If you've looked at Waves vocal presets, you've run into two names: StudioRack and StudioVerse. They're the same tool at different points in time, and understanding them saves a lot of confusion about what's free and what you actually need.
- StudioRack was Waves' free plugin chainer; since June 2024 it's called StudioVerse Audio Effects
- The host plugin is free, and old StudioRack presets still load
- Presets only use plugins you own: the host is free, the plugins inside a chain are not
- Chains are saved as .xps files and load inside the plugin, in any DAW that runs Waves plugins
What is StudioRack?
StudioRack is a free plugin chainer from Waves. You insert one plugin on a track, and inside it you build a chain of Waves plugins (and, in current versions, third-party VST3 plugins) in whatever order you like. The whole chain saves and loads as one preset, with parallel and multiband routing and macro controls on top.
Why it matters: a vocal chain that would take eight inserts and a lot of routing in your DAW becomes a single slot that you can move between songs, sessions and even DAWs.
What is StudioVerse?
StudioVerse started as Waves' online library of chains made by producers and engineers, browsable from inside StudioRack. In June 2024 (Waves V15) Waves redesigned StudioRack and renamed it StudioVerse Audio Effects, folding the library and the chainer into one plugin. It's backwards compatible, so presets and sessions made with StudioRack still open.
In plain terms: if a tutorial or a preset pack says StudioRack, the plugin you install today is StudioVerse Audio Effects.
Is StudioVerse free?
The host is free. The plugins inside a chain are not. A StudioVerse or StudioRack preset is a recipe that calls specific Waves plugins. If a chain uses CLA-2A and you don't own CLA-2A, that slot shows as missing. To run a chain fully you need:
- Waves Central (Waves' free installer app) and a Waves account.
- The free StudioVerse Audio Effects plugin.
- A license for each Waves plugin the chain uses, bought individually, in a bundle or through a Waves subscription.
That's why any honest StudioVerse preset pack should list the plugins each preset needs. Ours does: every plugin in every chain is on the Ultimate Vocal Chain page, before you buy.
Which DAWs does it work in?
Any DAW that loads Waves plugins: StudioVerse comes as VST3, AU and AAX. That covers FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Studio One, Cubase and Reaper on supported Mac and Windows systems. It does not run in browser or phone apps like BandLab. Details on our compatibility page.
How to load a .xps vocal chain preset
- Install StudioVerse Audio Effects and the needed plugins in Waves Central, then restart your DAW.
- Unzip the preset pack to a folder you'll keep. Don't load from inside the zip.
- Insert StudioVerse Audio Effects on your vocal track (in FL Studio, on the vocal's Mixer insert).
- Open the preset menu at the top of the plugin and choose Load.
- Pick the
.xpsfile. The whole chain loads in order. - Set the key in the pitch-correction slot, check your input level, and adjust effects to taste.
Step-by-step instructions for each DAW, plus fixes for missing plugins, in our installation guide.
Common StudioVerse problems
A slot says the plugin is missing
That plugin isn't installed or licensed on this computer. Install or activate it in Waves Central, or swap the slot for a similar plugin you own.
StudioVerse doesn't show up in my DAW
Rescan plugins in your DAW's plugin manager, and make sure you installed the format your DAW uses (AU for Logic, AAX for Pro Tools).
The chain sounds wrong on my voice
Presets are built for a typical input level. Record with peaks around −10 to −6 dBFS, set the key, then adjust the de-esser, compressor thresholds and effect mix. Why each slot sits where it does: vocal chain order explained.
FAQ
Is StudioRack the same as StudioVerse?
Yes. StudioRack was renamed StudioVerse Audio Effects in June 2024, and older StudioRack presets still load in it.
Can I use StudioVerse presets without owning Waves plugins?
No. The host loads, but every slot that uses a plugin you don't own is missing. Check the plugin list before you buy any pack.
Can I put non-Waves plugins in StudioVerse?
Current versions support third-party VST3 plugins in the chain. Presets you share will then need those plugins too.
