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My Top 3 Waves Presets I Use in Every Mix (And Why They Work)

My Top 3 Waves Presets I Use in Every Mix (And Why They Work)

Let’s be honest — not every plugin preset is worth using. But over the years, I’ve found a few Waves presets that actually sound great out the box and work as a solid starting point for most vocal mixes.

If you’re just starting out or need something that sounds good fast, these 3 Waves presets will help you get clean, pro-sounding vocals — even if you don’t know every knob yet. I’ve used all of these on countless sessions, including my song “All Away”.

🎛️ 1. CLA Vocals – “Start Me Up” Preset

CLA Vocals Plugin

CLA Vocals already simplifies the vocal mixing process, and this preset hits that sweet spot between clean, aggressive, and emotional. It boosts presence, compresses just enough, and adds a hint of space.

  • Pull the “Bass” and “Treble” knobs back if it’s too bright
  • Turn up “Reverb” and “Delay” for hooks or melodic layers
  • Disable distortion unless you want grit

I used this as the base sound for melodic stacks in “All Away.” It gave the harmonies more energy without over-processing.

🎚️ 2. RComp – “Vocal Leveling” Preset (Opto Mode)

Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

This one’s perfect for smoothing out vocals without killing dynamics. I switch it to Opto mode and tweak the threshold until it’s gently riding the vocal.

  • Leave the “Warm” button on for extra tone
  • Use this after CLA-76 or on softer parts like verses or bridges

It’s also super CPU-friendly, so I can stack it on multiple tracks without freezing anything.

🔊 3. Waves Doubler – “Doubler2 Wide & Bright”

Doubler Vocal Doubling and Harmonizer Plugin

This preset is amazing for background vocals and adlibs. It instantly adds stereo width and brightness without sounding fake.

  • Drop the center volume to avoid phase issues
  • Blend in subtly — this one can be overdone easily

In “All Away,” I used a variation of this preset on my wide background stacks. It helped everything feel layered and emotional without muddying the lead.

Bonus Tip: Presets Are Starting Points — Not Shortcuts

These presets are a great way to move faster in a session, but don’t be afraid to tweak them. What works on one vocal might not work on another. Get close — then dial it in by ear.

Want to Try These Presets Yourself?

Want to Hear These Presets in Action?

These exact presets (with a few tweaks) were used on my song “All Away”. You can hear how they help keep the vocals clean, emotional, and well-balanced in the mix.

🎧 Stream on Spotify:
Click here

Need Help Building Your Vocal Chain?

Whether you’re just starting out or need help dialing in your presets, I offer mixing and mastering services to help indie artists get pro-level sound at home.

Let’s get your vocals right — no guesswork needed.

 

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