Waves 14 Plugins Best [updated]
Waves 14 is a suite of audio processing plugins that offers a wide range of tools for music production, post-production, and live sound. With so many plugins to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are the best. Here are some of the most popular and highly-regarded Waves 14 plugins:
4. The Surgical EQ: Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ
Static EQs ruin modern mixes. The F6 is a dynamic EQ that reacts to input volume. For example, you can set it to reduce harsh 3kHz frequencies only when the vocalist sings loud. With six fully adjustable bands, sidechain filtering, and real-time spectrum analysis, the F6 is arguably the most flexible plugin Waves has ever made. In version 14, the GUI response time is instantaneous.
: A staple for instant, natural-sounding pitch correction during tracking or mixing. Renaissance Vox (RVox) waves 14 plugins best
- CLA-2A & CLA-3A: While Waves makes many compressor emulations, these two remain the gold standard. The CLA-2A (optical) is the go-to for glue and warmth on bass and vocals, while the CLA-3A (electro-luminescent) offers a faster, punchier attack perfect for guitars and snappy drums. In v14, the CPU efficiency makes running multiple instances a non-issue.
- SSL G-Master Buss Compressor: There are dozens of SSL emulations on the market now (Plugin Alliance, SSL Native, UAD), but Waves’ version remains the most ubiquitous "glue" for rock and pop mixes. It offers that distinct pump and cohesion that defines the sound of modern radio.
To get the most out of your Waves 14 plugins, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
update (and subsequent V15) solidified several industry-standard tools while introducing advanced AI-driven noise reduction. Experts from Waves 14 is a suite of audio processing
5. Modulation & Special Effects
| Plugin | Best For | Why | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | MondoMod | Psychedelic, EDM, lo-fi | One plugin does chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, and panning. Automate the LFO shape/speed for evolving textures. | | H-Delay (again) | Chorus & doubling | Set delay to 15–25 ms, 0% feedback, and modulate the delay time. Better than many dedicated chorus plugins. | | Enigma | Resonant FX, dub siren | A forgotten gem. Creates harmonic shifting, pitch bending, and vowel-like filters. Use on synth stabs. |
The Renaissance EQ is a high-end equalization plugin that's designed for precision and musicality. Its intuitive interface and wide range of features make it suitable for a variety of applications, from mixing to mastering. CLA-2A & CLA-3A: While Waves makes many compressor
Beyond the individual plugins, the V14 update introduces several workflow improvements: