Value:
The Price is WAAAAAY too high for the value delivered. A free economy should level this out in time.

Overall:
When you pay the price to access this software, please be warned that this is not the only money you will need to pay to continue to use this software. If you plan on using this software for more than a year or so or buy a new computer in the foreseeable horizon (Oh Gawd, who would do that??) be warned that in addition to paying the $1,579 price to get permission to load this software onto your computer you will also need to purchase: An iLok Key USB key device $59.00 Annual subscription to PACE registration tracking $40/year Annual WUP program support $180/year So there is an annual outflow of $220 which will be involved in this purchase. If however, you only plan to use this software over the next few months, don't need any technical support, and will never have a hard drive crash or will never shift this software to new machine, why then, THIS is the only price you will have to pay.

Value:
This is the cadillac. Starting with the Native Power Pack, then going to Gold, and finally to Platinum (as I did originally) helped dampen the blow.

Desirability:
This stuff is the best. Looks great, sounds great, stupid easy to use.

Sound:
Sounds amazing. Just love the L2. Very easy to use, makes average mixes (as all of mine are) sound great. Trueverb gets a big thumbs up as well.

Support:
I have to say that I recently contact the company about getting my 4 year old version 4 working and Matt was extremely helpful even though I had no intention of purchasing any new products.

Overall:
The only issue that I may have is that new version seems to have slightly different names for the plugs. For example, "L2Ultramaximizer" instead of "L2-Ultramaximizer" or some such thing. This may make my old mixes problematic when converting.

Quality:
Waves is the de facto industry standard, period.

Value:
Paying $1575 for 33 plugins means you are getting each processor for less than $50 each. Does that answer your questions about value?

Desirability:
Many clients will actually ask if Waves is available prior to booking a session, especially if they have had any experience with mixing in the past.

Sound:
This is the best bundle available for mixing from start to finish inside the box - including mastering (if your ears, gear, and room are ready for mastering level adjustments). The Renaissance EQ, Compressor, and De-esser are staples of mixing, and the Linear Phase EQ and Multiband are essential for subtle, phase linear sculpting of the mix. Plus, you also have C4, L1, L2, and L3 to ensure that your levels are competitive (but hopefully not over-limited!).

Ease of Use:
Once you learn the Waves system, it is VERY easy to save and apply your settings to any project. Also, the presets and manuals are excellent starting points and educational tools for the newbie.

Support:
Some of the prior reviews have GLARING mistakes about the WUP or update plan and other maintenance costs. WUP (Waves Update Plan) is included for one year with your purchase, and you only need to maintain it when you make MAJOR changes to your system, such as updating the OS, your DAW, etc. You DON'T have to pay the PACE registration tracking or "Zero Downtime," and an ilok is $40, MAXIMUM. Get real!

Feature:
You can do anything with these....

Quality:
Unmatched.

Value:
Very pricey, but there's nothing like them.

Desirability:
Tops.

Sound:
Sonic quality is unmatched. Truely the finest plugins available in the world.

Ease of Use:
Some moderate knowledge of sound processing is necessary....

Support:
Never used it.

Overall:
Must-have for any serious producer/engineer