Waves API Collection

The Musical Sound of API Dynamics and EQ

Half a century ago, API blazed a new trail in audio processing. The API 550A and 550B EQs prioritized musicality and transparency, while the API 560 elevated the graphic EQ to new tone-shaping heights. Pure and sweet, these EQs set new design standards.

But EQ wasn’t all: the API 2500 Compressor’s versatile tone and punch remain highly coveted. API was ahead of its time—and today, the API Collection is here for a new generation of producers.

• Developed in close collaboration with API
• Faithfully recreates the pristine, sweetly musical “API sound”
• 550’s proportional-Q curves add clarity, with minimal coloration
• Shape tone quickly and easily with the 560 Graphic EQ
• 2500 includes two compression types, vintage and modern
• 2500’s Thrust mode excels for hip hop and dance/club sounds
• The go-to choice for tone shaping during mastering
• Presets by Grammy winners for both mixing and mastering

API 2500: Vintage to Modern Tones

The original API 2500 Compressor bent the rules, with two compression topologies—you could choose “Feed Back” compression for the smooth, vintage, leveling-amp sound, or “Feed Forward” compression for a snappy, modern response. The API 2500 plugins offer both.

Secret-Weapon Compression for Hip Hop and Club Sounds

It’s no wonder the 2500 has been embraced by cutting-edge mix engineers—its Thrust option is the key to killer kicks and booming bass. Nothing else can decrease low-frequency pumping, while compressing the highs so well.

API 550: Two EQs, Two Philosophies

The 550A and 550B EQs shared the same exacting standards and sound quality, but targeted different needs. The API Collection includes the 550A’s more general design, and the 550B’s specific, problem-solving approach.

The High-End Studio EQs of the 60s

Known for its uncanny ability to solve EQ problems or add character, the pioneering proportional-Q curve made the 550A and 550B favorites for high-end studios that demanded musicality with transparency and accuracy

API 560: Graphic EQ, Done Better

The 560 Graphic EQ had the traditional graphic interface to make broad equalization changes, but combined it with proportional-Q filters for API’s natural, uncolored sound quality. To this day, the 560 remains a studio and live stalwart.

Excellent Extras

The API Collection features presets from top producers, mixers and mastering engineers like Steve Lillywhite, Tony Maserati, Greg Wells, and Drew Lavyne, as well as the option to switch in the subtle harmonic distortion and hiss of the original hardware.