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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Waves Kramer HLS Channel". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the golden era of recording with the Waves Kramer HLS Channel plug-in, a meticulously crafted emulation of the iconic Helios console used in legendary sessions at London's Olympic Studios. Developed in collaboration with renowned producer/engineer Eddie Kramer, this plug-in captures the essence of '60s rock 'n' roll magic, offering a lush, vintage sound with modern precision.
Imagine dialing in the same sweet saturation and high-end presence that defined classic tracks by the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. The HLS Channel faithfully recreates the unique behavior, coloration, and drive of the Helios preamps and EQs, bringing warmth and character to your digital audio workstation. With its precision-modeled VU meter, you're not just hearing the past; you're seeing it, too.
Whether you're enhancing drum tracks or adding body to vocals, the HLS Channel's ability to deliver a fat low-frequency boost and in-the-mix presence ensures your recordings stand out. Experience the console's inherent noise and hum for unparalleled authenticity, and explore a range of tonal possibilities with both mono and stereo components. Compatible with SoundGrid systems, this plug-in is a versatile addition to any studio setup.
Key Features:
- Faithful emulation of a '60s Helios console used by Eddie Kramer
- Modeled mic and line preamp drive for authentic vintage sound
- Sweet saturation and high-end presence for rich, warm tones
- Precision-modeled VU meter replicating original sensitivity and look
- Includes analog noise and hum for added realism
- Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution
- Mono and stereo components
- SoundGrid license compatible with various platforms
Owner's manual
Waves Kramer HLS Channel User ManualProduct specs
| Software Type | Preamp/EQ |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, SoundGrid |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), 8GB RAM minimum |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher (AVX required), 8GB RAM minimum |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.15.7 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or later (21H2), 64-bit |
FAQs
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What is the Waves Kramer HLS Channel plugin used for?
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The Waves Kramer HLS Channel plugin is designed to emulate the sound of the Helios console, offering vintage-style preamp and EQ capabilities for enhancing audio tracks in a mix.
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Is the Waves Kramer HLS Channel compatible with my DAW?
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The Waves Kramer HLS Channel supports AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid formats, making it compatible with most major DAWs like Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro.
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What are the system requirements for running the Waves Kramer HLS Channel on a Mac?
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To run the Waves Kramer HLS Channel on a Mac, you'll need macOS 10.15.7 or later, an Intel Core i7 processor or higher (M1 support available), and a minimum of 8GB RAM.
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Can I use the Waves Kramer HLS Channel plugin on a Windows PC?
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Yes, the Waves Kramer HLS Channel is compatible with Windows 10 or later (21H2), requiring an Intel Core i5/AMD Quad-core or higher processor, AVX support, and at least 8GB RAM.
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What makes the Waves Kramer HLS Channel plugin unique compared to other channel strip plugins?
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The Waves Kramer HLS Channel stands out for its authentic emulation of the Helios console's vintage sound, providing a distinct tonal character and warmth that is sought after in professional audio production.
Videos
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Waves Kramer HLS Channel test.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves Kramer HLS Channel.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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Effective on bass tracks for harmonic distortion by cranking the input gain, but not a replacement for API and Neve EQs.
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Its saturation effect is appreciated for a "taming" quality but doesn't suit all applications. Can also function as a tape echo effect.
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The Waves PIE Compressor is praised for enhancing drum buss and bass, adding a desirable quality not consistently found in the Lindell 69 compressor.
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Value and pricing
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At $30, it's tempting despite mixed reviews; users compare it to plugins like Sonimus Satson and Slate VCC for console emulation.
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User experience
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Some users stop using the plugin due to non-disableable noise, despite its good sound quality.
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Comparisons
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The Waves Kramer HLS is noted for being cleaner with only one stage of waveshaping, whereas the Lindell allows for EQ distortion and has a more vibey character.
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The UAD Helios emulation is preferred for simplicity and close hardware emulation, offering EQ distortion and some output character absent in the Waves.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
787
Love this for mids!
Kramer HLS has just the right frequency adjustments to add just the right amount of lows or highs. But I especially love what it does for mids. As long as I don't go too crazy, the HLS can add some clarity and bite in the mids for that extra bit of love.
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves Kramer HLS Channel, it is most commonly used with the following gear.