Waves Kramer HLS Channel: Channel Strip Plugin

The Helios console at London’s Olympic Studios was famous for fat bass sweet saturation and high-end presence. Working in close collaboration with legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin Jimi Hendrix Rolling Stones) HLS Channel models the Helios down to the last detail. Whether used on individual tracks buses or masters HLS Channel captures the sparkling quality of the Helios’ world-class EQ and the behavior coloration and drive of its unique preamps.

Modeled from an Authentic Original

So many of the original Helios channel strips have been modified over the years so we went to the source: Eddie Kramer’s extensive research led us to the console that best characterized the sound he obtained on classic rock recordings—most recently used in the legendary Rolling Stones Mobile Studio.

Enchanting Helios Equalization

Helios Channel’s EQ has the uncanny ability to seemingly make anything that goes through it sound better. This wasn’t just because of the circuitry but the intelligent choices made regarding frequencies and boost/cut options.

Sweet Analog Preamp Color

Reproduce the authentic color and harmonic distortion of the original preamps. Plus as an option add analog noise and 50/60 Hz hum to get the full original analog character—or turn them off to bring Helios Channel into a pristine new world.

Marvelous Midrange

The midrange is the most crucial part of the Helios EQ. With 8 carefully chosen center frequencies gain adjustment control and choice of boost or cut HLS Channel delivers true tonal tailoring for individual instruments.

Detailed Bass Control

The clever bass parameter design makes it easy to control the low end. Boost at 4 critical frequencies (60 120 250 400 Hz) or cut 50 Hz by 3 to 15 dB—essential when mastering for vinyl.

A Breath of Fresh Air

The secret weapon for many engineers is adding a boost at 10 kHz to give air definition and brightness. The Helios Channel’s 10 kHz boost (up to 12 dB) is unusually sweet—or cut highs for sounds that are overly bright.

Features:

• Captures the console used by Zep Bowie Hendrix Marley
• Developed with legendary producer Eddie Kramer
• Optionally adds historically accurate noise and hum
• Meticulously models the Helios’ EQ and mic/line preamp drive
• The 3-band EQ’s design assists in dialing up the right sound quickly
• Preamp modeling provides variable harmonic distortion

Requirements:

Platform	CPU	RAM	Disk	Notes	Additional Requirement	Audio Card	Ports	Internet Required	32 Bit Support	64 Bit Support	Plugins
mac	Intel or Silicon Architecture	8	16		Minimum: 1024x768 Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024 USB displays are not supported as the primary display.			0	0	0
windows	X64 compatible Intel or AMD CPU	8	16		Minimum: 1024x768 Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024			0	0	0