The latest addition to Waves’ Magma series has arrived, kitting users out with “a transformative and expressive dynamics tool designed to shape musical tension and feel in real time”. Armed with just a single control (or three, if you count its input and output level knobs!) Magma StressBox promises to deliver a wide range of compression and expansion characters that span from intimate to explosive.
Designed as a simpler alternative to a combination of traditional compression, expansion, EQ and saturation plug-ins, Magma StressBox aims to offer a simple and intuitive way to inject some ‘life’ into a mix. a single main control offers expansion when turned to the left and compression when turned to the right, and that’s it! Despite the simplicity, Waves say that the plug-in is a versatile addition to the Magma series, and offers everything from punchy, in-your-face effects to far more subtle mix enhancement.
Key Features
- Control the tension and feel of any musical source.
- Injects life and drama into dull sources.
- Endless combinations of sound with a single knob.
- Add punch, urgency and size with compression.
- Craft intimacy and tightness through expansion.
- A deeply musical tool, with no technical skills required.
- Includes AutoGain for consistent output level.
- One continuous knob: compression to the right, expansion to the left.
Compatibility
Magma StressBox is supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, and Macs running macOS 13 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Magma Stressbox is available now, and is currently (3 December 2025) being offered at an introductory price of $29.99, reduced from its full cost of $79.
