone with good like the user who has been helping me that the truth is that he has stuck a hard job by giving me a cable you help me among all to rule out and simplify the list as much as possible.

• Abbey Road RS124 Compressor (Emulated analog compressor that captures the warm and musical character of the equipment used in Abbey Road Studios. Ideal for giving a smooth compression to voices and instruments, providing a vintage touch to the mixes.)

• Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain (Mastering suite that emulates the equipment used in Abbey Road Studios, ideal to give a vintage and professional touch to your final mixes.)

• API Collection (These three resources are key tools in music production, each designed to optimize sound control and improve audio quality in mixing and mastering.)

• BSS DPR-402 (The BSS DPR-402 is a compressor and limiter designed to control the dynamics of audio signals, providing smooth and musical compression.)

• C1 Compressor/C4 Multiband Compressor/C6 Multiband Compressor (In short, these three Waves compressors offer different levels of control over audio dynamics, from a simple approach with the C1 to advanced and detailed options with the C4 and C6 multiband compressors.)

• CLA Classics Compressors (CLA Classics Compressors is a valuable resource for producers and sound engineers who want to incorporate the classic sound of analog compressors into their digital productions.)

• Clarity™ Vx Pro (This plugin focuses on improving vocal clarity, combining tools to eliminate noise and reverberation, ideal for clean vocal productions.)

• Codex (It is a powerful tool for producers and musicians looking to explore new sound possibilities through advanced synthesis techniques, all within an accessible and flexible interface.)

• dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter (A classic compressor that offers effective dynamic control, known for its simplicity and sound quality, ideal for voices and instruments.)

• Doubler (Creates a duplication effect on voices or instruments, adding depth and richness to the sound.)

• Elements 2.0 Virtual Analog Synth (It is a versatile tool for producers and sound engineers looking for a simplified but effective approach to mixing and processing audio, all within an accessible and creative environment.)

• Enigma (A versatile complement that combines modulation and delay effects, ideal for creating unique sound textures.)

• F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ (A dynamic equalizer with floating bands that allows precise adjustments at different frequencies while responding to signal levels.)

• Greg Wells ToneCentric (Designed to improve the general tone of the tracks, bringing warmth and character to the recordings.)

• Greg Wells Voice Centric (Optimized specifically for voices, this complement improves clarity and vocal presence in mixes.)

• GTR Solo (A processor designed for electric guitars, which offers amplification and specific effects)

• H-Series (H-Series offers a full range of professional tools for audio processing, ideal for engineers and producers looking to improve the sound quality in their musical projects.)

• In Phase (Full version of the In Phase add-on, which offers more options and controls to adjust the phase alignment in complex recordings.)

• L1/L2 Ultranmaximizer (Maximization complements that allow you to increase the overall volume of the tracks without distorting, ideal for mastering.)

• L3 Multimaximizer (A multiband maximizer that allows precise control over dynamics and volume in different frequency ranges.)

• L3-16 Multimaximizer (An advanced version of the L3, with 16 processing bands that offer even more detailed control over dynamics and volume.)

• Lo Air (A plugin designed to add low frequencies to the mixes, enriching the sound with deep and powerful bass.)

• Lofi Space (A creative effect that simulates vintage and lo-fi sounds, combining distortion, modulation and reverberation for a unique character.)

• Maxx Bass (A complement that generates subbass harmonics from higher frequencies, improving bass perception in limited reproduction systems.)

• Maxx Volume (Tool designed to increase perceived volume without compromising audio quality, ideal for mixing and mastering.)

• MultiMod Rack (A modular add-on that allows you to combine multiple modulation effects, such as chorus, flanger and phaser, in a single interface. It offers flexibility to create unique and personalized sound textures.)

• MV2 (A simple but effective compressor that combines compression and expansion. It is ideal for increasing the perceived volume of the tracks without losing the natural dynamics, which makes it useful in vocal and instrumental mixes.)

• Renaissance Vox (Specific compressor for voices that helps keep them clear and present in the mix, preventing them from being lost among other instruments.)

• Sibilance (Controls and reduces wheezing (sounds ("s" and "sh") in vocal recordings to prevent them from sounding too high-pitched or annoying).

• Silk Vocal (Specifically designed to improve the quality and character of voices in music recordings.)

• Soundshifter (This add-on allows users to change the key and tempo of the audio tracks without affecting the sound quality.)

• SSL E-Channel (Channel emulation of the SSL 4000 E console, which combines equalizer, compressor and noise door in a single interface. Ideal for shaping and dynamically controlling the tracks.)

• SSL G-Equalizer (Emulated analog equalizer that offers precise control over frequencies, ideal for shaping the sound of different tracks.)

• SSL G-Master Buss Compressor: (Perfect to give cohesion to the final mixture.)

• Submarine (It is an add-on designed to improve and optimize low frequencies in audio mixes. It is especially useful for producers and sound engineers who want to give more depth and presence to the bass in their musical projects.)

• Torque (Torque is ideal for producers and engineers who seek to improve the quality of their mixtures by working with low elements.)

• Trans-X (It is especially useful for giving more impact to impactful sounds, such as bass drums, boxes and other rhythmic instruments.)

• Vitamin Sonic Enhancer (Sound enhancement processor that adds brightness and clarity to tracks through the use of equalization and multiband processing, enriching the overall sound without losing definition.)

• Vocal Bender (Offers tools to adjust the tuning, create harmonies and apply unique vocal effects.)

• Vocal Rider (A volume automation plugin that automatically adjusts the level of voices in a mix.)

• VU Meter (A visual level meter that helps monitor audio levels in real time.)

• Waves Harmony (A complement that allows you to create vocal harmonies from a single vocal track.)

• Waves Tune LT (Allows quick and easy adjustments in uncomplicated vocal tuning.)

• Waves Tune Real-Time (Ideal for live performances or recordings where you need to correct the tuning instantly

• Waves Tune (A complete plugin for the correction and detailed editing of vocal tuning.)

• X-Click (An add-on that eliminates unwanted transient clicks and noises in audio recordings.)

• X-Crackle (Designed to eliminate crunches and superficial noises in recordings, especially useful in vinyls.)

• X-FDBK (A complement that helps control and eliminate feedback in sound systems.)

• X-Hum (A complement designed to eliminate electric buzz and other low-frequency noises.)

• Z-Noise (An advanced add-on for noise reduction that allows detailed control over the process.)

PS: The truth is that I want to get rid of the headache because I've been with the PC with the new SSD for 2 months, I've formatted the disk 50 times and in the end I'm going to load it and I want to turn the page with this Waves shit. Let's see if someone can recommend the basics to record my voices and work calmly with my DAW. By the way, I use Logic Por X 10.8.1 on Mac Sonoma 14.6.1.

I think there are very experienced people here to be able to tell me to install this, this and this and that's it. I can mix Waves and others I wouldn't mind, just…

Greetings from Spain. (You have the beers paid if you pass near Barcelona, I promise)

 

I have asked chatgpt and this has recommended me, what do you say?

Compressors

FabFilter Pro-C 2: A very versatile compressor with different styles (vintage, modern) and an intuitive interface.

UAD 1176: Emulation of a classic compressor with a characteristic sound for voices and percussions.

Waves CLA-2A: Based on the legendary LA-2A compressor, it is ideal for vocals and bass.

Equalizers (EQs)

FabFilter Pro-Q 3: Considered one of the best digital equalizers, with real-time graphical visualization and great flexibility.

Waves SSL G-EQ: An EQ inspired by SSL consoles, gives a warm and analog touch.

iZotope Neutron 4 EQ: Offers intelligent sound analysis and automatic adjustment, useful for accurate mixing.

Reverbs

Valhalla VintageVerb: Reverb of classic style, with a warm and enveloping sound.

Altiverb 7: One of the most respected reverbs by convolution, with high quality environments recorded in different real spaces.

Waves H-Reverb: Offers a hybrid approach between classic and modern reverbs, excellent for giving depth to your tracks.

Maximizers

iZotope Ozone 10 Maximizer: The standard for mastering, with transparent maximization options and very effective limiters.

Waves L2 Ultramaximizer: A simple but powerful plugin, ideal for making your tracks sound louder without distortion.

FabFilter Pro-L 2: A high-end limiter with several style options and precise measurement.

Other Useful Plugins

Soundtoys Decapitator: An analog saturation plugin that adds character and "heat" to your tracks.

Slate Digital Virtual Mix Rack: A set of analog hardware emulations that allows you to combine compressors, equalizers and more.

Melodyne 5: For correction and manipulation of tone in voices, very useful if you need to fine-tune a shot without losing naturalness.

With this selection, you'll have world-class tools to improve the quality of your productions in Logic Pro X. Good luck with your recordings!

 

And this is the simplification he has given me, sorry for being so intense, I know I am like that, you can send me far away if you want. I'll understand XD

I understand, so we are going to simplify the list as much as possible with the best and most necessary so that you have high quality tools without overloading your setup:

Compressor

FabFilter Pro-C 2: It is the most versatile compressor, with multiple styles (vintage, modern), which makes it ideal for any genre, especially for rap voices.

Equalizer (EQ)

FabFilter Pro-Q 3: Without a doubt, one of the best equalizers on the market, with an intuitive interface and exceptional sound quality. In addition, it is very accurate and offers real-time visualization.

Reverb

Valhalla VintageVerb: One of the most used reverbs in the industry for its quality, versatility and affordable price. It's perfect for giving depth and atmosphere to your tracks.

Maximizer

iZotope Ozone 10 Maximizer: The mastering standard. It will allow you to maximize the volume of your tracks without compromising quality, ideal for your songs to sound professional.

Extra Plugin

Soundtoys Decapitator: If you want to add character and analog "heat" to your tracks, this plugin is the best to give it that unique touch that can make a difference in a mix.

With these 5 plugins you will have the essentials and the best quality for your productions. This covers compression, equalization, reverb, maximization and a touch of saturation to give life to your tracks.

 

Logic already comes with everything you need. Just use that until you learn how to actually use everything and THEN you figure out where you might want to add to it.

 

waves has some perfectly serviceable stuff but I'd say a majority of their users are people who started using it when they were (one of) the only games in town

I would never recommend it to someone new, if only because of the issue you're having. too much choice can be worse than too little, especially when all of the choices are fairly mediocre. slavestate's advice is good

 

Waves has grown into something way too all-encompassing, or trying to be. They almost never remove anything, even when they add a new plugin which is clearly better than the old one. Because people still need the old ones to open old projects, especially if they do client's work. The Plugin Alliance bundle is way smaller, and it's even getting bloated with duplications and stuff you don't really need. But they are all easier to remove without issues, when you figure out something you never use. You do not even need to install their plugin manager application to install them, and they do come in smaller separate bundles. Guitar pedal plugins can go first.

Fabfilter, Valhalla, a good saturation plugin, the Izotope stuff, and the Antares/Nuro plugins for vocals would be still a lot of stuff to learn and cover everything. Or close enough. In the meantime, Waves would be gone. Some clippers and OTT if you go that route, and a nice channel strip or two.

 

To the OP: TL;DR. So that is out of the way ...

I think that you are falling for all urban myths about DAWs and plugins. In these days I think of discussions about plugins, analog simulation and "vintage" and "warmth" and "glue" and all the other buzzwords in terms of cult, ideology and brainwashing. Nothing - NOTHING - on your exhausting list of what is all to consider makes your music - or "your product" - any better. Get a DAW - NOT Pro Tools - use the tools within and make music. I do not use Waves since 10 years or so. What I am missing? nothing. All the claims about sound improvement through Waves plugins are simply BS. Religious believers at work.

Most important: stay away from buzzwords. Ban them from your thinking. What sound do you want? Warm analog, smooth? What does that mean? These are buzzwords. Give a precise example what sound you want, name the album. do not use generalization buzzwords. Even not in your thinking. Listen to some of the "glorious" old "original" "warm" analog vinyl and ask yourself: Do I really want that shitty sound? ... and draw your conclusions.

Then turn away in disgust and make YOUR music with the first tools that are at hand and do not fantasize about anything you do not even know what it is ... because it's only buzzwords, from a marketing department, without any meaning.

 

Thanks, guys, the problem with Waves, as far as I can see, is the habit. I have always produced my own beats and recorded songs in outside studios and the truth is that I have always seen Waves products used, that is why in my head they were catalogued as the best, but seeing that there are so many alternatives and that I can work with the native Logic Pro ones... I will only install two essential ones that I need for some project that I have already opened with some Waves plugin, some compressor, for example, but I will listen to you and try to install and look for other alternatives, honestly, so thank you all very much and I appreciate it and let the debate continue, let the debate continue!!! I am willing to learn and listen to you, thank you very much to all.

 

Seeing as you already have projects that use these specific Waves plugins you have an excellent platform to test with. I would duplicate a track with, say, a Waves compressor, remove the compressor from the copied track and replace it with one you want to test, which will give you a perfect A/B comparison option between the two tracks.

 

Simple is much easier on the mind and less confusing in the beginning of your production journey. It might be best to use the plugins in your DAW and learn for example how to use a simple compressor, gain stage and familiarize yourself with the result of boosting and cutting frequencies on an EQ.