API 2500

Regular $299

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The API 2500 is a versatile dynamics processor that lets you shape the punch and tone of mixes with absolute accuracy. Its dual channel design lets the 2500 also function as two separate mono channels via a single compression setting. Using auto-makeup gain, you can adjust Threshold or Ratio while automatically maintaining a constant output level. With both “feed back” and “feed forward” compression types, the API 2500 boasts a wide range of incredibly musical parameters which have made it a favorite of engineers the world over.

Modeled vintage compressor plugin
Developed in association with API
Switchable 3-position Thrust high-pass filter
Variable link left and right channels
3 Variable link filter types
3 Compression modes: soft, medium and hard knee
6 Release settings: 5 fixed, 1 continuous

User Guide

Jun 15, 2017

8 Tips for Compression in Mastering

Why compress during mastering? Is every compressor a mastering compressor? When is it best to cascade your compressors? Get tips on these questions and more.

Jun 01, 2008

Tony Maserati on Mixing Jason Mraz

The Grammy®-winning producer/mixing engineer discusses his work on We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things by Jason Mraz, and shares the API Collection settings he used on the album, available as downloadable presets.

Tony Maserati Producer & Mixing Engineer

Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, Robin Thicke, Nick Jonas

“I’ve thrown the API plugins on every track — they sound great, very similar to the way I remember the original API hardware sound.”

Mark Ronson Producer, DJ, Recording Artist

Amy Winehouse, Jay-Z, Adele, Bruno Mars

“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 – that’s what I used on ‘Uptown Funk.’”

Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL) Composer, Musician, Producer

Mortal Engines, Tomb Raider, Deadpool, Mad Max: Fury Road

“My compressor of choice since the moment it became available. The attack and release work so musically that I use it on everything. I love the color. I love the crunch when you really beef it up. It doesn’t matter what the source is; there is always an 2500 inserted on it! All drums, basses, strings, brass, vocals. You can’t go wrong with this one.”

Howard "Howie" Lindeman Live and Studio Engineer

Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar

“The Waves API 2500 tightens up the kick drum and makes it punch like no other plugin on the market. It is my 100% go-to plugin for kick drum.”

Mike Patton Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, Film Composer, Producer

Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk, Fantomas

“I often use the API 2500 plugin to ‘excite’ a droopy vocal in the mid/high register, or to remove unwanted ‘girth’ on low-end bass and percussive instruments. I actually have the original hardware, but I use the plugin just as much if not more – it has the ‘teeth’ you would expect from anything API.”

Gil Norton Producer

Foo Fighters, Pixies, Stornoway

“I’m amazed at how accurate the API Collection plugins are.”

Carlos de la Garza Producer, Mixing & Recording Engineer

Paramore, Young the Giant, Wolf Alice, Ziggy Marley

“The API 2500 typically makes an important appearance on my drum buss.”

Todd Parker Recording & Mixing Engineer

Norah Jones, Weezer, AFI

“There’s a reason the original hardware is a classic, and Waves got it spot-on with their API plugins.”

Guy Sigsworth Producer

Björk, Madonna, Seal

“The key reason I reach for my API plugins is because they’re ‘vibey.’ This is largely down to the way Waves have modeled the coloration of the original circuitry.”

Amanda Davis FOH Engineer, Production Manager

Janelle Monáe, Tegan & Sara, Nipsey Hussle, Olivia Newton-John

“I use the API 2500 on my L/R buss and it just brings my mixes to life. It also really helps when I have a dB limit.”

Chris "BRX" Apfalter FOH Engineer

Kruder & Dorfmeister, Tosca

“I use the API plugins as master plugins on the entire mix in order to make it crispier and get more punch.”

Titus Woodham FOH Engineer, Audio Systems Engineer

Future, Snoop Dogg, Nas

“The API 2500 is perfect ‘mix glue” for parallel compression on drum groups. Such a versatile buss compressor.”