Waves V15 Plugins will freeze Protools at randam

Ever since “upgrading” to V15 I have been experiencing Protools freezing as a result of using Waves Plugins.

Usually what happens is: I am mixing or tracking and then I enable, disable, move, add, remove, or duplicate a waves plugin while the session is playing and Protools will freeze for anywhere from 5min-15min before coming back.

If I force quit Protools while it is frozen and then reopen Protools, it will load until WavesShell 15.4 and give a pop up message that says “Protools closed unexpectedly while trying to load WavesShell 15.4. Do you want to move it to the Unused Plugins Folder?” If I select no, it will load for another 15 or so minutes before opening. I have found though that if I experience the issue and move the WavesShell 15 manually to the unused folder then back to the Plugins folder, Protools will load no problem.

I have contacted support 2 times and it is frustrating because I have not found a reliable method to reproduce the issue. All of the listed actions has triggered the issue but it does not happen every time. I usually get the issue 1-3 times a day when working for about 8hrs.

Both times they have told me to ask Avid Support for help which I did but Avid told me it is not something on their end, which I believe because the plugins have also crashed Plugin Dr (standalone) and Logic Pro as well.

I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue and possibly have a solution? I’m kind of lost here and if I can’t get it to work I may just have to finally replace all my Waves Plugins..

I am using Protools 2024.10.2 on Mac Mini M2 Pro 2023 32GB RAM on Sequoia 15.4.1

I have been having the issue for a while though I have updated OS a few times since it started and I believe Protools 1 time since it started happening

Thank you in advance for any help.

Hey @twiddy.ethan,

Welcome to the Waves Forum.

One of our Tech Support representatives will email you soon to further assist with the issue you reported. Feel free to share your experience and solution.

Okay, thank you! I don’t believe I have received an email yet, but I will check my spam folder

Hi @twiddy.ethan
Maybe I have the same issue — check out my thread linked below.

You should read the console messages in /Applications/Utilities/Console.app while Pro Tools is freezing.

Sorry, since I’m a new member, I can’t post the link directly — but you can find it by searching for:

waves-v15-freezes-dlsym-main-thread-errors-in-premiere-pro-2025-25-2-3-on-macos-15-5-apple-silicon-m1-ultra

Roberto Bissanti