The API 2500 from Waves is a dynamics plug-in that features the classic punch of API hardware, while allowing for shaping the tone of mixes with absolute accuracy. Its dual channel design lets it function as two separate mono channels via a single compression setting.

Its auto-makeup gain function provides the ability to adjust threshold or ratio while automatically maintaining a constant output level. With a choice of an old style “feed back,” or the new style “feed forward” compression types, the software delivers a wide range of very musical parameters, making it a favorite of engineers everywhere.

The API 550 from Waves is a plug-in developed in association with API that models two classic API equalization modules. The API 550A module is modeled on the legendary late ’60s hardware and provides reciprocal and repeatable equalization at fifteen points in five 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.

The API 550B functions both as a problem solver and a sweetening device, and provides four overlapped EQ bands with seven switchable filter frequencies spanning up to five octaves per band. “Proportional Q” automatically widens the filter bandwidth at minimal settings and narrows it at higher settings. The EQ can undo previous processing, or even perform reverse tonal modifications.

The API 560 from Waves is a plug-in based on the classic hardware EQ module from API, providing 10-bands of graphic EQ featuring precision filtering and high headroom, ideal for signal enhancement and room tuning.

The original’s “Proportional Q” design intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher settings. And since boost and cut characteristics are identical, previous actions can be easily undone.