PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Neilson/Clyne
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WAVES MAXXBCL UNIT OFFERS UNIQUE
BASS ENHANCEMENT, DYNAMICS CONTROL, FORMAT CONVERSION FOR BROADCASTERS
— Patented algorithm enhances bass for small speakers; Waves’
warm compression, transparent L2 limiting and premier format conversion
included —
NAB CONVENTION, LAS VEGAS, NV, April 18, 2005 — Waves, the
international leader in software and hardware based audio DSP, has announced
the release of MaxxBCL, a new unit that offers Waves’ unique bass
enhancement, dynamics processing, and format conversion in a hardware
unit appropriate for the broadcast market for the first time.
MaxxBCL incorporates a set of Waves’ digital processors
in a sturdy 2U rack-mount configuration to bring a range of benefits
to broadcast production and transmission. Waves MaxxBCL helps broadcasters
achieve deep bass that sounds impressive even on portable radio, earbuds,
and smaller TVs and car radio systems. The MaxxBCL maximizes average
levels for greater punch and provides level control and normalization
that is ideal for all broadcast audio, including ISDN and studio/transmitter
links, and for creating internet broadcast streams at maximum quality.
Three of Waves’ well-known audio processors are
featured in MaxxBCL: the MaxxBass enhancer (which features a second-generation
algorithm used in the company’s Renaissance Bass); the Renaissance
Compressor; and the L2 Ultramaximizer limiter. All processing is performed
in a 48-bit end-to-end path.
MaxxBass uses psychoacoustic principles to generate harmonics
that add bass sound without adding bass frequencies, allowing listeners
to hear bass as much as two octaves lower than physically present. The
dynamics of the original bass are duplicated in these harmonics, resulting
in a very natural-sounding bass enhancement. Because MaxxBass can actually
reduce low-frequency content while increasing bass sound, MaxxBass delivers
smooth, rich bass even to listeners on systems with limited bass response
such as in-ear headphones, “boomboxes” and small in-car
systems. The harmonic content can be mixed in at any ratio to produce
the right combination of fundamental and harmonic bass to suit any program
content, speech or music.
The Renaissance Compressor provides the classic sound
of analog compression, adding warmth and control. Two compression modes
are offered: ‘Opto’, which models a vintage optically driven
compression system; and ‘Electro’, a modern-sounding compressor
implementation. Full control of threshold, ratio and attack are included,
along with Waves’ ARC™ (Automatic Release Control) that
tailors the release time to the input signal, reacting in a way similar
to the human ear, and dramatically increasing overall RMS level without
sacrificing clarity or introducing artifacts — which means a more
impressive sound, along with maximization of modulation and perceived
broadcast quality.
The L2 Ultramaximizer limiter, heard on countless hit
recordings and soundtracks, has a very fast overshoot-free response
that puts the sound up-front with astonishing transparency. The brick
wall limiting allows users to set the actual peak level output desired
and then set the threshold to make limiting and level rescaling a one-shot
process. The L2 significantly increases the average signal level —
and thus the perceived loudness, without introducing distortion or side
effects. It can also be used in production suites like a vintage limiter
for deliberate ‘pumping’ or limited dynamic range effects,
and it’s perfect for standardizing the level of a broadcaster’s
transmitter or internet radio feed.
MaxxBCL features analog (both balanced and unbalanced)
and digital inputs and outputs, the latter including both AES-EBU and
S/PDIF capabilities at sample rates up to 96 kHz, allowing flexible
analog and digital format conversion at the highest possible quality.
Independent input and output level matching is provided in six steps
from 9 to 24 dBu, with 12 additional 1 dB steps of level trim per channel
available on the front panel. The input trim rotary switch is based
on 1% resistor networks. Transformer-coupled analog I/O (with Jensen
transformers on the input) is provided and the unit features a dynamic
range of 125 dB. Post-requantization processing is supplied by Waves’
IDR (Increased Digital Resolution) dither system, which includes 9th
order noise shaping to minimize audible noise while dithering to 16-
or 24-bit output. The unit features a backlit panel and precision metering.
MaxxBCL is an all-in-one broadcast processor, with the
ability to dramatically improve a station’s bass sound, produce
maximum RMS modulation and a louder, better-controlled, higher-quality
overall transmission. MaxxBCL is also ideal for front-ending codecs,
loading automation and audio server storage systems, normalizing levels
and maximizing punch and loudness.
As pre-processing for internet media streams, MaxxBCL
can be used as a ‘set and forget’ unit which will deliver
the best possible sound out of perceptual coding schemes along with
maximum perceived loudness and clarity. Waves MaxxBCL is now available
with a U.S. MSRP of $3200.
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About Waves Ltd.:
Waves is a leading provider of audio DSP solutions for professional,
broadcast, and consumer electronics audio markets. Waves has ten years
of expertise in the development of psycho-acoustic signal processing
algorithms that leverage knowledge on the human perception of hearing
to radically improve perceived sound quality. Waves’ award-winning
processors are utilized to improve sound quality in the creation of
the world’s most popular music, movie soundtracks, and multimedia
titles. Waves offers computer software solutions and hardware plus software
solutions for the professional and broadcast markets. Waves also offers
semiconductor with embedded software solutions under the Maxx brand
for the consumer electronics audio applications. Waves’ Maxx technology
dramatically enhances audio performance in consumer applications and
has been licensed to several leading companies, including Motorola and
Microsoft. For more information, visit the Waves web site at http://www.waves.com.
Other company and product names may be trademarks of the
respective companies with which they are associated.
Waves Contacts:
North America Offices:
Waves, Inc., 306 West Depot Avenue, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37917;
Tel: 865-909-9200, Fax: 865-909-9245, Email: info@waves.com, Web: http://www.waves.com
Corporate Headquarters Israel:
Waves Ltd., Azrieli Center, The Round Tower, 21st Floor, Tel-Aviv 67011,
Israel;
Tel: 972-3-608-4000, Fax: 972-3-608-4056, Email: info@waves.com,
Web: http://www.waves.com
Waves Public Relations:
Neilson/Clyne, Inc., 169-B Belle Forest Circle, Nashville, TN 37221;
Tel: 615-662-1616, Fax: 615-662-1636, Email: rclyne@neilsonclyne.com,
Web: http://www.neilsonclyne.com