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Waves Gold Bundle: Mixing Plug-ins Explained

Mixing Plug-in TutorialsPublished 2010.08.21Updated 2026.07.17
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The Waves Gold bundle brings together high-quality mixing plug-ins from a developer widely used in professional studios. It includes compressors and equalizers such as RCOMP and the Q series, the L1 limiter, and IR-1 convolution reverb for vocals, drums, and other instruments. PAZ Analyzer provides visual frequency analysis to help refine a mix. The bundle is an option for building a mixing setup, whether you are a beginner or a professional.

Waves Gold: tools for high-quality mixing

You may have heard of Waves.
The company specializes in mixing plug-ins such as compressors and EQs,
and their quality has made them a fixture in many professional studios.

Waves offers a variety of bundles,
and we recommend the Gold bundle.

Gold contains a well-chosen selection of plug-ins.
Here are some that are especially useful for mixing.

RCOMP

↑ This compressor is known for its natural sound.
It is easy to use and brings a sound together without changing its character.

It works on a wide range of sources, from vocals to drums.

Q series

↑ Its intuitive controls let you precisely adjust the frequencies you want to cut or boost.
It is a versatile EQ for any instrument and has a low CPU load.

V-EQ

Modeled on vintage analog equipment from the 1960s and 1970s,
V-EQ can add distinctive character to a track.

L1

↑ This may be one of Waves' best-known products.
It is a limiter that can add impact to a sound.

Use it to increase the density of individual tracks
or on the master track to raise loudness.

H-Delay

This hybrid delay combines the strengths of analog and digital.
Beyond ordinary delay,
feedback techniques open up more arrangement possibilities.

IR-1 Convolution Reverb

This reverb samples real spaces to recreate their sound.

Its detailed, high-quality reverberation is impressive.
Free presets can be downloaded via the link below.

TrueVerb

TrueVerb still has many fans years after its release.
You can view the early reflections and the later reverb
while adjusting its parameters.
It also produces a very natural sound.

S1 Imager

This plug-in adjusts stereo width
and can also convert stereo material to mono easily.

MS-Matrix

This plug-in makes mid-side processing, which can otherwise involve a complex setup, easy to perform.

These are only a few examples;
we recommend Gold for its many other useful plug-ins too.
They can improve your tracks and make mixing more enjoyable!

PAZ Analyzer

As its name suggests, this tool analyzes the frequency content and stereo position of a track or an entire song.

Of course, music should be judged by ear,
but the analyzer can help you see problems and tendencies that are difficult to notice by ear.

More excellent plug-ins

Here we explain ways to use Eddie Kramer Drum Channel, MV2, Vitamin, and more.

Waves registration and license management

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Which plug-ins are included in the Waves Gold bundle?

The bundle covers many mixing essentials, including RCOMP, the Q series equalizers, V-EQ, L1, H-Delay, IR-1 convolution reverb, TrueVerb, S1 Imager, MS-Matrix, and PAZ Analyzer.

Q2. Can beginners use the Waves Gold bundle?

Yes. The plug-ins are easy to operate, and RCOMP and the Q series are particularly intuitive. Their natural sound can help beginners improve their mixes.

Q3. Can the Waves Gold bundle be used for mastering?

Yes. L1 can raise loudness on a master track, while PAZ Analyzer can help you analyze frequency balance, making them useful in mastering.

Q4. How much CPU does it use?

Plug-ins in the Gold bundle, such as the Q series EQs, are optimized for low CPU use, making it practical to use them on multiple tracks at once.