X-Crackle by Waves audio restoration plugin interface for removing vinyl crackle

X-Crackle: Vinyl Crackle and Pop Removal Plugin by Waves

X-Crackle is an audio restoration plugin from Waves that reduces clicks and pops in digitized vinyl and other damaged recordings. It is designed to remove surface noise while leaving the remaining audio intact.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

X-Crackle is aimed at restoring recordings where the surface noise of vinyl or the wear of older media is getting in the way. Waves describes it as using psycho-acoustic noise reduction algorithms, so the processing targets the crackles rather than the program material. The plugin sits in the Studio Tools category under Audio Restoration, which makes it a clean-up tool for transfers and archive work rather than a creative effect.

Best for

Vinyl restoration
Digitized record cleanup
Click and pop removal
Archive audio repair
Old recording transfers

Developer: Waves
Category: Audio Restoration
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Adjustable crackle attenuation magnitude, from slight to strong
Threshold control for different crackle levels
Display that correlates crackle reduction to the threshold
Dual-window X-Crackle Scope with waveform and sonogram
Attenuation meter showing the amount of crackle reduction
Psycho-acoustic noise reduction algorithms, per the developer
Available in VST2, AU and AAX formats

03In depth

Crackle Reduction Controls and the X-Crackle Scope

The main controls are the crackle attenuation magnitude, which runs from slight to strong, and a threshold control for handling different crackle levels. The threshold is linked to the display, which shows how crackle reduction correlates with the threshold setting, so you can see the effect of each adjustment.

The X-Crackle Scope is a dual-window view. It shows the original waveform alongside a sonogram that displays the crackles being minimized. Waves says this layout is meant to simplify parameter adjustment and help you reach the best result.

An Attenuation meter shows the amount of crackle reduction applied, giving a direct read on how much the plugin is working.

Who X-Crackle Is For

X-Crackle suits restoration work on digitized vinyl and older recordings where clicks and pops are the main problem. Because the controls are graduated from slight to strong, it can be set gently for material that only needs light cleaning or pushed further for more heavily damaged sources.

The plugin is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats for macOS and Windows, so it can be used in most common digital audio workstations on either platform.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Waves
Type	Plugin
Category	Audio Restoration
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What does X-Crackle remove?

X-Crackle is built to reduce the subtle clicks and pops found in digitized vinyl and other flawed recordings. Waves says the remaining audio is left untouched by its processing.

Which formats and operating systems does X-Crackle support?

X-Crackle is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on macOS and Windows, with the listed Mac versions from macOS Monterey 12 through Sequoia 15 and Windows 10 or later.

How do I set the crackle reduction amount?

Use the attenuation magnitude control to choose a level from slight to strong, and the threshold control to match different crackle levels. The X-Crackle Scope and Attenuation meter let you check the result as you adjust.