The top 10 mixing plugins by waves according to SampleFactor

Waves Audio is renowned for its industry-leading mixing plugins that cater to both novice and professional producers. With a plethora of options, it can be challenging to decide which plugins are essential for your mixing arsenal. According to Sample Factor, here are the top 10 Waves mixing plugins that can elevate your music production.

1. Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

The SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is legendary for its ability to glue mixes together, providing that sought-after punch and cohesion.

• Key Features: Modeled on the renowned SSL 4000 G console, it deli
• Use Case: Perfect for the master bus, adding that final touch of polish and energy to your mix.

2. Waves CLA-2A Compressor/Limiter

The CLA-2A offers the warm, smooth compression that the original LA-2A is famous for, making it a staple in any mixing toolkit.

• Key Features: Simple interface with peak reduction and gain controls, ideal for vocals, bass, and acoustic instruments.
• Use Case: Great for dynamic control without sacrificing the natural tone of the source.

3. Waves SSL E-Channel

The SSL E-Channel provides the classic SSL console sound in a convenient plugin format, offering both EQ and dynamics processing.

• Key Features: Comprehensive EQ, high and low-pass filters, and a versatile compressor/expander/gate section.
• Use Case: Excellent for individual tracks, adding clarity and punch to drums, guitars, and vocals.

4. Waves PuigTec EQP-1A

Modeled after the classic Pultec EQP-1A, this plugin adds rich, vintage-style EQ to your tracks.

• Key Features: Broad and musical EQ curves, offering boost and cut simultaneously for unique tonal shaping.
• Use Case: Ideal for adding warmth and presence to bass, kick drums, and vocals.

5. Waves H-Delay Hybrid Delay

The H-Delay is a versatile delay plugin that can handle everything from simple slapback to complex modulation effects.

• Key Features: Analog character, pitch modulation, and filtering options.
• Use Case: Great for creating depth and space in vocals, guitars, and synths.

6. Waves API 2500

The API 2500 is known for its ability to add punch and character to drums, buses, and full mixes.

• Key Features: Thrust control, multiple compression modes, and a flexible sidechain.
• Use Case: Perfect for drum buses, providing punch and glue without sacrificing transient detail.

7. Waves Vocal Rider

Vocal Rider automatically adjusts the level of vocal tracks, ensuring they sit perfectly in the mix without the need for excessive compression.

• Key Features: Real-time level adjustments, sidechain input for music tracks, and target level settings.
• Use Case: Essential for maintaining consistent vocal levels in dense mixes.

8. Waves J37 Tape

The J37 Tape plugin brings the warm, analog tape saturation of the legendary Abbey Road Studios to your DAW.

• Key Features: Adjustable tape speed, bias, and wow & flutter controls.
• Use Case: Perfect for adding analog warmth and saturation to individual tracks and full mixes.

9. Waves Renaissance Vox

Renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness, the Renaissance Vox is a go-to compressor and gate for vocals.

• Key Features: Simple controls, auto makeup gain, and smooth, transparent compression.
• Use Case: Ideal for quickly achieving polished, professional-sounding vocals.

10. Waves C6 Multiband Compressor

The C6 is an advanced multiband compressor that offers precise dynamic control over individual frequency bands.

• Key Features: Six floating bands, sidechain input, and dynamic EQ functionality.
• Use Case: Excellent for complex vocal processing, de-essing, and mastering applications.