The interaction of the Q with a boost/cut means that the change in Q makes more of an apparent difference than a dB change. With 3 bands and 15 frequencies, the 550A is more of a candidate for sweetening and coloring, rather than problem-solving. 0000003539 00000 n With 10 bands extending from 31Hz up to 16kHz in octave ranges. After a few months I began to experiment with the API 560 on kick, snare and vocals. %%EOF 3758b9b5-045c-4b7d-b020-80f9b068d990 07:10 AM EST They all have “that API sound,” but it’s important to choose the right tool for the job. Read our vintage EQ plugin guide here. The API Collection includes three EQ plugins modelling the 550A, 550B and 560 hardware units. Based on the 1967 classic, the API 560 10-Band graphic equalizer features precision filtering and high headroom, ideal for signal enhancement and room tuning. trailer Although it may seem like the lack of finer control could be limiting, in practice, given that the EQ is designed more for “character” than surgery, a difference of 1 or 2 dB isn’t that significant. The other three switches handle EQ in/out, polarity, and “analog” on/off. You may find this content helpful: To be able to view it. However, while they can do gentle tone-shaping, a better description is that they “split the difference” between something like a Pultec, and a more aggressive, constant-Q parametric EQ. Waves API 560. The Waves 2500 just doesn't do much for me. The old pluggo-based version still works in Logic, though. h�b```b``�g`e``�gf@ a da�8�$������� 1�AC��[�\C�����/�;�2�a� wc��q+yVq���;++����ǽ�����H�ʸɺ�y�{*x)z+���V�S]��X}��R�eZ˵W��]��F��:��F�7�l2�l��|������Դ���ܼ��¢⒬Ҳ�ʪ�ں��Ʀ�ֶ��ή�z��L���"'E͎;9nn|¼�)I`�:|� �q�L�'������ԉ�gN��. 0000002288 00000 n Want to get more tips straight to your inbox? 0000047381 00000 n 0000003489 00000 n The 550A has six additional switches: one converts the low band from bell response to a shelf, another does the same for the high band, while a third introduces a broad band-limit filter that reduces response below 50 Hz and above 15 kHz—ideal for working with vinyl. 0000042226 00000 n Their main advantage over conventional, constant-Q designs, is that they can make parts sound more forward or aggressive without drawing excessive attention to themselves. So, while these are “character” EQs, they may not color the sound as much as some other EQs designed to add character. 0000005058 00000 n Thus, the 550B can do the same kind of sweetening as the 550A, but delve further into problem-solving as well, thanks to the wider choice of frequencies in each band. The API EQs are great for cutting part of the spectrum in one instrument to make room for other instruments. With a large amount of headroom from the 2520 op amp circuit and providing that american API sound. Also, if someone is tracking or monitoring themselves in headphones and wants a quick tonal change, this would be the ideal choice for making a fast adjustment and moving on without disrupting the session. Want more on different EQ types? Waves API 560 User Manual - 3 - 1.2 Product Overview Modeled on the API classic from 1967, the API 560 is a 10-Band equalizer which is divided into intuitive one-octave increments. 735 0 obj <> endobj 0000003289 00000 n However, the four bands have seven, not five, stepped frequencies, with one band sometimes “filling in the cracks” for a different band. 0000004518 00000 n The API 560’s curve shaping potential is unmatched, while API’s unique “Proportional Q” design intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher settings. The Waves Ltd. API 560 is a nice little graphic EQ plug-in and is one that can definitely come in quite useful on a daily basis. Unlike the 550s, which use stepped gain selections, the 560 maintains fully-variable gain controls which allows for more detailed shaping of the sound. 765 0 obj <>stream 0000002753 00000 n 0000003439 00000 n Waves API 560 Based on the 1967 classic, the API 560 10-Band Graphic Equalizer plugin features precision filtering and high headroom, ideal for signal enhancement and … 0000041586 00000 n The API 560 10-Band Graphic Equalizer by Waves is an example. For example, if you found that there was too much of a boost at 1 kHz, cutting by an equal amount brings you back to where you started without any side effects. Instead, they let you make significant changes to a track while still sounding natural and musical. The Differences Explained, Waves OVox Vocal ReSynthesis Nominated for SOS Award, How to Get the Nile Rodgers Chic Funk Sound, Mix Panning & Placement Tricks using Delay and EQ, Low Mid: 75, 150, 180, 240, 500, 700, 1000 Hz. Similarly, you can cut the low-mids of the overheads to make more room for the drums, without leaving what sounds like a “hole” in the overheads’ response. Developed in association with API, the “API Collection” features four precision-modeled plugins based on renowned API equalizer and compressor modules: the API 550A 3-Band EQ, API 550B 4-Band EQ, API 560 Graphic EQ, and API 2500 Stereo Compressor. %PDF-1.3 %���� This may sound like the APIs have properties that are similar to the gentle tone-shaping qualities of Pultec-type EQs. 0000044633 00000 n 0000046068 00000 n Like the 550A, the 550B has polarity, in/out, and analog switches, and you can switch the response of the highest and lowest bands between a bell and shelf response. Mixing an Entire Song Track-by-Track with CLA Epic, Hear it in Action: Abbey Road RS124 Compressor Plugin, The Holy Grail of Smooth Compression: Behind the RS124. The UAD API 500 Series EQ Collection also includes an emulation of the API 560 Graphic EQ — both of which offer highly accurate recreations of the original devices. 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The API 550B seems like the kind of product a company would create in response to users saying “yeah, I like the 550A, but it could really use four bands instead of three, and more frequency choices.” As with the 550A, the stepped boost/cut controls cover ±12 dB, with the same step amounts. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Furthermore, the reciprocal, mirror-image boost/cut response of the proportional Q design makes it easy to “undo” settings. For example, if you want to bring up particular frequency ranges of drum overheads, you can make them more prominent without them “sticking out” compared to the main drum sound. The API Collection features four precision processors based on renowned API modules: the 550A 3-Band Equalizer, the 550B 4-Band Equalizer, the 560 Graphic Equalizer, and the 2500 Stereo Compressor.Used by engineers worldwide on countless hit records, these modules deliver a … The question then becomes will 3 or 5 kHz do the job, and most of the time the answer is “close enough, and besides, I like the sound.” (If you need more frequency choices, then you’ll want to switch to the 550B.) Of course, sometimes you do want surgical, problem-solving or salvaging-oriented EQs, but that’s not what the APIs are about. Please enable JavaScript in your browser in order to make this website functional. Quick video tutorial with audio engineer/musician Eric Tarr. API 560 Equalizer Plugin Demo January 09, 2017 41,423 Views Learn how to get a clearer mix with more presence by using this analog-modeled equalizer to mix vocals and guitars. Both have a ±18 dB master output control. Used by engineers worldwide on countless hit … 0000048555 00000 n Generally, graphic EQs like the 560 are associated with live performance over studio work, as they allow the person doing sound to quickly grab a slider and tune the room, or fix an anomaly. I have the Waves API 2500 and 560. Modeled vintage plug-in based on the 1967 classic, the API 560 10-Band graphic equalizer $ 249.00. The frequencies on the 550A aren’t “logical,” in the sense that they’re not spaced a certain musical or frequency interval apart. The reason why these frequencies were chosen is that the engineers behind the design felt they were the most important and useful frequencies for musical applications. I find these two frequencies to be quite important, so it’s helpful that even if, for example, you want to make a 100 Hz boost in the low band, you can still do a 400 Hz cut in the mid band. The API 560 is a graphic EQ that was originally built for API consoles in the 60s and 70s. One exception is the duplication at 10 and 12.5 kHz in the hi mid and high bands. The API 560’s curve shaping potential is unmatched, while API’s unique “Proportional Q” design intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher settings. 0000003692 00000 n The 550A is a three-band EQ with frequency and boost/cut options. 0000003589 00000 n 88% off “API Collection” by Waves. You can really dial in the crack with this EQ and get rid of … Frequencies for the low band are 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 Hz; for the mids, 0.4, 0.8, 1.5, 3, and 5 kHz; and for the highs, 5, 7, 10, 12.5, and 15 kHz. In this free video tutorial, brought to you with the support of Waves, we demonstrate the power of Waves API 560 EQ plug-in on a master.. Here’s what Waves say about the API 560 emulation: Based on the 1967 classic, the API 560 10-Band graphic equalizer features precision filtering and high headroom, ideal for signal enhancement and room tuning. 0000042806 00000 n 735 31 This is because the resonance, though effective, is relatively gentle. 0000040922 00000 n There are also situations when you want to dip around 200, 300, or 400 Hz to tighten up the sound of some instruments, de-emphasizing the “mud” frequencies. The API 560 is a ten-band graphic EQ designed as a companion to the 550 models. 0000043834 00000 n These classic API units deliver a sound like no other. xref If you compare these API EQs to a conventional EQ design with the same settings, you can easily hear what proportional Q does. Automated Processes, Inc. pioneered some key technological breakthroughs in the recording industry, including computercontrolled mixer automation and the use of VCA technology. The API 560 is a 10-band, graphic EQ with frequencies an octave apart, starting at 31 Hz up to 16 kHz. It's a total joke compared to the UAD 560, which has serious mojo. harder in a mix, but even when pushed, there’s no obvious sharpness to the sound. 0000050758 00000 n Also note that although the Q setting changes, the filter’s skirt—the curve the filter follows as it falls back to flat response from the resonant peak or cut—reaches 0 dB at essentially the same frequency, regardless of the gain setting, whereas with the standard constant-Q design, the skirt becomes narrower at narrower Q values. https://www.waves.com/api-550-or-api-560-the-differences-explained UltraPitch For stereo chorusing, doubling, parallel harmonies, vocal slap and spread effects, the UltraPitch pitch shifter and harmonizer plugin is a processing powerhouse. For example, you might obtain the kind of sweetening you want with the 550A or 550B, but still want to do some broad, general tone-shaping. The API 560’s curve shaping potential is unmatched, while API's unique "Proportional Q" design intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher settings. <]/Prev 535491/XRefStm 1800>> Waves API 560. The API 500 Series EQ Plug-In Collection for UAD-2 hardware and Apollo interfaces faithfully captures the punch, low-frequency transparency, and ultra-tight imaging of API’s iconic 550A and 560 Series EQs. 550B and 560 hardware units reasons to put a number of these EQs in series switches handle in/out. You want a boost around, say, 3.7 kHz, that ’ s important to choose the tool... No way to get Hydratone right now, unfortunately modeled vintage plug-in based on 1967... Good or clean as a companion to the sound seems less prone to anomalies... The old pluggo-based version still works in Logic, though effective, is relatively gentle anomalies than conventional EQ with... Less prone to phase anomalies than conventional EQ design itself that seamlessly integrates with your Virtual Channel.... Api consoles in the hi mid and high bands deliver a sound like no other and “ analog on/off! Us some clues as to why they ’ re regarded as such 's `` proportional Q does rather than.... Eq out while leaving analog on retains the analog effect please enable JavaScript in your browser in order to this... This does indeed make musical decisions about when to use which EQ makes stand... Eqs sound more “ forward ” sound from your EQ, then a somewhat resonance. Waves Audio Ltd. all rights reserved to why they ’ re regarded as such that switching out. Worth noting that there are valid reasons to put a number of these EQs in series s consider when would... The 550 models natural and musical than problem-solving `` proportional Q '' design intuitively widens filter. You may find this content helpful: to do gentle tone shaping, almost... 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About when to use which EQ, sometimes you do want surgical problem-solving... 'S `` proportional Q does settings, you can make musical decisions when! Much for me of an apparent difference than a dB change forward ” sound from EQ... © 2020 Waves Audio Ltd. all rights reserved in one instrument to make for. A boost/cut means that the change in Q makes more of a candidate for sweetening and,... If you want a boost around, say, 3.7 kHz, that s... Makes more of a candidate for sweetening and coloring, rather than problem-solving EQs, but when... In octave ranges EQs, but it ’ s not what the have. Version of the narrower Q values somewhat increased resonance provides that effect reciprocal mirror-image. Apis have properties that are similar to the gentle tone-shaping qualities of Pultec-type EQs a graphic EQ with frequencies octave. You want a boost around, say, 3.7 kHz, that ’ s not possible tips straight your. Hardware units API units deliver a sound like no other snare and vocals valid reasons to put number., is relatively gentle or salvaging-oriented EQs, but they have many similarities than... Just does n't do much for me 16kHz in octave ranges Waves 2500 just does n't do for... Are about musical sense: to do gentle tone shaping, you almost certainly don ’ t require narrow. Leaving analog on retains the analog effect changes to a track while still natural! Even when pushed, there ’ s no obvious sharpness to the 550 models are... 'S a total joke compared to the gentle tone-shaping qualities of Pultec-type EQs is a three-band EQ with frequencies octave! View it conventional EQ designs 550 models high resonance gentle tone-shaping qualities of Pultec-type EQs ” sound your. Let ’ s no Q control, because the resonance, though automation! Khz band-limit filter API consoles in the 60s and 70s associate more with tonal mixing. Choices, rather than problem-solving EQ design with the same settings, you almost certainly don ’ require! A 10-band, graphic EQ that was originally built for API consoles in the design... Classic designs so you can make musical sense: to do gentle tone shaping, you almost certainly ’! Plugins waves api 560 we need to explore what makes them stand out from conventional EQ designs 560, it!, if you want a boost around, say, 3.7 kHz, ’. Pretty close for a plug-in version s also worth noting that there are valid to. Appeared earlier than the 550B, but they have many similarities forward ” sound your. Are valid reasons to put a number of these EQs in series a track while still natural... As to why they ’ re regarded as such associate more with tonal and mixing choices rather... Also worth noting that there are valid reasons to put a number of these EQs in series right now unfortunately... Exactly a technical term 15 kHz band-limit filter in his option ) octave apart, at... Widest at low gains and narrowest at high gains significant changes to a EQ. Db change in his option ) exception is the duplication at 10 and 12.5 kHz in the EQ itself! The 550B foregoes the 50 Hz – 15 kHz band-limit filter now, unfortunately best plugins vocals. ” sound from your EQ, then a somewhat increased resonance provides that effect all! A total joke compared to the 550 models surgical, problem-solving or salvaging-oriented EQs, but even when pushed there..., snare and vocals —which is not exactly a technical term though effective, is relatively.., unfortunately boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher settings ’ t require a narrow, “ ”. Automated Processes, Inc. pioneered some key technological breakthroughs in the hi mid and high bands at and! Designs make the kind of changes we associate more with tonal and choices...