Waves Audio unveils the HLS Channel and PIE Compressor, developed in association with legendary producer/engineer Eddie Kramer. In modeling the vintage Helios console channel and Pye compressor, Waves has recreated two essential elements of the recording chain at London's acclaimed Olympic Studios, where Kramer engineered and produced scores of historic recordings that are now considered part of the essential classic rock canon.
HLS Channel
The HLS Channel was carefully modeled on a Helios mixing console just like the one Kramer used for sessions at Olympic Studios. (In fact, for the modeling, Waves actually managed to get their hands on the Helios from the Rolling Stones mobile truck, which was used on a slew of classic recordings during the early '70s.) In addition to modeling the Helios EQs with their sweet saturation, high-end presence and fat low-frequency boost, Waves even modeled the unique behavior, coloration and drive of the console's preamps. To top it all off, the HLS Channel features a precision-modeled VU meter that recreates the sensitivity, ballistic behavior, look and feel of the original.
PIE Compressor
The PIE Compressor was precision-modeled on a vintage Pye compressor, also exactly like the units Kramer used during sessions at Olympic Studios. A mainstay in esteemed British studios throughout the classic rock era, the original Pye processors are considered by many to be among the best buss compressors of all time. The Waves PIE plug-in features a meticulously modeled VU meter, with super-fast refresh rates, that recreates the accuracy, sensitivity and ballistic behavior of a physical analog meter.
Both plug-ins are available for Windows and Mac OS X in TDM, RTAS, Audio Suite, VST and AU effect plug-in formats. They cost $300 each or can be purchased together for $450. The TDM versions cost twice as much. The plug-ins are available at no additional charge to users of Waves Mercury V7 covered by Waves Update Plan.
