Sub Align is a utility plugin from Waves that phase-aligns subwoofers and tops in a PA system by virtually moving the subs relative to the tops. It is designed for situations where you cannot adjust the house system's settings.
Sub Align is built for musicians who play with compact PAs that use separate subwoofers and tops. When a venue places the subs based on physical convenience rather than sound, the low end can turn muddy, weak, and indistinct. Sub Align inserts on your master bus and lets you shift the subs virtually against the tops, so you can correct alignment without access to the house system's settings.
Sub Align works by delaying the signal sent to the subs relative to the tops, which is how a phase mismatch between the two sources is corrected. You can set the offset in milliseconds, feet, or meters, so you can work in the unit that suits your measurements of the room.
The plugin is described as suitable for both mono and stereo PA systems, so the same approach applies whichever configuration you are running.
Because Sub Align sits on your master bus, it processes the full output of your set before it reaches the PA. That means you do not need to change the house system or rearrange the venue's speakers. Waves positions the plugin for live use in clubs and small venues where the placement of subs and tops is outside the performer's control.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | Waves |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Utility |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
Sub Align phase-aligns the subwoofers and tops of a PA system by virtually moving the subs in relation to the tops. It is intended for cases where you cannot access the venue's own system settings.
Sub Align is available in VST2, AU, and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.
Yes. Waves describes Sub Align as equally suitable for mono or stereo PA systems.
Sub Align inserts on your master bus, so it processes the output of your set before it reaches the PA.
