Renaissance Axx is a compressor plugin by Waves for guitar, bass and other stringed instruments, as well as plucked synth sounds. It adjusts ratio and release time automatically, so you mainly set three controls.
Renaissance Axx is an effects plugin from Waves in the compressor subcategory. It is built for stringed instruments such as guitar and bass, and it also works on plucked synth sounds. Instead of exposing every detail of a general-purpose compressor, Axx sets its internal parameters for these sources and leaves you with a short list of controls. The developer describes the aim as easy operation with the sound of high-end studio compression.
Waves positions Axx for sustain and body. On guitar, the plugin is meant to increase sustain, and on bass it is meant to add fullness. The developer also recommends placing Axx before amp simulators, where it is said to help produce smooth, creamy distortion.
Axx includes automatic limiting, which catches occasional peaks, and its level control is meant to produce more consistent levels so that tracks sit better in a mix.
The main workflow is to adjust three controls and listen. Ratio and release time are calculated dynamically and automatically, so you do not need to set them by hand. Metering is included to make the tweaking process faster.
Renaissance Axx ships with 28 artist and factory presets, a useful starting point before you adjust the three controls yourself. You can also choose between light, dark and legacy skins for the interface.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | Waves |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Compressor |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
Renaissance Axx is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.
It supports Windows and macOS. The listed macOS versions are Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14 and Sequoia 15, and the listed Windows version is Windows 10 and later.
No. Waves designed Axx for stringed instruments and similar sounds like plucked synths, and the developer says it is not meant to be all-purpose for vocals, drums or full stereo mixes.
Axx runs as a plugin inside a compatible host that supports VST2, AU or AAX on macOS or Windows 10 and later.
