Waves Audio has announced Curves Resolve, the third installment in the Curves Series of intelligent mixing plug-ins, for managing frequency masking and congestion between tracks and across complex mixes.
Building on the concepts introduced in Curves Equator and Curves AQ, Curves Resolve provides an advanced system. Where Curves Equator focused on suppressing problematic resonances and Curves AQ introduced the world’s first truly autonomous EQ, Curves Resolve is purpose-built to analyse relationships between two tracks simultaneously. It never processes in isolation. Instead, the plug-in continuously ‘listens’ to one source while shaping another, carving space only at overlapping frequencies, and only when those conflicts occur. This yields a clearer mix with greater separation, while preserving tonal integrity and transients.
At the point where a mix should finally come together, frequency collisions are often the factor that prevents it from locking in. Engineers frequently address these conflicts with manual EQ adjustments, sidechain workarounds and compromises that can erode tone. Curves Resolve analyses how two signals interact, applies processing only where genuine clashes occur, and preserves the musical character of each source. The result is a mix that feels open, intentional and effortless, with arrangements that breathe naturally without sacrificing impact or emotion.
Curves Resolve gives engineers two complementary ways to shape space between tracks. In dynamic mode, the plug-in reacts in real time, constantly adjusting its curves as the musical content evolves. In steady (learned) mode, it analyses a passage and creates a stable, predictable contour that stays anchored. What sets Curves Resolve apart is the ability to blend these behaviours, offering precise control over responsiveness versus stability, a level of flexibility that simply isn’t possible with traditional EQs or static sidechain techniques.
Engineers can refine how Curves Resolve interprets the sidechain by filtering and tilting the incoming signal. This ensures the plug-in reacts to relevant energy (not incidental content), resulting in intentional corrections rather than over-processing.
Curves Resolve also redefines ducking by turning it into a more precise, musical process. Instead of relying solely only on traditional full-band level reduction, users can choose wide ducking when they want the familiar effect of lowering one signal beneath another, such as music dipping under a voice. They can also engage Unmask mode, which intelligently reduces only the frequencies that are actually causing conflict, rather than pulling the entire signal down. This frequency-specific approach keeps mixes punchy and present, allowing vocals, leads and dialogue to cut through clearly while preserving the natural energy of the surrounding tracks.
Snapshot controls provide instant, instrument-aware starting points optimized for vocals, bass, guitars, synths, keys and snare, accelerating set-up while aligning processing behaviour with source material.
Curves Resolve also includes Curves Resolve Live, a zero-latency version of the same plug-in suitable for live and broadcast mixing