Waves Curves AQ

What Waves Curves AQ is

Waves Curves AQ is an autonomous EQ plugin for shaping audio. It analyzes audio and creates five EQ curves, with five spectral targets available as destinations that users can adjust. You can use static EQ, dynamic EQ, or combine the two modes. MixSense uses sidechain audio to adapt processing and make room for other tracks in a mix. Sound-shaping controls include Smart Tilt, curve Offset, four frequency anchors, and global or per-band boost and cut adjustment. A zero-latency live version is included.

The plugin is listed for macOS and Windows, with support for VST3, Audio Units, and AAX. The product page names Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio, REAPER, and Studio One among the supported audio hosts. Current listed system requirements are Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, or macOS Sonoma 14 or later, along with 16 GB RAM and 30 GB free disk space. Curves AQ is paid from $199, with no free plan. Waves Creative Access has a seven-day free period, and Curves AQ is included in Waves Ultimate subscriptions. Waves was founded in 1992 and lists its Israel office in Tel Aviv.

Who it suits

Curves AQ suits audio producers and engineers who want an EQ plugin that analyzes audio and offers adjustable target curves, with static and dynamic processing options. It may also suit people whose workflow uses sidechain adaptation or one of the listed audio hosts.

Limits

There is no free plan. Waves Creative Access offers a seven-day free period; Waves Ultimate is listed at $24.99 a month or $249.99 a year and includes over 240 plugins, including Curves AQ.

Getting started

1. Visit the Waves Curves AQ product page.
2. Choose a purchase route: the product is listed from $199, and Waves Ultimate subscriptions include it.
3. Use the seven-day free period offered through Waves Creative Access if you want to start with a trial.
4. Download Waves Central for Mac or Windows to install and activate Waves products.
5. Use it with a supported host such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio, REAPER, or Studio One.

Verdict

Choose Curves AQ if you want audio analysis to generate EQ curves and need static, dynamic, or combined processing. Its sidechain adaptation and zero-latency live version are useful listed capabilities. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan or your system does not meet the listed requirements.