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Manufacturer Focus: Wavesfactory Q&A
In this exclusive Q&A, Wavesfactory founder Jesús Ginard reveals the inspiration behind plugins like Trackspacer, Quantum and Cassette. Discover his design secrets, hidden features, and what’s coming next.
1. How do you stay inspired when designing tools for people in music?
I’m a very bad mixer—so I welcome all the help I can get! That’s usually the starting point. If I struggle with something, like making space for vocals, I start thinking, “What if I could just build a tool to make this easier?” That’s how Trackspacer was born.
Other times, inspiration comes from nostalgia—Cassette was very much about recreating the sound of my childhood. Then there are moments where I just want to explore a weird idea and see what comes out of it. Equalizer started that way.
I’m also driven by challenges, like trying to make the most realistic tape simulation possible—or building something that doesn't exist yet, like Quantum or our upcoming plugin (which I can’t reveal just yet!). One thing’s consistent though: I never copy others. Even if a plugin ends up in a familiar space, if the seed of the idea was mine, I’ll build it.
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2. What was the original spark that led to the creation of your debut product?
Trackspacer was the first plugin I made. I was having a hard time carving out space for vocals in a mix, and I looked around for a tool that could do it automatically. I couldn’t find anything. That was the spark—maybe there was a gap in the market, and I could fill it. It turned out to be exactly that.
3. Was there a particular moment in Wavesfactory’s early history that was a major turning point?
Yes—just a few days after Trackspacer was released. Until then, I had only made Kontakt libraries. That plugin was a major breakthrough for Wavesfactory. It changed how people saw the company and opened the door to a whole new chapter.
4. Is there a 'hidden feature' or lesser-known tip for using one of your plugins that you wish more people knew about?
The advanced panel in Trackspacer comes to mind. Sometimes I receive messages from customers asking me to make an update where they can control the attack and release times, that’s already do-able in the advanced panel!
5. What is the hidden gem of the Wavesfactory product line?
I’d say Equalizer. I absolutely love that plugin. It hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves yet, but it’s packed with character and versatility. Spectre used to be the hidden gem, but people are finally discovering it—which makes me really happy. Hopefully Equalizer is next.
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6. What’s the most surprising use case you’ve ever seen for a Wavesfactory plugin?
Quantum was designed as a drums/percussion focused plugin — giving you the power to sculpt the sound of the transients of a signal separately from the rest. I’ve seen some people using it to re-shape the sound of the pick of a guitar. That’s nice!
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