Waves have just announced that the latest major update for their hugely popular plug-in range is now officially available. Waves V17 introduces a range of new features and improvements, including a completely redesigned preset management system, new live sound and post-production enhancements, and Mix Unlock, a premium stem-separation feature within StudioVerse that gives users greater control over finished stereo audio mixes.

At the top of the list for V17 is a brand-new preset management system that has been implemented across the entire Waves plug-in catalogue. The new system improves how users browse, search, organise and save presets, and is said to make it easier than ever to access sounds without disrupting the creative process. The redesigned system features enhanced preset browsing, improved search functionality, management of favourite presets and streamlined organisational tools, allowing users to quickly locate the settings they need.

For live-sound professionals, V17 enables the real-time analysers within the Renaissance EQ and eMo Q4 plug-ins to run within the eMotion LV1 and SuperRack platforms. Other improvements include extended dynamic control and a new 5Hz Frequency Shift option in Waves PSE (Primary Source Expander), for greater gain-before-feedback control; new touchscreen pinch control added in F6 and Q10; and more.

For studio users, V17 includes a new interface for the MondoMod modulation plug-in for increased usability and visual clarity; new I/O automation controls in CLA MixDown; AudioSuite support for the WLM Plus Loudness Meter, enabling faster offline loudness analysis and rendering for broadcast and streaming applications; and more.

V17 also introduces Mix Unlock, a powerful new premium feature within StudioVerse Audio Effects. The new tool enables users to separate finished stereo audio into vocals, drums, bass and instruments in real time, directly within their DAW. Once separated, each element can be independently adjusted, processed, enhanced or creatively transformed using StudioVerse preset chains and Waves plug-ins. 

The StudioVerse: Mix Unlock feature is included in Waves Creative Access subscriptions. It is also available for separate purchase — and for a limited time, it is free for owners of any Waves V17 plug-in.

In addition to the headline features, V17 also delivers numerous stability improvements, workflow refinements and bug fixes across Waves’ entire range of plug-ins, applications and supported DAWs. 

More information can be found on the Waves website.

www.waves.com