In association with producer / engineer Eddie Kramer, Waves Audio has released two new plugins: HLS Channel and PIE Compressor. The newbies are based on the vintage Helios console channel and Pye compressor from the recording chain at London's Olympic Studios.

The HLS Channel (Mac / Win) was modeled on a Helios mixing console just like the one Kramer used for sessions at Olympic Studios. All of the console's signature sounds have been re-created in the HLS Channel, such as the Helios EQs' saturation, high-end presence, and low-frequency boost, as well as its preamps' unique behavior, coloration, and drive. What's more, the HLS Channel features a precision-modeled VU meter that has the same sensitivity, behavior, look, and feel of the original.

Similarly, the PIE Compressor (Mac / Win) was precision-modeled on a vintage Pye compressor exactly like the units Kramer used during sessions at Olympic Studios. As Waves notes, the original Pye processors are considered by many to be among the best buss compressors of all time. The PIE plugin features a modeled VU meter with fast refresh rates, and a true re-creation of the physical analog meter's accuracy, sensitivity, and ballistic behavior.

Both plugins are now available in TDM, RTAS, Audio Suite, VST, and Audio Units formats, for $300 each or together for $450. The TDM versions are double the price, and for users of Waves Mercury V7 covered by Waves Update Plan, both the HLS Channel and PIE Compressor are available for free.