How to Master Your Music with Waves Complete 9.6 (2016.08.30) MAC OS X
Waves Complete 9.6 (2016.08.30) MAC OS X: A Comprehensive Review
If you are a music producer, engineer, or artist who is looking for a complete package of professional audio plugins for your MAC OS X system, you might have heard of Waves Complete 9.6 (2016.08.30). But what is it exactly? What does it offer? How do you install it? And is it worth your money? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we review Waves Complete 9.6 in detail.
Waves Complete 9.6 (2016.08.30) MAC OS X
Introduction
Waves is one of the leading companies in the audio industry, offering a wide range of products and solutions for music production, mixing, mastering, live sound, broadcast, post-production, and more. Waves has been around since 1992 and has won numerous awards and accolades for its innovative and high-quality audio plugins.
What is Waves Complete 9.6?
Waves Complete 9.6 is a collection of over 150 audio plugins that cover every aspect of sound processing, from dynamics, EQ, reverb, delay, modulation, pitch correction, spatial enhancement, harmonic distortion, noise reduction, restoration, and more. Waves Complete 9.6 also includes several bundles that combine different plugins for specific purposes, such as vocal production, guitar processing, mastering tools, etc.
Waves Complete 9.6 was released on August 30th, 2016 and was compatible with MAC OS X Sierra 10.12.1. It was also compatible with various DAWs (digital audio workstations) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Studio One, Reaper, and more.
Why do you need Waves Complete 9.6?
Waves Complete 9.6 is a powerful and versatile toolset that can help you achieve professional results in your music projects. Whether you are recording vocals or instruments, mixing tracks or stems, mastering songs or albums, or creating sound effects or soundtracks for films or games, Waves Complete 9.6 can provide you with the best quality, compatibility, flexibility, and creativity that you need. Waves Complete 9.6 can also save you time and money, as you can access a huge library of plugins for a fraction of the cost of buying them individually.
How to install Waves Complete 9.6 on MAC OS X?
Installing Waves Complete 9.6 on MAC OS X is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Download the Waves Central application from the Waves website. This is the software that will manage your Waves plugins and licenses.
Run the Waves Central installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
Launch Waves Central and log in with your Waves account credentials. If you don't have a Waves account, you can create one for free.
Select the Install Products tab and choose the products you want to install. You can either select the Waves Complete 9.6 option, which will install all the plugins and bundles included in the collection, or you can select individual products from the list.
Click on Install and wait for the installation process to complete. You may need to enter your administrator password to authorize the installation.
Once the installation is done, you can activate your products using your Waves account or a USB flash drive. You can also manage your licenses and updates using Waves Central.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Waves Complete 9.6 on your MAC OS X system. You can now open your DAW and start using your Waves plugins.
Features of Waves Complete 9.6
Waves Complete 9.6 is a comprehensive collection of audio plugins that offer a wide range of features and functions for various audio applications. Let's take a look at some of the main features of Waves Complete 9.6:
Overview
Waves Complete 9.6 includes over 150 audio plugins that cover every aspect of sound processing, from dynamics, EQ, reverb, delay, modulation, pitch correction, spatial enhancement, harmonic distortion, noise reduction, restoration, and more. These plugins are designed to emulate classic analog hardware, modern digital devices, or unique sonic effects that can enhance your sound in various ways.
Waves Complete 9.6 also includes several bundles that combine different plugins for specific purposes, such as vocal production, guitar processing, mastering tools, etc. These bundles are curated by Waves experts and offer optimized presets and workflows for different genres and styles of music.
Waves Complete 9.6 also supports various formats and platforms, such as VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, AudioSuite, SoundGrid, MultiRack, eMotion LV1, StudioRack, etc. This means that you can use your Waves plugins in any DAW or host application that supports these formats and platforms.
Plugins
Waves Complete 9.6 includes over 150 audio plugins that cover every aspect of sound processing. Here are some examples of the plugins included in Waves Complete 9.6:
C1 Compressor: A versatile compressor plugin that offers four different modes: Compressor, Expander, Gate, and Sidechain.
L1 Ultramaximizer: A legendary limiter plugin that offers transparent peak limiting and loudness maximization.
H-Delay: A hybrid delay plugin that combines analog warmth and digital precision.
Renaissance EQ: A classic equalizer plugin that offers four bands of parametric EQ with variable filter types.
Renaissance Reverb: A rich and smooth reverb plugin that offers six different reverb types and advanced modulation controls.
S1 Stereo Imager: A stereo enhancer plugin that offers width, rotation, and shuffling controls.
Vocal Rider: A vocal leveler plugin that automatically adjusts the vocal level in relation to the music.
Tune Real-Time: A pitch correction plugin that offers real-time tuning with natural-sounding results.
NLS Non-Linear Summer: A console emulation plugin that recreates the sound of three legendary mixing consoles: SSL 4000 G Series, EMI TG12345 Mk IV, and Neve 5116/80.
Kramer Master Tape: A tape saturation plugin that emulates the sound of a vintage Ampex 350/351 tape machine.
These are just some of the plugins included in Waves Complete 9.6. You can explore the full list of plugins and their features on the Waves website. You can also watch video tutorials, read user reviews, and download demo versions of the plugins to try them out before buying them.
Bundles
Waves Complete 9.6 also includes several bundles that combine different plugins for specific purposes, such as vocal production, guitar processing, mastering tools, etc. These bundles are curated by Waves experts and offer optimized presets and workflows for different genres and styles of music. Here are some examples of the bundles included in Waves Complete 9.6:
Gold: A collection of 42 essential plugins for mixing and mastering, including compressors, EQs, reverbs, delays, modulation effects, and more.
Platinum: A collection of 57 premium plugins for mixing and mastering, including all the plugins from the Gold bundle plus additional plugins such as L2 Ultramaximizer, PuigTec EQs, C4 Multiband Compressor, and more.
Diamond: A collection of 65 professional plugins for mixing and mastering, including all the plugins from the Platinum bundle plus additional plugins such as MaxxVolume, Z-Noise, L3 Multimaximizer, and more.
Mercury: A collection of over 150 plugins for mixing and mastering, including all the plugins from the Diamond bundle plus additional plugins such as Abbey Road Collection, API Collection, SSL Collection, CLA Classic Compressors, and more.
Vocal Bundle: A collection of 6 vocal plugins for vocal production, including Vocal Rider, Tune Real-Time, DeBreath, Renaissance Channel, Renaissance DeEsser, and Doubler.
GTR3: A collection of 6 guitar plugins for guitar processing, including GTR3 Amps, GTR3 Stomps, GTR3 ToolRack, GTR3 Tuner, GTR3 Studio Pedals, and GTR3 Studio Racks.
L3-16 Multimaximizer: A 16-band peak limiter plugin that offers precise control over the frequency spectrum and loudness of your mixes.
These are just some of the bundles included in Waves Complete 9.6. You can explore the full list of bundles and their features on the Waves website. You can also watch video tutorials, read user reviews, and download demo versions of the bundles to try them out before buying them.
Mixers & Racks
Waves Complete 9.6 also includes several mixers and racks that allow you to create custom signal chains and workflows using your Waves plugins. These mixers and racks are designed to emulate different types of mixing consoles or hardware devices. Here are some examples of the mixers and racks included in Waves Complete 9.6:
eMotion LV1: A live digital mixing console that offers 64 stereo/mono input channels with up to eight plugins per channel.
MultiRack: A software host that allows you to run multiple instances of Waves plugins on any live sound system.
StudioRack: A software rack that allows you to load up to eight Waves plugins per rack and create complex plugin chains.
Scheps Omni Channel: A flexible channel strip plugin that offers five modules: Preamp, EQ, DS2 (de-esser), Gate/Expander (with ducking), and Compressor/Limiter (with parallel compression).
Kramer HLS Channel: A channel strip plugin that emulates the sound of a Helios mixing console from the 1960s.
These are just some of the mixers and racks included in Waves Complete 9.6. You can explore the full list of mixers and racks and their features on the Waves website. You can also watch video tutorials, read user reviews, and download demo versions of the mixers and racks to try them out before buying them.
Hardware
Waves Complete 9.6 also includes several hardware devices that integrate with your Waves plugins and offer enhanced performance and functionality. These hardware devices are designed to work with different formats and platforms such as SoundGrid or USB. Here are some examples of the hardware devices included in Waves Complete 9.6:
SoundGrid Server One-C: A compact audio processing unit that runs your Waves plugins in real time with ultra-low latency.
DigiGrid IOS-XL: An audio interface that offers 8 mic/line inputs, 8 line outputs, 4 headphone outputs, and a built-in SoundGrid server.
Waves Tune Real-Time Rack: A hardware unit that offers real-time pitch correction and vocal effects using the Waves Tune Real-Time plugin.
Waves Nx Head Tracker: A Bluetooth device that tracks your head movements and enhances the 3D audio experience of the Waves Nx plugin.
Waves Nx Virtual Mix Room: A plugin that simulates the acoustics of a professional mixing room on any pair of headphones.
These are just some of the hardware devices included in Waves Complete 9.6. You can explore the full list of hardware devices and their features on the Waves website. You can also watch video tutorials, read user reviews, and download demo versions of the hardware devices to try them out before buying them.
Courses
Waves Complete 9.6 also includes several online courses that teach you how to use your Waves plugins and improve your skills and knowledge in various aspects of audio production. These courses are created by Waves experts and industry professionals and offer practical tips and tricks, demonstrations, exercises, quizzes, and certificates. Here are some examples of the courses included in Waves Complete 9.6:
Mixing with Waves Gold Bundle: A course that teaches you how to mix music using the plugins from the Waves Gold bundle.
Mixing Electronic Music with Waves: A course that teaches you how to mix electronic music genres such as EDM, techno, house, trance, etc. using Waves plugins.
Mixing Hip Hop with Waves: A course that teaches you how to mix hip hop music genres such as rap, trap, R&B, etc. using Waves plugins.
Mixing Rock with Waves: A course that teaches you how to mix rock music genres such as pop rock, hard rock, metal, etc. using Waves plugins.
Mixing Vocals with Waves: A course that teaches you how to mix vocals using Waves plugins.
These are just some of the courses included in Waves Complete 9.6. You can explore the full list of courses and their features on the Waves website. You can also watch video previews, read user reviews, and enroll in the courses to start learning.
Benefits of Waves Complete 9.6
Waves Complete 9.6 is a powerful and versatile toolset that can help you achieve professional results in your music projects. Here are some of the benefits of using Waves Complete 9.6:
Quality
Waves Complete 9.6 offers high-quality audio plugins that are designed to emulate classic analog hardware, modern digital devices, or unique sonic effects that can enhance your sound in various ways. These plugins are based on advanced algorithms and DSP (digital signal processing) technologies that ensure accuracy, transparency, and realism. These plugins are also tested and certified by Waves experts and industry professionals who ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Compatibility
Waves Complete 9.6 supports various formats and platforms, such as VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, AudioSuite, SoundGrid, MultiRack, eMotion LV1, StudioRack, etc. This means that you can use your Waves plugins in any DAW or host application that supports these formats and platforms. You can also use your Waves plugins on different operating systems such as MAC OS X or Windows. You can also use your Waves plugins on different devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, or smartphones.
Flexibility
Waves Complete 9.6 offers flexible audio plugins that allow you to customize your sound processing according to your needs and preferences. You can adjust various parameters and controls such as threshold, ratio, attack, release, gain, frequency, Q factor , shape, type, mode, etc. to fine-tune your sound. You can also use presets and templates that are created by Waves experts and industry professionals to get started quickly and easily. You can also create your own presets and templates and save them for future use. You can also use automation and modulation features to add movement and variation to your sound.
Creativity
Waves Complete 9.6 offers creative audio plugins that allow you to explore new possibilities and express your musical vision. You can use plugins that offer unique sonic effects such as distortion, saturation, modulation, pitch shifting, time stretching, etc. to add color and character to your sound. You can also use plugins that offer spatial enhancement such as reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, etc. to add depth and dimension to your sound. You can also use plugins that offer harmonic enhancement such as EQ, compression, limiting, etc. to add clarity and punch to your sound.
Drawbacks of Waves Complete 9.6
Waves Complete 9.6 is a powerful and versatile toolset that can help you achieve professional results in your music projects. However, it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. Here are some of the drawbacks of using Waves Complete 9.6:
Price
Waves Complete 9.6 is a expensive collection of audio plugins that can cost you a lot of money. The regular price of Waves Complete 9.6 is $7,600, which is not affordable for many music producers, engineers, or artists. Even if you buy it on sale or with a discount coupon, it can still cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. You may also need to pay extra for updates or upgrades in the future.
Updates
Waves Complete 9.6 is an outdated collection of audio plugins that was released in 2016 and is no longer supported by Waves. This means that you may not be able to use it with the latest versions of MAC OS X or Windows, or with the latest versions of DAWs or host applications. You may also encounter bugs or errors that may affect your workflow or performance. You may also miss out on the new features and functions that are available in the newer versions of Waves plugins or bundles.
Support
Waves Complete 9.6 is a complex collection of audio plugins that may require technical support or assistance from Waves. However, Waves may not be able to provide adequate or timely support or assistance for Waves Complete 9.6, as it is an outdated product that is no longer supported by Waves. You may have to rely on online forums, blogs, videos, or other sources of information to solve your problems or issues with Waves Complete 9.6.
Alternatives to Waves Complete 9.6
Waves Complete 9.6 is a powerful and versatile toolset that can help you achieve professional results in your music projects. However, it is not the only option available in the market. There are other collections of audio plugins that offer similar or better features and functions for various audio applications. Here are some examples of the alternatives to Waves Complete 9.6:
Native Instruments Komplete
Native Instruments Komplete is a collection of over 50 instruments and effects that cover every aspect of music production, performance, and sound design. It includes synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, pianos, guitars, strings, brass , woodwinds, percussion, vocals, effects, and more. It also includes several expansions that offer additional sounds and styles for different genres and moods. Native Instruments Komplete is compatible with various formats and platforms, such as VST, AU, AAX, Standalone, NKS, etc. It also integrates with Native Instruments hardware devices such as Maschine, Komplete Kontrol, Traktor, etc. Native Instruments Komplete is a popular and widely used collection of audio plugins that offers high-quality, versatility, and creativity for music producers, performers, and sound designers.
iZotope Ozone
iZotope Ozone is a collection of 12 mastering plugins that cover every aspect of mastering, from EQ, compression, limiting, imaging, excitation, dynamics, spectral shaping, vintage emulation, and more. It also includes several modules that offer advanced features and functions such as Master Rebalance, Low End Focus, Tonal Balance Control, Master Assistant, Match EQ, etc. iZotope Ozone is compatible with various formats and platforms, such as VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, AudioSuite, etc. It also integrates with iZotope hardware devices such as Spire Studio. iZotope Ozone is a powerful and comprehensive collection of audio plugins that offers quality, compatibility, and flexibility for mastering engineers and music producers.
FabFilter Total Bundle
FabFilter Total Bundle is a collection of 15 audio plugins that cover every aspect of sound processing, from EQ, compression, limiting, de-essing, gate/expander, multiband dynamics, saturation, distortion , reverb, delay, filter, modulation, and more. It also includes several features and functions that offer advanced control and customization, such as side-chain input, mid/side processing, oversampling, interactive display, spectrum analyzer, etc. FabFilter Total Bundle is compatible with various formats and platforms, such as VST, VST3, AU, AAX, RTAS, AudioSuite, etc. FabFilter Total Bundle is a high-quality and user-friendly collection of audio plugins th