Waves API 550
User Manual
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Chapter 1 – Introduction
1.1 Welcome
Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your Waves processor, please take the
time to read through this manual.
In conjunction, we also suggest that you become familiar with www.wavesupport.net. There you will find
an extensive Answer Base, the latest Tech Specs, detailed Installation guides, new Software
Updates, and current information on Authorization and Registration.
products, reminders when updates are available, and information on your authorization status.
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1.2 Product Overview
The Waves API 550 consists of the API 550A, a 3-Band parametric equalizer with 5 fixed cutoff points
per band and the API 550B, a 4-Band parametric equalizer with 7 fixed cutoff points per band.
Modeled on the late 1960’s legend, the API 550A EQ delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high
end studios for decades. It provides reciprocal equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost divided into
three overlapping ranges. The high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either
peaking or shelving, and a band-pass filter can be inserted independently of all other settings.
Featuring four overlapped EQ bands, the API 550B features 7 switchable filter frequencies spanning up
to 5 octaves per band. “Proportional Q” automatically widens the filter bandwidth at lower settings and
narrows it at higher settings. It even lets you undo previous processing, affect or even reverse tonal
modifications. With its vast range of tonal possibilities, the API 550B is an exceptionally versatile EQ.
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1.3 Components
WaveShell technology enables us to split Waves processors into smaller plug-ins, which we call
components. Having a choice of components for a particular processor gives you the flexibility to
choose the configuration best suited to your material.
The API 550 has four component processors:
API 550A Stereo – A 3-Band stereo equalizer
API 550A Mono – A 3-Band mono equalizer
API 550B Stereo – A 4-Band stereo equalizer
API 550B Mono – A 4-Band mono equalizer
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Chapter 2 – Quickstart Guide
Approach the Waves API 550 as you would any conventional EQ. Since the API 550 features
“Proportional Q,” which intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower settings and narrows it at higher
settings, feel free to push the API 550 harder than you normally would other equalizers. The API 550
will deliver smooth, natural, and musical sound even at the most extreme settings.
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3.1 EQ Section
API 550A Controls
Low Band Gain
Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
Low Band Frequency
Filter types
Shelf, Bell
Default
Shelf
Cutoff points
50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 400Hz
Default
50Hz
Mid Band Gain
Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
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Mid Band Frequency
Range
.4kHz, .8kHz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz, 5kHz
Default
1.5kHz
Filter types
Bell
High Band Gain
Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
High Band Frequency
Range
5kHz, 7kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz
Default
7kHz
Bandpass Filter
Applies a 50Hz-15kHz bandpass filter to the entire signal
Range
50Hz-15kHz
Default
Off
Filter types
Shelf, Bell
Cutoff points
5kHz, 7kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz
Low Shelf/Bell Selector
Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf
High Shelf/Bell Selector
Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf
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API 550B Controls
Low Band Gain
Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
Low Band Frequency
Range
30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 400Hz
Default
50Hz
Filter types
Shelf, Bell
Cutoff points
30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 400Hz
Low Mid Band Gain
Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
Low Mid Band Frequency
Range
75Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, 500Hz, 700Hz, 1kHz
Default
500Hz
Filter types
Bell
Cutoff points
75Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, 500Hz, 700Hz, 1kHz
High Mid Band Gain
Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
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High Mid Band Frequency
Range
0.8kHz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz, 5kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz
Default
5kHz
Filter types
Bell
Cutoff points
0.8kHz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz, 5kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz
High Band Gain
Range
-12dB to 12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
Off
High Band Frequency
Range
2.5kHz, 5kHz, 7kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz
Default
10kHz
Filter types
Shelf, Bell
Cutoff points
2.5kHz, 5kHz, 7kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz
Low Shelf/Bell Selector
Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf
High Shelf/Bell Selector
Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf
In
Turns the EQ On/Off but leaves the Analog modeling.
Range
On/Off
Default
On
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3.2 Output Section
The Output section, which is identical on both the API 550A and API 550B, consists of controls for
Polarity (Phase Inversion) Analog Modeling, Output Level, and Trim.
Pol (Polarity)
Shifts the phase by 180 degrees.
Range
0deg-180deg
Default
0deg
Analog
Turns the Analog modeling on and off.
Range
On/Off
Default
On
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Output
Controls the output level.
Range
-18dB to +18dB (in 0.1dB steps)
Default
0dB
Trim
Displays the maximum peak level of the output signal and its distance from nominal gain (-0.1dBfs).
Range
-inf to 0dB
Default
-inf
Meters
The API 550 meters display output level in dBFS. The LED located between the two meters lights up
when output signal is clipping.
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Chapter 4 – The WaveSystem
4.1 The WaveSystem Toolbar
All Waves processors feature the WaveSystem toolbar which takes care of most administrative
functions you will encounter while working with your Waves software. The features of the WaveSystem
toolbar are the same on practically all Waves processors, so familiarity with its features will be helpful
whichever processor you are using.
Toolbar Functions
Undo
Undoes the last 32 actions.
Redo
Redoes the last 32 undone actions.
Setup A/B
Toggles between two presets. This is useful for close comparison of different parameter
settings
Copy A->B Copies the current settings to the second preset register
Load
Save
?
Recalls presets from file
Saves presets in the Waves file formats
Opens the manual for the processor you are using
4.2 Preset Handling
Preset Types
Factory Presets are permanent presets in the Load menu. Factory presets cannot be over-written or
deleted. When applicable, different component plug-ins may have different factory presets.
User Presets are your favorite settings of the plug-in saved as a preset in the Load menu, under ‘User
Presets’. User Presets can be over-written and deleted.
Setup Files may contain more than one preset. For example, a single file can contain all the presets for
a session. When you open a Setup File, all its setups become part of your Load pop-up menu for fast
access. This can be particularly useful with multiple instances of a plug-in in a single session. By saving
all the settings you create into a single Setup File, they can all be quickly available for every instance of
that plug-in.
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Loading Presets and Setups
Click-and-hold on the Load button to see the Load pop-up menu. The menu is divided into four
sections. If a section is not currently available it will not appear in the Load pop-up menu.
Open Preset File… Select to open any setup or preset file, whether from the Library or your own
creations.
‘Filename.xps’:
Factory Presets:
User Presets:
Displays any currently loaded Setup File and its presets.
Displays the default Factory Presets.
Displays any loaded User Presets.
Saving Presets and Setups
Click-and-hold on the Save button to see the Save pop-up menu. Four options are available. If an
option is not currently available it will be grayed out and inaccessible.
Save to New File…
Select this to start a new Setup file. There are two prompts - first
for the setup filename, then for the preset name. You must provide
a name for both the setup file and the preset. Click OK (ENTER)
to complete the save. It is a good idea to create a folder in which
to save several setup files for a project.
Save ‘File Name’ – “Preset Name” Overwrites the settings of the loaded preset (whether a User
Preset or a preset from a Setup File) with the current settings. If a
Setup File is currently loaded, the name of the Setup File is
displayed followed by the name of the preset itself. If a User
Preset is loaded, its name is displayed.
Save to ‘File Name’ As…
Saves the current settings as a new preset into the Setup file that
is open (if one is not open, the option is grayed out). You will be
prompted to give the preset a name.
Put into Preset Menu As…
Save the current settings into a User Preset that will always be in
your Load menu (until deleted). You will be prompted to give this
preset a name. User Presets are stored in the plug-in’s preference
file.
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Deleting Presets
You may delete User Presets and presets within a Setup File. Factory Presets and Setup Library files
cannot be deleted or overwritten.
1. Hold the Command (Mac)/Control (PC) key down.
2. Click-and-hold the Load button to see the pop-up menu.
3. While still holding the Command/Control key, select the preset or setup to delete.
4. A confirmation box will appear, allowing you to cancel or ‘OK’ the deletion.
A/B Comparison and Copying
The Setup A/Setup B button may be clicked to compare two settings. If you load a preset in the Setup B
position, this will not affect the preset loaded into the Setup A position, and vice-versa.
If you want to slightly modify the settings in Setup A, you can copy them to Setup B by clicking on the
Copy to B button, then alter Setup A and compare with the original Setup B.
The name of the current setup will be shown in the title bar (on platforms which support it), and will
switch as you change from Setup A to Setup B.
Note: an asterisk will be added to the preset name when a change is made to the preset -
4.3 Interface Controls
Controls can be in one of three states:
•
•
•
Not Selected where the control is not the target of any user entry
Selected where the control is the target of mouse control entry only
Selected and Active where the control is the target for both mouse and keyboard entry
Toggle Buttons
Toggle buttons display the state of a control, and allow switching between two or more states. Single-
click to change the control’s state. Some toggle buttons have a text display which updates with the
current setting, and others (bypass, solo, or monitoring toggles) illuminate when the control is active.
Some processors have link buttons between a pair of toggle buttons, allowing click-and-drag
adjustment while retaining the offset between the controls.
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Value Window Buttons
Value windows display the value of a control and allow click-and-drag adjustment, or direct control
via the keyboard.
•
•
Using the mouse, click-and-drag on the value window to adjust. Some value windows support
left/right, some up/down (as you hover over a button, arrows will appear to let you know which
direction of movement that button supports).
Using the arrow keys, click once with mouse to select the button, and then use up/down –
left/right (depending on the direction supported by that button) to move in the smallest
incremental steps across the button’s range (holding down the arrow keys will move faster
through the range).
•
Using key entry, double click on the button to open the value window, and directly enter the
value from your keyboard. If you enter an out of range number, the button stays selected but
remains at the current setting (system beeps? If system sounds are on?)
Some processors have link buttons between a pair of value windows, allowing click-and-drag
adjustment while retaining the offset between the controls.
Sliders
Click on the slider itself or anywhere within the sliders track. The numerical value of the slider settings
is displayed in a hover window above the slider path.
Hover Box
Hovering boxes will appear and display the control value when hovering with the mouse over the
control.
Multiple Selection of Controls
One of the most powerful features of the WaveSystem is the ability to select and adjust many controls
at the same time. Using the mouse, simply drag-select the desired group of button or graphic controls
by clicking and holding at a point outside the controls and forming a rectangle to include the controls
you wish to adjust. Alternatively, you can hold down Shift while clicking the mouse on any control you
wish to link. This second method is useful when you want to select two (or more) controls that are
separated on the GUI by other controls you do not wish to select.
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TAB Functions
TAB moves the ‘selected’ status to the next control, with shift-TAB moving in the reverse direction.
Additionally, the Mac has an option-TAB function for ‘down’ movement and shift-option-TAB for ‘up’
movement where applicable.
If you have several Value Window Buttons selected, TAB functions will take you through the selected
controls only.
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Appendix A – 550A Controls
Control
Low Band Gain
Low Band Frequency
Mid Band Gain
Mid Band Frequency
High Band Gain
High Band Frequency
Filter
Range
Default
0dB
50Hz
0dB
1.5kHz
0dB
7kHz
Off
-12dB to 12dB (2-3dB’s steps)
50Hz,100Hz,200Hz,300Hz,400Hz
-12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)
.4kHz,.8kHz,1.5kHz,3kHz,5kHz.
-12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)
5kHz,7kHz,10kHz,12.5kHz,15kHz.
Bandpass 50Hz-15kHz
Shelf or Bell
Low shelf/bell selector
High shelf/bell selector
Output
Shelf
Shelf
0dB
Shelf or Bell
-18dB to 18dB
Trim
-inf to 0dB
-inf
Analog
On/Off
On
Phase
0deg- 180deg
0deg
Appendix B – 550B Controls
Control
Low Band Gain
Range
-12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)
30Hz,40Hz,50Hz,100Hz,200Hz,300Hz,400Hz
-12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)
75Hz,150Hz,180Hz,240Hz,500Hz,700Hz,1kHz.
-12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)
0.8kHz,1.5kHz,3kHz,5kHz,8kHz,10kHz,12.5kHz.
-12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)
2.5kHz,5kHz,7kHz,10kHz,12.5kHz,15kHz,20kHz.
Shelf or Bell
Default
0dB
50Hz
0dB
500Hz
0dB
5kHz
Off
10kHz
Shelf
Shelf
0dB
Low Band Frequency
Low Mid Band Gain
Low Mid Band Frequency
High Mid Band Gain
High Mid Band Frequency
High Band Gain
High Band Frequency
Low shelf/bell selector
High shelf/bell selector
Output
Shelf or Bell
-18dB to 18dB
Trim
-inf to 0dB
-inf
Analog
On/Off
On
Phase
0deg- 180deg
0deg
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