The World’s First Autonomous EQ Makes Mixing Shockingly Simple—But Is It a Game Changer?
Price: $129 (Intro Price $49.99)
Included in Waves Ultimate Subscription: $24.99/month for 240+ plugins, including Curves AQ
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX | macOS & Windows
Developer: Waves Audio
Introduction: EQ Reimagined?
EQ plugins are plentiful—hundreds promise transparent tone-shaping or analog-modelled warmth—but few dare to redefine what EQ means. Waves’ Curves AQ throws down that gauntlet. It claims to be the world’s first autonomous EQ, leveraging AI and spectral targeting to “learn” your audio and create a mix-ready curve in a single click.
But is this next-gen plugin a novelty, or is it really ushering in a new way to sculpt sound?
What Makes Curves AQ Different?
Unlike traditional EQs—or even the “smart” EQs hitting the market in recent years—Curves AQ doesn’t rely on presets or static profiles. It uses what Waves calls Spectral Targeting Technology to create five unique EQ profiles based on the natural spectral content of your audio. These aren’t off-the-shelf curves; they’re generated from scratch based on your input, using proprietary machine learning algorithms.
“Learn” and Let Go
The workflow is refreshingly simple:
- Insert Curves AQ on any track
- Click “Learn”
- Watch as AQ analyzes the track and offers five custom spectral targets to choose from
From there, you’re free to adjust boosting, cutting, tilt, static/dynamic behavior, and even shift the EQ target across the frequency spectrum with an innovative Offset control. The interface is clean, fast, and intuitive, especially considering how much is happening under the hood.
Key Features (and How They Work in Practice)
- 5 AI-Generated EQ Profiles: You get five bespoke spectral curves per “learn.” Each feels distinctly usable, especially across vocals, guitars, synths, and even full mixes. These aren’t mere variants—they’re genuinely different responses to your audio.
- Boosting & Cutting (Independently Adjustable): A standout feature. Want more cut than boost? Dial it in globally or per band. This feels like a high-end mastering move without the complexity.
- Static/Dynamic Control: A rare find. You can seamlessly blend static precision with dynamic movement—great for taming resonances while preserving punch.
- Smart Tilt: It’s not just “brighter” or “darker”—this Tilt reshapes the spectral target itself, delivering dramatic tone shifts in seconds.
- MixSense (Sidechain-Aware EQing): Perhaps the most powerful mixing feature. Send another track (e.g., kick drum) via sidechain, and AQ adjusts EQ in context—ducking clashing frequencies while preserving clarity.
- Offset Control: A creative tool that shifts the spectral target across the frequency spectrum. It can subtly retune your source or create left-field tonal effects when pushed.
- Curves AQ LIVE: A zero-latency version ideal for live tracking or streaming. All the intelligence, none of the lag.
Sound & Performance
We tested Curves AQ on a variety of sources—vocals, synths, acoustic guitars, and dense drum busses. On vocals, it excelled. The plugin consistently identified harsh midrange frequencies and smoothed them out without any of the phase smear or unnatural resonances we often hear with overly “intelligent” EQs.
On full mixes, AQ was particularly revealing. The smart profiles often delivered immediate improvements in clarity and tonal balance—especially when used in conjunction with MixSense.
One of our favorite use-cases was throwing AQ on every track, clicking “Learn,” and then quickly cycling through the suggested targets. With just a few global tweaks (and no manual EQing), we arrived at a surprisingly tight mix in a fraction of the time.
CPU usage is moderate—nothing outrageous, but we wouldn’t suggest loading AQ across 40 tracks without some freeze or bounce strategies.
Real-World Testimony
“The sound AQ can achieve on its own is very impressive and it’s so adjustable, which makes it super usable. I’m excited to try it on a mix.”
— Stuart White, Mixing Engineer for Beyoncé, Jay Z, FKA Twigs
When engineers of this caliber take notice, it’s worth listening.
The Verdict
✅ What We Loved
- True innovation in EQ workflow
- Excellent results with minimal effort
- AI profiles that are actually usable and customizable
- MixSense offers real mixing benefits, not gimmicks
- The live version expands its use in creative and performance settings
❌ What Could Be Better
– Needs clearer visualization of learning process for transparency
– Some curve suggestions may feel “safe” on complex sources
– No multiband compressor integration (yet)
Final Thoughts
Waves’ Curves AQ is a bold, innovative entry into the EQ market. It’s not just another “AI plugin” with a buzzword-heavy UI. This is a thoughtfully engineered tool that can serve beginners and pros alike—whether you’re looking for a fast fix or a creative EQing alternative that goes deeper than presets.
Is it the future of EQ? It might just be.
Rating: 4.5/5 – A Smart EQ That Actually Thinks.
Want the full arsenal? Curves AQ is included in the Waves Ultimate Subscription alongside 240+ other plugins for $24.99/month. But at $49.99 intro pricing, it’s a no-brainer standalone pickup.
