X-Crackle is an audio restoration plugin from Waves that reduces crackle and pops in digitized vinyl and older recordings.
X-Crackle at a glance
| Developer | Waves |
|---|---|
| Type | Studio Tools / Audio Restoration |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 10 or later, macOS |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €37.69 (regular €142.80) |
What X-Crackle does
The plugin works on recordings transferred from vinyl, where clicks and crackle sit on top of the program material. A threshold control sets how much of the crackle is detected, and an attenuation control sets how strongly it is reduced, from slight to strong. An attenuation meter shows the amount of crackle reduction as it happens, and the display shows how the threshold relates to the reduction.
The surface noise reduction is applied automatically once the parameters are optimized, using psycho-acoustic noise processing. X-Crackle is available as VST2, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS.
Key features
- Attenuation magnitude. The attenuation control sets how strongly crackle is reduced, from a slight correction to a strong one.
- Threshold control. The threshold adjusts to different crackle levels, so recordings with light or heavy surface noise can be treated.
- Attenuation meter. A meter shows the amount of crackle reduction, so the effect of the settings is visible while processing.
- Threshold display. The display correlates the crackle reduction threshold with the audio, showing where detection sits.
- Automatic surface noise reduction. After the parameters are optimized, the plugin reduces surface noise on its own using psycho-acoustic processing.
Price and availability
X-Crackle was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €37.69, reduced from €142.80. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
X-Crackle FAQ
Where can I download X-Crackle crack for free?
Crack copies of X-Crackle are shared as repacks and torrents, and a working serial key or keygen is the string most often typed alongside the name.