Waves Kramer PIE Compressor

Kramer PIE Compressor

Models the Pye compressor used at Olympic Studios

Incomparable Bus Compressor of the Classic Rock Era

Based on pulse-width modulation (PWM) technology, the Pye compressor’s speed, transparency, and low distortion set it apart from other compressor types. Known especially as a bus compressor for drums, backing vocals, and masters, classic studio engineers admired the Pye’s dazzling character.

No one knows the Pye compressor better than legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones). Designed with Eddie himself, Kramer PIE captures what made the Pye truly special.

• Models the Pye compressor from London’s famed Olympic Studios
• Developed with studio legend Eddie Kramer (Zeppelin, Hendrix)
• Outstanding bus compression for drums and backing vocals
• Also ideal for transparent compression on lead vocals, bass
• Intuitive Threshold, Ratio, Decay controls for easy adjustment
• Ideal attack characteristics don’t require an attack control
• Add optional analog noise and hum for original analog behavior
• Pair with Kramer HLS to replicate the Olympic Studios signal chain

Transparent Compression—from Gentle to Powerful

A Different Compression Technology

The Pye compressor used pulse-width modulation to control gain, not opto, FET, VCA, or other common gain-control elements. This is the secret to Kramer PIE’s fast, transparent, low-distortion compression.

Simple Controls : Instant Gratification

Kramer PIE is one of those plugins that “just works.” With its simplified control set, choose the compressor ratio or limiting, set the threshold and decay—then enjoy the standout compression character.

More than Bus Compression

Although the Pye compressor was best known for bus compression—whether drums, background vocals, or masters—it’s also a transparent compressor for any audio sources, especially vocals and bass.

Ideal Complement to Kramer HLS

At Olympic Studios, the Pye compressor was part of the signal chain with the Helios console channel strip. The Kramer PIE and HLS work together in the same synergistic fashion, to give that same vintage sound.