Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer User Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Welcome

Thank you for choosing Waves! To get the most out of your new Waves plugin, please read this user guide. Installation and license management require a free Waves account. Sign up at www.waves.com to track products, renew your Waves Update Plan, participate in bonus programs, and stay updated.

Familiarize yourself with the Waves Support pages at www.waves.com/support for technical articles on installation, troubleshooting, specifications, and contact information.

1.2 Product Overview

Waves H-EQ is a powerful Hybrid Equalizer featuring:

• Vintage and modern equalization curves inspired by British and American consoles.
• Seven different filter types per band, including a unique asymmetrical bell filter.
• An intuitive keyboard graphic for selecting frequencies by clicking on notes.
• Exclusive MS matrix mode for applying different EQ to Mid (M) and Side (S) content.
• A flexible real-time frequency spectrum analyzer with multiple display options.
• New: H-EQ Lite components offer lower CPU usage, suitable for live sound or limited processing resources. Lite components exclude the Spectrum Analyzer and Analog sections.
• New: Parametric bands can be soloed by touching Cue, Frequency, Q, or Gain controls for momentary checks, or by clicking the solo button for a latching solo.
• New: A Smoothing feature eliminates noise during control movement, especially with automation. When loading sessions with older H-EQ versions, Smooth defaults to Off to prevent altering the original sound. For new instances or sessions, Smooth defaults to On.

1.3 Concepts and Terminology

H-EQ features five parametric bands plus high- and low-pass filters, with seven EQ types per band: US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern, Digital 1, and Digital 2.

Modes:

• Linked/Stereo: Both left and right channels receive identical EQ processing.
• Unlinked/Dual: Different EQ processing can be applied to the left and right channels.
• MS Matrix: Separates stereo input into Mid (M) and Sides (S) channels, allowing distinct EQ for each. Useful for mastering and correcting stereo imaging.

Analog Section: Controls the level of added harmonics, hum, and noise. H-EQ Lite components do not include this section.

Analyzer: Provides a real-time graphical display of input signal, output signal, or both, along with the applied EQ curve. H-EQ Lite components do not include the Analyzer.

Asymmetrical Filter: A unique filter (Digital 1) suited for creative equalization. The Q control adjusts the filter's "tilt" rather than its width. Lower Q values are effective on low frequencies (bass, kick drum, piano), while high Q settings suit high frequencies (cymbals, strings, vocals). A low Q (Q=1) creates a gentle slope, ideal for boosting/cutting low-mids. A high Q (Q=100) creates a sharp rise and gentle slope, affecting frequencies differently.

Keyboard: A unique feature allowing frequency selection by clicking notes on a keyboard graphic. This bridges musical and engineering terms, making frequency manipulation more intuitive. For example, selecting E1 on the keyboard snaps the frequency to 41 Hz, or clicking F6 (1397 Hz) can adjust a harsh violin note.

1.4 Components

WaveShell technology splits processors into smaller plugins called components. H-EQ offers flexibility with component choices:

• H-EQ: H-EQ Mono, H-EQ Stereo.
• H-EQ Lite: H-EQ Mono, H-EQ Stereo.

H-EQ Lite components require less CPU and are ideal for live sound or limited DSP resources. They omit the Spectrum Analyzer and Analog sections.

1.5 WaveSystem Toolbar

The toolbar at the top allows saving/loading presets, comparing settings, undo/redo, and resizing. Access the WaveSystem Guide via the icon in the upper-right corner.

Chapter 2: Quick Start Guide

• Insert H-EQ on a track and select the Full or Lite component.
• Choose a Channel Mode: Linked, Unlinked, or MS.
• Select a Filter Type for each band, noting how each curve affects the sound.
• Adjust Frequency, Q, and Gain parameters as with any EQ.
• Engage Analog mode and toggle types to find pleasing tonal color.
• Play audio and use the Analyzer to visualize the frequency spectrum.
• Use the Solo function to isolate and fine-tune individual bands.

Chapter 3: Interface and Controls

3.1 H-EQ Interface Overview

The H-EQ interface is divided into several key sections:

H-EQ (Stereo) Component:

The interface displays a large graphical EQ area (EQ Graph) showing multiple colored curves representing different bands and filter types. Above this is the Spectrum Analyzer, showing input and output signals. The interface includes a "Smooth" checkbox. Below the EQ graph is a piano-style keyboard for frequency selection (Piano Roll). The main controls are organized into sections: Input Section, Mode Section, EQ Section (with individual band controls), Analog Section, and Output Section.

H-EQ Lite (Stereo) Component:

Similar to the H-EQ Stereo component, but the Spectrum Analyzer and Analog Section controls are absent.

Input Section:

Controls signal input level via an Input Fader (Range: +12 to -30 dB). In Stereo mode, separate Left and Right faders are available. In MS mode, the Left fader controls Mid (M) level, and the Right fader controls Sides (S) level. Full-scale Input Meters are located above the faders.

EQ Mode Section:

• Stereo/Linked: Both Left and Right channels receive identical EQ processing.
• Dual/Unlinked: Different EQ processing can be applied to Left and Right channels. Input and output faders are unlinked. Small buttons next to the link control select which channel (L or R) is affected by the EQ section, indicated by orange (L) or light green (R) curves in the EQ graph.

MS Mode:

An MS matrix separates the stereo input into Mid (M) and Sides (S) channels for independent EQ. The M/Mid channel is shown by an orange curve, and the S/Sides channel by a light green curve. A "Listen" control (speaker icon ?) allows soloing M or S information. Buttons left/right of the Listen control select the channel affected by the EQ section.

Solo (enable):

Activates Solo mode for a band. When Global Solo is enabled, touching or moving controls for LF, LMF, MF, HMF, and HF bands puts them into solo mode. Soloing via Frequency, Q, and Gain controls is momentary; the dedicated band solo button provides a latching solo.

EQ Section:

Consists of seven EQ bands, each with an On/Off switch color-matched to its Band Marker in the EQ display. Bands can also be toggled by clicking their markers.

• HP (High Pass Filter):
  • Types: US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern, Digital 1, Digital 2.
  • Frequency Range: 16 Hz–21096 Hz.
  • Q Range: 1–100 (Not available in UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, Digital 1).
• F (Low Frequency):
  • Types: US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern, Digital 1, Digital 2.
  • Shape Range: Shelf/Bell (toggle control).
  • Frequency Range: 22–21096 Hz.
  • Q Range (Bell): 1–100 (Not available in UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern).
  • Q Range (Shelf): 1–100 (Available in Digital 1 and Digital 2 only).
• LMF (Low-Mid Frequency):
  • Types: US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern, Digital 1, Digital 2.
  • Shape Range: Bell only.
  • Frequency Range: 22–21096 Hz.
  • Q Range: 1–100 (Not available in US Modern).
• MF (Mid Frequency):
  • Types: US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern, Digital 1, Digital 2.
  • Shape Range: Bell only.
  • Frequency Range: 22–21096 Hz.
  • Q Range: 1–100 (Not available in US Modern).
• HMF (High-Mid Frequency):
  • Types: US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern, Digital 1, Digital 2.
  • Shape Range: Bell only.
  • Frequency Range: 22–21096 Hz.
  • Q Range: 1–100 (Not available in US Modern).
• HF (High Frequency):
  • Types: US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern, Digital 1, Digital 2.
  • Shape Range: Shelf/Bell (toggle control).
  • Frequency Range: 22–21096 Hz.
  • Q Range (Bell): 1–100 (Not available in UK Vintage 2, US Modern).
  • Q Range (Shelf): 1–100 (Available in Digital 1 and Digital 2 only).
• LP (Low Pass Filter):
  • Types: US Vintage, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern, Digital 1, Digital 2 (UK Vintage 1 not available).
  • Frequency Range: 21096–16 Hz.
  • Q Range: 1–100 (Not available in UK Vintage 2, US Modern, Digital 1).
• Gain: Each parametric band has a Gain control (Range: +/-18 dB).
• Solo: Each parametric band has a latching Solo button to isolate the band for detailed adjustment.

Analog Section:

Toggles between analog characteristic types (Off, US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern, UK Modern).

• Level: Controls combined noise and hum (US Vintage = 60 Hz, UK Vintage 1 & 2 = 50 Hz). Range: 0-200%. Default: 100%. (Not available in Digital 1, Digital 2; Hum not available in US Modern, UK Modern).
• THD Level: Controls harmonic distortion. Range: 0-1000%. Default: 100%.

This section is absent in H-EQ Lite components.

Keyboard Section:

Allows frequency selection by clicking notes on a keyboard graphic. Range: F0-E10. Refer to Section 1.3 for more details.

Display Section:

The Analyzer provides a real-time graphical display of input signal, output signal, or both, plus the EQ curve. Turning the Analyzer off reduces CPU load. The Analyzer displays signals before the Analog section.

Analyzer Controls:

• ANALYZER/SHOW: Turns the Analyzer on/off.
• IN: Displays input signal (yellow).
• OUT: Displays output signal (blue).
• L/M: Displays Left side (Stereo) or Mid (M/S) signal.
• R/S: Displays Right side (Stereo) or Sides (S) signal.
• FREEZE: Stops the frequency graph. Click again or another control to resume.
• PEAKHOLD: Stops the graph at its highest peak measurement.

Analyzer Scale: Displays energy level (Range: 0-60). Complex waveforms may clip before reaching 0.

EQ Scale: Displays the applied EQ curve. Can be dragged to increase resolution for subtle EQ adjustments (Range: +/-30 dB linear, Extended: +/- 30 dB).

Band Markers: Color-coded markers for manipulating EQ bands. Shortcuts include:

• Option/Alt + Click: Control Q, locks Frequency and Gain.
• Control/Ctrl + Drag (Vertical): Control Gain, locks Frequency and Q.
• Control/Ctrl + Drag (Horizontal): Control Frequency, locks Gain and Q.
• Command/Win + Click: Toggle filter type.
• Right Click: Solo the band.

The Analyzer is not included in H-EQ Lite components to reduce DSP load.

Output Section:

Controls signal output level via an Output Fader. In Stereo mode, separate Left and Right faders are available. In MS and Unlinked modes, faders move separately for level differences and can be re-linked for simultaneous adjustment.

• Phase: Flips signal phase by 180 degrees. Separate Left/Right controls in Stereo mode.
• Trim: Displays peak output level relative to 0 dBFS. Clicking resets it to 0 and applies the differential to the input level.

Full-scale Output Meters with clip indicators are above the Output faders.

Smoothing:

The Smooth feature resolves noise issues that can occur when controls are moved, especially with automation. It should normally be On. For sessions created with older H-EQ versions, Smooth defaults to Off to maintain original sound. For new instances, it defaults to On. The control is in the WaveSystem Toolbar.