This resource offers answers on everything from system design and hardware selection to best practices and troubleshooting, helping you set up, operate, and optimize your Waves Live system.
SoundGrid is Waves’ proprietary Audio-over-IP (AoIP) protocol. It acts as the backbone, or “official language”, connecting Waves Live applications (such as eMotion LV1 and SuperRack SoundGrid) and Waves Plugins with SoundGrid-compatible audio interfaces and servers.
SoundGrid features include:
Scalable Low Latency Audio Processing: Dedicated SoundGrid DSP servers handle audio processing while maintaining consistently low latency. If you need more processing power, simply add additional servers.
Plug and Play Network Centric Design: SoundGrid uses standard Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure, with standard Ethernet cables and network switches, with simplified, user-friendly network management. Devices can be seamlessly shared between different Waves host applications for various use cases.
Expandability: SoundGrid’s modular design lets you add or swap devices, including servers, without overhauling your entire setup. This keeps your system adaptable and up to date as your needs change.
Server Redundancy: Secondary SoundGrid servers can be assigned for redundancy, with automatic switchover in case of failure.
eMotion LV1 is a mixer developed by Waves Audio, designed specifically for live sound applications, including front-of-house, monitor mixing, broadcast environments, and more. It provides real-time mixing, audio processing, and extensive networking capabilities. Users can customize their mixer by integrating various SoundGrid-compatible components, such as DSP servers, audio interfaces, and control surfaces, enabling tailored configurations for specific needs.
Waves also offers the eMotion LV1 Classic Console, an all-in-one hardware mixer, for users who prefer an out-of-the-box, complete mixing system.
For more information refer to the eMotion LV1 page.
SuperRack is an application developed by Waves Audio which can run plugins in professional live audio environments, including front-of-house, monitor mixing, broadcast applications, and more. It seamlessly integrates with a wide range of audio consoles, offering advanced audio routing, console remote control features and comprehensive snapshot control for reliable live operation.
SuperRack is available in two versions:
Waves offers several live applications to meet a variety of workflows:
The SoundGrid plugin processing engine operates 32-bit float architecture, with mixing done in double-precision 32bit float, providing an extremely high dynamic range throughout the signal chain.
SoundGrid operates on standard 1 Gbps Ethernet, which translates to a maximum of ±512 channels at 48 kHz or ±256 channels at 96 kHz on a single cable.
Network bandwidth usage increases with each destination and is multiplied by the number of destinations (unicast). For example: A single device sending 64 channels at 96 kHz to four separate devices is effectively using 256 channels of bandwidth.
The latency in a SoundGrid system is comprised of I/O conversions (A/D,D/A,D/D), SoundGrid server network buffer, SoundGrid driver network buffer, certain plugin latencies, and certain internal Mixer routings.
The most significant factor to the overall system latency is the SoundGrid Server Network Buffer, which is set in the Server’s drop-down menu in the SoundGrid Inventory page. This value is a pre-defined delay (in samples/milliseconds) which determines the amount of time the server has to finish its processing task. The lower the buffer value, the overall latency will be lower, and the server will have less time/processing headroom to perform its tasks (plugin processing and mixer routing).
The higher the buffer, the server will have more processing headroom, but the latency will be higher.
The next most contributing factor is plugin latency. While most plugins in the SoundGrid environment do not introduce any latency, some specific plugins do add latency.
The plugin latency and the overall rack latency is displayed in the rack insert drop down menu.
To look up how much latency a specific plugin introduces, refer to the Plugins Latency Chart.
In eMotion LV1, additional latency introducing factors are some internal mixer routings such as using multiple servers for more processing power and A/D-D/A-D/D conversions.
If you're using the SoundGrid ASIO or Core Audio driver (e.g., for recording/playback with a DAW), two additional buffers impact your latency:
Every Waves product includes a user guide that is accessible via the product graphic interface and can also be found on the respective product page.
Also, all user guides are available in the User Guides page.
Yes. Plugin licenses are backwards compatible. Make sure the license is activated to a USB thumb drive (FAT32 formatted, up to 8GB size).
To find out which plugins are supported on legacy Venue consoles, refer to this page.
Submit a feature request in the official Waves Forum.
The system requirements can be found on the System Requirements page.
Yes. There are several ways to integrate Waves plugins with your digital console, all using SuperRack.
Some console manufacturers offer dedicated SoundGrid expansion cards or integration via MADI/Dante for ultra-low latency plugin processing and audio routing with SuperRack SoundGrid. Another option is to use the console’s built-in audio interface’s ASIO/Core Audio driver for native processing with SuperRack Performer.
For more details, visit the Live Sound page and scroll to the 'Solutions for Your Console' section.
The Waves Axis Computers – Support Notes page includes comprehensive specs and important notes for all models. Also, visit each product page for relevant specifications and support information.
To check compatibility of your server with a specific eMotion LV1 or SuperRack version, visit the SoundGrid Server Support Information page.
SoundGrid supports sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz to 96kHz.
The Proton Duo and the Proton SoundGrid Server models only support 44.1kHz/48 kHz.
Some SoundGrid IO cards for consoles are constrained to the host consoles’ sample rate ranges.
No. You don't have to use a server to route audio between your SoundGrid audio interface and your DAW. Use the SoundGrid QRec application which allows you to patch your SoundGrid IO directly to a DAW for recording.
Yes. eMotion LV1 and SuperRack support multiple displays that are connected to a single Graphic Adapter (HDMI/DP only, USB displays are not supported).
The Waves Axis Scope supports up to 3 displays using the included HDMI adapter.
The eMotion LV1 Classic console supports connecting a single additional display through the HDMI port.
Yes. eMotion LV1 and SuperRack fully support touchscreens on Windows systems, with up to 10 touch points.
On macOS, touchscreens are not supported by Apple. While third-party solutions may offer workarounds, Waves does not officially support them.
Most touchscreens are compatible. The minimum recommended touchscreen resolution is Full HD (1920x1080). You can use higher resolution screens using the auto-scaling feature in eMotion LV1 or SuperRack.
Use shielded (STP) or shielded and foiled (S/FTP) Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a Ethernet cables. Unshielded (UTP) cables are not recommended.
Cat7 (or higher) is not recommended, and CAT5 is not compatible.
Stay within the recommended cable length limits for each device type.
We recommend using high-quality cables from reputable brands. Poorly crimped connectors or inconsistent assembly can result in data loss and introduce signal distortion.
You can use any 1Gbps network switch that meets Waves’ technical guidelines.
For optimal performance and reliability, we recommend choosing from the list of switches that were tested and qualified.
In a multi-switch system, such as an eMotion LV1 system that includes two consoles, or when connecting a SoundGrid interface on stage through a network switch to an eMotion LV1 at front-of-house, we recommend only using managed network switches. For more information, please refer to the Network Switches and Cables for SoundGrid Systems page.
You can use multiple network switches, but the connection path between any two SoundGrid devices must not exceed 4 switch hops (up to 4 switches between devices). For optimal performance keep hop counts as low as possible.
Panel Connectors: Generally, reducing the number of connection points in your setup is good practice, as each additional connector introduces a potential failure point. Using high-quality components from reputable brands is recommended.
Connect all your SoundGrid devices on stage to a network switch. Then, run a single Ethernet cable from that switch to the switch at the FOH position.
If the distance between switches exceeds the standard Ethernet limit of 328 feet/100 meters, use switches that support fiber optic connections.
If you only have a single SoundGrid device on stage and the distance is within 328 feet, you can connect it directly to the FOH position using a single supported Ethernet cable.
Yes. etherCON connectors are supported.
Note that the type of etherCON connectors can directly impact the reliability of your SoundGrid system. It's important to match cable types with the etherCON connector you use. Mismatching categories can result in poor mating, unstable connections, and degraded performance. For example:
If the computer has a built-in network port with an RJ45 socket that supports 1Gbps speeds, you can use it. Otherwise, use an external Ethernet adapter. If you're using an external adapter, choose one from a reputable brand to ensure reliable performance.
Notes:
A Link Aggregation Group (LAG) functions as a single logical link, with traffic distributed across cables. LAG provides link-level fault tolerance between switches. If one cable fails, traffic continues over the remaining link. Note that a brief audio drop may occur depending on the network load and topology.
To set up LAG and create a redundant physical connection between two network switches, use two identical switches and configure matching LAG settings on both.
Note that different switches behave differently. We recommend testing both Static and LACP (dynamic) modes to see which performs more reliably with your switches, specifically during link disconnection and reconnection scenarios.
For detailed instructions on how to set up LAG on your switch, refer to your switch manufacturer’s documentation.
Refer to the How to Use SoundGrid Network in a VLAN page for general guidelines, and to your switch user guide for specific instructions.
Connecting the WRC-1 router to the eMotion LV1 or SuperRack computer via Wi-Fi is not supported.
Connect the WRC-1 Router to the SoundGrid host computer using a wired Ethernet connection to an available Network Interface Card, and not to the SoundGrid network port.
Follow this recommended sequence when powering your SoundGrid devices on/off:
When turning on: Start with the SoundGrid interface(s), with the clock master* first, then power on the server(s) and your host computer last.
Once all devices are fully booted, launch eMotion LV1 or SuperRack.
*If your setup uses an external clock, always power-on the clock master first.
When turning the system off: First, quit eMotion LV1 or SuperRack. Next, shut down the SoundGrid server(s), interface(s) with the clock master last, and finally, your host computer.
eMotion LV1 Classic console:
When turning on: Start by switching on the power switch (located on the back of the console) and press the power button.
When turning off: Start by shutting down the mixer using the Shut Down button (located in the Setup > System Inventory page) to safely power down the system and then switch off the power switch.
For more information refer to the Best Practices for Powering SoundGrid Setups On and Off article.
To mount your devices to a rack, follow these guidelines:
SoundGrid uses Waves’ proprietary Sync Over Ethernet (SoE) protocol that synchronizes all SoundGrid devices, with ultra-high precision.
Clocking is handled over the same Ethernet cable used to connect the device to the network and is managed automatically across the network. One I/O device is automatically designated as the SoE clock master (can also be manually assigned). All other devices are slaved to it.
If the current clock master device goes offline, an automatic failover mechanism instantly promotes the next device to clock master.
In setups with multiple eMotion LV1 mixers sharing I/Os, SoE seamlessly maintains a unified clock domain to keep everything in sync with a single clock master device.
SoE can also integrate with other clock formats such as Word Clock.
Depends on the layout of the system. Generally, any* SoundGrid I/O can serve as the SoE clock master.
In SoundGrid systems that are synced to an external clock source (such as a mixing console, Word Clock, a Dante network, MADI feed), the SoundGrid IO receiving the external clock must be set as the SoE clock master.
We recommend connecting the SoE clock master to the same switch as the main SoundGrid server.
*DiGiGrid desktop interfaces (DiGiGrid D/M/Q) should not be used as clock masters in systems with multiple I/Os, even in single-switch configurations.
Examples:
Yes, you can control eMotion LV1 remotely using an iPad, an Android tablet, an iPhone or Android phone, over WiFi, using the following apps:
Connect an Ethernet cable from your Wi-Fi router (LAN port, not wirelessly) to your eMotion LV1 host computer or eMotion LV1 Classic console. Do NOT connect the router to the SoundGrid ports.
To set it up, in eMotion LV1, go to the Controls section (in the System Inventory page) and assign the MyRemote module. Connect your mobile devices to the router Wi-Fi network and access the mobile app (MyMon/MixTwin/mRecall/MyFOH).
We recommend always updating to the latest version. Updates include new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes.
Minor updates (e.g., LV1 V15.2 to LV1 v15.6) do not require a license version update. Major updates (e.g., LV1 v14 to v15) require an update to the license version.
We recommend applying updates during downtime (not during an event) as updates may take several minutes to perform.
Refer to the How to Update Waves Applications to the Latest Version page and follow the steps
If an update is available for your SoundGrid interface or server, the FW button in the System Inventory page will turn blue. Press the FW button to update.
Note: If the FW button is red, it indicates that its current firmware is not compatible with the installed application version. Press the FW button to update.
Visit the Release Notes page.
Visit the following Support Notes pages:
Yes. There are two ways to use a Waves Creative Access subscription on an offline computer:
The subscription license will continue to work on the offline computer during the subscription period. When the next payment is received (renewal date), you will need to re-sync the license:
Consider subscribing to the annual subscription plan to minimize the number of syncs required to only once per year.
Refer to the Install & Activate Products on Offline Computers page for instructions on how to create an offline installer, activate your licenses to an external USB thumb drive and install the plugins.
Visit the eMotion LV1 Knowledge Base page.
Yes, using the IO Sharing feature, you can share inputs from multiple SoundGrid IOs with up to 3 different eMotion LV1 mixers at the same time. This allows for easy and convenient sharing of stage boxes between different positions such as monitor mixing, FOH and broadcast.
Refer to the How to Set Up IO and Driver Sharing in eMotion LV1 article for instructions.
If an update is available for your SoundGrid interface or server, the FW button in the System Inventory page will turn blue. Press the FW button to update.
Note: If the FW button is red, it indicates that its current firmware is not compatible with the installed application version. Press the FW button to update.
Yes. Using eMo IEM - an Immersive in-ear mixing add-on.
eMo IEM is supported on LV1 v15 or higher.
The built-in server can only be used in the console itself. It cannot be used on another console.
The built-in IO can be used on another eMotion LV1 system but only as a shared IO.
Yes. Refer to the How to Load eMotion LV1 Sessions in Previous Versions article for instructions.
Verify your system meets the official System Requirements and System Design Guidelines and refer to the How to Avoid Audio Drops in a SoundGrid System page.
The DSP performance meters indicate the current usage level of your SoundGrid DSP servers. For optimal system performance, we recommend leaving enough processing headroom and avoiding overloading the DSP server.
There are two different DSP performance meters:
Notes:
eMotion LV1 automatically performs plugin and bus delay compensation to ensure that all mixer paths remain time aligned, regardless of plugin chain complexity or routing.
For output routing, the mixer offers two alignment modes:
Notes:
Refer to the eMotion LV1 User Guide for more information.
The Routing View is used to show all currently active audio connections between devices on the network and helps troubleshooting errors.
Each row represents a connection and includes the following information:
The following connection types can occur:
Errors, which are counted when audio data packets fail to arrive on time, are reported by the destination device. The source device is often a good place to begin troubleshooting.
A small number of infrequent errors (e.g., 1–10) with no audible artifacts are generally not a cause for concern. A larger number of errors paired with audible issues should be investigated.
Common causes of routing errors include:
Note: Disconnecting and reconnecting network cables and other disruptive actions (e.g., changing clock source, sample rate value, etc.) may cause errors to be reported.
To minimize errors:
Yes. eMotion LV1 supports the dedicated Waves FIT controller for eMotion LV1, as well as MIDI and Mackie Control Universal (MCU) protocols.
eMotion LV1 can accept MIDI Control Change (CC) and MIDI Program Change (PC) messages to control the following functions:
With the Mackie HUI protocol, you can control various functions as detailed in the eMotion LV1 User Guide (Page 227).
Note: eMotion LV1 Classic Console only supports the Waves FIT controller and MIDI controllers. Mackie is not supported.
No. eMotion LV1 cannot sync to an external timecode, however, it can display timecode via an external MIDI Time Clock (MTC) source.
You can trigger scene changes by assigning any MIDI input driver and check-marking ‘Follow Program Change’ in eMotion LV1’s MIDI window (System Inventory > Controls column).
eMotion LV1 will trigger scene changes in response to MIDI Program Change messages as follows:
Note: Program Change numbers correlate with the scenes list index.
For example:
Yes. For specific instructions on how to do so with the eMotion LV1 Classic console over the network via rtpMIDI, refer to the How to Use MIDI to Trigger Scene Changes on eMotion LV1 Classic Console page.
Yes. We offer a session editor. Visit the eMotion LV1 Session Editor page for more information.
The SuperRack Knowledge Base page.
SuperRack is available in two distinct versions:
SuperRack LiveBox comes in two varieties, one for Dante and another for MADI:
Refer to the Clocking chapter above.
Visit the SuperRack and DiGiCo Support Articles for a list of support articles and other resources.
If you are using a Waves built-in card on DiGiCo SD or Quantum series, or a Waves-DMI card on a DiGiCo SD12, the following SuperRack SoundGrid functions can be remotely controlled:
SuperRack also features mirroring functionality: Two SuperRack systems can be mirrored and synced to both engines on DiGiCo SD7s or Quantum 7,8s, or with two identical single-engine consoles.
Note: If you are using a DiGiGrid MGB, MGO, MGR, Direct Out EX.Box/Prodigy, DMI-Dante card, DMI-Waves card or LiveBox D/M, the following functions are NOT compatible:
Refer to LAWO’s website for detailed instructions.
The DSP performance meters indicate the current usage level of your SoundGrid DSP server(s). For optimal system performance, we recommend leaving enough processing headroom and avoiding overloading the DSP server.
There are two different DSP performance meters:
Notes:
SuperRack automatically performs plugin delay compensation to ensure that rack outputs are time aligned.
SuperRack offers two alignment modes:
The Routing View table is used to show all currently active audio connections between devices on the network and helps troubleshooting errors.
Each row represents a connection and includes the following information:
The following connection types can occur:
Errors, which are counted when audio data packets fail to arrive on time, are reported by the destination device. The source device is often a good place to begin troubleshooting.
A small number of infrequent errors (e.g., 1–10) with no audible artifacts are generally not a cause for concern. A larger number of errors paired with audible issues should be investigated.
Common causes of routing errors include:
Note: Disconnecting and reconnecting network cables and other disruptive actions (e.g., changing clock source, sample rate value, etc.) may cause errors to be reported.
In certain cases, the system will recognize these events and automatically clear the associated error counts.
To minimize errors:
First, make sure that your system is compatible and supported, as per the SuperRack SoundGrid Support Tab page or SuperRack Performer Support Tab page.
Next, verify that the system clocking is properly configured across all devices in the network. Refer to the Clocking chapter for more information.
If you still experience audio artifacts:
Yes. You can use MIDI controllers to control various parameters in SuperRack, including Snapshot recall, Window and Rack Navigation, User Keys, Plugin Controls, Rack Controls, Tap Tempo, and Hot Plugins Focus.
To set up MIDI control, assign the MIDI Control module in the Controllers section in the Setup window, select your MIDI device in the MIDI IN window. Select a function with the mouse and press/move your desired button/encoder.
Note: The MIDI Control module also allows you to assign keyboard keys to various parameters.
Yes. We offer a session editor. Visit the SuperRack Offline Mode page for more information.
Refer to the SoundGrid Interfaces Compatibility Chart page for a comparison of all available SoundGrid Interfaces and console expansion cards including their specifications.
SoundGrid servers come in different form factors and performance grades. Visit the SoundGrid Servers page to find all available servers.
Refer to the SoundGrid Server Support Information to find weight & dimensions, size, racking options and support notes.
Generally, the backup server must be at least as powerful as the main server that you are using. Ideally, use two servers of the same model and revision.
Refer to the Optimizing SoundGrid Server Redundancy page for more information.
No. Each server can only be used in one SoundGrid host application at a given time. If the server is assigned in a SoundGrid host, it will show up greyed out in other hosts.
The main SoundGrid server (assigned in server group A) acts as the audio engine.
If it is disconnected during use, audio will stop. If a backup server is available, it will then take over and audio will resume. If a backup server is not available, the system will remain offline until the server reconnects, or if you manually assign another server instead.
When a secondary server (used for more DSP power in groups B/C/D) is disconnected, audio will continue to flow. Plugin processing will be bypassed on the racks it is assigned to. If a backup server is available for a secondary server, it will take over and plugin processing will resume.
Generally, placing the main server on the same network switch as of the clock master IO is optimal.
When using a full rack size server, use the included extension ears to mount it to the rack.
To mount a half-rack size server, use the official rack shelves or extension ears sold by Waves.
Rack Accessories are available in the Rack Accessories page. Always use the screws included with the rack accessory. Refer to 19” Rack Shelf Screws Specification document for exact measurements.
The LED indicators provide helpful information about the server’s status. Check which server generation you are using by visiting the SoundGrid Server Support Information page.
Waves does not support the use of unofficial servers.
Using unofficial hardware in SoundGrid setups may cause catastrophic failures during mission-critical situations and should be avoided altogether. Waves is not liable and cannot assist with any issues in systems that include unofficial hardware.
While possible, this is not recommended. We strongly suggest using separate dedicated computers.
Refer to the How to Add a Recording/Playback Computer to a SoundGrid Network page for instructions.
Refer to the Running Waves SoundGrid on PC: Optimization Guidelines page.
Refer to the SoundGrid Recording/Playback Tips for Apple Computers page for more information. If you are using a Silicone ARM computer, refer to the How to Set up SoundGrid Apps and Driver on Apple Silicon Macs page.
Since audio is processed by the SoundGrid server, if the SoundGrid application crashes, audio will continue to flow uninterrupted.
When the app relaunches after a crash you will be prompted to confirm when to resync the audio with the app, since this action will cause a momentary mute. When ready, click OK.
In SuperRack SoundGrid, you can set application recovery to Automatic so when the app is relaunched it will connect to the server automatically without user intervention.
Since audio is processed by the SoundGrid server, if the host computer is disconnected from the network, a warning will appear, stating that the computer is disconnected from the network and audio will continue to flow uninterrupted.
When the host computer is reconnected, the application will automatically sync to the network.
Use a direct ethernet connection between your router and the Waves host computer internet-dedicated network port. If you must connect wirelessly, use a USB WiFi dongle.
The SoundGrid driver is installed together with your SoundGrid host application, and it is required to use the app. The SoundGrid driver can also be installed separately.
If the driver is not loading properly, first, make sure that the app/driver version you are installing is compatible with your macOS version by referring to the System Requirements page.
Next, if your system is compatible but the SoundGrid driver is not loading properly then go to the macOS’s System Settings:
Once done, restart your computer and try again.
If the issue persists, reinstall the SoundGrid Driver:
Go to Applications > Waves > SoundGrid > Utilities and run the SoundGrid Driver installer. Once done, restart the computer then check the Privacy & Security settings as detailed above.
If it still doesn’t work, contact Waves Technical Support for further assistance.
Most Waves plugins are supported in eMotion LV1 and SuperRack.
Refer to the Supported Platforms page to check if a specific plugin is compatible.
To check if your plugin version is compatible, refer to the eMotion LV1 System Requirements or SuperRack System Requirements pages.
Many Waves plugins introduce no additional latency. Some higher latency plugins also offer dedicated zero-latency ‘Live’ components.
To check how much latency a specific plugin introduces, refer to the Plugin latency chart.
Some plugins are only available in a specific channel/rack configuration.
For example, CLA Effects only has Stereo & Mono-to-Stereo components. It will not appear in the plugin menu of mono-to-mono racks.
Refer to the Channel components page for a complete list.
If the plugin is supported in the relevant configuration but it still does not show up, refer to the How to Find Your Plugins in a Waves Host Application article for instructions.
Refer to the How to Find Your Plugins in a Waves Host Application page for instructions.
Follow the steps in the How to Find Third Party VST3 Plugins in SuperRack Performer support article.
Yes, you can set different parameters and save them in different snapshots/scenes and trigger the relevant scene to change keys. Also, Waves Tune Real-Time offers a ‘Send to All’ function which transmits the current key setting to all Waves Tune Real-Time instances in the session at once.
We highly recommend running SMAART on a separate, dedicated computer.
When using TRACT and SMAART on separate computers, you must use a separate, dedicated network adapter to control SMAART’s functions.
For more information, refer to the TRACT User Guide.
First, insert a plugin that has (sc) in its name, (for example: F6-RTA (sc) ) then assign a sidechain feed into the plugin from the sidechain drop-down menu, above the plugin interface.
For urgent assistance, call the Live sound support line: +1-865-909-9268
(for owners of SuperRack, eMotion LV1, SoundGrid Rack for VENUE, Cloud MX)
To submit a support ticket, go to the Contact Tech Support page.
Technical Support phone lines are open:
Monday-Thursday 3 am – 8 pm EST
Friday 9 am – 8 pm EST
Saturday-Sunday 11 am–6 pm EST
Yes. Refer to the International Toll-Free Phone Numbers page for list of all toll-free numbers.