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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


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All Rights Reserved.