Waves API 2500 Compressor

Add the crown jewel of API's compression line to your mix with this painstakingly crafted compressor.

What it is: 
A software emulation of API's famed 2500 series compressor heard on countless recordings. 

How we use it: 
Creating a huge, yet focused, in any instrument across any mix. 

Why it's cool: 
Waves' stunning recreation of the 2500 brings decades of audio history right to your fingertips. The thrust algorithm in the tone section adds sparkling squash to higher frequencies while limiting compression of the lower frequencies.  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

Compatibility
Running API 2500 on a Mac OS: 

CPU

• Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon
  

Memory

• 4 GB RAM
  
• 4 GB free disk space
  

Operating System

• 10.9.5 - 10.12.1
  
• 10.8.5 for ProTools 10 only
  

Screen Resolution

• Minimum: 1024x768
  
• Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
  
• USB displays are not supported as the primary display.
  

Supported Hosts - Mac: 

• Pro Tools 11.3.2 - 12.6 (AAX Native 64-bit, Audiosuite)
• Pro Tools 10.3.10 (RTAS, Audiosuite)
  
• Logic Pro X 10.2 - 10.2.4 (Audio Units)
• Digital Performer 9.0 - 9.1.2 (Audio Units)
• Ableton Live 9.2.2 - 9.7 (VST)
• Nuendo 7.0.20 - 7.1 (VST3)
• Cubase 8.0.30 - 8.5 (VST3)
• WaveLab 9.0.10 - 9.0.15 (VST3)
• Main Stage 3.2 - 3.2.3 (Audio Units)
• Garage Band 10.1.0 - 10.1.3 (Audio Units)
• Audition CC2015, CC2017 (VST3)
• Adobe Premiere CC2015, CC2017 (VST3)
• Final Cut Pro X 10.2.2 - 10.2.3 (Audio Units)
• Studio One 3.1 - 3.3.1 (VST3)
• Media Composer 8.6.3 - 8.6.4 (AAX Native)
• Sound Forge Pro 2.5 (Audio Units)
• REAPER 5.18 - 5.22 (VST3)

Running API 2500 on a Windows OS: 

CPU

• Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon / AMD Quad-Core
  

Memory

• 4 GB RAM
  
• 4 GB free disk space
  

Operating System

• Windows 7 with SP1 64 bit
  
• Windows 8.1 64 bit
  
• Windows 10 64 bit
  

Screen Resolution

• Minimum: 1024x768
  
• Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
  

Supported Hosts - Windows: 

• Pro Tools 11.3.2 - 12.6 (AAX Native 64-bit, Audiosuite)
• Pro Tools 10.3.8 - 10.3.10 (RTAS, Audiosuite)
• Ableton Live 9.1.6 - 9.7 (VST)
• Nuendo 6.5.35 - 7.1 (VST3)
• Cubase 7.5.30 - 8.5 (VST3)
• WaveLab 8.5, 9.0.10 - 9.0.15 (VST3)
• Sonar X3e (VST3), Platinum (VST3)
• Sound Forge 10.0e, 11 (VST)
• Vegas Pro 12 - 14 (VST)
• Acid 7.0e (VST)
• Audition CC2014, CC2015, CC2017 (VST3)
• Adobe Premiere CC2014, CC2015, CC2017 (VST3)
• Samplitude Pro X (VST), Pro X2 (VST), Pro X3 (VST)
• Sequoia 12 - 13 (VST)
• Pyramix 9.0.7 - 9.1.6 (VST)
• Studio One 3.1 - 3.3.1 (VST3)
• Media Composer 7.0.4 (RTAS), 8.6.3 - 8.6.4 (AAX Native)
• FL Studio 12.1.3 - 12.4 (VST3)
• REAPER 5.18 - 5.22 (VST3)

Installation Instructions

1. Download and install Waves Central for Mac | Windows.*
    - If you already have Waves Central installed, skip to step 2.
2. Launch Waves Central.
      - Windows: via the desktop shortcut or Start Menu > All Programs > Waves.
      - Mac: Applications > Waves Central.
3. Log into Waves Central using your Waves account information.
4. Click on Easy Install & Activate.
5. Select the products you wish to install & activate on this computer.
6. Click on the Install & Activate button.

*Downloads not included in Waves Central: Tracks Live, Waves for DiGiCo, & Waves for Venue.