Forty years later, the 550a remains the standard against which other eqs are measured, and it has played a major role in the recording industry for decades. Sporting sleek inputoutput meters, master output knob, and per band bypasses, this is a great workhorse equalizer to aid in shaping sound with even more flexibility than the hardware. Youll love their aggressive structure and proportional q feature. In this article, well break down some of the most popular api 550 eq emulations to help you determine which one is right for you. Waves api 550 eq plugin download api550tdm recording software. Capi lc53a link here inductor based cross between the vintage 550a and 553 designs. Dial in your sound in no time by finding the frequency you want, then boost or cut to taste. The 550a worked with just about any track, but if i needed a fourth frequency the 550b came to the rescue. Waves is one of the leading audio companies in the world right now and for good reason. Buy waves api 550 classic equalizer plugins nativesoundgrid, download. Purple audio tav graphic eq link here to a zen pro sale on them inductor based cross between a 560 and a vintage sphere graphic eq. The latest addition to the family, launched at last years aes convention in san francisco, is the api 5500. Api state that the 5500 is designed for tracking, mixing and, perhaps surprisingly, even mastering applications.
Well start with three of the best eq plugins exclusively for windows, all free. Modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq provides reciprocal and repeatable equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost, divided into three overlapping ranges. Api state that the 5500 is designed for tracking, mixing and. Waves api 550 adk pro audio 4232540492 this is the.
Maximum 12 db of boostcut per band in 23 db steps api 550a. The extra band on the 550b is nice i guess and there is plenty of high end to fiddle with but dang, seemed like the 550a kinda blew its doors off. Lucky for us, these classic eqs have been meticulously modeled for the api 500 series eq plugin collection. Decades after the release of the original 550a eq, api redesigned this classic with an additional band, broken into the following. Get api550 by waves and learn how to use the plugin with ableton live, logic, garageband, and fl studio for free. Based on the 1967 classic, the api 560 graphic equalizer plugin features precision filtering and high headroom, ideal for signal enhancement and room tuning. Its high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be inserted independently of all other. To save you some time, we compiled 11 of the best eq plugins for windows andor mac, some free and some paid. Proportional q, 3 bands on the top, 3 on the bottom and 5 in the middle, 2 transistor buffer amp x 4, a different than the a 2 pole filter for the highlow pass switch, a strange way of switching the eq out all filters tied together, then to gnd through a switch, 2 2520s and long frequency knobs. The 15 best eq plugins to shape your mix landr blog. Again, it isnt the same as a 550a sound wise, but its still sounds amazing, gives you two channels, and to me will be far more versatile than the 550a. With 7 switchable filter frequencies spanning up to 5 octaves per band, the 550bs proportional q automatically widens the filter bandwidth at minimal.
Buy the waves api 550, classic equalizer plugin download at full compass systems. Some uad plugins use more dsp at higher sample rates. Trusted windows pc download waves api collection 8. Modeled on the 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high end studios for decade. It maybe not the best mastering eq, but definitely not the worst one can pick. The middle button narrows the width of the mf band, giving you more precision controlling the. From its beginnings in 1968, the api sound has been a favorite of audio engineers. Together, the api 550a and api 550b give you a vast range of tonal possibilities perfect for any project. Some of the best eq plugins are modelled not after standalone outboard units, but the eq sections of classic mixing consoles. The 550a equalizer is known for adding its undeniable sweetness to a signal by just passing audio through its circuit and qa has captured this magic itb. In this video i will show you what waves 550a eq plugin does and how to use it on vocals, snares, and other instruments. Designed by the nowlegendary saul walker in the late 60s, the discrete 550a was first used as a modular oem equalizer. The 550a is a parametric equalizer with three overlapping bands. Still copied but never duplicated, the 550a became api s standard channel module eq when the company began manufacturing consoles in 1971.
Api 550a eq tips, tricks, and best practices hey dudes and lady dudes, i just got 4 channels of api 550a eq, and i have to say wow i knew i would like them, but i was not expecting to dial in an amazing sound so quickly. Introduced in 1971, the 550a was the standard channel eq module on api s first consoles. Sep 15, 2017 in this video i will show you what waves 550a eq plugin does and how to use it on vocals, snares, and other instruments. Waves api 550 adk pro audio 4232540492 this is the pro. Featuring four overlapped eq bands, the 550b gives tracks that sweet analog sound that api is renowned for. This eq is an api on steroids thats meant to exaggerate the analog colouration of the original. Its high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be inserted independently of all other settings. Then use itb for surgical eq and add this across the two buss for mojo and thump. Modeled on the late 1960as legends, the api 550 eq plugins include two uniquely powerful equalizer plugin components. With virtually all existing units spoken for, popular demand for this eq resulted in api finally resuming production in 2004. Vs the exact same with all waves versions including waves api 2500. Api 550a is a parametric equalizer plugin that is available within the waves api collection of plugin. Developed in association with api, the api collection features four precisionmodeled plugins based on renowned api equalizer and compressor modules. The api 550a and 560 are now standard equipment in top recording facilities, humble project studios, and everything in between.
The input level can be adjusted between the values 24db to 12db, using the input slider. Waves api 550 3band eq plugins vstauaax dale pro audio. Modelisation des deux egaliseurs api 550a et 550b pour mac os x et windows. Introduced in 1971, the 550a was the standard channel eq module on apis first consoles. Based on api s original 550 from the late 60s, the api 550b is a continuation of the eq that played a major role in the history of music recording, but with an additional filter band and several new frequencies. With their vast range of tonal possibilities, the api 550a and 550b are a pair of versatile eqs with that oneofakind api sound. Modeled on api s late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that has. Api collection developed in association with automated processes incorporated, the api collection features four precision processors based on renowned api modules. The waves api 550 collection gives you two amazing classic processors.
Api 550 equalizer plug in bundle features at a glance. Modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high end studios for decades. Settings are realworld settings all the way around. Api 500 series eq collection uad audio plugins universal. Waves api collection the api collection features four precision processors based on renowned api modules. This is basically a software version of the api 550a, which for those of you who dont know is a popular lunchbox series eq module. Waves api collection plugin bundle db sound design. Api collection by waves compressoreq vst plugin, audio. The frequency controls top row can be snapped to the desired frequency by rotating the knob, or by clicking on a value. Q american series digitally recreates legendary api 550a, 550b and 560 vintage american console equalizers the equalizers allow you to chisel your signals with surgical precision. Our comments below player to open the player in the shootout window so you can add.
Get the sound of classic api equalizers, with the api 550 plugin bundle. Modeled on the late legends, the api 550 eq plugins include two uniquely powerful equalizer plugin components. Modeled on api s late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that. Based on the api 550a this classic eq is a mainstay in professional studios worldwide. The 550a is a uniquely powerful equalizer with that oneofakind api sound. Modeled vintage eq plugins developed in association with api api 550a. Apr 25, 2019 some of the best eq plugins are modelled not after standalone outboard units, but the eq sections of classic mixing consoles. Vintage eq with api musicality and software versatility. Big fish audio api 550 550a eq provides reciprocal and. Oct 03, 2012 diving into how to use the api 550b eq. Waves api 550a native software download musicians friend. Still copied but never duplicated, the 550a became apis standard channel module eq when the company began manufacturing consoles in 1971. It does do somethings differently than other programs and it has some old code hanging around such as the midi transform and environment windows.
Waves api collection for academic institutions sweetwater. Im not sure if its available outside of this bundle, but i dont think it is. In particular, the term british eq became something of a selling point over the years since the 1950s, and essentially refers to the quality and sound of the equaliser sections found in many classic britishmade mixing consoles by the likes of neve, amek, and. The following table indicates dsp usage for uad powered plugins.
Here are the drums with all uad 550a eq, plus the uad api 2500 on kick, snare, overheads, and drum buss. I go in depth so you can understand what it is doing when you move a knob. Splineeq free, free eq plugin, download splineeq free plugin. So if you know the api sound from your decades of loving led zeppelin, jimi hendrix, red hot chili peppers, or hundreds of other legends, and you want to be able to bring that sound into your studio. The api 550 will deliver smooth, natural, and musical sound even at the most extreme settings. Few equalizers enjoy the respect and admiration of the coveted api 550a. Waves api collection plugins the 550a and b provide subtle eq until the boostcut knob goes beyond 4 db. As the industry rapidly embraced the sonic quality of the 550a, it quickly found its way into many custom console designs by frank demedio and other. Q american series american console equalizers vst au.
These are greatsounding and versatile plugins to get the api sound on your tracks. Modeled on the api s legendary 550a eq from the late 60s, waves api 550a plug in for native systems provides reciprocal equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost divided into three overlapping ranges. Chapter 3 controls and interface chapter 3 controls and interface waves api 550 user manual 7. Once your software is activated, it is not eligible for returns. Waves api 550 equalizer plugin download n stuff music. Api 550b vs 550a to my ears the 550 a was sweeter, rounder, smoother and light years ahead in the low end. Modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq provides reciprocal and. Featuring four overlapped eq bands, the api 550b is invaluable as both a problem solver and a sweetening device.
Modeled on apis late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high end studios for decades. Initially released in 1971, the 550a eq utilizes api s legendary custom 2520 opamp to achieve a very musical sound. For the sound of api in your daw, sweetwater can highly recommend the waves api collection. Its high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be inserted independently of all. Dec 05, 2018 to save you some time, we compiled 11 of the best eq plugins for windows andor mac, some free and some paid. One of their most coveted products is the 550 series eq. You can also select whether or not to use a shelf or bell curve on the low and high frequencies with the selector buttons. I tend to prefer the sound of these to the originals and the modern reissues, though i do really like the api eqs too. The eq operates in stereo mode below or dualmono mode. With hundreds of waves plugins to choose from finding the absolute best waves plugins can be quite a challenge. Waves api collection 550a 550b 560 eq 2500 plugins rtas vst. Modeled on the late legend, the api eq provides reciprocal and repeatable equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost, divided into three overlapping.
Shootout uad api 550a and 2500 vs waves api drums page 2. This software is available via download from the manufacturers website. Hofaplugins releases system basic eq, dynamic and effect. Two fantastic api equalizers for one amazing price api 550b 3band equalizer api 550b 4band equalizer. Api 550a 3band equalizer api 550b 4band equalizer api 560 10band graphic eq api 2500 stereo compressor. Its high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be inserted independently. Forty years later, the 550a remains the standard against which other eq s are measured, and it has played a major role in the recording industry for decades.
Based on apis original 550 from the late 60s, the api 550b is a continuation of the eq that played a major role in the history of music recording, but with an additional filter band and several new frequencies. Proportional q cutboost processing, reciprocal and repeatable filtering, 64bit processing, aax native, rtas, audiosuite, audio units, vst, soundgrid, mac os x, windows. Proportional q cutboost processing, reciprocal and repeatable filtering, 64bit processing, aax native, rtas, audiosuite, audio units, vst, soundgrid, mac os. Waves 550a and 550b are fantastic native emulations of the api eq. Modeled on the late 1960s legends, the api 550 eq plugins include two uniquely powerful equalizer plugin components. Api 550a eq tips, tricks, and best practices gearslutz. This plugin collection includes software models of the api 550a 3band eq, api 550b 4band eq, api 560 graphic eq, and api 2500 stereo compressor.
View and download waves api 550 user manual online. The api 550a and the api 550b are two proquality eqs found in serious music production studios around the world. Api 550, 550a, 550b which one is the friggin awesomest. What others are saying modeled on the late legend, the api eq provides reciprocal and repeatable equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost, divided into three overlapping ranges. The 550a threeband and 500b fourband eqs are probably the most widely used and emulated of these classic componentsthe 550bs proportional q design automatically adjusts the bandwidth at different degrees of boost and cut, giving this eq a distinctive response, and a different vibe from british eqs. Dsp % indicates the amount of resources required by one uad plugin instance on a single sharc processor on a uad2. Its three overlapping bands of parametric eq, independent 50 hz to 15 khz bandpass filter, and individually selectable peaking or shelving modes make it the perfect tool for getting drums and guitars to stand out in the mix. Splineeq free, free eq plugin, download splineeq free. Few digital audio workstations daw have the included audio plugins, virtual instruments or additional content as apples logic pro x. See bottom of page for more details about the chart. Everything i show you in this video also applies to the 550a eq. Used by engineers worldwide on countless hit records, these. Native, rtas, audiosuite, audio units, vst, soundgrid, mac os x, windows.