Waves Ltd. has released MaxxBCL, a new processor that combines Waves‚ MaxxBass enhancer, Renaissance Compressor and L2 Ultramaximizer limiter in one 2U rackmount unit for the first time. In addition, the new unit’s A/D/D/A converters reportedly exceed the performance of the converters in the L2 Ultramaximizer hardware unit.
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 lower than physically present. The dynamics of the original bass are duplicated in these harmonics, resulting in a very natural-sounding bass enhancement. The MaxxBass harmonics and the original bass can be mixed in any proportion at the output.
The Renaissance Compressor provides the classic sound of analog compression, and 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.
The MaxxBCL retains the signature L2 algorithm and adds new converters, and 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. Independent input and output level matching is provided in six steps from 9 to 24 dBu, with 12 additional 1dB steps of level trim per channel available on the front panel. The input trim rotary switch is based on 1 percent 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 ninth order noise shaping to minimize audible noise while dithering to 16- or 24-bit output. The unit features a backlit panel and precision metering. MSRP: $3200.
Visit www.waves.com for more information.
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