Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer

What Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer Is For

Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer is a virtual analog summing plugin designed to give your sessions an immediate "console" character: glue sensation, density, coherence, and harmonic complexity. It is used in mixing (and pre-mix) to add color to individual tracks (drums, vocals, guitars, synths) and buses (drum bus, music bus, master bus), with a very musical approach that goes beyond simple digital summing.

Main Features

Realistic summing through Channel + Bus interaction

NLS is based on a key principle: the color does not come solely from an isolated "channel," but also from how audio paths combine at the summing stage. The NLS Channel module replicates the behavior of channel preamps, while NLS Bus models the bus amplifiers. By combining them, you get a more credible and lively signature, with that famous mix effect that "breathes" and gains depth.

Three console signatures, freely mixable

Depending on the desired aesthetic, you can choose one of the three consoles and even mix consoles within the same project: one color on drum mics, another on guitars, another on vocals or keyboards. Unlike hardware, NLS allows assigning any console to any channel or bus, making it a very flexible tool to sculpt the sonic identity of a mix.

Channel variations and saturation control

Each console has been modeled on 32 individual channels to preserve small behavioral differences between channels, essential to regain the feel of a real console. The Drive control allows adjusting harmonic distortion, from subtle wear to more pronounced saturation. You can also select a cleaner line in input for clarity, or push an input inspired by the mic preamp to thicken and emphasize the grain.

Groups, VCA, and automation: a true console workflow

To keep a mix clear, the interface allows grouping your instances into 8 groups and applying global settings with a single gesture. NLS also includes automatable VCA groups: handy for controlling instrument families like on a console, even if your DAW doesn't natively offer this type of control. Ideal for clean level rides, chorus builds, or quick balance adjustments.

Analog hiss (optional) for more authenticity

To push realism further, NLS can add (or not) a light modeled hiss. This way, you keep the choice between faithful analog behavior reproduction and a completely silent approach depending on the musical style, track dynamics, and mastering constraints.

Technical specifications

Type

Full software

Downloadable

Yes

Mac

macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14

Windows

Windows 10 64 bit, Windows 11