Kramer PIE Compressor by Waves plugin interface

Kramer PIE Compressor: Pye-Inspired Bus Compressor by Waves

Kramer PIE Compressor is a Waves audio plugin that models the Pye compressor from London's Olympic Studios, developed with engineer Eddie Kramer. It is designed for bus compression on drums and backing vocals.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

Kramer PIE Compressor is an effects plugin from Waves in the compressor category. It models the Pye compressor associated with London's Olympic Studios and was developed with studio engineer Eddie Kramer, whose credits include Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. The developer describes the Pye as a speed-focused, low-distortion design, and positions PIE as a tool for classic bus compression on drums and backing vocals. It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

Best for

Drum bus compression
Backing vocal bus
Lead vocal control
Bass compression
Classic rock mixing

Developer: Waves
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Models the Pye compressor from London's Olympic Studios
Developed with Eddie Kramer, known for Led Zeppelin and Hendrix
Bus compression for drums and backing vocals
Transparent compression option for lead vocals and bass
Threshold, Ratio and Decay controls
No attack control; attack characteristics are built in
Optional analog noise and hum for vintage behavior
Pairs with Kramer HLS for the Olympic signal chain

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Pye Model

Waves presents the Pye compressor as a bus compressor with a distinctive character, based on pulse-width modulation technology. The developer says the design combines fast response with low distortion, which is why it was often used on drum and backing vocal groups in classic studio sessions.

Kramer PIE focuses on the bus-compression use case. It is also positioned for transparent compression on lead vocals and bass, where the goal is control rather than obvious coloration.

Controls and Workflow

The plugin uses Threshold, Ratio and Decay controls, which the developer presents as straightforward to adjust. The attack is handled by the design itself, so there is no attack control to set.

An optional analog noise and hum setting can be added for a more original analog feel. Waves also notes that pairing PIE with Kramer HLS recreates the Olympic Studios signal chain.

04Specs