WAVES API 550 3 Band EQ Native User Manual

API 550 3 Band EQ Native
User Manual

Introduction

Welcome

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Product 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.

Components

WaveShell technology enables us to split Waves processors into smaller plug- ins, which we call components. Having a choice of components for a particular processor gives you the flexibility to choose the configuration best suited to your material.

The API 550 has four component processors:

API 550A Stereo – A 3-Band stereo equalizer
API 550A Mono – A 3-Band mono equalizer
API 550B Stereo – A 4-Band stereo equalizer
API 550B Mono – A 4-Band mono equalizer

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 in 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

Low Shelf/Bell Selector
Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf

High Shelf/Bell Selector
Range
Shelf or Bell
Default
Shelf

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 output level in dBFS. The LED located between the two meters lights up when the output signal is clipping.

WaveSystem Toolbar

Use the bar at the top of the plugin to save and load presets, compare settings, undo and redo steps, and resize the plugin. To learn more, click the icon at the upper-right corner of the window and open the WaveSystem Guide.

Appendix A – 550A Controls

Appendix B – 550B Controls

Control| Range|

Default

---|---|---
Low Band Gain| -12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)| 0dB
Low Band Frequency| 30Hz,40Hz,50Hz,100Hz,200Hz,300Hz,400Hz| 50Hz
Low Mid Band Gain| -12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)| 0dB
Low Mid Band Frequency| 75Hz,150Hz,180Hz,240Hz,500Hz,700Hz,lkHz.| 500Hz
High Mid Band Gain| -12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)| 0dB
High Mid Band Frequency| 0.8kHz,1.5kHz,3kHz,5kHz,8kHz,10kHz,12.5kHz.| 5kHz
High Band Gain| -12dB to 12dB(2-3dB’s steps)| Off
High Band Frequency| 2.5kHz,5kHz,7kHz,10kHz,12.5kHz,15kHz,20kHz.| 10kHz
Low shelf/bell selector| Shelf or Bell| Shelf
High shelf/bell selector| Shelf or Bell| Shelf
Output| -18dB to 18dB| 0dB
Trim| -inf to 0dB| -inf
Analog| On/Off| On
Phase| Odeg- 180deg| Odeg

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