All user reviews for the Waves NLS (Non-Linear Summing)

Waves NLS (Non-linear summer) is a suite of software plug-ins (single channel and mix buss versions) that can be used in a DAW. Waves plug-ins are easy to download and install direct from their webpage. Authorization can be completed using any USB dongle, or over the internet if you computer is online.
This plug-in was designed to simulate the sound of an analog hardware console. It adds in some specific saturation modeled after three consoles - SSL, EMI, and Neve. The software contains hundreds of modeled individual channels, as well as the mix-bus from each console. This is cool because the imperfections of analog are what given 'analog' its sound. Each channel on these desks is a little bit different - saturation and frequency response are not identical. Its great to flip through the channels to pick which one sounds best, but this can also take a long time.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Mixing with an analog console sounds a little bit different than mixing in the box (ITB) because individual channels add a little bit of pleasing distortion (harmonics) and subtle compression to an input signal. Waves NLS comes with a plug-in to add this to your individual tracks. Another thing that makes analog consoles sound unique is the mix-bus summing. This part of the console also adds a little bit of pleasing distortion, subtle compression, and possibly some changes to the stereo field.

I think the EMI console is the most dramatic because it rolls off some top end and thickens up the low end. The SSL and Neve models don't change the frequency response as much, but can add a lot of harmonic saturation to your tracks. Compared to other analog modeling software (Slate Digital VCC), I think Waves NLS can add a lot more saturation on the extreme settings. In practice, I usually only crank up the gain until I can hear a small change in the signal.

OVERALL OPINION

Waves NLS can be used to remedy the problem of digital recordings sounding sterile and lifeless. Each of the different consoles add their unique 'color' or 'flavor' to your tracks. I really like the EMI console in this plug-in because it thickens up drum tracks, and can be used to take off the harsh top-end of electric guitars. Waves NLS has some tough competition with VCC, but in reality I think they are both different and complement each other well.

Trouble-free installation, no worries bug or operation.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

On my macbook pro quad core i7 to17 no stability problems.
The plugin does not consume a lot of CPU and does not crash even pushing it to its limits.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for today and I spent my day full of test mixes with and I must say WAOUWWW!
The sound is quite a deep relief and density ever heard in my DAW!
There are 3 consoles emulated SSL, NEVE and CHANDLER.
My favorite is the NEVE but tastes and colors ....
SSL is the most transparent, chandler which brings more heat and NEVE NEVE's!
Verily I had the impression of having spent my mix in a great studio!

Against use by the beginning of the mix for good from foot if you will edit your mix because the sound will be the same.

I remake that choice without hesitation, and I recommend it to everyone!

Configuration is no problem. Mac is a standard.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

MacBook Pro and iMac equipped to music production. 4g and 8g respectively ram I intend to inflate this month because prods become increasingly important but it is already comfortable. RME fireface a 400, Apogee Duet and SSL Nucleus in addition to that. The stability of these machines is not really to prove today.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had 15 days I think ... I did not budget enough to buy a Neve 8816 and lacked a serious challenge to my small structure ... Sounds is on ... This is the right side ... The other side is that I will have to review all my mixes!
I have the one at Sonimus that sounds good and I just returned home from the Slate Digital VCC. I test as soon as I have some time.
The idea of ​​not using the iLok is interesting but frankly, 2 licenses per user, though it would have been more enjoyable. It avoids connecting computers together to transfer the license. Excuse me, the term is "comb-ass!"!
All this to say that, in my humble opinion, a serious alternative to the summation hardware and I do not know about you but since I gained confidence in my mixes and it becomes obvious now!