Nobody told me about Waves Update Plan $$$$

[VikingWarrior]

I find it very hard that people were not aware of the Waves Update plan if they considered going into the Waves ecosystem.

It's been a point of contention for as long as it's existed.

You either accept it or you don't, but stating you were not aware, I find hard to believe, unless you live under a rock and never frequent music forums.

I happily use waves, have done for many years and will continue to use them. I like their plugins, I like the fact that any problem's i've had the support has been very fast and very accurate.

[sjm]

Not doing WUP is fine if you’re only using one computer. But I bounce between two, and I’m not interested in juggling licenses or buying two copies of the same plugin.

You can put the licenses on any run-of-the-mill USB stick. The only thing you can't do is use the plugins on 2 computers at the same time.

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

I find it very hard that people were not aware of the Waves Update Plan if they considered going into the Waves ecosystem.

Why? Because people who regularly visit audio plugin forums have been arguing about WUP for years?

The audio market is much bigger than KVR and Gearspace. Most people buying plugins aren't forum regulars. Most consumers aren't doing a ton of research. And it's not like Waves leads with the limitations of its licensing model. The marketing is more like, "Here's this great vintage compressor for $29."

Then later on it becomes, "Want to keep your second activation and continue getting updates? That'll cost you more than you paid for the plugin."

I'd guess well over 95% of plugin companies have more user-friendly licensing policies. So why buy from one of the small minority that doesn't? Why keep rewarding with an inconvenient, anti-consumer licensing model when most of the industry has far better licensing terms?

This isn't one of those industries where there are only two or three dominant companies and you have no practical alternatives. If you were around for early 2000's, Waves was one of the only games in town and was charging whatever they wanted for their plugins. These days, there are dozens of excellent developers making plugins that are better than Waves, but without the licensing headaches, at every price point.

Not doing WUP is fine if you're only using one computer. But I bounce between two, and I'm not interested in juggling licenses or buying two copies of the same plugin.

You can put the licenses on any run-of-the-mill USB stick. The only thing you can't do is use the plugins on two computers *at the same time*.

That's still a no from me. I'm not carrying around a USB stick and moving it between two PCs. I don't even buy iLok-protected plugins if they only include one activation. I want two activations so I can keep one on each of my two iLoks, which stay plugged into each machine. Why should I accept a less convenient system for Waves?

If Waves ever adopted iLok and included two activations, which is pretty common across the industry, I'd consider buying their plugins again. Until then, they're just not worth the inconvenience. It's a competitive market full of companies with better licensing policies, and I don't think Waves' plugins are so amazing that they justify putting up with their anti-consumer, semi-subscription model.

I just don't like their business practices.

[VikingWarrior]

I find it very hard that people were not aware of the Waves Update Plan if they considered going into the Waves ecosystem.

Why? Because people who regularly visit audio plugin forums have been arguing about WUP for years?

The audio market is much bigger than KVR and Gearspace. Most people buying plugins aren't forum regulars. Most consumers aren't doing a ton of research. And it's not like Waves leads with the limitations of its licensing model. The marketing is more like, "Here's this great vintage compressor for $29."

Then later on it becomes, "Want to keep your second activation and continue getting updates? That'll cost you more than you paid for the plugin."

I'd guess well over 95% of plugin companies have more user-friendly licensing policies. So why buy from one of the small minority that doesn't? Why keep rewarding with an inconvenient, anti-consumer licensing model when most of the industry has far better licensing terms?

This isn't one of those industries where there are only two or three dominant companies and you have no practical alternatives. If you were around for early 2000's, Waves was one of the only games in town and was charging whatever they wanted for their plugins. These days, there are dozens of excellent developers making plugins that are better than Waves, but without the licensing headaches, at every price point.

So you blindy buy things, with no research then either a) About the plugin(s) you want, or b) about the company you are buying from. Then you deserve the headaches you get.

You may not agree with Waves WUP but trying to make out just because people don't frequent places like this they are going to purchase blind is ridiculous. I was there years ago when Waves was the big player, and that they pretty much had carte blanche over the market, and yes there are a lot more developers offering plugins without WUP. If anyone did the smallest bit of research, just a google search it would lead you to the issues. Even AI mentions it.

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

Remember in 2023 when Waves briefly tried going subscription only and the backlash was so fierce they had to completely backtrack? That's who they are. But at least they did backtrack and apologize. So credit where it's due there.

[cryophonik]

I happily use waves, have done for many years and will continue to use them. I like their plugins, I like the fact that any problem's i've had the support has been very fast and very accurate.

Not to mention the fact that they release plugins that are thoroughly tested and very stable. I can't recall the last time I encountered a bug or had a crash from a Waves plugin, and I've been using them for decades. Once they have a mature product, they tend to keep them around for a long time - don't fix plugins that aren't broken seems to be their MO, whereas other developers are constantly trying to entice you with regular upgrades. The amount of money I've spent on WUP (a couple hundred bucks over 10 years) pales in comparison to the amount I've spent on NI Komplete, Arturia V-Collection, etc. version grades.

[elxsound]

If you’re on Windows, WUP is not required.

On Mac, it was required and it didn’t have to do with silicon, and that’s when I moved the f**k on.

WUP should be f**ked out the window with subs because it’s not obvious what their cost will be. Yes, there’s ways to circumnavigate around paying the full WUP, with a “clever” purchase here and there. Some probably even appreciate the game in paying less than WUP to upgrade to another bundle.

Nothing wrong with people liking Waves, but let’s not pretend this is a desirable system. It a piece of shit system that people put up with because they have good products.

The worst part of all of this is that they’d probably make more money from sales if they got rid of the scheme.

[Sandra F]

Waves is not or me, I don’t like that business model

[dionenoid]

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[dionenoid]

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[sjm]

Not doing WUP is fine if you're only using one computer. But I bounce between two, and I'm not interested in juggling licenses or buying two copies of the same plugin.

You can put the licenses on any run-of-the-mill USB stick. The only thing you can't do is use the plugins on two computers *at the same time*.

That's still a no from me. I'm not carrying around a USB stick and moving it between two PCs. I don't even buy iLok-protected plugins if they only include one activation. I want two activations so I can keep one on each of my two iLoks, which stay plugged into each machine. Why should I accept a less convenient system for Waves?

Fair enough, it is minorly less convenient. Your post made it sound like you were completely unaware that this was even an option. (I took "juggling licenses" to mean constantly activating/deactivating in Waves Central on the 2 machines; the USB stick is 1000x more convenient than that )

[dieterlaser]

I only own the Aphex Vintage Exciter cause I can't live without it
Luckily, I installed it on my new Macbook a few weeks ago, so I needed to update it and I was able to update for free, cause I was in some kinda time window? Dunno, and I really don't want to understand it. I just know, that I will never buy another plugin from them. I guess it's not too expensive to just have to update one plugin one day. We will see

They have a few great ones and the AFX one is pretty unique, cause it's based on a rare version of the Aural Exciter.

here's the story:
https://tapeop.com/reviews/gear/84/aphe ... er-plug-in