Waves API 550

Description

Sweeten your mixes and masters with proportional-Q curves

The API 550 introduced visionary EQ curves. Q varies with gain, so boosting adds a more focused musical quality—while reducing gain provides natural, subtle-to-steep tone shaping. Developed in close collaboration with API, the 550A/B are loving re-creations of these late-60s legends.

Expertly selected frequencies lift instruments up, or place them further back—just as easily as they can sweetly shape a mix’s contour. For individual tracks, buses, or full masters, the 550 defines musical transparency.

Ahead of the Curve

API’s pioneering proportional-Q curve made it a favorite for high-end studios that demanded musicality with transparency, rather than the vintage sound that was the mainstay in the 60s and 70s.

Two EQs, One Coherent Goal

The 550A and 550B are designed to the same exacting standards and sound quality, but offer different EQ philosophies—the 550A’s more general slant, or the 550B’s surgical, problem-solving approach.

All That Changes Is the Tone

API’s EQs bring clarity to the zing of a violin string, the snap of a snare, the intimacy of a vocal, or the contour of a mix. These EQs were engineered to bring out the very best of whatever sound you put through them.

Harness API 500’s Symmetrical Boost and Cut

With Proportional-Q, boost and cut are symmetrical—which works wonders for instruments. You can differentiate two layered guitars solely with EQ: a medium boost on one guitar, a medium cut by the same amount on the other. Now the two “add up” to the same energy in that part of the spectrum. This is easier to do with API than with any other EQ.

Features:

• 550A: 5 selectable frequencies for 3 bands, and 50 Hz – 15kHz filter
• Ideal for general problem-solving or sweetening
• Switchable analog harmonic distortion and hiss
• 550B: 4 overlapping EQ bands with multi-octave ranges
• High/low bands for 550A and B switch between peak and shelving
• Convenience features like phase switch, output trim, and metering

Requirements:

• os: mac
• cpu: Intel or Silicon Architecture
• ram: 8
• disk: 16
• version: macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14
• additional requirements: Minimum: 1024×768
  Recommended: 1280×1024 / 1600×1024
  USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

• os: windows
• cpu: X64 compatible Intel or AMD CPU
• ram: 8
• disk: 16
• version: Windows 10 64 bit Windows 11
• additional requirements: Minimum: 1024×768
  Recommended: 1280×1024 / 1600×1024