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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 Manual

Product 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

What is the Waves Kramer HLS Channel plugin used for?

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.

Is the Waves Kramer HLS Channel compatible with my DAW?

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.

What are the system requirements for running the Waves Kramer HLS Channel on a Mac?

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.

Can I use the Waves Kramer HLS Channel plugin on a Windows PC?

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.

What makes the Waves Kramer HLS Channel plugin unique compared to other channel strip plugins?

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.

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Waves Kramer HLS Channel test.

Video thumbnail for Waves Kramer HLS Channel test. by SSL9000Down

Waves Kramer HLS Channel test.

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Video thumbnail for Waves Kramer HLS Channel - Plugin Review - HomeRecordingMadeEasy.com by Home Recording Made Easy

Waves Kramer HLS Channel - Plugin Review - HomeRecordingMadeEasy.com

Home Recording Made Easy

Home Recording Made Easy

Video thumbnail for Limited Time FREE VST Plugin by Waves Audio - Kramer HLS Channel - Review & Demo by Amner Hunter

Limited Time FREE VST Plugin by Waves Audio - Kramer HLS Channel - Review & Demo

Amner Hunter

Amner Hunter

Video thumbnail for FREE (Limited Time) Console Emulation Vst Plugin by Waves Audio - Kramer HLS Channel - Review & Demo by Amner Hunter

FREE (Limited Time) Console Emulation Vst Plugin by Waves Audio - Kramer HLS Channel - Review & Demo

Amner Hunter

Amner Hunter

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

  • The plugin's hum can be disabled, but noise has a normal/low switch, offering limited control over background sounds.

    Source
  • The Waves Kramer HLS provides single-stage waveshaping at the preamp for distortion, but doesn't allow for EQ distortion, unlike Lindell.

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Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

  • At $30, it's tempting despite mixed reviews; users compare it to plugins like Sonimus Satson and Slate VCC for console emulation.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users stop using the plugin due to non-disableable noise, despite its good sound quality.

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Comparisons

  • 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

Waves Kramer HLS & PIE

soundonsound.com

Waves' Kramer HLS Channel is a vibrant homage to vintage gear, capturing the rock & roll essence with its larger-than-life EQ and a gritty preamp that shines on guitars. While the emulation's authenticity might require noise reduction tools, its character is unmistakable, especially when enhancing acoustic guitars or electric elements. However, the installation process is cumbersome for those with older Waves versions, posing a barrier to potential users. Despite this, its sound quality and distinctiveness make it a worthy addition for those seeking vintage vibes in their mixes.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

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liam_phillips

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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See how Virtual Riot uses Waves Kramer HLS Channel

Virtual Riot

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 9:57 of a recording of one of Virtual Riot's livestreams, Waves Kramer HLS Channel can be seen in the list of effects on the left of the screen.

Genre 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.

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