Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unlock the warmth and character of legendary analog consoles right within your DAW with the Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer. This innovative plugin captures the essence of three iconic mixing desks: Spike Stent's SSL 4000 G, Mike Hedges's EMI TG12345 Mk IV, and Yoad Nevo's customized Neve 5116. Each console has been meticulously modeled to deliver a diverse range of sonic textures, allowing you to infuse your digital mixes with a rich, analog vibe.

With over 100 individually modeled channels and three detailed buss models, the NLS Non-Linear Summer offers an unparalleled depth of sound customization. Whether you're crafting the dynamic punch of rock or the smooth warmth of jazz, this plugin suite provides the tools to achieve your ideal sound palette. The NLS suite features two distinct components: the channel plugin and the summing buss amplifier model, which work in harmony to offer incredible sound-shaping flexibility. Mix and match channels from different consoles, utilize VCA grouping, and explore the unique saturation and harmonics that these legendary consoles are known for.

Incorporating the NLS Non-Linear Summer into your workflow means embracing a new level of creative control. Whether you're looking to replicate the authentic noise of vintage gear or simply seeking to add a touch of analog warmth, this plugin delivers with precision and ease. Perfect for producers and musicians alike, this is your chance to bring a slice of studio history into your modern production setup.

Key Features:

  • Emulates the sound of three legendary consoles: SSL 4000 G, EMI TG12345 Mk IV, and Neve 5116
  • Over 100 unique channel and summing amp models
  • Two plugin components: channel and buss models
  • VCA grouping with up to 8 groups
  • Switchable console noise and mic input simulation
  • Stereo and dual mono formats available
  • Drive and trim controls for precise gain adjustment
  • Peak and dBFS meter displays for accurate monitoring

Owner's manual

Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer User Manual

Product specs

Software Type Summing/Console Emulation
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 consoles does the Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer emulate?

The Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer emulates three legendary consoles, including a solid-state console, vintage British tubes, and the console used to record iconic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon.

Is the Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer compatible with my DAW?

The Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer is compatible with DAWs that support AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid formats, making it versatile for most modern production setups.

What are the system requirements for running Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer on a Mac?

To run Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer on a Mac, you'll need macOS 10.15.7 or later, an Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), and at least 8GB of RAM.

Can Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer be used on Windows PCs?

Yes, Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer is compatible with Windows 10 or later (21H2), requiring an Intel Core i5 or AMD Quad-core processor with AVX support and a minimum of 8GB RAM.

How does Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer enhance my audio mixes?

Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer adds analog warmth and character to your mixes by emulating the non-linear summing of classic analog consoles, providing a rich and dynamic sound.

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Getting Started with Waves NLS: In-Depth Tutorial

Video thumbnail for Getting Started with Waves NLS: In-Depth Tutorial by Waves Audio

Getting Started with Waves NLS: In-Depth Tutorial

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Analog Summing with Waves NLS by Waves Audio

Analog Summing with Waves NLS

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Joe West in the Studio with Waves NLS by Waves Audio

Joe West in the Studio with Waves NLS

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Review of Waves NLS by Production Expert

Review of Waves NLS

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Waves NLS - How to Set Up NLS by Warrior Sound - Unders

Waves NLS - How to Set Up NLS

Warrior Sound - Unders

Warrior Sound - Unders

Video thumbnail for How To Get A More Analog Sound At Home by Help Me Devvon

How To Get A More Analog Sound At Home

Help Me Devvon

Help Me Devvon

Video thumbnail for Sneaky Low End Tricks Pro Mixers Use To Hook You by Plugin Alley

Sneaky Low End Tricks Pro Mixers Use To Hook You

Plugin Alley

Plugin Alley

Video thumbnail for How we optimize the levels of Waves NLS Non Linear Summer by Andrei Martinez Agras

How we optimize the levels of Waves NLS Non Linear Summer

Andrei Martinez Agras

Andrei Martinez Agras

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds analog warmth and depth to digital mixes

  • Versatile with subtle and saturated effects

  • Enhances mixes to sound more cohesive and professional

  • Offers three beautifully modeled console options

  • Creates impressive harmonic distortion and wide stereo imaging

  • Easy on CPU, allowing use on every channel

  • Simple and intuitive operation

  • Effective in emulating vintage preamp sound

  • Reduces the need for additional processing plugins

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer.

Features and functionality

  • The EV2's analog button creates harmonics similar to NLS, but at a lower level, offering a quieter harmonic addition.

    Source
  • NLS samples 32 channels from SSL, EMI, and Neve consoles in various states, offering saturation, phase imbalances, and tonal balance alteration per channel.

    Source
  • NLS lacks an input gain control and VU meter; users often place it after plugins like Scheps Omni Channel for initial gain staging.

    Source
  • The plugin can serve dual purposes, such as a subtle glue for mixes or as a distortion effect on vocals when using the mic button.

    Source

Comparisons

  • EV2 and NLS harmonics are similar in nature but differ in levels, with EV2 being quieter, which might suit those seeking subtle harmonic enhancement.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • NLS aims to make each channel sound slightly different, unlike EV2, which lacks this feature when used alone.

    Source
  • Applying NLS to a mono mix can introduce phase shift, enhancing perceived width, especially noticeable with the "MIKE" (EMI) setting.

    Source
  • NLS adjusts tonal balance to emphasize low frequencies, beneficial for mixes lacking low end, especially using the "MIKE" setting.

    Source
  • The "Spike" setting on the SSL console is favored for adding crunch to mixes, especially for transient-heavy tracks like drums.

    Source
  • The "Nevo" setting provides a transient smear and transformer-like "oomph," which can enhance recordings not originally made with a console.

    Source
  • The "Mike" console can be used with a high shelf EQ after it to restore clarity, effectively enhancing low-end thickness without losing high-end detail.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Combining EV2 and NLS can increase CPU load; disabling EV2's preamps can help manage this.

    Source
  • Reaper and ProTools can auto-increment NLS presets across tracks, simplifying channel differentiation and console selection.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find NLS's effects too subtle, preferring SSL Native Channel 2 and X-Saturator for more noticeable sound differences.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Waves NLS

soundonsound.com

Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer is a potent tonal-shaping tool that breathes analogue warmth into digital mixes. It excels in emulating the character of iconic consoles, making in-the-box mixing more engaging and rewarding. However, it falls short of true analogue emulation by not modeling crosstalk, and it easily distorts if levels aren't properly managed. Despite these drawbacks, the variety of console sounds it offers can enrich a mix, particularly in the mid-range. Overall, Waves NLS adds a compelling analogue feel to digital productions, though discerning users might miss the cohesive 'glue' of real analogue summing.

positive

Waves NLS review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer is a triumph in digital emulation, providing users with a robust plug-in that accurately captures the warmth and complexity of classic analogue consoles. The detailed modeling of three iconic British desks—each with its distinctive sound—offers a range of tones from subtle to extreme, satisfying those seeking that elusive analogue depth. The absence of notable drawbacks further cements its status as a top-tier choice for producers looking to enhance their mixes with authentic harmonic richness and sonic glue, making it a must-have for any serious digital audio workstation setup.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chokaprod

Love it

To emulate the sound of analog console, SSL, EMI, Neve, Beautiful harmonic distortion, wide stereo image, I use it on the master and on almost every track.

ecco_aqua

strange plugin but great sound

I dont know how to describe the way this plugin sounds but it adds something subtle to tracks that always seems to help. the overdrive section alone sounds really great for a plugin.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tycho uses Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via XLR8R

"I'll wrap it up with some precision EQ, PSP Neon usually, and some transparent compression via the Slate VBC stuff. After that, I run it through the Waves NLS to emulate a console channel and give it some final drive."

See how Markus Schulz uses Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer

Markus Schulz

Music Producer

Sipping Soma

...
Verified via YouTube

Markus Schulz can be seen using the Waves NLS Non Linear Summer at 4:14 into his Producer Masterclass with Computer Music Magazine.

See how Ken Andrews uses Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer

Ken Andrews

Singer, Guitarist

Failure

...
Verified via Soundonsound

I have the NLS [plug-in] on a Spike Stent SSL setting, the Waves SSL G master bus compressor, and the Waves H-EQ. It is my favourite EQ, but it's a bit of a processor hog, so I tend not to use it on individual tracks too much.

See how Dave Clarke uses Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer

Dave Clarke

Music Producer

Hothouse Flowers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Dave Clarke explains how he used Waves NLS when it was first released. He emphasized the importance of having fun and being free in his music production: "I thought it would be kinda fun to have the NLS... I used the Mike one... make it complicated if necessary, but just let your mind be free" at 5:46 in the video.

See how Tip D'Oris uses Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer

Tip D'Oris

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Tip D'Oris uses the Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer plugin, as shown in a post on their Instagram account.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer, curated by the Equipboard community.

Sonimus Satson

 

similar sound cheaper alternative
Sonimus Britson

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

More Waves Utility Plugins

Waves Nx

$33.00 - $35.99

# 10

Rank

Devin Townsend Jordan Rudess
2 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    gchiaren
    gchiaren

    Gear IQ 37538