I recall that getting the software authorized to use on my production PC was like pulling teeth... you pay a grand for a software suite, then you spend a day or two convincing the company's "authorization server" that you're not a criminal. Anyway, I eventually got the package up and running and actually used it on an album project.

I recently purchased an up-to-date production computer for my project studio. When I went to reauthorize my Waves software, I was horrified to learn that they no longer support v4. Their web site offers no provision for reauthorizing the software, only an upgrade option for... get this... $1,800.00!

In fact, the only option to even establish communications with Waves, for owners of previous versions is the following (cut and pasted directly from their web site): "Waves Tech Support is ONLY available for customers whose maintenance agreement under the Waves Update Plan is current."

Now, what this means to the Waves customer is this: should your Waves authorization somehow become invalid (a not uncommon occurrence in the world of computer-based music production), or if you decide to upgrade your computer and want to reinstall and reauthorize your Waves software... you're screwed. Cough up $1,800.00 and then spring some more bucks for a "Waves Update Plan", and they may take mercy on you.

A big middle finger right back at you, Waves. The Universal Audio DSPs are getting rave reviews as compared to your plug-ins, and that's the route I'm going. When I spend a thousand bucks on a software package, I should be able to (a). get it up and running on my computer, (b). use it for as long as I want, and (c). transfer it if I upgrade to a new computer later on.

BUYER BEWARE!!

--Brian Burns

I've been using the Waves plugins for many years and this Gold bundle serves my needs very well. Their compressor, EQ's and L1 limiter never ever let me down. You will get the job done with the Waves plugins and it will be done in a very transparent manner. The pitch plug in blows, but I don't need it. I'm here to polish mixes and the De-Ess and Maxx Bass have saved me many times. The reverbs here aren't bad either, although I might add they don't replace a good Lexicon. The settings with the 'verbs allow me to get some mighty impressive results. As with all plug ins / effects the Waves work best with other products. I prefer some outboard stuff (even a crapy ART for some things) with a Lexicon MPX-1 and I like to use the Sony Media plugins as well, but at the end of the day Waves is at the top of my list of useful plug ins. I could not do my job with out Waves Gold plugins.