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Waves Audio

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This article is about the Israeli professional audio company. For other audio topics, see Wave, Waves, soundwave, and acoustic wave.
Waves Audio Ltd.
IndustrySoftware
FoundedOctober, 1992
FounderGilad Keren, Chief Executive Officer
Meir Shaashua, Chief Technological Officer
Yoad Nevo, Product Manager
ProductsPlug-ins for audio production, audio equipment
Number of employees
260
WebsiteWaves.com

Waves Audio Ltd. is an Israeli developer and supplier of professional digital audio signal processing technologies and audio effects, used in recording, mixing, mastering, post production, broadcast, and live sound. The company's corporate headquarters and main development facilities are located in Tel Aviv, with additional offices in the United States, China, and Taiwan, and development centers in India and Ukraine. In 2011, Waves won a Technical Grammy Award.[1][2]

History

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Waves Audio was founded in October,1992 by Gilad Keren and Meir Sha'ashua in Tel Aviv, Israel.[3]

Later that year, Waves released its first product, the Q10 Paragraphic Equalizer. The Q10 was the audio industry's first commercially available audio plugin.[4][5]

Waves' L1 Ultramaximizer, released in 1994, became a prominent plugin, with some publications pointing to it as contributing to the "loudness war" behind modern music mastering.[6] Record producer Tony Maserati said of early Waves software, "[they] were the only plugins [that were] quality and they were creative."[3] Waves later launched a signature line of Maserati inspired plugins.

Waves launched the Waves Signature Series working with music producers and engineers to explore their unique sounds. In 2009, as part of the Signature Series, Waves released the Eddie Kramer Signature Series of five plug-ins focusing on classic rock.[7] The Chris Lord-Alge Signature Series followed in 2010.[8] The Waves Signature Series continued in 2013 with the Manny Marroquin Signature Series.[9] In 2015, Waves worked with music producer Butch Vig to release the Butch Vig Vocals plug-in as part of the Waves Signature Series.[10]

In 2011, the company was honored with a Technical Grammy Award for "contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field."[1][2]

In 2018, Waves released the Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain as part of their Abbey Road collection.[11] The chain is modeled after the EMI TG12345 consoles used in the Abbey Road Studios mastering suites.[11]

On March 26, 2023, in a controversial move, Waves introduced their subscription service, Waves Creative Access, while removing the Waves Update Plan as well as the sale of perpetual licenses.[12] They re-introduced Waves Update Plan three days later, as well as perpetual licenses.[13]

Products

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Waves Audio sells over 200 software products dedicated to music production, engineering, mixing, and mastering, in addition to a variety of virtual instruments and effects.[14] Notable software includes:

Software Function Release date Notes
Q10 Equalizer 1992 First audio plugin
L1 Ultramaximizer Limiter 1994 L2 and L3 released in 2000 and 2005 respectively
SSL 4000 Collection Channel strips for compression and EQ 2006
Renaissance Maxx Analog gear emulation plugins
API Collection Multiple modeled Automated Processes, Inc. consoles 2007
Eddie Kramer Signature Series Classic rock-oriented virtual instrument plugins 2009
SoundGrid Audio networking and plugin processing platform 2010
Vocal Rider Automatic vocal volume leveler 2010
CLA-2A Compressor, limiter Part of the CLA Signature series
NS1 Noise Suppressor Noise suppressor 2012
NLS Console emulators 2012
Manny Marroquin Signature Series Mixing plugins 2013
C6 Multiband Compressor Compressor 2013
WLM Meter Volume metering 2014
eMotion LV1 Live mixer 2016[15] Software based live-audio mixing console with low latency
Dugan Automixer Multiple microphone vocal mixer 2017
Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain Multiple, modeling Abbey Road Studios equipment 2018
B360 Ambisonics Encoder 360 degree audio converter and mixer 2018
Scheps Omni Channel Andrew Scheps signature mixing channel strip 2018
Submarine Subharmonic frequency generator 2019
Bass Fingers Virtual instrument plugin 2019
Waves Tune Pitch-correction and auto-tuning in real time 2005 119th AES CONVENTION, NEW YORK, NY, October 7, 2005
Waves Tune Real-Time Real-time version of Waves Tune 2016
Nx Virtual Mix Room Mixing plugin designed for headphones
MultiRack Virtual effects rack for live performance
SuperRack A virtual platform that incorporates plug-ins into mixing consoles (replaces MultiRack) 2019
Abbey Road Studio 3 Studio monitor & Room emulation 2019 Working with Nx
Abbey Road Saturator EMI TG12321 emulation 2019
Waves Fit FIT Controller for the eMotion LV1 Live Mixer 2020[16] 16 fader hardware controller

Waves has launched plug-ins in collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, such as the King's Microphones plug-in released in 2011,[17] the REDD Console plug-ins released in 2012,[18] the J37 tape saturation plug-in, the Abbey Road Reverb Plates plugin, the RS56 Passive EQ plug-in released in 2013,[19][20] and the EMI TG12345 plug-in released in 2014.[21] Other software includes the Torque drum tone shifter plug-in.[22]

Technology

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See also: SoundGrid

In 2010, Waves announced the release of its SoundGrid technology at the Winter NAMM show. SoundGrid was created to make Waves audio processors available on a low-latency platform.[23] The SoundGrid system consists of a Linux-based server that runs the SoundGrid environment, compatible plug-ins, a Mac or Windows control computer, and a digital-analog interface for input/output (I/O). It is used for live sound, broadcast, and post production—s a low latency environment for audio processing on certain hardware audio mixing consoles, e.g., DiGiCo, Allen & Heath, and Yamaha.

Under its Maxx brand, Waves offers its technologies as licensable algorithms for consumer electronics. Technologies from the Maxx brand have been used in products including computers, laptops, smartphones, VoIP and portable loudspeaker systems from companies such as Dell,[24] Toshiba,[25] Sony, Oppo, OnePlus,[26] Sanyo, JVC, and Altec Lansing.

Waves launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2016 to help fund the production of Waves Nx, a technology that transmits 3D audio on headphones in stereo or 5.1/7.1 surround sound.[27][28] The technology generates a three-dimensional virtual audioscape that allows users to "detect which direction sounds are coming from."[29]

Along with the Waves Nx, Waves has also developed the Waves B360 Ambisonics Encoder to assist engineers mixing 360-degree and VR audio projects.[30] Audeze Mobius[31] headphones are operated with Waves' Nx technology.[32]

Currently, Waves Maxx technology is available on IoT, mobile, smart assistance, and communication devices. Waves Maxx partnerships include Google, Dell, LG, Acer, Fitbit, Qualcomm, and Intel. Additionally, Waves Nx technology for 3D audio is available in gaming headphones and other devices by Acer, and Audeze. Film score mixer Alan Meyerson said of Waves' technology, "[it has] changed the sound of film scores."[3]

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In 2010, Waves Audio was involved in two lawsuits regarding intellectual property infringements and illegal use of its software. In one lawsuit, with the defendant Skyline Recording Studios NYC, Waves won, and in the other, with the defendant Quad Recording Studios, the defendant admitted liability.[33][34]

In 2013, Waves Audio sued Motorola Mobility for allegedly infringing on its Maxx trademark with the Droid Razr Maxx and Droid Razr Maxx HD phones.[35]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Technical GRAMMY Award: Waves Audio Ltd". 2011-02-11. Retrieved 2014-02-13.
  2. ^ a b "Waves Audio To Receive Technical Grammy Award (ProSoundWeb)". ProSoundWeb. 2010-12-23. Retrieved 2014-02-13.
  3. ^ a b c Tom Teicholz. "MØ Waves, MØ Better Sound". Forbes.
  4. ^ Richard James Burgess (2014). The History of Music Production. Oxford University Press.
  5. ^ Rounik Sethi (June 7, 2016). "Behind The Scenes at Waves: An Interview With Mick Olesh". Ask Audio. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  6. ^ Twells, John (October 1, 2016). "The 14 pieces of software that shaped modern music". FactMag.com. Fact. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  7. ^ "The Eddie Kramer Collection - Waves Audio Signature Series Software Plug-ins". Routenote. October 19, 2009. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  8. ^ "Waves Audio Chris Lord-Alge Artist Signature Collection". FOH Online. March 16, 2010. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  9. ^ "Waves Audio Introduces Manny Marroquin Signature Series Collection". ProSound Web. March 19, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  10. ^ "Waves Audio Now Shipping Butch Vig Vocals Plug-In". ProSound Web. March 20, 2015. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  11. ^ a b Ramsey, Colby (October 22, 2018). "Waves pairs with Abbey Road on TG Mastering Chain plugin". Audio Media International.com. Audio Media International. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  12. ^ "Waves Creative Access - Frequently Asked Questions". Waves. March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  13. ^ "Perpetual Updates and Licenses Will Be Back Alongside Subscriptions". Waves. March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  14. ^ Waves Products. Waves Audio
  15. ^ "WAVES". clynemedia.com. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
  16. ^ "WAVES". www.clynemedia.com. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
  17. ^ "Waves Audio and Abbey Road Studios Offer The king's Microphones Plugin". FOH Online. May 20, 2011. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  18. ^ "Waves Audio, Abbey Road Studios Unveil REDD Console Plug-ins". Soundworks Collection. December 10, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  19. ^ "Waves Audio and Abbey Road Studios introduce the J37 Tape Saturation plug-in". Guitar Player. October 16, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  20. ^ "Waves Audio and Abbey Road Studios Unveil RS56 Plugin". Gear Junkies. June 13, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  21. ^ "Waves Audio & Abbey Road Studios Now Shipping EMI TG12345 Plug-In". ProSound Web. October 8, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  22. ^ "Waves Release Torque - A New Drum Tone Shifter Plug-in. Retune Drums in the Mix | Pro Tools - the leading website for Pro Tools users".
  23. ^ "Waves Announces SoundGrid Audio-Over-Ethernet Networking/Processing Platform At Winter NAMM 2010". ProSoundWeb. January 19, 2010. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  24. ^ "Dell Unveils Redesigned Inspiron Laptop Portfolio". Hot Hardware. 2012-06-05. Retrieved 2014-03-12.
  25. ^ "Toshiba Improves Laptop Sound Quality by Enlisting Waves MaxxAudio". Mobile Magazine. 2007-08-22. Retrieved 2014-03-12.
  26. ^ "OnePlus Partners with Waves to add MaxxAudio to the One". Retrieved 2015-03-13.
  27. ^ Max Langridge (July 13, 2016). "Wednesday Wrap: Tidal and Humax updates, Waves 3D Audio and Teufel surround sound setups". What Hi Fi?. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  28. ^ Julian Horsey (June 23, 2016). "Waves NX Offers 3D Audio On Any Headphones (video)". Geeky Gadgets. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  29. ^ "Audeze launches their Mobius 3D Planar Magnetic Gaming Headphones". POCNetwork.com. POC Network. December 17, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  30. ^ "Waves Audio Shipping Ambisonics 360-Degree Audio Production Tools". AVNetwork.com. AV Network. October 16, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  31. ^ "Audeze Mobius Review — Headfonics". headfonics.com. 2019-04-14. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  32. ^ Bob Fekete (10 December 2018). "HEADPHONES HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2018: THE BEST GAMING HEADSETS OF THE YEAR". Newsweek.
  33. ^ "Recording: Waves Audio Prevails Against Copyright Infringement". Pro Sound Web. 2010-05-19. Retrieved 2014-03-12.
  34. ^ "Software Beware". Grammy.com. 2013-06-03. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
  35. ^ "Waves Audio Slaps Motorola With 'Maxx' Trademark Suit". Law 360. 2013-03-13. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
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