FUSER vs Waves Curves AQ

FUSER is an audio plugin that detects frequency clashes between tracks and reduces them dynamically, helping competing parts occupy space in a mix. Resolve Conflicts processes detected channel conflicts and frequency masking automatically. Phase Analyze identifies a phase rotation intended to reduce cancellation between layered sounds. Users can adjust mid/side, Q, attack, and release controls, and listen to the Delta signal. FUSER supports stereo processing and offline file analysis, with views for loudness, peaks, stereo balance, phase correlation, dynamic range, loudness range, and tonal balance/EQ. It runs on macOS 10.15 or later and Windows 10 or later; the Mac version is native for Apple Silicon. Mac hosts can use 64-bit AU, VST 3, or AAX, while Windows hosts can use 64-bit VST 3 or AAX. The listed price is £59 as a one-time purchase, and the maker offers a fully functional 15-day trial. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also listed, subject to deactivation and a support request within 30 days of purchase.

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.