Waves Reverses Subscription-Only Model Following Backlash

Audio software company Waves has abandoned its plans to transition to a subscription-only model after facing significant backlash from its users. The company had initially announced that its plug-in collections would only be accessible through monthly subscription plans, leaving existing customers without software updates unless they subscribed to the new model.

The announcement sparked outrage among Waves users, who criticized the company for changing the terms of previous sales and expressed concerns about the long-term costs of a subscription-based approach. Users also voiced frustration over the lack of updates and technical support for the plug-ins they had already purchased.

In response to the backlash, Waves’ CTO and co-founder, Meir Shashoua, issued a statement retracting the subscription-only model and assuring customers that perpetual licenses would be reinstated on the platform. While subscription plans will still be available, the company will also offer the previous pay-and-play model to cater to customer preferences.

Shashoua expressed apologies for the frustration caused by Waves’ initial decision and acknowledged that it had not adequately considered the needs and preferences of its loyal customers. The statement emphasized that perpetual plug-in licenses would be reintroduced alongside the subscription option, allowing users to choose their preferred licensing model.

Founded in 1992, Waves is renowned for its analogue modelling plug-ins and has achieved significant success by offering bundled plug-in packages at discounted prices. The company received a Technical GRAMMY Award in 2012 for its contributions to the recording industry’s technical advancements.