Waves plugins are a widely used suite of audio-processing tools—EQs, compressors, reverbs, limiters, noise reduction, pitch and time tools, and specialty processors—commonly applied in music production, mixing, mastering, and post-production. Adobe Audition 1.5, released in the mid-2000s, is a multitrack audio editor and waveform editor that supports third-party VST (Virtual Studio Technology) effects and instruments. This paper outlines Waves plugin compatibility and usage with Audition 1.5, installation and setup procedures, practical workflows, common issues and solutions, and best-practice recommendations for mixing and mastering.

Pro Tip: If you own a modern Waves license, you can download the "Legacy v9" installer from your Waves account. Install only the VST 2.4 components.

Audition 1.5 has two distinct modes. Waves plugins work differently in each.

Audition 1.5 does not support VST3 (introduced years later) nor Audio Units (Mac only). You need the VST 2.4 versions of Waves plugins.

Audition 1.5’s "Hard Limiter" is brittle. The Waves L3 uses multi-band limiting to push loudness (for radio or CD) without pumping or distortion. Place this on your "Master" track in Multitrack View.