Waves API 550

Waves API 550

The Waves API 550 recreates two classic API console equalizers—the API 550A and API 550B—delivering the punch, musicality, and precision associated with vintage API hardware. Designed for professional mixing, recording, and mastering, the collection provides fast, intuitive tonal shaping with stepped frequency controls and API’s characteristic proportional-Q behavior.

Key Features

• Includes API 550A 3-band EQ and API 550B 4-band EQ

• API 550A: 5 selectable frequencies per band

• API 550B: 7 selectable frequencies per band

• Overlapping frequency ranges for flexible tonal shaping

• Proportional-Q behavior on the API 550B

• Selectable peaking/shelving operation on the 550A high and low bands

• Independent band-pass filter on the 550A

• Suitable for individual tracks, buses, mix processing, and mastering

Technical Specifications

• Format: Native audio plug-in

• Plug-in Formats: VST3, Audio Units, AAX

• Processing: Mono and stereo

• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz

• Native Latency: 0 samples

• Supported Waves Versions: V9–V17

System Requirements

• Mac: Intel or Apple Silicon processor; M-series Apple Silicon officially supported

• macOS: Current Waves-supported versions, including Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15, and Tahoe 26 for V17

• Windows: 64-bit Intel or AMD CPU; Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11

• Memory: 16 GB RAM

• Storage: 30 GB available space on the system drive

• Display: 1920 × 1080 recommended

• DAW: Compatible VST3, Audio Units, or AAX host

• Installation & Licensing: Waves Central and an internet connection required

Ideal For: Professional recording studios, mix rooms, mastering facilities, broadcast environments, and high-end private studios requiring fast, musical EQ with classic console character.