Waves Curves Resolve: more info on the latest freebie from Waves

Waves recently announced Curves Resolve, a new freebie to kick off 2026, and we have some more information to share.

Besides breaking out of their typical Black Friday free plugin schedule, Waves stayed true to form for the most part.

After announcing the freebie, the developer provided a sign-up page and minimal information.

Now, we have a little more detail to share.

Speculation led us to the obvious assumption that Curves Resolve would be a plugin that addresses frequency clashes in a muddy mix, and new information from Waves confirms this.

Curves Resolve is a plugin that intelligently resolves sonic masking issues.

It does so by detecting frequency clashes and applying precision processing to only those areas to ensure a natural-sounding mix.

Curves Resolve listens to one track while processing another.

Like other smart or AI-assisted plugins, Curves Resolve has a Learn function. This learn function has three modes: Dynamic, DSteady, and DBlend.

Dynamic mode is when the plugin reacts to collisions in real time, creating space instantly.

DSteady mode allows the learn function to analyze the entire song, providing stable processing.

DBlend offers the best of both worlds.

Although Curves Resolve does the heavy lifting, you can influence its decisions by controlling what the plugin hears.

Filter and Tilt controls for the Sidechain signal give you that control.

Additionally, you have optimized snapshots for various instruments, including vocals, guitar, bass, snare, kick, piano, and more.

If we’re going to see more and more “intelligent” plugins in music, I’m happier when they aren’t making pivotal creative choices for us.

A smart plugin in this scenario could be a welcome helping hand.

I know there’s a lot of pushback toward Waves (even with a freebie), and as someone who doesn’t like some of the developer’s practices, I understand it.

Although I haven’t added to my paid collection for a while, I’m not ready to walk away from a freebie just yet.

I tried IDX, Magma StressBox, and I’ll try Curves Resolve with relatively high expectations because I think Waves makes some great plugins.

So, I have a question for anyone willing to share, and this is for me, it’s not a Waves survey!

What Waves plugin(s) can’t you live without?

Previous comments suggest that many of you will say none, but I’m interested in hearing the other side of the conversation.

The reason I ask is that I share many of your thoughts on subscription/upgrade plans, but some of my favorite mix/mastering engineers swear by Waves plugins.

Every time a huge Waves sale comes around, I sit on the fence, and I don’t buy any more than I already have. But those who swear by Waves are why I’m not more firmly planted on the “no thanks” side, so feel free to share your thoughts.