Waves Clarity™ Vx Review – Best AI Vocal Noise Reduction Plugin?

🎧 Introduction

When it comes to cleaning noisy vocals quickly, Waves Audio continues to innovate with smart AI tools. One of their most popular dialogue-cleaning plugins is Waves Clarity™ Vx, an AI-powered noise reduction plugin built to remove unwanted background noise from vocals in seconds.

Designed for music producers, podcasters, video editors, and content creators, Clarity Vx promises professional results without complex settings. But does it really deliver? Let’s dive into this full review.

🖥️ Interface & Design

Clarity Vx features one of the simplest interfaces in the noise-reduction world:

• A single large strength knob

• Mode selection (Broad 1 / Broad 2)

• Real-time waveform & reduction visualization

There are no complicated threshold, attack, or frequency controls. You simply increase the main knob until the noise disappears — making it ideal for beginners and fast workflows.

🔍 Key Features

1️⃣ AI-Powered Noise Removal

Using Waves Neural Networks®, Clarity Vx intelligently separates voice from noise. Unlike traditional spectral tools, it doesn’t require noise profiling.

2️⃣ Two Processing Modes

• Broad 1 – Keeps background voices intact while reducing environmental noise.

• Broad 2 – Focuses aggressively on isolating the main vocal.

3️⃣ Real-Time Processing

Works as VST, AU, and AAX plugin across most major DAWs.

4️⃣ Quick Workflow

Perfect for podcast cleanup, YouTube dialogue repair, vocal demos, and fast post-production edits.

🎯 Performance Test

In real-world use, Clarity Vx performs impressively on:

✔️ Fan and AC noise
✔️ Room hiss
✔️ Light traffic ambience
✔️ Background chatter

The plugin preserves vocal clarity surprisingly well when used moderately. However, pushing the strength too high can introduce slight digital artifacts or make the vocal sound unnatural.

CPU usage can be noticeable on older systems, especially when running multiple instances.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Extremely easy to use

• Fast results with minimal tweaking

• Great vocal preservation

• Ideal for beginners and content creators

• Saves post-production time

❌ Cons

• Limited deep control options

• Can introduce artifacts at high settings

• CPU-heavy on some systems

• Not as comprehensive as full restoration suites

🆚 Clarity Vx vs Restoration Suites

Compared to full repair tools like iZotope RX, Clarity Vx focuses mainly on voice isolation and background noise removal.

If you need advanced tools like:

• De-click

• De-hum

• De-reverb

• Spectral editing

RX might be more suitable. But for quick vocal cleanup without complex editing, Clarity Vx wins in speed and simplicity.

💰 Price & Value

Waves frequently discounts their plugins, making Clarity Vx very affordable compared to high-end restoration software. Considering its AI technology and workflow speed, it offers excellent value for:

• Podcasters

• YouTubers

• Online course creators

• Music producers

• Video editors

🏆 Final Verdict

Waves Clarity™ Vx is one of the easiest and fastest AI noise reduction plugins available today. It may not replace advanced restoration software, but for everyday vocal cleanup, it’s incredibly efficient.

If you want a “set-it-and-forget-it” vocal noise remover that delivers professional results with minimal effort, Clarity Vx is highly recommended.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐