Waves releases Q-Clone

Waves has released Q-Clone, a "revolutionary" new product utilizing unique (patent-pending) technology that lets you use your outboard hardware equalizer in a completely new way. By capturing the sound of your own gear, Q-Clone allows you to use that sound freely throughout your session, adjusting the sound of each track just as you would if you had dozens of that same hardware equalizer.

Q-Clone has two components: Q-Capture, which is used to capture the sound of your hardware, and Q-Clone, which shows you the equalization curve of your hardware and provides other functions. Q-Capture constantly samples the hardware unit’s sound, tracking every twist you make on your gear’s knobs in real time. The calibration feature lets you tune Q-Capture precisely to your unit’s headroom and dB range.

- Q-Clone screenshot
- Q-Capture screenshot

Simple to use:

1. Set up Q-Capture so it sends its special capturing signal through your audio interface to your outboard hardware EQ unit and returns the equalized signal back.
2. Open Q-Clone on the first track you want to EQ. Adjust the knobs on your hardware EQ unit until you get the sound you want.
3. On the Q-Clone plug-in, hit the Hold button, and the EQ for that track will now remain just as you set it, while you repeat the process on as many tracks as your computer can handle.

You can change and reset the equalization on each track as often as you need, and save the results as a preset. Using the Add button, you can also make adjustments on top of the original setting—like having the signal running through two of your EQ units at once. And Q-Clone comes with presets captured from a selection of world-class hardware equalizers.

Q-Clone costs US$1000 and is available for Windows and MacOS X in VST, AU, DX, RTAS, MAS, AudioSuite and HTDM formats. A demo version is available for download.

Q-Clone is available separately and is not included in any bundle.