Waves API 560
User Manual
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.1 Welcome
Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your new Waves plugin, please take a moment to read this user guide.
To install software and manage your licenses, you need to have a free Waves account. Sign up at www.waves.com. With a Waves account you can keep track of your products, renew your Waves Update Plan, participate in bonus programs, and keep up to date with important information.
We suggest that you become familiar with the Waves Support pages: www.waves.com/support. There are technical articles about installation, troubleshooting, specifications, and more. Plus, you’ll find company contact information and Waves Support news.
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. It features precision filtering and high headroom, ideal for signal enhancement and room tuning. The 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. And since boost and cut characteristics are identical, previous actions can be easily undone.
1.3 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 560 has two component processors:
API 560 Stereo – A stereo graphic equalizer
API 560 Mono – A mono graphic equalizer
Chapter 2 - Quickstart Guide
Approach the Waves API 560 as you would any conventional graphic EQ. Since the API 560 features “Proportional Q,” which intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower settings and narrows it at higher settings, feel free to push the API 560 harder than you normally would other equalizers. The API 560 will deliver smooth, natural, and musical sound even at extreme settings.
Chapter 3 - Controls and Interface
- Output Clip LED
- Polarity Inversion Switch
- Turns On/Off Analog Modeling
- Output Gain
- Trim
- EQ Bypass
- EQ Section
- Output Meter (dbfs)
- Waves System Bar
3.1 EQ section
Cutoff Points
31Hz, 63Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz, 16kHz
Range
+/-12dB per band
In/Out
Switches EQ on and off while retaining Analog modeling.
3.2 Output Section
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
Off
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 560’s meters display output level in dBFS. The Clip LED, located between the two meters, lights up when output signal exceeds 0dBFS.
3.3 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 - Controls List
| Control | Range | Default |
| 31 Hz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 63 Hz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 125 Hz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 250 Hz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 500 Hz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 1 KHz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 2 KHz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 4 KHz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 8 KHz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| 16 KHz | -12dB to 12dB | 0dB |
| Output | -18dB to 18dB | 0dB |
| Trim | -inf to 0dB | -inf |
| Analog | On/Off | Off |
| Phase | 0deg – 180deg | 0deg |
Documents / Resources
 | API 560 EQ Plugin |
References
- waves.comwww.waves.com
- Waves Supportwww.waves.com
- User Manualmanual.tools
A very unfortunate name for the API 560 plug-in, because there is an API – American Petroleum Institue, which issues standards. So API 560 is the standard for tube furnaces. Why do you have an API?
Очень неудачное название плагина API 560, потому что имеется API – American Petroleum Institue, который выпускает стандарты. Так API 560 – стандарт на трубчатые печи. А почему у вас API?
Очень неудачное название плагина API 560, потому что имеется API - American Petroleum Institue, который выпускает стандарты. Так API 560 - стандарт на трубчатые печи. А почему у вас API?
Why is this product named API 560, and how does it relate to the API organization?
The name API 560 for this software plugin refers to the Automated Processes Inc. (API), a legendary manufacturer of professional audio hardware. This specific plugin is a digital emulation modeled after the classic API 560 10-Band Graphic Equalizer hardware unit originally released in 1967.
While the acronym "API" is also used by the American Petroleum Institute, in the context of music production and this manual, it refers exclusively to the audio equipment company. The plugin is designed to replicate the "Proportional Q" design and musical characteristics of that specific piece of vintage studio gear.
Read the full Q&A page