How to Get Clean Mixes with Waves Curves Equator Plugin

If you’ve ever felt your mix just wasn’t there—clogged, harsh, or masked—Waves’ Curves Equator might just be the clarity hero you’ve been searching for. This tune-ups-everything plugin doesn’t EQ; it learns.

What Is Curves Equator?

Curves Equator is a resonance suppression plugin in Waves’ innovative Curves Spectral Series—a smart tool that automatically identifies and suppresses problematic frequencies, whether you’re working on vocals, full mixes, or instruments to instantly open up your sound.

Standout Features — A Deeper Dive

Learn / Learn via Sidechain

• Learn analyzes your track and creates a personalized suppression curve, not a generic flat line.

• Learn via SC lets Equator sample a sidechain source’s frequency profile and invert that curve—clearing room dynamically for competing elements.
  

Auto Makeup Gain

• Maintains perceived level by dynamically matching the output RMS to the input, so your mix doesn’t lose punch when frequencies are pulled back.
  

Shape & Tilt with Advanced Control

• Shape morphs the target curve between Pink (natural sloping) or Warm (musical roll-off).

• Tilt lets you bias suppression toward low or high frequencies, with fine-tuning via the Tilt Freq control.
  

Custom Nodes & Precision

• Add nodes on the suppression curve for surgical control—boost to reduce processing, cut to increase.

• Fine-tune processing depth via Precision, sculpting tight, frequency-specific attenuation when needed.
  

Rider Function

• Enables suppression only when sidechain input is detected—perfect for dynamic clarity between tracks that may enter and exit mix sections.
  

Advanced Controls:

• Sensitivity adjusts when suppression kicks in (like a compressor’s knee).

• Mix dial blends processed vs dry for balance.

• Crossovers let you emphasize or bypass specific frequency bands.

• Attack/Release timing adjusts how fast the suppression engages and fades.

• Delta (▶) lets you solo only what’s being removed—great for ear training.

• Stereo Modes (L/R or M/S) let you target suppression across spatial planes.

  

Curves Equator Live

• A zero-latency version designed for tracking and live use with a Freeze Curve feature to lock processing (no surprise changes).
  

Workflow Use-Cases

• Track-Level Rescue: Drop Curves Equator on vocals or instruments plagued by harshness or mud. Hit Learn, then dial back or shape as needed.

• Mix-Bus Polish: Lean into a Pink-shaped curve with low Sensitivity for a final glueing and de-mudding step.

• Sidechain Unmasking: Use SC Learn with, say, bass as trigger to carve space for vocals or kick—while Rider ensures clarity only when needed.

Voices from the Studio

Engineers like Diplo, Neal H. Pogue, and Jack Miele call Curves Equator “game-changers,” citing its ability to clean up noisy sources and rescue muddy mixes with lightning speed.

Why It Matters in Your Mixing Workflow

• Mix-Bus Cleaner: One-click clarity on full mixes—you can hear the difference immediately.
  

• Quick Fix for Harsh Vocals or Instruments: Eliminates ringing or harsh energy without constantly EQ-ing. Users report clean, effective results every time.

• Pro-Tested: Trusted by top producers like Diplo and Neal H Pogue—people who know what clarity in a mix demands.
  

How to Use Curves Equator in Your Session

Final Take

You’re not just tweaking—you’re sculpting clarity. Waves Curves Equator removes masking and opens up space in your mix with surgical precision and intuitive controls. It’s not magic—it’s just intelligent, transparent EQing that works with you.