DIRECT SIGNAL

Please Note: The Direct signal is not the dry signal! The dry signal is the input signal to the plug-in.

The Direct signal is the direct arrival of the sound source to the listener, traveling the shortest straight-line path between them. The Direct signal is the signal that was directly emitted from the speaker and recorded by the microphone. It is the input signal convolved with the first reflection in the IR. The direct signal differs from the Dry signal (that is, the unprocessed input to the IR-1) since it includes the effects of air damping in the original room and the transfer function of speakers and microphones used. For purist simulation of the sampled acoustics, you should turn the Direct On, and set the Wet control to fully wet.

Since most of the time you will be using it as a reverb, the default setting of the IR- series has the Direct signal Off. The idea is that in a reverb, it is more likely to use the Dry signal rather than the Direct, especially when working in send mode. The Direct is not the Reverb and therefore it is Off by default.

Note that IRs that are sampled from Reverb devices at 100% wet do not have a direct signal. The IR-series is programmed to auto detect if a direct signal is available or not. If the imported IR has no direct signal, then the direct signal On/Off control will be disabled.

In some cases, when importing an IR that doesn’t have a direct signal, the IR-1may mistake the first Early Reflection as a direct signal. In this event, the direct On/Off will be enabled and should be turned On. Otherwise, you may loose the first Early Reflection of your IR.

If you reduce the “Direct Gain” to “Off”, it will only attenuate that parameter of the IR. However, if you switch the Direct to “Off” by using its “On/Off” button, the Direct will be completely cut from the beginning of the IR and the whole IR will be shortened and re- aligned so that the wet signal is aligned with the latency (the IR will start with the true direct arrival time). This enables the user to delete any unnatural pre-delay caused by the pre-roll of the impulse response.

EARLY REFLECTIONS

The early reflections start at the first reflection after the Direct, and extend several tens of milliseconds. They maintain their discrete echo sound. The IR-1separates them by analysis of the IR and you can still move the ER/Tail separation point using the ER/TR- X control. Early reflections are mostly responsible for a natural-sounding room and the perception of localization and distance.

Waves IR-1 software guide page 24 of 40

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Waves IR-L, IR-360, IR-1 manual Direct Signal
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IR-360, IR-L, IR-1 specifications

Waves is a trusted name in the audio processing industry, and its range of plugins has consistently set the standard for professional audio production. Among its extensive lineup, the Waves IR-1, IR-L, and IR-360 are renowned for their advanced convolution reverb capabilities, delivering studio-quality reverb effects that enhance any sound environment.

The Waves IR-1 is a high-quality convolution reverb plugin that offers exceptional sound quality and versatility. Featuring a wide array of impulse responses derived from actual acoustic spaces, the IR-1 allows users to recreate the sound of various environments, from lush concert halls to intimate rooms. One of its standout features is the ability to manipulate the reverb tail, making it possible to fine-tune the duration and character of the effect. The IR-1 also includes controls for early reflections, damping, and pre-delay, enabling users to craft a reverb that perfectly complements their mix.

The Waves IR-L is a more streamlined version of the IR-1, designed for professionals who demand high-quality reverb but prefer a simplified interface. While it retains the core convolution technology and impulse response library of the IR-1, the IR-L focuses on ease of use, allowing for quick adjustments without sacrificing sound quality. One innovative feature is its “scalable” plugin structure, which lets users modify the plugin interface size based on their screen space. This makes IR-L ideal for both studio work and live sound applications.

Waves IR-360 is designed for immersive audio and 3D sound environments. By providing surround sound capabilities, it enables users to place sounds in a 360-degree space, making it ideal for film scoring and virtual reality audio. Like its predecessors, the IR-360 includes a rich selection of impulse responses, but it also integrates features tailored for spatial audio creation. This includes customizable parameters for azimuth and elevation, allowing precise control over sound placement in three-dimensional space. Additionally, the IR-360 supports various surround formats, making it versatile for multiple audio production contexts.

In summary, Waves IR-1, IR-L, and IR-360 offer powerful and innovative convolution reverb solutions, each designed with specific user needs in mind. With their advanced capabilities, extensive impulse response libraries, and user-friendly interfaces, these plugins cater to a wide range of audio production applications, setting new standards in reverb technology. Whether for music production, post-production, or immersive audio experiences, these tools are essential for achieving high-quality soundscapes.
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