Waves Audio Unveils ILLUGEN 2.0

Waves Audio has announced the launch of ILLUGEN 2.0, the latest evolution of its sample creation app, introducing significant upgrades in sound quality and user control.

Designed to transform text prompts into original, studio-quality audio, the new version builds on the foundation of the original release while positioning itself as a more advanced production tool for modern music creators.

ILLUGEN 2.0 introduces two selectable sound-generation engines within the app. The newly developed 'Studio Engine' is designed to deliver high-fidelity, production-ready loops and samples suited to professional workflows, while the original 'Creative Engine' remains focused on more experimental sound design. This dual-engine approach allows users to move seamlessly between polished output and more exploratory audio creation within a single environment.

The update also brings a set of new features driven by user feedback, aimed at giving producers greater control over the sounds they generate. These include the ability to lock samples to a specific musical key, define loop lengths to better fit a track, and adjust stereo width from mono through to wide spatial output. Together, these additions are intended to help users integrate generated audio directly into their sessions without the need for extensive editing.

Since its initial release, ILLUGEN has been positioned as a tool for turning written prompts into original audio content, generating one-shots, loops and sound effects tailored to individual creative ideas. From structured musical prompts to more abstract descriptions, the platform creates entirely new material rather than drawing from preset libraries or recycled samples.

Industry recognition has followed, with ILLUGEN receiving a 2026 TEC Award nomination in the Signal Processing Software category. Artists have also highlighted its creative potential, including Diplo, who said: "I love ILLUGEN. It lets me experiment with fresh sounds immediately and keeps my creative momentum going."

With ILLUGEN 2.0, Waves Audio continues to emphasise a creator-focused approach to AI in music production. Rather than automating the process, the platform is designed to enhance it, offering intuitive controls, an updated interface and seamless integration into digital audio workstations. The result is a tool intended to support producers as a creative partner, giving them greater flexibility while maintaining control over their workflow.

waves.com