Setting MaxxBass Controls, Setting input level

Setting MaxxBass Controls

The MaxxBass systems have only a few simple controls, but establishing the proper setting is critical to achieving the desired system performance. The description included explains the operation and provides some recommendations. It is required that a few minutes of listening tests are performed to insure that the controls are set for optimum performance.

Step 1: Setting input level

Input Trim Knob

Input level should be set first. As a rule of thumb, set the input for MaxxBass 101 so that the clipping indicators light occa- sionally. MaxxBass 102 input level should be set so that its signal presence indicators light up.

The Input Trim knob only attenuates the signal and does not apply gain to it - unity gain, or 1:1 input calibration, is set when the knob is turned fully clockwise.

Step 2: Setting the MaxxBass effect

Frequency Knob

MaxxBass Frequency knob should be tuned to the specific speaker system at hand. Both MaxxBass 101 and MaxxBass 102 sup- port Frequency settings in the range of 25 to 100 Hz. As a thumb rule it is recommended to set MaxxBass Frequency to about 70-90% of the speaker cutoff. For speakers with very high cutoff of above 120Hz MaxxBass Frequency should be set at 100Hz.

As explained in the “MaxxBass Technology” section, MaxxBass removes energy residing below the (set) MaxxBass Frequency from the input signal. Thus, if MaxxBass Frequency is set too high above the speaker’s cutoff it might degrade the speaker’s response in that frequency area. It is generally best, when tuning MaxxBass Frequency, to start low and gradually raise the set- ting until the desired effect is achieved.

Table 2. Initial MaxxBass Frequency Recommendation

Product	Speaker Cutoff	MaxxBass Frequency

Large subwoofers	25-40 Hz	25-30 Hz
Small monitors	70-80 Hz	50-60 Hz
Ceiling mount speakers	80-100Hz	60-80 Hz

Intensity Knob

The MaxxBass Intensity knob should also be tuned to the specific speaker system under evaluation. MaxxBass Intensity con- trol goes from Low (counter-clockwise) to High (clockwise) on the MaxxBass systems. This knob control affects the amount of the MaxxBass effect. The Intensity knob should initially be set to the Low position and slowly raised until the optimum level of bass is achieved.

It is worthwhile to elaborate on how MaxxBass Intensity control works, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6.A illustrates the generated harmonics series at low Intensity setting, Figure 6.B illustrates a high Intensity setting. “F” is the original source frequency, f1 and higher are the generated MaxxBass harmonics. As MaxxBass Intensity is raised, the relative (to the original source frequency) level of harmonics increases and their decay rate becomes slower - more MaxxBass effect is “mixed” into the signal in a complex fashion.

MaxxBass User Guide 7

MaxxBass 102, MaxxBass 101 specifications

Waves MaxxBass is a cutting-edge audio processing technology designed to enhance the low-end presence in audio tracks without requiring excessive power or large speakers. Specifically, MaxxBass 101 and MaxxBass 102 are two distinct offerings within the MaxxBass lineup, tailored for different user needs while sharing a core set of features and technologies.

MaxxBass 101 is particularly aimed at producers and engineers who require a simple, intuitive tool for low-end enhancement. It utilizes psychoacoustic principles to create the perception of deep bass frequencies that are felt more than heard, allowing smaller speakers to reproduce bass sounds that they normally would struggle with. This is achieved through a combination of harmonic generation and filtering techniques. MaxxBass 101 allows users to define the fundamental frequency of the bass they wish to enhance, generating additional harmonics that resonate well in the mix, ensuring clarity and punch.

On the other hand, MaxxBass 102 builds upon the foundation set by its predecessor, introducing more advanced features for sophisticated users. It not only retains the intuitive interface and psychoacoustic technology of MaxxBass 101 but also incorporates multi-band processing capabilities. This means users can target and enhance multiple frequency ranges independently, allowing for greater control over the mix's overall tonal balance. The enhanced algorithms present in MaxxBass 102 allow users to achieve a richer, more dynamic low-frequency response, making it an invaluable tool for professional sound designers and audio engineers.

Both MaxxBass options come equipped with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for both novice and seasoned professionals to integrate them into their digital audio workstations. The built-in visual feedback tools, such as frequency spectrums and gain reduction meters, assist users in making adjustments that effectively enhance their audio without unwanted distortion.

Additionally, the implementation of the Waves SoundGrid technology allows for low-latency processing, making MaxxBass plugins suitable for real-time applications such as live sound engineering and broadcasting without compromising audio quality. In summary, Waves MaxxBass 101 and 102 are revolutionary tools for anyone looking to bolster their audio productions with robust low-end presence, showcasing a blend of innovative technology and user accessibility. Whether you are mixing a track, designing sound for film, or working in live performance, these plugins offer essential capabilities to elevate your audio experience.