Luckily I don't rely TOO heavily on Waves, but still a huge bummer for the ones I do really like and the people who do heavily rely on them. But yeah, there's a ton of free (and cheap) options now that sound great (ESPECIALLY if you use anything other than pro tools).
Bro...DO THIS. Keep this content type of indexing VST equivalents to Waves. it's useful as fuck. Perhaps, you should make a Top 10 of FX types: Dynamics, Tone, Modulation and Novelty. Also, Instruments and Tools (analysis, analyzers). You should make a chart for this. I will try some of the software you mentioned here. Keep up the good work.
Analog Obsession, Tone Boosters V3, and Accusonus are all free and there is quite a bit of crossover with Waves from compressors, tape, vocal leveler, etc.
It looks like Accusonus might be gone? I couldn't find a website anywhere and just saw a video saying they were done. ToneBoosters looks really cool though! I had never heard of them before. And for some reason, I thought Analog Obsession didn't have AAX support, so I never really looked into them, but I see I was incorrect about that! Thanks for the heads up!
@@BetterMixes Ugh, I have tried a couple times to post a response but TH-cam keeps deleting it for some reason. Can you check your spam filter and approve it? I was trying to explain what happened with Accusonus and TH-cam's stupid filters apparently didn't like something I was saying. 😒
Yeah, I just want them out of my sessions as soon as possible so that when I do lose them, at least my sessions from now forward will be able to be opened without running into issues! I'm glad you liked the video!
Months before this news, I was already buying external hardware such as the WA TB 12, (2) of the WA 73 EQ, (2) of the WA 76, WA 2a, topped off with the Tegeler Creme, for my mix buss, and mastering. The Tegeler Creme is RIDICULOUSLY Amazing! This decision has certainly been quite expensive, however- my recording quality has been so much better, and with this Waves news, I am very happy to be semi 'off of the grid'. As far as plug ins go- Arturia makes some GREAT stuff, as well. I LOVE their reverb plate, their Tape Delay. Also, their keyboard, and synth sounds, are second to NONE! Arturia Pigments is 'jaw-dropping' AMAZING, just with the presets in there. Arturia is not a subscription based plug in.
Thanks for this! I just bought the townhouse to replace the ssl master bus and I didn't realize nectar had a leveler akin to the vocal rider. You earned yourself a new subscriber
When I stopped using Waves I switched entirely to Slate Digital instead. The slate collection has all of the same analog emulations that Waves has, so there's no extra learning curve for Waves users. The ONE thing Slate are missing though, is a proper dynamic EQ. So I'm stuck using the free Tokyo Dawn Dynamic EQ instead, but it's actually very functional and easy-to-use.
The VU compressor is great, got a review coming out soon for that, the Sonimus Satson CS is a great channel strip, Audio Assault also has some good stuff too
Nice video. The Fat channel is something to checkout too, for 1176 and pultec style emulations... Do you have any suggestions for a Vitamin alternative? Of all my waves plugins, it's the only one I find my self leaning on if I'm mixing a session I didn't record...
You could try Spectre by Wavesfactory; it's not exactly the same, but in the same ballpark and might be able to do what you were doing with Vitamin. It's a super cool plugin either way!
I agree with most all these recommends. I been moving away from waves for last few years using most a lot of the stuff you named in here as my replacements. The only bummer on older songs I have so many waves plugins in place. So one day when its time I may go back and swap out the stuff when that happens.
The main and only reason I'm glad to have the Waves plugins I do is when working with legacy client sessions. And at this point that's just for reference, to hear the kind of sound they were going for before they handed me the session. I plan to replace every instance of Waves plugins with better plugins from newer developers who are more reliable and trustworthy.
put on your list fabfilter C2. It has classic comp (replicate 1176,2A,whatever) and opto comp and much more. With advanced control and graphic knee visualisation .... kind of all in one plugin that does the job 😊
1) MV2 can be replaced with ADPTR SCULPT from PA since it has an upward, downward compressor and expander. 2) DBX 160 & Renaissance AXX can be replaced with PA Brainworx elysia mpressor. 3) 1176 can be replaced with PA Brainworx Purple MC77, UAD 1176 or Purafied VU compressor for a 4:1 ratio clean to dirty 1176. 4) LA2A can be replaced with PA Brainworx bx_opto followed by the Soundtoys Little Radiator before to emulate the input 12AX7 tube then the Fuse Audio Labs VCL-25A after to emulate the output 12AU7 tube or UAD LA2A. 5) Multiband compressor can be replaced with ToneBoosters MBC. 6) Digital EQ can be replaced with ToneBooster Equalizer 4. 7) SSL 4000 E can be replaced with PA Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E and the preamp section can be replaced with Purafied SLP 538 EQ or UAD SSL 4000 E. 8) 1073 Preamp can be replaced with Softube British Class A (Vintage neve preamp with old school marinair transformer) or Red Rock Sound AQ173 (Modern neve preamp). 9) API EQ can be replaced with Red Rock Sound AQ550, AQ550B and AQ560. 10) Pultec EQ can be replaced with Red Rock Sound EQP-1A. 10) Plate reverb can be replaced Fuse Audio Labs VREV-140. 11) Spring reverb can be replaced with Fuse Audio Labs VREV-666. 12) Chamber reverb can be replaced with Softube Atlantis Dual Chamber, LiquidSonics Seventh Heaven, LiquidSonics Illusion or UAD Capitol Chamber. 13) Tape Machine can be replaced with Kiive Audio Tape Face for 2-tracks tape recorder, Softube Tape for Multi-tracks tape recorder & Fuse Audio Labs Flywheel for Reel-to-reel tape recorder. 14) MaxxBass can be replaced with PA Brainworx bx_subsynth or Red Rock Sound Bass Enhancer. 15) Transient Designer can be replaced with PA Brainworx SPL Transient Designer Plus (Place the Fuse Audio Labs RS-W2395C plugin after the SPL Transient Designer Plus, then use the drive knob to emulate an output transformer). 16) Waves Vocal Rider can be replaced by PA Unfiltered Audio Zip with these settings -> Threshold = -55 dB, Auto = On, Ratio = 2.00, Lookahead = 12 ms, Attack = 1 ms, Release = 5 ms & AGC = On.
When I dropped Waves some years ago I was missing the API plugs. The 550A, 550B and 560 are great EQ's. I found my replacements in Volko Audio QA, QB and QG. Sounds pretty much the same as waves versions and also have the same settings. Volko is not very cheap but they do have sales on occation.
Was gonna shout these out and you already did! I got both of them in one of the big bundle sales they did and never bothered picking up other emulations since they work great.
@@BrofUJu I was legit surprised not only at how good they sounded during blind testing, but how little CPU they used. I really can't recommend them enough, especially if you're already in the IK space. Good stuff.
This is one I came across for Waves alternatives: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1--yRZdWro_d28LmYNvaWsVct7CR6Y_KAULFU8wZ4SEI/htmlview?fbclid=IwAR2LLmfGQ6O46m86mpmTRO_-hSKBhLGaoxo4hNrYoLwLrZFr6jQgdkRnMSk#gid=0
Thanks for this. As soon as I received the Waves email notification of the change to subscription I mentally said goodbye. I will certainly be checking out some of those you have recommended.
For MV2 I’m going yo try out ADPTR Audio’s Sculpt. Mainly for the upwards compression option. Although FF Pro-MB can also be a a single band upwards compr solution if you just use 1 band. But although I have pro-MB I’m still hoing to try out Sculpt, other than that I’m also looking for replacement for Soundshifter since that is the best quality real-time pitch shifter I’ve ever used and I’ve tried a lot of them. Any suggestions for MV2 and Soundshifter alternatives are very welcome.
Analog obsession has a db160 compressor and Im not sure if he’s still doing the pay what you want model but I think it’s one guy and worth supporting. I use it on di guitar all the time. Does the thing. I use nls for subtle saturation on every channel for console sound. Gonna miss that and the abbey road compressed rs124 or whatever it’s called the most.
Dbx 160 UAD, Native Instruments/softube, arturia close to, acustica audio nebula library. For the Pye compresor you can find it in the viridian suite from acustica audio.
For Q10, I'd DEFINITELY recommend grabbing FabFilter ProQ3. It's just such a useful EQ! For Vitamin, you could take a look at Wavesfactory Spectre! It's not the exact same thing and doesn't do stereo widening in the same way, but it's a super useful saturator/enhancer!
Thanks for the suggestions. I've been limiting use of my WAVES plugs in the last year. I've found the Arturia Rev PLATE-140 to be an excellent EMT replacement for the Abbey Road Plates.
dbx 160 - Stillwell major tom. FET alternative - Stillwell Rocket. Another good alternatives to have in your arsenal: Sonimus TuCo (VariMu) and Boz Digital Labs +10dB(Kind of unique FETComp, works wonders in drum buss and rooms). Tonebosters EQ4 a cheaper alternative to ProQ3, full featured. Softube Tape, amazing tape simulation plugin.
I did the 30 day full plug-in tryout offered Fab Filter’s ProQ3. I am warning anyone who thinks they can try out the ProQ3 for just a while, y’know, give it a go? Don’t do it. There’s a reason this plugin is in practically everyone’s box. FabFilter has nailed the UI. The “dynamic” EQ feature is a stellar built-in band compression. The preset menu has truly usable templates. And, it’s very easy on the CPU. You’ll be breaking open your piggy bank to get it. I did. Not sorry.
Great video, great initiative against this lousy action of Waves! I own a lot of their plugins, I think I have them almost all but from now on I won't buy anything anymore from them. No way of transferring to a subscription model!.. And I have sent them an email about this. Hopefully all users will follow this buyers strike and let's see what Waves has to say then. This is an awsome reaction, bravo !.. I subscribed to your channel and will further analyze your very interesting alternatives and am looking forward to see your other videos.
Great video - I guess this video is a year old but I would assume the waves subscriptions still applies... how many of these alternatives are compatible with the newer mac silicon chips like M1 Max, M2, etc? Thanks for the tips
I know Waves went back on the subscription only thing only a day or two after this, but I'm honestly not sure what their model looks like anymore as I haven't really looked at their stuff since this. But I'm pretty sure that the vast majority of the alternatives in this video are M1 compatible!
Good feature. Frankly, I moved on from the few Waves plugins considered essential years ago. Cytomic’s Glue was one of the best SSL comps and I believe it predates Waves’ offering. It really was the L2, the Rvox and the R Bass that were considered industry standards for quite some time. I’ve moved on to the Kazrog K Clip however, and Denise’s new XXL is finally a viable R Bass alternative. As far as RVox, you get over it after a while. Waves is still quality, but the competition is fierce.
I'll definitely have to check out XXL, cause I just kinda stopped using RBass without any alternative, so I'd love to have that kind of option again! Thanks for the recommendation!
May I suggest that you make a separate video for each Waves plugin? It could become THE authoritative series. As new plug-ins come on the market, viewers can leave comments with the latest recommendations. These videos may be referenced for years to come. 🎉
Meir Shashoua CTO & Co Founder of Waves has just stated Perpetual Licenses and updates will be back alongside subscriptions ASAP. PR Stunt? or customer backlash? I'm still gonna look into your alternatives though and thanks for making this.
PA, Arturia and UA are my main alternatives. I finally made a complete transition from Waves. I couldn't stand the WUP scam, forget about the subscription rip-off.
Apogee make a great LA3A. Acustica Sand is the best SSL compressor. Adptr Sculpt for MV2. Denise Audio Bass XL for RBass. Acustica Titanium EQ is the best Pultec (TubeTech). Reverberate 3 for all reverbs. Softube Tape for real subtle tape.
There's alternatives in the ik multimedia track 5 for pretty much any waves plugging aside from voczl rider harmony and clarity vx delay and reverb TC electronic 6000 totaly worth it Keive audio and plugging alliance have pretty much the same offerings as well as you covered pretty much everything else in the video honorable mention for softube plugging they need some love
@@mcpribs sooo if people would just read what Waves wrote they are saying that all plugin updates are included in their subscriptions... 🤷🏾♂ Still hate waves but this sounds like a loophole to exploit b4 they close it
Figured let me copy paste it... Over 110 industry-leading plugins All plugin updates included Select new plugins added Includes StudioVerse: Thousands of mix chains w/ instant AI search Limited time: 2 free months of Splice Sounds+: Allow 8 days for code delivery by email Cancel anytime (your subscription will stop at the end of your current period)
McDSP ML4000 is a fair replacement for MV2. Denise audio BassXL is worth a look as a replacement for Rbass. Their plates and rooms are excellent too and very affordable. PSP's FETpressor is an excellent replacement 1176.
It’s almost as if UAD knew waves was going to do subscription and saw the hate waves was going to get and decided to go native because of it, it was a smart move.
I confirmed magnetite is a great tape machine emulation, i recommend reelbuss from toneboosters too, the old version is free and the "mix glue" presets are very useful in mix
a month ago i discovered the F76 From Sknote its a vst3 plugin of the 1176 super fast compression.pluging alliance has the purple audio 1176 emulated pluging.plusar has the 1178 fet compressor , NI hast aswell the 1176(VC76) & the la2a(VC2A) for the 160 i use the synapse rack extension version on reason i dont know if they have a vst version you have look it if synapse sudio has it but NI HAS THE (vc160)I Started replacing my pluginging fron since ende of last im not a fan of a yearly update plan.guys the a better options that ways pluging trust some stuff are mind blowing playing for updates isnt a think ,you just have to find it.wish you good luck wish you happy music making stay possitive stay creative
Someone with affiliation with Waves reached out to them (among others) and they seem to be bringing back perpetual licenses back alongside the subscription model
Yeah but the damage is done and we're fortunate they're not the only game in town. The GUI of their legacy plugins is clunky and weird-looking compared to the many many newer alternatives.
The only Waves plugin that I will truly miss if what you mentioned ever happens to me is the Scheps Parallel Particles....all the other Waves plugins that I own I already have replacements available through years of taking advantage from Black Friday sales. I love Waves but that new move will just bury the company if they don't act fast and try to fix it. The clock is ticking........
Analog Obsession makes a dbx 160. Anteres has a plugin similar to the MV2 called AVox Punch. Apogee makes thee best Pultec emulation as it is the ONLY one endorsed by Pulse Techniques (makers of the Pultec EQ) and Overloud Comp 670 is one of the best Fairchild emulations.
awesome video! I've tried some other subsynth/harmonic synth style plugins but I have to say, even if I eventually run into compatibility issues down the line and have to pay 30 bucks once to update the plugins I've got I will. I'd just miss R-Bass too much haha
Vocal rider: TBProAudio DynaRide Abbey Road Chambers: IK Multimedia studio reverbs - Fame, Sunset, and Stone Room Do you know something that could replace Sibilance? I think I've tried every de-esser on the planet but think this one is the best because it uses vocal resynthesis instead of eq, compression or ducking like other de-esser plugins, and the result is just fantastic.
Perhaps Overloud, IK Multimedia and even Arturia are good sources for Waves replacements. And of course Softube for many of those Abbey Roads stuff. Also Acustica-Audio offers some very good sounding plugins that can replace the Neve and SSL plugins, but they have also emulations of analog gear no other company does offer. And the there is Eventide with it‘s own line of unique plugins and remakes of their own gear. When it comes to rooms they offer the T-Verb which is emulating a reverb method Visconti and Bowie used in the Hansa Studios in Berlin. It‘s truely amazing.
MAJOR bummer! Good thing there are people out there that make some quality freeware as well!
Luckily I don't rely TOO heavily on Waves, but still a huge bummer for the ones I do really like and the people who do heavily rely on them. But yeah, there's a ton of free (and cheap) options now that sound great (ESPECIALLY if you use anything other than pro tools).
Don't even get me started with Analog Obsession. 😁
For every content creator giving advice on Waves' alternatives, I'm here for it!
We need more content like this.
Thanks so much!
If you need more I made a video on alternatives as well.
Bro...DO THIS. Keep this content type of indexing VST equivalents to Waves. it's useful as fuck.
Perhaps, you should make a Top 10 of FX types: Dynamics, Tone, Modulation and Novelty. Also, Instruments and Tools (analysis, analyzers). You should make a chart for this.
I will try some of the software you mentioned here. Keep up the good work.
LOL is this guy hiring comment bots????????????
@@J3unG Stop saying content
Analog Obsession, Tone Boosters V3, and Accusonus are all free and there is quite a bit of crossover with Waves from compressors, tape, vocal leveler, etc.
It looks like Accusonus might be gone? I couldn't find a website anywhere and just saw a video saying they were done. ToneBoosters looks really cool though! I had never heard of them before. And for some reason, I thought Analog Obsession didn't have AAX support, so I never really looked into them, but I see I was incorrect about that! Thanks for the heads up!
@@BetterMixes Ugh, I have tried a couple times to post a response but TH-cam keeps deleting it for some reason. Can you check your spam filter and approve it? I was trying to explain what happened with Accusonus and TH-cam's stupid filters apparently didn't like something I was saying. 😒
Tone boosters are awesome. I would say that are the chosen ones to replace fab filter. Limiter and multiband are wonderful
Gotta love a quick and clean divorce. Thanks for creating a proactive discussion on how to dust down and move on 😎
Yeah, I just want them out of my sessions as soon as possible so that when I do lose them, at least my sessions from now forward will be able to be opened without running into issues! I'm glad you liked the video!
This is what happens when a company who isn't really quite Apple thinks they're Apple 🤭
'quick and clean divorce'... 😂
Growing list of alternatives: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1--yRZdWro_d28LmYNvaWsVct7CR6Y_KAULFU8wZ4SEI/edit#gid=0
IK T racks is definitely worth a look, and very reasonably priced.
I kinda forgot they have stuff besides the amp sims! I'll definitely be giving them another look.
Total studio 3.5 on sale now for 200 dollars! Absolute nutso 😂
Their Black 76, though different than the CLA-76, is excellent!
@@BetterMixesT-Racks is fantastic and their 500 series mixbox is great but really fun and creative too. A much underrated developer.
Get the total studio 3.5 while you can!
Thank you! I was literally looking for alternatives before I came across this video.
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help!
I'm loving this positive moving forward attitude here! Everything you recommend is top shelf.
Months before this news, I was already buying external hardware such as the WA TB 12, (2) of the WA 73 EQ, (2) of the WA 76, WA 2a, topped off with the Tegeler Creme, for my mix buss, and mastering. The Tegeler Creme is RIDICULOUSLY Amazing! This decision has certainly been quite expensive, however- my recording quality has been so much better, and with this Waves news, I am very happy to be semi 'off of the grid'. As far as plug ins go- Arturia makes some GREAT stuff, as well. I LOVE their reverb plate, their Tape Delay. Also, their keyboard, and synth sounds, are second to NONE! Arturia Pigments is 'jaw-dropping' AMAZING, just with the presets in there. Arturia is not a subscription based plug in.
Thanks for this! I just bought the townhouse to replace the ssl master bus and I didn't realize nectar had a leveler akin to the vocal rider. You earned yourself a new subscriber
I'm glad I could help!
Native Instrumenst VC160 is a great DBX 160 recreation.
I always forget about Native Instruments! I'll have to give that one a shot. Thanks!
And arturia comp vca 65, also sknote have it.
Softube's DBX 160 - The Compressor Collection Bundle
Also UAD Dbx 160.
When I stopped using Waves I switched entirely to Slate Digital instead. The slate collection has all of the same analog emulations that Waves has, so there's no extra learning curve for Waves users. The ONE thing Slate are missing though, is a proper dynamic EQ. So I'm stuck using the free Tokyo Dawn Dynamic EQ instead, but it's actually very functional and easy-to-use.
Now, THIS is the video we needed!
The VU compressor is great, got a review coming out soon for that, the Sonimus Satson CS is a great channel strip, Audio Assault also has some good stuff too
Oh I'll have to check those out!
Nice video. The Fat channel is something to checkout too, for 1176 and pultec style emulations... Do you have any suggestions for a Vitamin alternative? Of all my waves plugins, it's the only one I find my self leaning on if I'm mixing a session I didn't record...
You could try Spectre by Wavesfactory; it's not exactly the same, but in the same ballpark and might be able to do what you were doing with Vitamin. It's a super cool plugin either way!
@@BetterMixes thanks very much for the suggestion! I'll be sure to look in to it.
I agree with most all these recommends. I been moving away from waves for last few years using most a lot of the stuff you named in here as my replacements. The only bummer on older songs I have so many waves plugins in place. So one day when its time I may go back and swap out the stuff when that happens.
Render the tracks.
The main and only reason I'm glad to have the Waves plugins I do is when working with legacy client sessions. And at this point that's just for reference, to hear the kind of sound they were going for before they handed me the session. I plan to replace every instance of Waves plugins with better plugins from newer developers who are more reliable and trustworthy.
put on your list fabfilter C2. It has classic comp (replicate 1176,2A,whatever) and opto comp and much more. With advanced control and graphic knee visualisation .... kind of all in one plugin that does the job 😊
Timeless always > Hdelay
Twin > Elements
FF > Waves
Good call! All the FF stuff is top notch.
1) MV2 can be replaced with ADPTR SCULPT from PA since it has an upward, downward compressor and expander. 2) DBX 160 & Renaissance AXX can be replaced with PA Brainworx elysia mpressor. 3) 1176 can be replaced with PA Brainworx Purple MC77, UAD 1176 or Purafied VU compressor for a 4:1 ratio clean to dirty 1176. 4) LA2A can be replaced with PA Brainworx bx_opto followed by the Soundtoys Little Radiator before to emulate the input 12AX7 tube then the Fuse Audio Labs VCL-25A after to emulate the output 12AU7 tube or UAD LA2A. 5) Multiband compressor can be replaced with ToneBoosters MBC. 6) Digital EQ can be replaced with ToneBooster Equalizer 4. 7) SSL 4000 E can be replaced with PA Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E and the preamp section can be replaced with Purafied SLP 538 EQ or UAD SSL 4000 E. 8) 1073 Preamp can be replaced with Softube British Class A (Vintage neve preamp with old school marinair transformer) or Red Rock Sound AQ173 (Modern neve preamp). 9) API EQ can be replaced with Red Rock Sound AQ550, AQ550B and AQ560. 10) Pultec EQ can be replaced with Red Rock Sound EQP-1A. 10) Plate reverb can be replaced Fuse Audio Labs VREV-140. 11) Spring reverb can be replaced with Fuse Audio Labs VREV-666. 12) Chamber reverb can be replaced with Softube Atlantis Dual Chamber, LiquidSonics Seventh Heaven, LiquidSonics Illusion or UAD Capitol Chamber. 13) Tape Machine can be replaced with Kiive Audio Tape Face for 2-tracks tape recorder, Softube Tape for Multi-tracks tape recorder & Fuse Audio Labs Flywheel for Reel-to-reel tape recorder. 14) MaxxBass can be replaced with PA Brainworx bx_subsynth or Red Rock Sound Bass Enhancer. 15) Transient Designer can be replaced with PA Brainworx SPL Transient Designer Plus (Place the Fuse Audio Labs RS-W2395C plugin after the SPL Transient Designer Plus, then use the drive knob to emulate an output transformer). 16) Waves Vocal Rider can be replaced by PA Unfiltered Audio Zip with these settings -> Threshold = -55 dB, Auto = On, Ratio = 2.00, Lookahead = 12 ms, Attack = 1 ms, Release = 5 ms & AGC = On.
was looking for a MV2 alternative. Thanks!
What a fantastic list. Thanks very much 👍 😊
Fantastic list here. I appreciate this.
When I dropped Waves some years ago I was missing the API plugs. The 550A, 550B and 560 are great EQ's. I found my replacements in Volko Audio QA, QB and QG. Sounds pretty much the same as waves versions and also have the same settings. Volko is not very cheap but they do have sales on occation.
Nice! I had never heard of Volko before now. I'll definitely check them out!
IK 76/2A are also really really GREAT CLA76/2A replacements. Not just for the price - They're FABULOUS.
Was gonna shout these out and you already did! I got both of them in one of the big bundle sales they did and never bothered picking up other emulations since they work great.
@@BrofUJu I was legit surprised not only at how good they sounded during blind testing, but how little CPU they used. I really can't recommend them enough, especially if you're already in the IK space. Good stuff.
Overloud's Comp LA is also a good option, it's pricey but if you can catch it on sale you'll be glad you did.
Oh and the black rooster audio plugins are GREAT!
Thank you for posting a bunch of alternatives! I need to replace MV2 and CLA Bass. I just like those two plugins.
RBass can be replaced by Bass XL from denise audio. I made a quick video playing with it against RBass on my channel. It does the thing pretty nicely.
Oh awesome! I hadn't heard of that one before. I'll check out your video in a minute!
Just watched your video, and yeah, I'm sold on it! Sounded great!
Black Rooster also has a pretty good LA-2A and LA-3A.
Gunna need a cheat sheet man! Thanks for this video, Waves F"d up bigtime.
Haha I know, right?! But yeah, no problem! I'm glad you found the video helpful.
This is one I came across for Waves alternatives: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1--yRZdWro_d28LmYNvaWsVct7CR6Y_KAULFU8wZ4SEI/htmlview?fbclid=IwAR2LLmfGQ6O46m86mpmTRO_-hSKBhLGaoxo4hNrYoLwLrZFr6jQgdkRnMSk#gid=0
@@BetterMixes I concur, good video!
I'd like one too, bro. That you be dope.
@@J3unG See 2 comments above yours, it’s a recent google sheet for Waves alternatives.
This sort of action is how we can all get back at Waves. Power to the people 👍
Thanks for this. As soon as I received the Waves email notification of the change to subscription I mentally said goodbye. I will certainly be checking out some of those you have recommended.
The S1 and the L1, L1 Maximizer. PS22, WLM Loudness meter. CLA vocals
For MV2 I’m going yo try out ADPTR Audio’s Sculpt. Mainly for the upwards compression option. Although FF Pro-MB can also be a a single band upwards compr solution if you just use 1 band. But although I have pro-MB I’m still hoing to try out Sculpt, other than that I’m also looking for replacement for Soundshifter since that is the best quality real-time pitch shifter I’ve ever used and I’ve tried a lot of them.
Any suggestions for MV2 and Soundshifter alternatives are very welcome.
Ooo, Sculpt looks interesting! I'll definitely have to try that out. Thanks for that one!
@@BetterMixes Welcome! 🙂 I’m also going to try it out, looks interesting to me too.
Me too, use sound shifter quite a bit, also automation with it.
It could be that 2 instances of Pro-MB could replace MV2: 1) Expander followed by 2) Compressor, both set to the same frequency band
I was done with waves in 2008, when I discovered UAD. Their plug ins emulated the analog devices that I owned, before I went digital
Analog obsession has a db160 compressor and Im not sure if he’s still doing the pay what you want model but I think it’s one guy and worth supporting. I use it on di guitar all the time. Does the thing.
I use nls for subtle saturation on every channel for console sound. Gonna miss that and the abbey road compressed rs124 or whatever it’s called the most.
While on the topic of SSL, I have to say I really love the SSL Drumstrip
Yeah, that looks pretty cool! I'll have to try it out at some point.
Dbx 160 UAD, Native Instruments/softube, arturia close to, acustica audio nebula library. For the Pye compresor you can find it in the viridian suite from acustica audio.
I'm going to try out the Native Instruments one! I always forget about them. And I'll look into the Acoustica stuff too. Thanks!
Any suggestions for replacing Q10 surgical EQ and Vitamin multiband saturator / widener?
For Q10, I'd DEFINITELY recommend grabbing FabFilter ProQ3. It's just such a useful EQ! For Vitamin, you could take a look at Wavesfactory Spectre! It's not the exact same thing and doesn't do stereo widening in the same way, but it's a super useful saturator/enhancer!
Thanks for the shoutout! Cheers! 🐼💜
Yeah, no problem! I've been absolutely loving both VU Compressor and Micro Limiter! They're killer!
Plugin Alliance in general is a upgrade to waves and a cooler company with similar prices on the frequent sales.
Completely agree!
Firepresser plug-in replaces dbx160
Thanks for the suggestions. I've been limiting use of my WAVES plugs in the last year. I've found the Arturia Rev PLATE-140 to be an excellent EMT replacement for the Abbey Road Plates.
dbx 160 - Stillwell major tom. FET alternative - Stillwell Rocket. Another good alternatives to have in your arsenal: Sonimus TuCo (VariMu) and Boz Digital Labs +10dB(Kind of unique FETComp, works wonders in drum buss and rooms). Tonebosters EQ4 a cheaper alternative to ProQ3, full featured. Softube Tape, amazing tape simulation plugin.
Oh yeah, I LOVE +10dB! I'll have to check out some of the others you mentioned!
I did the 30 day full plug-in tryout offered Fab Filter’s ProQ3. I am warning anyone who thinks they can try out the ProQ3 for just a while, y’know, give it a go? Don’t do it. There’s a reason this plugin is in practically everyone’s box.
FabFilter has nailed the UI. The “dynamic” EQ feature is a stellar built-in band compression. The preset menu has truly usable templates. And, it’s very easy on the CPU. You’ll be breaking open your piggy bank to get it. I did. Not sorry.
Haha so true! Such an amazing plugin. And if you don't feel like spending money, don't demo their other plugins either! 😆
Great video, great initiative against this lousy action of Waves! I own a lot of their plugins, I think I have them almost all but from now on I won't buy anything anymore from them. No way of transferring to a subscription model!.. And I have sent them an email about this. Hopefully all users will follow this buyers strike and let's see what Waves has to say then. This is an awsome reaction, bravo !.. I subscribed to your channel and will further analyze your very interesting alternatives and am looking forward to see your other videos.
Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked the video!
Great video - I guess this video is a year old but I would assume the waves subscriptions still applies... how many of these alternatives are compatible with the newer mac silicon chips like M1 Max, M2, etc? Thanks for the tips
I know Waves went back on the subscription only thing only a day or two after this, but I'm honestly not sure what their model looks like anymore as I haven't really looked at their stuff since this. But I'm pretty sure that the vast majority of the alternatives in this video are M1 compatible!
i can't find Replacement waves Infected Mushroom Pusher
Good feature. Frankly, I moved on from the few Waves plugins considered essential years ago. Cytomic’s Glue was one of the best SSL comps and I believe it predates Waves’ offering. It really was the L2, the Rvox and the R Bass that were considered industry standards for quite some time. I’ve moved on to the Kazrog K Clip however, and Denise’s new XXL is finally a viable R Bass alternative. As far as RVox, you get over it after a while. Waves is still quality, but the competition is fierce.
I'll definitely have to check out XXL, cause I just kinda stopped using RBass without any alternative, so I'd love to have that kind of option again! Thanks for the recommendation!
thank you for the knowledge
My pleasure! I'm happy to help.
Waves CLA76 ------> Purple Audio MC77, Waves LA2A -------> Overloud Gem Comp LA 😁
Great suggestions!
so much game. Deep knowledge in these plugs man!
Thanks man! Glad you liked the video!
Native Instruments VC160 plugin I believe is a dbx 160 plugin
With the help of technology, we'll always be able to use every plugin waves makes without a subscription.
I just upgraded with no issues :D
Analog Obsession LALA is a great alternative and so it PA Purple Audio MC77 or Arturia 1176
Analog obsession has the Dbx compressor
Arturia's vca 65 and 1176, Black Rooster Audio LA2A and LA£A, IK Multimedia SSL and 1176... But how do I replace NLS?
Solid suggestions! For NLS there's always Slate VCC.
Thanks for this! I just need an alt for MV2 and Scheps Parallel Particles.
May I suggest that you make a separate video for each Waves plugin?
It could become THE authoritative series. As new plug-ins come on the market, viewers can leave comments with the latest recommendations. These videos may be referenced for years to come.
🎉
A good Dbx 160 Vca comp is the Arturia one, they make other cool emulations as well
The new trend would be for companies to remake different version of Waves plugins
Analog Obsession and TDR? Have u try it?
I've been meaning to try the analog obsession stuff, but haven't gotten around to it quite yet. The TDR stuff is great though!
Meir Shashoua CTO & Co Founder of Waves has just stated Perpetual Licenses and updates will be back alongside subscriptions ASAP. PR Stunt? or customer backlash? I'm still gonna look into your alternatives though and thanks for making this.
What a wild week it's been! But yeah, I'm with you there. I'm still probably going to be migrating away from my Waves plugins after this.
PA, Arturia and UA are my main alternatives. I finally made a complete transition from Waves. I couldn't stand the WUP scam, forget about the subscription rip-off.
Yes. Just YES. Great vid, great recommendations! Subscribed and looking forward to watching your other videos!!
Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it!
Apogee make a great LA3A.
Acustica Sand is the best SSL compressor.
Adptr Sculpt for MV2.
Denise Audio Bass XL for RBass.
Acustica Titanium EQ is the best Pultec (TubeTech).
Reverberate 3 for all reverbs.
Softube Tape for real subtle tape.
Any alternative for Rvox ?
Dude your impression of Glen from Spectresoundstudios is fucking spot on man.
For MV2 i use sucessfully Adaptr Sculpt from PA.
There's alternatives in the ik multimedia track 5 for pretty much any waves plugging aside from voczl rider harmony and clarity vx delay and reverb TC electronic 6000 totaly worth it
Keive audio and plugging alliance have pretty much the same offerings as well as you covered pretty much everything else in the video honorable mention for softube plugging they need some love
Great suggestions! And yeah, Softube is fantastic!
Is the bative SSL channel strip any good?
Question... Not sure if this was answered.. Can you do the 7 day free trial sub, upgrade what you have and then bounce?
There is no more upgrade.
@@mcpribs sooo if people would just read what Waves wrote they are saying that all plugin updates are included in their subscriptions... 🤷🏾♂ Still hate waves but this sounds like a loophole to exploit b4 they close it
Figured let me copy paste it...
Over 110 industry-leading plugins
All plugin updates included
Select new plugins added
Includes StudioVerse:
Thousands of mix chains w/ instant AI search
Limited time: 2 free months of Splice Sounds+:
Allow 8 days for code delivery by email
Cancel anytime (your subscription will stop
at the end of your current period)
Plug in alliance has one called "Sub lifter" its M1 compatible and might be an ok alternative to R bass
Let's do this boys! 💪
i think the new waves is plugin alliance
even sounds better than waves
DMG Audio has the Trackcomp 2 which contains a DBX 160, as well as many other compressor models.
Ok yeah, that one looks cool!
McDSP ML4000 is a fair replacement for MV2. Denise audio BassXL is worth a look as a replacement for Rbass. Their plates and rooms are excellent too and very affordable. PSP's FETpressor is an excellent replacement 1176.
Excellent suggestions!
It’s almost as if UAD knew waves was going to do subscription and saw the hate waves was going to get and decided to go native because of it, it was a smart move.
I confirmed magnetite is a great tape machine emulation, i recommend reelbuss from toneboosters too, the old version is free and the "mix glue" presets are very useful in mix
Nice, I'll have to give that one a try!
I love that my wife is encouraging me to buy new plugins to dump Waves :-)
😂😂😂
Softube makes a great 160.
It’s also included in the native instruments bundle
I somehow never knew Softubes made one! I own a bunch of their stuff but never noticed that one. Thanks for the heads up!
I liked the waves C6 and F6 eq ... but fafilter proq3 and their MB plugin destroyed waves counterpart 😅
Absolutely!
Very good. Please, the same video with all the free alternatives !
a month ago i discovered the F76 From Sknote its a vst3 plugin of the 1176 super fast compression.pluging alliance has the purple audio 1176 emulated pluging.plusar has the 1178 fet compressor , NI hast aswell the 1176(VC76) & the la2a(VC2A) for the 160 i use the synapse rack extension version on reason i dont know if they have a vst version you have look it if synapse sudio has it but NI HAS THE (vc160)I Started replacing my pluginging fron since ende of last im not a fan of a yearly update plan.guys the a better options that ways pluging trust some stuff are mind blowing playing for updates isnt a think ,you just have to find it.wish you good luck wish you happy music making stay possitive stay creative
the Arturia plugins are beautiful
Really been digging the plug-in alliance channel strips
Yeah, they're fantastic!
The vocal effects are the ones that might be difficult to replace. Of course nothing is impossible
That was great thank you. Didn't know KIT plugins. Great to discover awesome new developers.
Happy to help! Yeah, their Neve plugins are fantastic! I haven't tried their other ones yet.
Any alternative to the feedback suppressor plugin...? I need only thatone plugin for shows but now I cant buy it.....
Someone with affiliation with Waves reached out to them (among others) and they seem to be bringing back perpetual licenses back alongside the subscription model
For those who are still gonna go the substitute route, @weaverbeats has a large Google document with a lot of options
Yeah but the damage is done and we're fortunate they're not the only game in town. The GUI of their legacy plugins is clunky and weird-looking compared to the many many newer alternatives.
Any said HY-Plugins? Love the delay! Others are FF, TC & Arturia. Build in Plugins not to forget.
I had never heard of HY before. Looks interesting! Thanks for the heads up!
The only Waves plugin that I will truly miss if what you mentioned ever happens to me is the Scheps Parallel Particles....all the other Waves plugins that I own I already have replacements available through years of taking advantage from Black Friday sales. I love Waves but that new move will just bury the company if they don't act fast and try to fix it. The clock is ticking........
Analog Obsession makes a dbx 160. Anteres has a plugin similar to the MV2 called AVox Punch. Apogee makes thee best Pultec emulation as it is the ONLY one endorsed by Pulse Techniques (makers of the Pultec EQ) and Overloud Comp 670 is one of the best Fairchild emulations.
Great suggestions! I'll definitely have to check out AVox Punch!
awesome video! I've tried some other subsynth/harmonic synth style plugins but I have to say, even if I eventually run into compatibility issues down the line and have to pay 30 bucks once to update the plugins I've got I will. I'd just miss R-Bass too much haha
does anyone have anything for the abbey road RS124? or even any good Altec emulations?
I THINK the Kush AR-1 and the United Plugins Royal Compressor are based on the same thing as the RS124.
For reverb big recommendation for pro-r and for distortion trash 2 is limitless
T-racks White 2a is a pretty solid LA2A emulation. Have tested it with Waves and UAD. White 2a comes a bit closer to the UAD emulation.
Vocal rider: TBProAudio DynaRide
Abbey Road Chambers: IK Multimedia studio reverbs - Fame, Sunset, and Stone Room
Do you know something that could replace Sibilance? I think I've tried every de-esser on the planet but think this one is the best because it uses vocal resynthesis instead of eq, compression or ducking like other de-esser plugins, and the result is just fantastic.
Great video. I'm using Logic plugins for 90% of what I need, and I also have a bunch of awesome UA plugins. Oh, and Soothe 2 - that thing is amazing.
Yessss Soothe 2 is fantastic!
a good replacement for the dbx 160 would be the major tom by stillwell audio! as well im sure that uad will have their dbx 160 on native in the future
Perhaps Overloud, IK Multimedia and even Arturia are good sources for Waves replacements. And of course Softube for many of those Abbey Roads stuff. Also Acustica-Audio offers some very good sounding plugins that can replace the Neve and SSL plugins, but they have also emulations of analog gear no other company does offer. And the there is Eventide with it‘s own line of unique plugins and remakes of their own gear. When it comes to rooms they offer the T-Verb which is emulating a reverb method Visconti and Bowie used in the Hansa Studios in Berlin. It‘s truely amazing.
Great suggestions! And yeah, all the Eventide stuff is great (AND they're all great people too)!
RBass and LoAir alternatives: bx subfilter (free), bx subsynth or Unfiltered Audio Bass Mint
But I can’t find the substitute of RBass, CLA Guitar, MV2
How can you be finished with waves
What about the feedback elimination PSE and the harmonizers....
We should come all to getter and stp waves with this subscription