Nave from Waldorf is a software synthesizer built around two independent advanced wavetable oscillators, with multimode filtering, modulation and effects.
Nave at a glance
| Developer | Waldorf |
|---|---|
| Type | Instruments / Synth |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 7 or later, macOS |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Hosts named by the developer | Pro Tools |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €155.15 |
What Nave does
The Osc module provides up to eight Überwave oscillators in saw, triangle, PWM, white and pink noise shapes, and the two oscillators run independently of each other. Two ring modulators sit in the signal path, and a multimode filter offers LP, BP and HP responses at 12 dB and 24 dB slopes. The drive stage has an adjustable curve, depth and position.
Modulation is handled by three envelopes, two LFOs and a 10-entry Modulation Matrix. The modulation effect section can be set to chorus, flanger or phaser, followed by reverb and modulation delay, a three-band parametric equalizer and a compressor. Up to three X/Y control pads can be assigned for hands-on shaping.
Key features
- Wavetable editing. Speech synthesizer wavetables and 3D wavetable editing are included, and new wavetables can be generated from external audio files.
- Blades scales and chord mode. Blades provides musical scales and an optional chord mode for playing in key.
- Modulation effects. The modulation section offers chorus, flanger or phaser, followed by reverb and a modulation delay.
- Modulation Matrix. Ten Modulation Matrix entries connect the three envelopes, two LFOs and controllers to synthesis parameters.
- Patch management. User banks and patch categories organize sounds, and patches can be exchanged with the Nave iPad version.
Use cases
- Wavetable sound design. The two wavetable oscillators, 3D wavetable editing and external audio import suit producers building custom timbres.
Compatibility
Nave runs as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows 7 and later and on 64-bit macOS, with native support listed for Apple Silicon. Pro Tools 11 is supported through native AAX64.
Who it is for
Synthesizer users who work with wavetables, ring modulation and a modulation matrix will find the layout familiar, especially those already using Waldorf software instruments.
Nave compared with similar plugins
WaveOSC from Plugin Boutique is an instrument with VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and Standalone formats for Windows and macOS. Hive 2 from u-he is offered as VST3, VST2 and Standalone and also runs on Linux.
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nave | Waldorf | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €155.15 |
| WaveOSC | Plugin Boutique | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €6.53 (regular €78.34) |
| Hybrid 3 | AIR Music Technology | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU | Windows, macOS | €98.18 |
| Hive 2 | u-he | Synth | VST3, VST2, Standalone | Windows, macOS, Linux | €149.00 |
| impOSCar3 | GForce Software | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €59.49 (regular €118.99) |
Price and availability
Nave was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €155.15. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
Nave FAQ
Does Nave run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Native support for Apple Silicon processors is listed, and the plugin is offered as 64-bit VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on macOS.
Is there a working serial key or keygen for Nave?
A working serial and keygen are the strings most often typed for the release, while the developer lists the plugin as not free.