API Collection

Shape your tone with the musicality of API compression and EQ

The Musical Sound of API Dynamics and EQ

Half a century ago, API blazed a new trail in audio processing. The API 550A and 550B EQs prioritized musicality and transparency, while the API 560 elevated the graphic EQ to new tone-shaping heights. Pure and sweet, these EQs set new design standards.

But EQ wasn’t all: the API 2500 Compressor’s versatile tone and punch remain highly coveted. API was ahead of its time—and today, the API Collection is here for a new generation of producers.

Developed in close collaboration with API
Faithfully recreates the pristine, sweetly musical “API sound”
550’s proportional-Q curves add clarity, with minimal coloration
Shape tone quickly and easily with the 560 Graphic EQ
2500 includes two compression types, vintage and modern
2500’s Thrust mode excels for hip hop and dance/club sounds
The go-to choice for tone shaping during mastering
Presets by Grammy winners for both mixing and mastering

[{"nodeGUID":"4c834412-c6ac-44e6-a33a-a710d97cd027","nodeID":100,"documentName":"API 2500","documentID":100,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/api-2500","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/api-2500.png","msrp":299.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":90,"mainOrder":20001,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":69,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"API2500TDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"A versatile stereo compressor plugin, the API 2500 can function as two separate mono channels, so can you shape the punch and tone of mixes with absolute accuracy.","tagline":"Versatile vintage compressor with switchable topologies","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":560,"rating":4.86964,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"00c62929-1552-4427-987a-428a83efc46e","nodeID":101,"documentName":"API 550","documentID":101,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/api-550","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/api-550.png","msrp":249.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":88,"mainOrder":20002,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":71,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"API550TDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Modeled on the late 1960\u2019s legends, the API 550 EQ plugins include two uniquely powerful equalizer plugin components: The API 550a and API 550b equalizers.","tagline":"Sweeten your mixes and masters with proportional-Q curves","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Equalizers","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":390,"rating":4.8359,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"b06e1c8c-0e5c-477f-bb74-5022c2b36807","nodeID":102,"documentName":"API 560","documentID":102,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/api-560","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/api-560.png","msrp":249.000000000,"skuPrice":24.990000000,"discount":90,"mainOrder":20003,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":73,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"API560TDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Based on the 1967 classic, the API 560 10-Band Graphic Equalizer plugin features precision filtering and high headroom, ideal for signal enhancement and room tuning. ","tagline":"High-end API sound quality in a graphic equalizer","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Equalizers","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":180,"rating":4.80556,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""}]

Loading....

Watch It in Action

[{"documentName":"How to Mix Lead and Rhythm Guitars","nodeAlias":"mixing-lead-and-rhythm-guitars","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2016/mixing-lead-and-rhythm-guitars.jpg","youTubeCode":"zhatRrATVwA","videoOnLoad":false,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":124667,"videoDuration":387,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"06:27"},{"documentName":"Adding Presence to Distorted Guitars","nodeAlias":"adding-presence-to-distorted-guitars","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2011/adding-presence-to-distorted-guitars.jpg","youTubeCode":"TVPSYbzn-sY","videoOnLoad":false,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":232451,"videoDuration":131,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"02:11"},{"documentName":"Live Drums Parallel Compression Tutorial","nodeAlias":"live-drums-parallel-compression","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2015/live-drums-parallel-compression-tutorial.jpg","youTubeCode":"JakA6c8DVqE","videoOnLoad":false,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":38547,"videoDuration":1165,"productVideoLoadPolicy":1,"videoDurationFormat":"19:25"},{"documentName":"API 560 Equalizer Plugin Demo","nodeAlias":"api-560-eq-plugin-demo","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2017/api-560-eq-plugin-demo.jpg","youTubeCode":"AfgQiqiep7Q","videoOnLoad":false,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":58292,"videoDuration":238,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"03:58"},{"documentName":"Junkie XL on Producing Huge Cinematic Drums","nodeAlias":"junkie-xl-on-producing-huge-cinematic-drums","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2019/junkie-xl-on-producing-huge-cinematic-drums.jpg","youTubeCode":"C3BJnQEJm3I","videoOnLoad":false,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":61985,"videoDuration":1277,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"21:17"},{"documentName":"Junkie XL on Producing Punchy Bass for Film","nodeAlias":"junkie-xl-on-producing-punchy-bass-for-film","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2019/junkie-xl-on-producing-punchy-bass-for-film.jpg","youTubeCode":"ZQPJrlD4b4M","videoOnLoad":false,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":29021,"videoDuration":736,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"12:16"}]

react-product-video-gallery-box

Refinement, Transparency, Accuracy

API 2500: Vintage to Modern Tones
The original API 2500 Compressor bent the rules, with two compression topologies—you could choose “Feed Back” compression for the smooth, vintage, leveling-amp sound, or “Feed Forward” compression for a snappy, modern response. The API 2500 plugins offer both.
Secret-Weapon Compression for Hip Hop and Club Sounds
It’s no wonder the 2500 has been embraced by cutting-edge mix engineers—its Thrust option is the key to killer kicks and booming bass. Nothing else can decrease low-frequency pumping, while compressing the highs so well.
API 550: Two EQs, Two Philosophies
The 550A and 550B EQs shared the same exacting standards and sound quality, but targeted different needs. The API Collection includes the 550A’s more general design, and the 550B’s specific, problem-solving approach.
The High-End Studio EQs of the 60s
Known for its uncanny ability to solve EQ problems or add character, the pioneering proportional-Q curve made the 550A and 550B favorites for high-end studios that demanded musicality with transparency and accuracy.
API 560: Graphic EQ, Done Better
The 560 Graphic EQ had the traditional graphic interface to make broad equalization changes, but combined it with proportional-Q filters for API’s natural, uncolored sound quality. To this day, the 560 remains a studio and live stalwart.
Excellent Extras
The API Collection features presets from top producers, mixers and mastering engineers like Steve Lillywhite, Tony Maserati, Greg Wells, and Drew Lavyne, as well as the option to switch in the subtle harmonic distortion and hiss of the original hardware.

What Top Pros Are Saying

[{"itemID":221,"itemGUID":"86cce0b9-f5f1-4a50-9ca3-6fa0436b1b27","artistName":"Tony Maserati","artistTitle":"Producer \u0026 Mixing Engineer","credits":"Beyonc\u00E9, Selena Gomez, Robin Thicke, Nick Jonas","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/tony-maserati.png","quote":"I\u2019ve thrown the API plugins on every track \u2014 they sound great, very similar to the way I remember the original API hardware sound.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":1},{"itemID":1944,"itemGUID":"7dca9a21-2fd4-4f44-8351-374273cf5f6e","artistName":"Mark Ronson","artistTitle":"Producer, DJ, Recording Artist","credits":"Amy Winehouse, Jay-Z, Adele, Bruno Mars","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/mark-ronson.png","quote":"The API plugins are great for getting an analog sensibility. And the CLA-3A makes everything a little tougher and the mix a little more centered \u2013 that\u2019s what I used on \u2018Uptown Funk.\u2019","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":2},{"itemID":48,"itemGUID":"a746795d-4788-4917-9ea6-b79c2add855d","artistName":"Thom Russo","artistTitle":"Producer / Engineer","credits":"Michael Jackson, Man\u00E1, Tom Morello","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/thom-russo.png","quote":"The API plugins are a dream come true\u2014so silky and punchy. They put my EQ heart at ease. ","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":3},{"itemID":222,"itemGUID":"51a2c81c-c4c9-44c7-b7c5-a6c027090af0","artistName":"Ken \u0022Pooch\u0022 Van Druten","artistTitle":"Mixer, FOH Engineer","credits":"Linkin Park, Kiss, Justin Bieber, Jay-Z","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/ken-van-druten.png","quote":"In the late 80s I used the analog API 550 hardware in the studio to get crushing drum sounds. Now I use the Waves API 550A plugin to get CRUSHING drum sounds.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":4},{"itemID":223,"itemGUID":"8ab2a04a-ef53-4ed8-a151-4cc603630453","artistName":"Alan Branch","artistTitle":"Producer, Engineer, Writer, Musician","credits":"Nine Inch Nails, Sin\u00E9ad O\u2019Connor, Depeche Mode, Blur","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/alan-branch.png","quote":"I use the API EQs regularly. The effect they have on drums, vocals, guitars, and the stereo bus mix is an instant pleasure.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":6},{"itemID":1645,"itemGUID":"0932dd6f-7c78-4119-8ef1-7f1096ed46de","artistName":"Melvin Lee Davis","artistTitle":"Bassist, Producer, Composer, Arranger, Musical Director","credits":"Chaka Khan, Dave Grusin, George Duke, Bryan Ferry","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/avatar-male.png","quote":"As a bassist, I need to take care of my groove component. I use the API plugins for enhancing of my bass tone \u2013 it\u2019s my go-to for sound shaping.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":7},{"itemID":43,"itemGUID":"13924f14-102f-4f53-a4a1-3fa9aee23ae7","artistName":"Gil Norton","artistTitle":"Producer","credits":"Foo Fighters, Pixies, Stornoway","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/gil-norton.png","quote":"I\u2019m amazed at how accurate the API Collection plugins are.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":8},{"itemID":224,"itemGUID":"ccecd379-85d8-49b6-8596-f5f7677f49e8","artistName":"Todd Parker","artistTitle":"Recording \u0026 Mixing Engineer","credits":"Norah Jones, Weezer, AFI","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/avatar-male.png","quote":"There\u2019s a reason the original hardware is a classic, and Waves got it spot-on with their API plugins.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":9},{"itemID":225,"itemGUID":"fab15a40-4f20-4bcf-a1e8-5093dd5889e7","artistName":"Guy Sigsworth","artistTitle":"Producer","credits":"Bj\u00F6rk, Madonna, Seal","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/guy-sigsworth.png","quote":"The key reason I reach for my API plugins is because they\u2019re \u2018vibey.\u2019 This is largely down to the way Waves have modeled the coloration of the original circuitry.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":10},{"itemID":226,"itemGUID":"4acbcfba-74ed-4517-a59d-b60d6c986396","artistName":"Chris \u0022BRX\u0022 Apfalter","artistTitle":"FOH Engineer","credits":"Kruder \u0026amp; Dorfmeister, Tosca","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/chris-brx-apfalter.png","quote":"I use the API plugins as master plugins on the entire mix in order to make it crispier and get more punch.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":11},{"itemID":227,"itemGUID":"b62a21e0-5ff7-44e3-b057-9ab5cd3bf6b9","artistName":"Brad Madix","artistTitle":"FOH Engineer","credits":"Rush, Jack White, Shania Twain","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/brad-madix.png","quote":"The API EQs are great for tonal shaping, and you don\u2019t have to be shy about cranking the knobs around. Even with crazy boosts and cuts, they still sound natural. I love them on bass, but I use them on all sorts of things.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":12},{"itemID":2236,"itemGUID":"8e53bb28-3fed-4c06-99bd-c5cc13f572fe","artistName":"Kevin J Sawka (KJ Sawka)","artistTitle":"Producer, Drummer, DJ","credits":"Pendulum, Destroid, Blake Lewis, BT","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/kj-sawka.png","quote":"Nothing screams BIG DRUMS like the API plugins.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":13},{"itemID":2473,"itemGUID":"926cbde2-414a-42b2-b715-f0179516976f","artistName":"Titus Woodham","artistTitle":"FOH Engineer, Audio Systems Engineer","credits":"Future, Snoop Dogg, Nas","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/titus-woodham.png","quote":"The API plugins are \u2018bang-on\u2019 emulations of classic, trusty gear. ","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":14}]

product-quote-gallery-app