StemDesk Free plan 8.7 Visit Waves Curves AQ
waves.com
What it is
Waves Curves AQ is an autonomous EQ plugin that analyzes audio and creates five tailored EQ curves. Users can choose and adjust among five spectral targets, then apply static EQ, dynamic EQ, or both together. MixSense uses sidechain audio to adapt processing and make room for other tracks. Controls include Smart Tilt, curve Offset, four frequency anchors, and global or per-band boost and cut adjustments. A zero-latency live version is included. The plugin page lists support for Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio, REAPER, and Studio One; supported plug-in formats include VST3, Audio Units, and AAX. It runs on Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, or macOS Sonoma 14 or later, with 16 GB RAM and 30 GB of free disk space listed. The current requirements specify Intel CPUs from generation 5 onward with AVX; Apple Silicon native support is listed in Waves V17 release notes. Waves Ultimate includes Curves AQ and has subscriptions at $24.99 a month or $249.99 a year. There is no free plan; Waves Creative Access offers a seven-day free period.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Curves AQ is an autonomous EQ plugin that analyzes audio and creates five tailored EQ curves.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Trial
- Waves Creative Access offers a seven-day free period, and the product page lists Curves AQ among products included in Waves Ultimate.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Support
- Waves provides technical support tickets, while phone support is reserved for customers with active Creative Access subscriptions or current Waves Update Plan coverage.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Headquarters
- Tel Aviv, IsraelRead 28 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Founded
- 1992Read 28 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Company
- Waves was founded in 1992, and its contact page lists its Israel office in Tel Aviv.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Controls
- Features include Smart Tilt, curve Offset, four frequency anchors, and global or per-band boost and cut adjustment.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- DAW integrations
- The plugin page lists support for major audio hosts including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio, REAPER, and Studio One.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- EQ modes
- Users can combine static and dynamic EQ processing or use either mode on its own.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Live version
- Curves AQ includes a zero-latency live version.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- MixSense
- MixSense uses sidechain audio to adapt processing and make room for other tracks in the mix.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Processor limits
- The current requirements specify Intel CPUs at generation 5 or later with AVX for Curves AQ; Apple Silicon native support is listed in Waves V17 release notes.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Spectral targets
- The plugin offers five spectral targets that users can adjust as EQ destinations.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- System requirements
- The listed current requirements include Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, or macOS Sonoma 14 or later, with 16 GB RAM and 30 GB free disk space.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
- Updates and installation
- Waves Central is Waves’ installer and activation manager, with downloads available for Mac and Windows.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
Plans and prices
Perpetual license Priced on request Curves AQ plugin · Curves AQ LIVE included Read 22 Sep 2026 · waves.com
Waves Ultimate monthly subscription $24.99 a month Monthly subscription Over 240 plugins · includes Curves AQ Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
Waves Ultimate annual subscription $249.99 a year Annual subscription Over 240 plugins · includes Curves AQ Read 29 Sep 2026 · waves.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Creates five tailored EQ curves.
- Static and dynamic EQ can be combined.
- MixSense adapts processing using sidechain audio.
- Includes a zero-latency live version.
- VST3, Audio Units, and AAX are listed.
Limits
- No free plan is listed.
- Requires 16 GB RAM and 30 GB free disk space.
- Intel requirements specify generation 5 or later with AVX.
- Seven-day free period is through Waves Creative Access.
Who it suits
It suits audio producers or engineers seeking automated EQ shaping in a supported host and operating system. Users should check the listed processor, memory, and disk requirements before installing.
Verdict
Curves AQ offers guided spectral targets, sidechain adaptation, and static or dynamic EQ in a plugin workflow. It has a seven-day free period through Creative Access, but no free plan, and the listed system requirements are specific.
Where Specifiction places it
- AI Audio Mixing Software#17 of 417.6
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