14 Best Waves Plugins in The Industry (+ Free Alternative)

Waves plugins are undoubtedly some of the best tools available for music production. 

They include top-notch EQs, compressors, and effects in the game. 

Plus, they’re all incredibly user-friendly and versatile. 

They can help you with everything from mixing and mastering to vocal processing and sound design. 

But which Waves plugins should you invest in first? 一 Well, that’s exactly what we’re breaking down today. 

All of the following Waves plugins include:

• High-quality sound ✓
• Intuitive interfaces ✓
• Comprehensive controls ✓
• Versatile applications ✓
• Professional-grade algorithms ✓
• Wide compatibility ✓
• Real-time processing ✓
• Advanced features ✓
• Reliable performance ✓
• So much more ✓

After reading this article, you’ll not only have access to the best Waves plugins in the industry but also discover a new legendary free plugin alternative. 

This way, you’ll be able to enhance your production quality, create professional mixes, and master your tracks like a true professional.

So, let’s dive in…

Before We Dive in… The Best Waves Plugins Free Alternative

Before we dive in, I’ve got to put you on to the newest free lo-fi plugin that will be the best Waves plugin free alternative: Zen Master.

Zen Master is an impressive, highly-renowned free plugin designed to add authentic lo-fi effects to your music productions. 

It is insanely versatile and lets you transform any sound into a warm, vintage texture in less than 3 seconds. 

Zen Master includes five unique effects: 

• Hypnosis (detune and stereo-width combo)
• Imbalance (analog tape wobble)
• Electrify (bit crusher)
• Vinyl (texture addition)
• Ascend (parallel reverb)

These effects can be blended together to create an epic lo-fi sound that breathes new life into your tracks every single time.

Plus, it’s user-friendly, with a simple interface, which makes it easy to dial in the perfect settings to match the unique vibe you’re going for.

Compatible with all major DAWs, Zen Master is a fantastic free alternative to paid Waves plugins, providing high-quality lo-fi effects without any cost.

Download Zen Master Now

Key Features:

• Hypnosis: Detune and stereo-width combo effect
• Imbalance: Analog tape wobble effect
• Electrify: Bit crusher for adding grit
• Vinyl: Adds vintage texture
• Ascend: Parallel reverb processor
• Compatible with all major DAWs (FL, Logic, Cubase, etc.)
• One of the best free lo-fi plugins available

The 14 Best Waves Plugins In The Industry

Now that you know the best free alternative to the following Waves plugins, let’s break them down. They’ve been selected based on their popularity, functionality, and the unique benefits they bring to music production (not just my personal preference).

#1. Waves SSL EV2 Channel ($29.99)

The Waves SSL EV2 Channel is an updated version of the classic SSL4000 channel strip, offering a variety of EQ, compression, and gating options. 

It perfectly emulates the sound and workflow of the legendary SSL console, known for shaping countless hit records. 

The SSL EV2 features: 

• A 4-band parametric EQ
• High-pass and low-pass filters
• A versatile compressor/limiter 

Plus the new analog modeling technology provides even greater depth and warmth to recordings 一 making it ideal for both mixing and mastering. 

Producers like Andrew Scheps trust the SSL EV2 for its ability to deliver punchy drums, clear vocals, and full mixes. 

Where this plugin’s true strength lies is in its versatility…

So whether you’re working on rock, pop, or EDM, the SSL EV2 Channel will help you achieve professional-quality sound. 

If you’re a serious producer looking for the best Waves plugin, look no further because this one is a must-have.

Key Features:

• 4-band parametric EQ
• High-pass and low-pass filters
• Versatile compressor/limiter
• New analog modeling technology
• Ideal for drums, vocals, and mixes
• Trusted by top producers like Andrew Scheps
• Enhances depth and warmth in recordings
• One of the best Waves plugins/compressors available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#2. Waves Renaissance Reverb ($35.99)

Renaissance Reverb by Waves is a must-have for adding depth and texture to mixes. 

It offers 12 different reverb types, from small rooms to vast halls, so you’ll have a wide range of creative possibilities to choose from.

The dual-band EQ and damping controls give precise control over the reverb’s tone and decay, so it’s perfect for tweaking the sound to fit any mix. 

Its user-friendly interface ensures professional results quickly, without complex settings, which nobody really needs, am I right?

Renaissance Reverb excels in creating realistic spaces 一 making it ideal for vocals, drums, and other instruments. 

Plus the high-quality algorithms make sure that the reverb sounds natural and blends seamlessly with the original sound (which is what it’s all about).

Bottom line, this reverb plugin is highly versatile, suitable for various genres, and an essential tool for any music producer. 

With Renaissance Reverb, achieving a polished and professional sound has never been easier or more fun.

Key Features:

• 12 reverb types
• Dual-band EQ and damping controls
• User-friendly interface
• Realistic space creation
• Perfect for vocals, drums, and instruments
• High-quality algorithms
• Versatile for various genres
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#3. Waves Tune Real-Time ($49.99)

Waves Tune Real-Time is the go-to plugin for pitch correction in live performances and studio sessions, hands down.

It provides smooth and transparent pitch correction, so it’s a solid alternative to more expensive software like Antares Auto-Tune, which is super overpriced.

With its intuitive interface, target pitches can be set, and the correction speed adjusted for subtle tuning or show-stopping effects popular in modern pop and hip-hop. 

Waves Tune Real-Time’s low latency ensures flawless performance with no issues in live settings 一 allowing vocalists to sing with confidence. 

It also features formant correction, which helps to maintain the natural character of the voice while correcting pitch (perfect tool for live performance and engineering).

Whether fine-tuning a vocal performance or applying creative effects, Waves Tune Real-Time delivers exceptional results all day.

Key Features:

• Smooth, transparent pitch correction with no issues
• Intuitive interface with target pitch settings
• Adjustable correction speed
• Low latency for live performance
• Formant correction to maintain voice character
• Ideal for modern pop and hip-hop
• Essential for live and studio applications
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#4. Vocal Rider ($49.99)

Vocal Rider by Waves is a truly revolutionary tool that automatically adjusts the level of vocal tracks to maintain consistent volume throughout a performance. 

Is that sick, or what?

It saves time and endless frustration by eliminating the need for manual fader rides 一 ensuring that vocals sit perfectly in the mix. 

By setting a target vocal level, Vocal Rider intelligently raises or lowers the signal’s gain without coloring the sound. 

This means a balanced mix can be layed down without any additional compression. 

Vocal Rider is especially useful in live sound applications, where maintaining consistent vocal levels is everything. 

Plus it works seamlessly with other Waves plugins, so you can really take things to the next level and deliver professional-quality vocal mixes every time.

Its efficiency, effectiveness, and overall dopeness make it a must-have for anyone serious about vocal production.

NOTE: The real-time adjustment capabilities ensure immediate feedback and precise control, which makes it a favorite among top producers and engineers. 

Key Features:

• Automatic vocal level adjustment
• Time-saving alternative to manual fader rides
• Maintains consistent volume without coloring sound
• Ideal for live sound and studio mixing
• Works seamlessly with other Waves plugins
• Balanced mix without additional compression
• Professional-quality vocal mixes
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#5. J37 Tape Saturation Plugin ($39.99)

The J37 Saturation Plugin, developed in collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, brings the warmth and character of analog tape to digital recordings. 

Honestly, the fact that Abbey Road Studios is involved should tell you everything.

It flawlessly emulates the classic J37 4-track tape machine used to record legendary albums in the 1960s and 70s. 

Plus it features controls for: 

• Tape speed
• Bias
• Noise
• Saturation
• WOW/flutter

So, needless to say, you’ll be able to manipulate the tape effect however you’d like.

The J37 also includes three different tape formulas 一 EMI TAPE 888, EMI TAPE 811, and EMI TAPE 815.

Each has its own unique frequency response and harmonic distortion characteristics, so you really have room to think outside of the box. 

It’s also perfect for adding vintage warmth and saturation to individual tracks or entire mixes, which is always a plus.

The built-in tape delay also offers additional creative possibilities, which is why the J37 is a favorite among top producers. 

With its authentic analog sound, the J37 Tape Machine enhances the quality and character of any recording, making it a standout plugin in the Waves collection.

Key Features:

• Emulates the classic J37 4-track tape machine
• Controls for tape speed, bias, noise, saturation, wow, and flutter
• Three different tape formulas
• Adds vintage warmth and saturation
• Built-in tape delay
• Authentic analog sound
• Enhances quality and character of recordings
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#6. Doubler ($29.99)

Waves Doubler is the ultimate plugin for adding depth and surround richness to vocals and instruments, using delay and pitch modulation to create the effect of multiple takes.

Basically this gives your tracks a much fuller, more polished sound. 

Doubler is super useful for enhancing vocal performances, which makes them sound thicker and more engaging, so make sure to play around with that.

It also works well on guitars, keys, and other instruments 一 adding a subtle chorus effect that enhances the overall texture of the mix. 

With its simple yet powerful controls, the perfect amount of doubling can be quickly dialed in to fit any unique style. 

Whether adding shimmer to a lead vocal or creating lush, multi-layered instrument tracks, Waves Doubler delivers professional results, no problems. 

Bottom line, its versatility and effectiveness make it a must-have for any producer looking to enhance their artists’ recordings.

Key Features:

• Delay and pitch modulation for a fuller sound
• Enhances vocals and instruments
• Simple yet powerful controls
• Adds subtle chorusing effect
• Ideal for creating lush, multi-layered tracks
• Versatile and effective
• Professional-quality results
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around
• One of the most top-rated products around

#7. MV2 Compressor ($39.99)

The MV2 Compressor by Waves is a straightforward yet crazy powerful plugin designed to control the dynamic range of your audio. 

It combines low-level compression with high-level compression to enhance quiet sounds and control loud peaks at the same time. 

This way you’ll get a balanced mix that retains its natural dynamics while achieving a more polished sound.

Also, MV2’s intuitive interface makes it fast and easy to achieve professional results quickly, without the need for extensive tweaking (which we do all day).

It is perfect for vocals, drums, and other instruments that require dynamic control. 

NOTE: Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a favorite among both beginners and experienced producers alike, so it doesn’t matter what level you’re at.

With MV2 Compressor, achieving a balanced and polished mix is simple and efficient.

Key Features:

• Combines low-level and high-level compression
• Enhances quiet sounds and controls loud peaks
• Intuitive interface for fast and easy use
• Perfect for vocals, drums, and instruments
• Achieves a balanced and polished mix
• Simple and effective to enhance your performance
• Ideal for beginners and experienced producers
• One of the best Waves plugins/compressors available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#8. Renaissance Bass ($39.99)

Renaissance Bass is a powerful bass enhancement tool for perfecting the low end of your mixes. 

It extends the perceived low frequencies of: 

• Bass
• Kick drums
• Other (key) low-frequency instruments

In turn, it gives them way more presence and impact, which you should always be striving for as people go nuts for that sort of thing (when done correctly).

Renaissance Bass uses Waves’ patented MaxxBass technology to create harmonics that extend up to an octave and a half above the original signal.

It’s proven to make the low end sound fuller and more defined, so you’ll be banging out a punchy, tight low-end that translates well across different playback systems. 

Whether working on electronic music, hip-hop, or rock, Renaissance Bass helps achieve a professional-sounding low end that stands out in the mix. 

Additionally, it features intuitive controls that allow for precise adjustments 一 ensuring the perfect balance in any track. 

Its ability to enhance the low-end without muddying the mix makes it one of the best Waves plugins available.

Key Features:

• Enhances low frequencies of bass and kick drums
• Uses MaxxBass technology for extended harmonics
• Creates a punchy and tight low end
• Ideal for various music genres
• Translates well across playback systems
• Intuitive controls for precise adjustments
• Can help enhance your performance
• Maintains clarity without muddying the mix
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#9. Renaissance Vox ($35.99)

Renaissance Vox is a specialized compressor/limiter and gate/expander designed specifically for vocal tracks. 

It simplifies the process of vocal compression, making it easy to achieve a polished and professional sound with three main controls:

• Gain reduction
• Gate threshold
• Output level

This way, you’ll have precise control over all the vocal dynamics. 

Plus its transparent compression ensures that vocals sit perfectly in the mix without introducing unwanted artifacts, which nobody have time for.

It’s super useful for taming dynamic performances and ensuring consistent vocal levels throughout your track. 

Renaissance Vox also includes a gate/expander feature that helps reduce background noise and unwanted sounds 一 enhancing the overall clarity of the vocals.

 

It’s really a go-to for many top producers who need reliable and on point vocal processing tools without any of the fuss.

Its ease of use and unmatched performance makes it one of the best Waves plugins for vocal tracks, without a doubt.

Key Features:

• Specialized compressor/limiter for vocals
• Gain reduction, gate threshold, and output level controls
• Transparent compression for consistent levels
• Ideal for dynamic vocal performances
• Includes gate/expander for noise reduction
• Enhances overall vocal clarity
• Trusted by top producers when compare to others
• Can help enhance your performance
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#10. dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter ($29.99)

The dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter by Waves faithfully recreates the sound and characteristics of the classic dbx 160 hardware compressor. 

Known for its punchy and aggressive compression, the dbx 160 plugin is perfect for drums, bass, and other instruments that need to cut through the mix. 

It features the original’s age-old yet effective controls, including: 

• Threshold
• Compression ratio
• Output gain

Also, it includes the iconic PeakStop limiter, which prevents distortion and protects your audio from clipping. 

The dbx 160 plugin delivers the same punch and presence as the original hardware 一 making it a favorite among many top producers and engineers (including myself).

Its ability to control dynamic range without sacrificing the character of the sound makes it the perfect tool in any mixing or mastering chain. 

The dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter by Waves is a must-have for anyone looking to add classic analog compression to their digital setup.

Key Features:

• Faithful recreation of the dbx 160 hardware compressor
• Simple yet effective controls: threshold, compression ratio, and output gain
• Includes iconic PeakStop limiter (pretty close to perfect)
• Ideal for drums, bass, and other instruments
• Delivers punchy and aggressive compression
• Controls dynamic range without sacrificing character
• Trusted by top producers and engineers
• Can help enhance your performance
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#11. Waves Z-Noise ($29.99)

Waves Z-Noise is a powerful noise reduction plugin designed to remove unwanted sounds from recordings. 

It is perfect for cleaning up audio tracks that suffer from hiss, hum, or other types of unwanted background noise. 

Z-Noise uses advanced algorithms to analyze and isolate noise, and has a user-friendly interface with controls for:

• Threshold
• Reduction amount
• Spectral display

This makes it super easy to identify and target specific frequencies. 

It’s also ideal for restoring old recordings, cleaning up dialogue tracks, and improving the overall clarity of audio files. 

Z-Noise also includes real-time monitoring 一 allowing for on-the-spot feedback and adjustments, which is great.

Its ability to deliver transparent noise reduction without affecting the quality of the original sound makes it a top choice for anyone dealing with noisy recordings.

Key Features:

• Advanced noise reduction algorithms
• User-friendly interface with threshold, reduction, and spectral display controls
• Ideal for removing hiss, hum, and background noise
• Perfect for restoring old recordings and cleaning up dialogue tracks
• Real-time monitoring for immediate feedback and adjustments
• Delivers transparent noise reduction
• Can help enhance your performance
• Enhances overall clarity of audio files
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#12. Abbey Road Saturator ($29.99)

The Abbey Road Saturator by Waves emulates the classic sound of vintage tube and transistor distortion, giving you a wide range of tonal possibilities to work with. 

It recreates the EMI TG12321 like a boss (used in Abbey Road Studios) to add rich harmonic distortion and warmth to any recording. 

The Abbey Road Saturator features two distinct distortion modes: 

• REDD 一 Which provides a crunchy tube sound
• TG 一 Which offers a more rounded solid-state tone

Also, it includes mid-side processing so you can successfully apply distortion independently to the mid and side channels. 

When it comes to adding character and depth, it’s truly unmatched, whether it’s vocals, guitars, drums, etc. 

With its intuitive controls and versatile tonal options, the Abbey Road Saturator enhances the overall quality and warmth of any track. 

Its ability to deliver authentic analog distortion makes it a favorite for those looking to add vintage warmth to their digital recordings. 

I can only describe it in two words: absolutely epic.

Key Features:

• Emulates vintage tube and transistor distortion better than you’ve ever heard
• Faithfully recreates the EMI TG12321
• Two distinct distortion modes: REDD and TG
• Mid-side processing for independent channel distortion
• Adds character and depth to vocals, guitars, and drums
• Intuitive controls for easy adjustments
• Can help enhance your performance
• Enhances quality and warmth of recordings
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around
• Can be described in two words: absolutely epic

#13. Waves L2 Ultramaximizer ($35.99)

The Waves L2 Ultramaximizer is an impressive peak-limiting plugin designed to maximize the loudness of audio tracks without sacrificing quality. 

It features look-ahead brick wall peak limiting, my personal favorite, which ensures that no peaks exceed the set threshold (preventing distortion and clipping). 

The L2 Ultramaximizer also includes Waves’ patented IDR (Increased Digital Resolution) technology, which uses advanced dithering algorithms to maintain audio quality at lower bit depths. 

With its ability to control peaks and increase loudness transparently, the L2 Ultramaximizer is a great tool according to many top mastering engineers. 

Its effectiveness in achieving loud, clear, and professional-sounding masters makes it an essential part of any mastering chain.

Bottom line, the Waves L2 Ultramaximizer is one of the best Waves plugins available for mastering and finalizing audio tracks.

Key Features:

• Look-ahead brick wall peak limiting
• Prevents distortion and clipping like gold
• Includes IDR technology for maintaining audio quality
• Simple interface for easy adjustments
• Ideal for mastering applications
• Can help enhance your performance
• Controls peaks and increases loudness transparently
• Trusted by top mastering engineers & gear lovers
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

#14. Element 2.0 ($29.99)

Element 2.0 by Waves is a modern virtual analog synth that offers a vast array of sounds and functions for music production. 

It combines analog-style oscillators with digital waveforms and features a built-in 16-step sequencer for complex patterns and rhythmic sequences. 

Also, it includes a comprehensive modulation matrix so you can create intricate modulation routings for more dynamic sounds. 

With its extensive library of presets, Element 2.0 offers a great starting point for sound design and music production. 

The plugin’s intuitive interface makes it easy to tweak and customize sounds 一 making it great for both beginners and experienced producers. 

Element 2.0 is perfect for creating everything from lush pads and leads to intricate basslines and effects. 

Its versatility and powerful sound engine make it one of the best Waves plugins available for synthesizing and sound design.

Key Features:

• Combines analog-style oscillators with digital waveforms
• Built-in 16-step sequencer for complex patterns
• Comprehensive modulation matrix for dynamic sounds
• Extensive thread of presets clients love
• Can help enhance your performance
• Intuitive interface for true, easy customization
• Suitable for beginners and experienced producers
• Perfect for creating pads, leads, basslines, and effects
• One of the best Waves plugins available
• One of the most top-rated products around

Waves Plugins: Final Thoughts

Investing in the right Waves plugins can seriously elevate the quality of your music production and make people stop and listen.

All of the plugins we’ve discussed today offer a range of features from mixing and mastering to vocal processing and sound design.

Whatever you’re looking for, they’ve got you covered.

Each one was designed to provide professional-grade sound, intuitive controls, and flexible applications 一 making them all great choices.

Plus, with the free Zen Master plugin by Unison Audio, you have access to powerful lo-fi effects that can add a unique character to your tracks without zero cost.

By adding these top-tier plugins into your workflow, you can achieve a polished, professional sound that stands out in the music industry. 

Remember, it’s all about making your tracks the best they can possibly be and thinking outside of the box.

Until next time…