Overview
The Waves API 550 consists of the API 550A, a 3-Band parametric equalizer with 5 fixed cutoff points per band and the API 550B, a 4-Band parametric equalizer with 7 fixed cutoff points per band.
Modeled on the late 1960’s legend, the API 550A EQ delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high-end studios for decades. It provides reciprocal equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost divided into three overlapping ranges. The high and low-frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a band-pass filter can be inserted independently of all other settings.
Featuring four overlapped EQ bands, the API 550B features 7 switchable filter frequencies spanning up to 5 octaves per band. “Proportional Q” automatically widens the filter bandwidth at lower settings and narrows it at higher settings. It even lets you undo previous processing, affect or even reverse tonal modifications. With its vast range of tonal possibilities, the API 550B is an exceptionally versatile EQ.
Quickstart Guide
Approach the Waves API 550 as you would any conventional EQ. Since the API 550 features “Proportional Q,” which intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower settings and narrows it at higher settings, feel free to push the API 550 harder than you normally would other equalizers. The API 550 will deliver smooth, natural, and musical sound even at the most extreme settings.
Controls and Interface
EQ Section
API 550A Controls
Low Band Gain Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
Low Band Frequency Filter types
Shelf, Bell
Default
Shelf
Cutoff points
50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 400Hz
Default
50Hz
Mid Band Gain Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
Mid Band Frequency Range
.4kHz, .8kHz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz, 5kHz
Default
1.5kHz
Filter types
Bell
High Band Gain Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
High Band Frequency Range
5kHz, 7kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz
Default
7kHz
Bandpass Filter
Applies a 50Hz-15kHz bandpass filter to the entire signal
Range
50Hz-15kHz
Default
Off
Filter types
Shelf, Bell
Cutoff points
5kHz, 7kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz
Low Shelf/Bell Selector Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf
High Shelf/Bell Selector Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf
API 550B Controls
Low Band Gain Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
Low Band Frequency Range
30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 400Hz
Default
50Hz
Filter types
Shelf, Bell
Cutoff points
30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 400Hz
Low Mid Band Gain Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
Low Mid Band Frequency Range
75Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, 500Hz, 700Hz, 1kHz
Default
500Hz
Filter types
Bell
Cutoff points
75Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, 500Hz, 700Hz, 1kHz
High Mid Band Gain Range
-12dB to +12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
0dB
High Mid Band Frequency Range
0.8kHz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz, 5kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz
Default
5kHz
Filter types
Bell
Cutoff points
0.8kHz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz, 5kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz
High Band Gain Range
-12dB to 12dB (2-3dB steps)
Default
Off
High Band Frequency Range
2.5kHz, 5kHz, 7kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz
Default
10kHz
Filter types
Shelf, Bell
Cutoff points
2.5kHz, 5kHz, 7kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz
Low Shelf/Bell Selector Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf
High Shelf/Bell Selector Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf
In
Turns the EQ On/Off but leaves the Analog modeling.
Range
On/Off
Default
On
Output Section
The Output section, which is identical on both the API 550A and API 550B, consists of controls for Polarity (Phase Inversion) Analog Modeling, Output Level, and Trim.
Pol (Polarity)
Shifts the phase by 180 degrees.
Range
0deg-180deg
Default
0deg
Analog
Turns the Analog modeling on and off.
Range
On/Off
Default
On
Output
Controls the output level.
Range
-18dB to +18dB (in 0.1dB steps)
Default
0dB
Trim
Displays the maximum peak level of the output signal and its distance from nominal gain (-0.1dBfs).
Range
-inf to 0dB
Default
-inf
Meters
The API 550 meters display the output level in dBFS. The LED located between the two meters lights up when the output signal is clipping.
The WaveSystem
The WaveSystem Toolbar
All Waves processors feature the WaveSystem toolbar which takes care of most administrative functions you will encounter while working with your Waves software. The features of the WaveSystem toolbar are the same on practically all Waves processors, so familiarity with its features will be helpful whichever processor you are using.
Toolbar Functions
Undo Undoes the last 32 actions.
Redo Redoes the last 32 undone actions.
Setup A/B Toggles between two presets.
Copy A->B Load Save? This is useful for close comparison of different parameter settings Copies the current settings to the second preset register Recalls presets from file Saves presets in the Waves file-formats Opens the manual for the processor you are using
Preset Types
Factory Presets are permanent presets in the Load menu. Factory presets cannot be overwritten or deleted. When applicable, different component plug-ins may have different factory presets.
User Presets are your favorite settings of the plug-in saved as a preset in the Load menu, under ‘User Presets’. User Presets can be over-written and deleted.
Setup Files may contain more than one preset. For example, a single file can contain all the presets for a session. When you open a Setup File, all its setups become part of your Load pop-up menu for fast access. This can be particularly useful with multiple instances of a plug-in in a single session. By saving all the settings you create into a single Setup File, they can all be quickly available for every instance of that plug-in.
Loading Presets and Setups
Click-and-hold on the Load button to see the Load pop-up menu. The menu is divided into four sections. If a section is not currently available it will not appear in the Load pop-up menu.
Open Preset File...
‘Filename.xps’: Factory Presets: User Presets:
Select to open any setup or preset file, whether from the Library or your own creations. Displays any currently loaded Setup File and its presets. Displays the default Factory Presets.
Displays any loaded User Presets.
Saving Presets and Setups
Click-and-hold on the Save button to see the Save pop-up menu. Four options are available. If an option is not currently available it will be grayed out and inaccessible.
Save to New File... Select this to start a new Setup file. There are two prompts - first for the setup filename, then for the preset name. You must provide a name for both the setup file and the preset. Click OK (ENTER) to complete the save. It is a good idea to create a folder in which to save several setup files for a project.
Save ‘FileName’ – “Preset Name” Overwrites the settings of the loaded preset (whether a User Preset or a preset from a Setup File) with the current settings. If a
Setup File is currently loaded, the name of the Setup File is displayed followed by the name of the preset itself. If a User Preset is loaded, its name is displayed.
Save to ‘FileName’ As... Saves the current settings as a new preset into the Setup file that is open (if one is not open, the option is grayed out). You will be prompted to give the preset a name.
Put into Preset Menu As... Save the current settings into a User Preset that will always be in your Load menu (until deleted). You will be prompted to give this preset a name. User Presets are stored in the plug-in’s preference file.
Value Window Buttons
Value windows display the value of a control and allow click-and-drag adjustment or direct control via the keyboard.
Using the mouse, click-and-drag on the value window to adjust. Some value windows support left/right, some up/down (as you hover over a button, arrows will appear to let you know which direction of movement that button supports).
Using the arrow keys, click once with mouse to select the button, and then use up/down – left/right (depending on the direction supported by that button) to move in the smallest incremental steps across the button’s range (holding down the arrow keys will move faster through the range).
Using key entry, double click on the button to open the value window, and directly enter the value from your keyboard. If you enter an out of range number, the button stays selected but remains at the current setting (system beeps? If system sounds are on?) Some processors have link buttons between a pair of value windows, allowing click-and-drag adjustment while retaining the offset between the controls.
Sliders Click on the slider itself or anywhere within the slider's track. The numerical value of the slider settings is displayed in a hover window above the slider path.
Hover Box Hovering boxes will appear and display the control value when hovering with the mouse over the control.
Multiple Selection of Controls One of the most powerful features of the WaveSystem is the ability to select and adjust many controls at the same time. Using the mouse, simply drag-select the desired group of button or graphic controls by clicking and holding at a point outside the controls and forming a rectangle to include the controls you wish to adjust. Alternatively, you can hold down Shift while clicking the mouse on any control you wish to link. This second method is useful when you want to select two (or more) controls that are separated on the GUI by other controls you do not wish to select.
Credits:
Waves API 550 User Manual