NLS Non-Linear Summer by Waves summing plugin interface

NLS Non-Linear Summer: Analog Console Summing Plugin by Waves

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (12 ratings)

NLS Non-Linear Summer is a Waves studio utility plugin that models analog console summing, including how the summing bus and channel preamps interact. It is available as VST2, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS.

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01Overview

NLS Non-Linear Summer focuses on the mixing stage rather than the instrument stage. Waves says the plugin captures the color of three classic analog consoles, which it describes as rich and harmonically complex. Each channel can run a different console, and the interface groups global controls logically. Harmonic distortion is adjustable with a Drive control, and modeled preamp hiss can be added or left out. It works in VST2, AU and AAX hosts.

Best for

Mix bus coloring
Summing console emulation
Drum bus saturation
Vocal channel color
Multi-console mixing

Developer: Waves
Category: Utilities
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Models how the summing bus and channel preamps interact
Models 96 channels including every input and summing bus amp
Mix and match different consoles on different channels
Harmonic distortion control with a Drive knob
Optional modeled preamp hiss, can be added or left out
Choice of clean line-in or colored mic preamp input
Logically grouped interface for global adjustments
VCA groups that control NLS or act as standard VCA channels

03In depth

Console Modeling and Summing Color

Waves says NLS models how the summing bus and channel preamps interact, rather than treating summing as a simple sum of signals. The developer describes the plugin as covering 96 channels, including every input and summing bus amp.

You can mix and match different consoles on different channels, so one session can combine the character of several desks. Drive adds harmonic distortion, and the optional preamp hiss is modeled to be accurate, so it can be left off entirely when a clean sound is needed.

Input Choices and Mix Control

NLS offers a choice between a "line in" path for clarity and a mic preamp-based input that can be pushed harder for a more colored result. This lets you set the amount of grit at the point where a signal enters the summing stage.

The interface groups global controls in a logical layout. VCA groups control NLS and can also serve as standard VCA channels, which helps when you want to ride a section of a mix as a single unit.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Waves
Type	Plugin
Category	Utility
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does NLS Non-Linear Summer support?

NLS Non-Linear Summer is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What are the system requirements for NLS Non-Linear Summer?

On Mac, it supports macOS Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14 and Sequoia 15 in VST, AU and AAX. On PC, it requires Windows 10 or later in VST and AAX.