Waves V9.6 Jun 2026

While it didn't introduce a flashy new synthesizer, V9.6 brought critical under-the-hood improvements that enhanced the day-to-day workflow of audio professionals.

Waves V9.6 is like a trusty old hardware compressor from 2015 – it still does the job, but it feels dated. If you’re maintaining a legacy system, it’s a 4/5. For modern production, it’s a 2/5. Upgrade if you can. Waves V9.6

For users of Waves plugins, represents a significant milestone. Released several years ago, this version sits at a unique intersection: it was the last update of the "Version 9" lifecycle that offered broad compatibility before Waves moved to the centralized Waves Central application and the more stringent update plans of V10, V11, V12, V13, and V14. While it didn't introduce a flashy new synthesizer, V9

The primary function of any "point" update is compatibility. V9.6 expanded the support for the latest Operating System versions available at the time and future-proofed the plugins for upcoming DAW updates. This ensured that users running the latest versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Ableton Live could instantiate Waves plugins without crashing or stability issues. It bridged the gap between older V9 installs and the demands of modern DAW sessions. For modern production, it’s a 2/5

An emulated compressor/peak limiter/de-esser that captures the classic punch of the original hardware. Compatibility and Licensing