Waves IR-L Convolution Reverb

What Waves IR-Live Convolution Reverb Is For

Waves IR-Live is a convolution reverb optimized for live mixing, designed to recreate credible and detailed acoustic spaces directly in sound reinforcement situations. It allows placing a voice in a coherent room, adding depth to a snare drum, enlarging a keyboard or guitars, or "gluing" a mix into a realistic ambiance without the artificial aspect that some algorithmic reverbs can sometimes produce.

Thanks to its impulse response approach, IR-Live is also an effective studio tool when looking for a reverb that is quick to dial in and immediately credible, especially for pop, rock, electro, broadcast, worship, theater, or corporate event productions where clarity and naturalness are paramount.

Main Features

Realistic convolution with live workflow

Convolution relies on impulses captured in real locations or designed to reproduce precise acoustic signatures. IR-Live transfers this precision to the stage context with an ergonomics focused on "operational" use: select a space, adjust timing, control the tone, and get a credible reverb that quickly fits into a FOH or monitor mix.

XXL impulse library and IR import

The included bank covers a wide variety of contexts, from prestigious halls to rawer clubs, to adapt the ambiance to the musical style and venue. To customize even further, you can import impulse responses in WAV format (or other compatible IRs), handy for recalling a room signature, a favorite sampled hardware, or a specific IR set for a tour.

Musical settings and time control

IR-Live offers an extended pre-delay to preserve attack and definition (ideal on lead vocals, snare, and percussion), as well as damping control via bass and treble shelving EQ to place the reverb behind the signal without masking intelligibility. The reverb time multiplication parameter allows stretching or shortening the decay flexibly, useful for adapting the same IR to different tempos or arrangement densities.

Live compatibility: MultiRack, consoles, and SoundGrid

Designed for modern sound reinforcement environments, IR-Live integrates into Waves live workflows, notably through MultiRack Native and possible use with SoundGrid DSP servers for performance-oriented setups. Compatibility with numerous digital consoles facilitates integration into existing rigs, whether FOH, monitoring, or broadcast.

Technical specifications

Type

Full software

Downloadable

Yes

Plugin type	convolution reverb for live mixing	Compatible DSP servers	SoundGrid
Impulse library size	4.8 GB	macOS	VST-2, VST-3, AU, AAX
Number of acoustic spaces (impulse responses)	more than 2,000	Windows	VST-2, VST-3, AAX
Impulse import	WAV or custom impulse responses	Systems	macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14
Variable pre-delay	0 to 500 ms	Memory	8 GB
Damping control	low- and high-shelf EQ	Disk space	16 GB
Reverb time multiplier	0.25% to 400%	Additional media	yes
Compatibility	MultiRack Native and major digital consoles