Done With WAVES? Try THESE Alternatives.

[@colinbudd5840]

Gotta love a quick and clean divorce. Thanks for creating a proactive discussion on how to dust down and move on 😎

[@BetterMixes]

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!

[@lauriliinat7262]

This is what happens when a company who isn't really quite Apple thinks they're Apple 🤭

[@emveeoh]

'quick and clean divorce'... 😂

[@testinggrounds484]

Growing list of alternatives: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1--yRZdWro_d28LmYNvaWsVct7CR6Y_KAULFU8wZ4SEI/edit#gid=0

[@Chu_the_Master]

For every content creator giving advice on Waves' alternatives, I'm here for it!

[@tbonebeats6429]

We need more content like this.

[@BetterMixes]

Thanks so much!

[@beatbuildersstudio]

If you need more I made a video on alternatives as well.

[@J3unG]

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.

[@oinkooink]

LOL is this guy hiring comment bots????????????

[@oinkooink]

@@J3unG Stop saying content

[@Tekkerue]

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.

[@BetterMixes]

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!

[@Tekkerue]

@@BetterMixes Ugh, I have tried a couple times to post a response but KZbin 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 KZbin's stupid filters apparently didn't like something I was saying. 😒

[@Darioz941]

Tone boosters are awesome. I would say that are the chosen ones to replace fab filter. Limiter and multiband are wonderful

[@davidholloway3011]

IK T racks is definitely worth a look, and very reasonably priced.

[@BetterMixes]

I kinda forgot they have stuff besides the amp sims! I'll definitely be giving them another look.

[@cl9826]

Total studio 3.5 on sale now for 200 dollars! Absolute nutso 😂

[@cjcurcio]

Their Black 76, though different than the CLA-76, is excellent!

[@GrumpleSenior]

@@BetterMixesT-Racks is fantastic and their 500 series mixbox is great but really fun and creative too. A much underrated developer.

[@sealinski]

Get the total studio 3.5 while you can!

[@AquaticAudio]

MAJOR bummer! Good thing there are people out there that make some quality freeware as well!

[@BetterMixes]

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).

[@theiammike123]

Don't even get me started with Analog Obsession. 😁

[@buckycore]

I'm loving this positive moving forward attitude here! Everything you recommend is top shelf.

[@thomasshugar5636]

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.

[@dutnakke]

Native Instrumenst VC160 is a great DBX 160 recreation.

[@BetterMixes]

I always forget about Native Instruments! I'll have to give that one a shot. Thanks!

[@alexeybatura5151]

And arturia comp vca 65, also sknote have it.

[@sealtunes7265]

Softube's DBX 160 - The Compressor Collection Bundle

[@1erwayne]

Also UAD Dbx 160.

[@earledaniels4539]

This sort of action is how we can all get back at Waves. Power to the people 👍

[@tosvus]

Now, THIS is the video we needed!

[@hleet]

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 😊

[@djliksu6341]

Timeless always > Hdelay Twin > Elements FF > Waves

[@BetterMixes]

Good call! All the FF stuff is top notch.

[@MixingObsession]

Analog obsession has the Dbx compressor

[@MixingObsession]

Oh and the black rooster audio plugins are GREAT!

[@simondanielssonmusic]

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.

[@gotyor]

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.

[@ES60Hz]

Render the tracks.

[@alexandereditsvideo]

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.

[@tvd1188]

Gunna need a cheat sheet man! Thanks for this video, Waves F"d up bigtime.

[@BetterMixes]

Haha I know, right?! But yeah, no problem! I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@greedokenobi3855]

This is one I came across for Waves alternatives: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1--yRZdWro_d28LmYNvaWsVct7CR6Y_KAULFU8wZ4SEI/htmlview?fbclid=IwAR2LLmfGQ6O46m86mpmTRO_-hSKBhLGaoxo4hNrYoLwLrZFr6jQgdkRnMSk#gid=0

[@greedokenobi3855]

@@BetterMixes I concur, good video!

[@J3unG]

I'd like one too, bro. That you be dope.

[@greedokenobi3855]

@@J3unG See 2 comments above yours, it’s a recent google sheet for Waves alternatives.

[@stuffnuns]

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.

[@BetterMixes]

Haha so true! Such an amazing plugin. And if you don't feel like spending money, don't demo their other plugins either! 😆

[@jrhager84]

IK 76/2A are also really really GREAT CLA76/2A replacements. Not just for the price - They're FABULOUS.

[@BrofUJu]

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.

[@jrhager84]

@@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.

[@alexandereditsvideo]

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.

[@aviatedviewssound4798]

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.

[@jimmyknight1]

was looking for a MV2 alternative. Thanks!

[@earledaniels4539]

What a fantastic list. Thanks very much 👍 😊

[@unincorporated-band]

Fantastic list here. I appreciate this.

[@BeastmodeBeats]

so much game. Deep knowledge in these plugs man!

[@BetterMixes]

Thanks man! Glad you liked the video!

[@iamerror5751]

Black Rooster also has a pretty good LA-2A and LA-3A.

[@qomplex]

Thank you! I was literally looking for alternatives before I came across this video.

[@BetterMixes]

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help!

[@SpradingalingMixingThings]

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.

[@BetterMixes]

Oh awesome! I hadn't heard of that one before. I'll check out your video in a minute!

[@BetterMixes]

Just watched your video, and yeah, I'm sold on it! Sounded great!

[@mihkeljurima1007]

Dude your impression of Glen from Spectresoundstudios is fucking spot on man.

[@zoozeonja158]

Waves CLA76 ------> Purple Audio MC77, Waves LA2A -------> Overloud Gem Comp LA 😁

[@BetterMixes]

Great suggestions!

[@RayTheProducer]

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.

[@BetterMixes]

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!

[@cl9826]

Let's do this boys! 💪

[@Purafied]

Thanks for the shoutout! Cheers! 🐼💜

[@BetterMixes]

Yeah, no problem! I've been absolutely loving both VU Compressor and Micro Limiter! They're killer!

[@theVomitorium]

Thank you for posting a bunch of alternatives! I need to replace MV2 and CLA Bass. I just like those two plugins.

[@pauldenkewitz2448]

thank you for the knowledge

[@BetterMixes]

My pleasure! I'm happy to help.

[@sharkflower123]

I love that my wife is encouraging me to buy new plugins to dump Waves :-)

[@BetterMixes]

😂😂😂

[@leearmitage]

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

[@BetterMixes]

Oh I'll have to check those out!

[@zillasaurus]

While on the topic of SSL, I have to say I really love the SSL Drumstrip

[@BetterMixes]

Yeah, that looks pretty cool! I'll have to try it out at some point.

[@andersthuresson]

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.

[@BetterMixes]

Nice! I had never heard of Volko before now. I'll definitely check them out!

[@emveeoh]

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. 🎉

[@joeyvega01]

Native Instruments VC160 plugin I believe is a dbx 160 plugin

[@garry-t5056]

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.

[@pvampman]

Don’t forget about black rooster and analog obsession

[@AldoGomezOficial]

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

[@BetterMixes]

Nice, I'll have to give that one a try!

[@charlespiper9291]

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

[@mblyarsmblyars6480]

This is definitely not a smart move by Waves. Simply, they are pushing majority of Waves existing users to avoid using their plugins. Such step will enhance their competitors market share to alarming level for waves. After all, the market is full of very high end plugins.

[@Max10_B]

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.

[@curtischarles5299]

It seems like waves are trying hard to bankrupt their company . They will see

[@thelinkofperfectioncharity9469]

The new trend would be for companies to remake different version of Waves plugins

[@kenardomccallum8096]

We should come all to getter and stp waves with this subscription

[@luvitluvitbaby]

Analog Obsession LALA is a great alternative and so it PA Purple Audio MC77 or Arturia 1176

[@TazzSmk]

ALL harmonic saturation plugins from Waves can be replaced with Melda MCharacter :)

[@teqnotic]

For those looking for a Vocal Rider replacement, I came across GainAim from NoiseWorks

[@BetterMixes]

Nice! I hadn't heard of that one. I'll have to check it out!

[@jeffbridges6110]

Analog Obsession makes good stuff for free.

[@ignasibb]

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.

[@BetterMixes]

Oh yeah, I LOVE +10dB! I'll have to check out some of the others you mentioned!

[@helmanfrow]

Just to keep it current, Waves has backpedaled on the subscriptions and will offer perpetual licenses again.

[@eprotz]

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.

[@BetterMixes]

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!

[@averagejoed]

It's like buying a house, forced to give it back then paying rent to live there

[@f1rstp3rsonngaming96]

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

[@TheSlim1]

i think the new waves is plugin alliance even sounds better than waves

[@Todzuum]

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.

[@ygorjensouniev-mafabriquea6992]

Very good. Please, the same video with all the free alternatives !

[@natewilliams83]

Arturia and Native Instruments make a DBX160!

[@whome806]

Native instruments makes a dbx160, la2a, and 1176

[@RiaanPretorius]

I'm buying quality hardware units from now on. At least I will own it forever. Maybe having less options with help my creativity.

[@shaihulud4515]

What a pity. Goodbye, Waves! It's been a great time, but we have to part ways here. May my OS at least last for another decade though...

[@CalebxRashad]

Firepresser plug-in replaces dbx160

[@lorenne3678]

the Arturia plugins are beautiful

[@seljoypro]

ikmultimedia t-racks or mix box has everybody covered

[@assistantassistant5516]

That was great thank you. Didn't know KIT plugins. Great to discover awesome new developers.

[@BetterMixes]

Happy to help! Yeah, their Neve plugins are fantastic! I haven't tried their other ones yet.

[@Bloemanstudio]

Great video man but you forgot one or the best eq of the moment...check Kirchhoff-EQ

[@BetterMixes]

Oh yeah, that one does look really cool! Like ProQ3 on steroids. I've been meaning to try it out!

[@dannyday1984]

Valhalla Delay goes way beyond H-Delay. Get it, set aside some time to learn it, and then sit back and wonder what it was you liked about H-Delay.

[@BetterMixes]

100% I LOVE Valhalla Delay!

[@dechamo]

The vocal effects are the ones that might be difficult to replace. Of course nothing is impossible

[@Jake_Bars]

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.

[@sean_wave]

Check Analog Obsession for analog emu

[@waltertill1388]

For MV2 i use sucessfully Adaptr Sculpt from PA.

[@NoQualmsTheArtist]

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.

[@justtosharefiles678]

Yes. Just YES. Great vid, great recommendations! Subscribed and looking forward to watching your other videos!!

[@BetterMixes]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it!

[@JohnMassari]

Thanks for the alternatives

[@BetterMixes]

No problem! Happy to help!

[@ivan.bofinger]

A good Dbx 160 Vca comp is the Arturia one, they make other cool emulations as well

[@KenBybee]

I’ve been done with them for a while

[@ruudjansen2412]

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.

[@BetterMixes]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked the video!

[@kagunmarx5914]

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

[@garyshepherd9226]

In the same boat - thanks for this.

[@BetterMixes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MixingObsession]

Don’t forget analog obsession

[@MixingObsession]

Really been digging the plug-in alliance channel strips

[@BetterMixes]

Yeah, they're fantastic!

[@TrondGjellum]

Thank you! This was really useful!

[@BetterMixes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@earledaniels4539]

Any suggestions for replacing Q10 surgical EQ and Vitamin multiband saturator / widener?

[@BetterMixes]

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!

[@itchyvinyl]

Thanks for this! I just need an alt for MV2 and Scheps Parallel Particles.

[@correametal]

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........

[@SoundScienceMediaWorks]

Softube makes a great 160. It’s also included in the native instruments bundle

[@BetterMixes]

I somehow never knew Softubes made one! I own a bunch of their stuff but never noticed that one. Thanks for the heads up!

[@-Hann]

just what i was looking for! thanks!

[@BetterMixes]

Glad I could help!

[@thorivarskaue4570]

DBX 160 - Arturia FX Collection. Softube has one to.

[@stansteez]

RBass and LoAir alternatives: bx subfilter (free), bx subsynth or Unfiltered Audio Bass Mint

[@tbonebeats6429]

Uad has a dbx 160

[@BetterMixes]

Oh right! I kinda forgot about that one. Hopefully they'll make it available as native soon!

[@gabriel_facedown]

Plug in alliance has one called "Sub lifter" its M1 compatible and might be an ok alternative to R bass

[@ES60Hz]

For better Analog Emulations: Acustica Audio, Tone Empire, Kit Plugins, UAD, Plugin Alliance, SSL, Softube.

[@RufusRoss]

The Arturia Compressors are pretty good.

[@barchel]

For reverb big recommendation for pro-r and for distortion trash 2 is limitless

[@24k-n6x]

The only plugins im gonna miss is Vocal Rider, Bass Rider, NLS and Brauer Motion.

[@Justin_the_Analog_IC_architect]

Check out Hornet Auto Gain for Vocal Rider.

[@xE4syCoreX]

Black Rooster Audio VLA-3A could be an option

[@BetterMixes]

Yes! I've been meaning to try that one. I have one or two other plugins from them that sound great, so that one probably does too!

[@natedavid3873]

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

[@somedood6621]

the waves pultec never sounded good to me anyway. terrible sounding midrange!

[@BetterMixes]

Yeah, I never really used that one. The alternatives were always much better for me!

[@mcpribs]

That’s because it was based on JJP’s, which was modified. I recall hearing other engineers who used it saying they also disliked how it sounded.

[@somedood6621]

@@mcpribs Well you can add me to that list of engineers who dislike the sound. I prefer the Pultec that comes with Logic Pro!

[@tosvus]

Slate has a lot of good stuff as well, and while they do have a subscription, you can also buy perpetual licenses.

[@BetterMixes]

Yeah, the Slate stuff is solid! Good call.