Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer Plug-in Reviews
Capturing the sound of three legendary consoles, Waves' NLS non-linear summing plug-in lets you easily and effectively add warmth, depth, and dimension to your DAW. This single amazing plug-in gives you the spot-on sound of three world-famous consoles. Inside NLS, you'll find Spike Stent's magical SSL 4000 G, Mike Hedges's unique EMI TG12345 Mk IV (the same one used on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon), and Yoad Nevo's customized Neve 5116. Complete with over 100 individual channel models and three exquisitely detailed buss models, Waves' NLS non-linear summing plug-in makes adding color, character, and polish to your tracks easy.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Just Awesome
Huge difference maker if you're seeking to go from the "good project studio recording" sound to the "Big Studio Master Recording" sound. I already had good sounding tracks with vintage emulation plug-ins, but the difference the NLS makes is unmistakable. Be sure to try out all 3 beautiful consoles (and a few different modeled channels which do vary) to find the magic. I haven't felt the need to put it on the Master Bus yet because of the awesomeness of the drum, vocal and guitar busses. It's pretty smokin' on bass and keys as well. It's difficult to overstate just how great this plug-in really is if you're starting with good sounds and a good mix. Try it on a mix that you think can't be improved upon and prepare to be impressed ! Also, Brendan "B-Murf" Murphy knows all, tells all, sells all.
Analog warmth
Simple but effective plugin that adds a touch of analog warmth to tracks and mixbus.
It's what was missing
I just put one on every channel and it gives me the sound I want from the center section of a console. There are decent choices, all 3 sound amazing and natural. When we paired it with the SSL Bus Compressor and the CLA MixHub, its true value became apparent. The real consoles which the plugs emulate all have channel strips and bus comps, so we felt it to be a more fair comparison to at least include the bus comp. The SSL comp blew us away as much as the NLS, but all 3 together are just out of this world. It got as close as possible to creating a virtual 64x8 console with VCA groups, compared to a real one it was dirt cheap and it works perfectly. The sound is sublime, for a plug it's incredible.
Still, the best compliment I can give it is this: I find myself using much less other processing. I actually started disabling plugs (mostly EQ and compressors) on many of our recordings, and I don't feel like I'm searching for some kind of Holy Grail that can make my DAW sound like a real desk anymore, as in expensive summing mixers or going back through the tube gear (and more A/D converters). It made everything sound cohesive, like it all came from the same environment if not the same session whether it did or not. Awesome, best plug set we ever bought.
Waves NLS plugin
Downloaded the Waves NLS plugin, very simple process to download
from Sweetwater & have been testing it out.
Great initial results, intuitive operation & easy to use, sounds great...
Thanx Sweetwater for great product & great price,
you guys rock!!!!
Mark
Ive never been so satisfied with a plugin!
First off let me just start by saying I've worked in multiple studios. One being "the mix palace". I've worked for multiple concert halls such as Jones beach and revolution. When I worked at the mix palace I used a ssl board every day. I used strictly analog gear. About a month ago I bought a pultech and I about api 550 a and b. But yesterday I bought this because I saw all these great reviews with it. All I can say is watch the tutorial and you will make the most lively and clear mixes of your life. I cannot believe the accurate analog sound and warmth replication that this plugin can by. I have worked about 18 hours straight with since I got it. I can't put it down. This beast is absolutely amazing. Would recommend to anyone who wants there mix to be alive and clear and be not just heard. But felt.
First Plugin on Every Track
This plugin provides great analog sounds. I use it as the first plugin on every track in Pro Tools and use the gain boost and mic switch control to dial in a wide array of tones. You can immediately here the difference after adding this to vocals, guitar, bass, drums, or an entire mix.
Use It As First Plugin On Every Track
This plugin provides great analog sounds and the channel and bus plugin varieties are great. I use it as the first plugin on every track in Pro Tools, and run everything through it for an overall analog sound. You can immediately here the difference in the sound after adding this. Gain and mic output controls
Analog Warmth
Provides good analog sound. Different consoles work for different sounds and all improve tone.
My Favorite Plug In
I love this plug in. It is definitely like having a mixing console right at home. I put in on every track and the mix buss. Instantly it opens up the mix and gives it that analog feel. If you can't afford those expensive $3000.00 mixing boards and want something similar this it. Trust Me...
You Can't Go Wrong
To put it simply, you really just can't go wrong with this plug in. Personally, I use the SSL emulation for punchy tracks, and the NEVE for some added color, while the EMI is perfect for warmth. It adds the perfect amount of color and gain to really help pull things to the front of a mix. For a while, I stuggled to make mixes sound bigger when I was working in the box, but the the Waves NLS it has more of a big console sound. Whether you use it on a bus, individual channels, every channel, or whatever else you choose to do, you simply can't go wrong with it.
Great Plugin!
Closes thing I'll get to one of the real consoles (SSL, EMI, Neve). Thirty-two channels to choose from and each one is slightly different sound than the other as the real consoles. Good on your CPU.
Waves NLS
The ONLY reason i gave this a 4.5 is because you have to turn a knob... otherwise its the ever-popular Awesome button! i use Dangerous summing and NLS to get a comfortably OUT OF THE BOX feel/sound thats hard to get in this price range. Way to go Waves and thanks again to the Sweetwater staff! (thats you Jason)
waves NLS
really good plugin makes your tracks sound bigger an well define.