Waves MaxxBCL User manual

Unpacking the Waves MaxxBCL
After unpacking the MaxxBCL unit, please check it carefully for any damage.
If any damage is found, immediately notify the carrier that brought you the
package. You, the consignee, must instigate any claim. Please retain all
packaging in case of future re-shipment.
Mounting the MaxxBCL
Before connecting MaxxBCL, be sure to securely mount it in a standard 19”
studio rack-mount away from heat and moisture. We recommend using
the supplied plastic washers between MaxxBCL and the mounting bolts to
protect MaxxBCL’s front panel from scratches. Alternatively, for desktop use,
attach the four rubber feet to the bottom of the MaxxBCL.
1.
The Professional Standard
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Considerations ............................................................. 4
Package Content ..................................................................................... 4
Unpacking the Waves MaxxBCL ............................................................... 5
Mounting the MaxxBCL ............................................................................. 5
Introduction .............................................................................................. 6
MaxxBCL Features .................................................................................... 6
MaxxBCL Applications .............................................................................. 7
Front Panel Explanation ............................................................................ 7
Rear Panel Explanation ............................................................................ 8
Connecting The MaxxBCL ........................................................................ 9
Main Power Supply ..................................................................................................................................9
Replacing the fuse: .................................................................................................................................9
Audio Connections (Rear Panel) ......................................................................................................... 10
Analog Connections: ........................................................................................................................... 10
Digital Connections: ............................................................................................................................ 10
Calibration: ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Sync & Word Clock Connections (Rear Panel): ................................................................................. 12
Operating the MaxxBCL ......................................................................... 13
MaxxBCL Overview ............................................................................................................................... 13
Compression with the Renaissance Compressor ............................................................................. 13
Opto ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
ARC™ (Auto Release Control) .............................................................................................................. 14
Low level compression (S curve) ......................................................................................................... 14
Bass Enhancement with MaxxBass™? ................................................................................................ 15
How does the MaxxBass™ work? ........................................................................................................ 15
What does the MaxxBass™ do? .......................................................................................................... 15
Limiting and maximizing with the L2 .................................................................................................. 16
About level and resolution in the L2 ................................................................................................... 17
Maximum level ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Details on using IDR™ (Increased Digital Resolution) ...................................................................... 17
Controls & Displays ................................................................................ 18
Front Panel Controls ............................................................................................................................. 18
Sample Rate .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Input Selector: ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Sync ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Quantize ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Presets....................................................................................................................................................19
Input....................................................................................................................................................... 20
Compressor Controls ........................................................................................................................... 21
MaxxBass™ Controls ............................................................................................................................ 23
Limiter Controls ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Examples Of Applications ...................................................................... 25
Example A: Using the MaxxBCL as a Sound Reinforcement (SR) enhancing module. .................. 25
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Example B: MaxxBCL as a drum/bass controller (inserted in a subgroup where drums or/and bass
assigned to) .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Example C: Digital mixing desk insert/FX (recording/mixing) ......................................................... 26
Example D: Using MaxxBCL as a D/A converter (for monitoring) .................................................... 27
Connection ........................................................................................................................................... 27
Example E: Digital domain mastering ................................................................................................ 27
Sound Reinforcement Applications ........................................................ 28
Broadcasting Applications ..................................................................... 30
The MaxxBCL used with live music ..................................................................................................... 30
The MaxxBCL used for News Production. ........................................................................................... 30
The MaxxBCL used on the output of a DJ mixer. ............................................................................... 31
The MaxxBCL used in broadcast production. ................................................................................... 31
The MaxxBCL used to increase overall station signal loudness and bass. ................................... 32
The MaxxBCL used for live music feeds over ISDN. .......................................................................... 32
The MaxxBCL used for loading music into automation systems. .................................................... 33
Known Issue ............................................................................................ 33
Technical Specifications ........................................................................ 34
ADC (@44.1kHz): ................................................................................................................................... 34
DAC (@44.1kHz): ................................................................................................................................... 34
Analog output stage: ........................................................................................................................... 34
Latency (in samples): ........................................................................................................................... 34
Front panel dedicated buttons: .......................................................................................................... 35
Front panel dedicated rotary controls: .............................................................................................. 35
Front panel dedicated numeric displays: ......................................................................................... 35
Front panel displays: ............................................................................................................................ 35
Back Panel ............................................................................................................................................ 36
Dimensions: ........................................................................................................................................... 36
Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions ..................................... 36
Contact Waves Sales and Technical Support ........................................ 37
Warranty ................................................................................................. 38
Governing Law and Severability ......................................................................................................... 39
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Please Read First!
Warning – Safety First!
Please read, complete and return by mail the Warranty Registration Form
entitling you to technical support and service-under-warranty.
NOTE: THE POWER SUPPLY IS NOT AUTO-SWITCHING! You must check to
make sure the voltage rating shown directly on the back panel of your
Waves MaxxBCL is appropriate for your power connection. Please see the
diagram below. To change voltage, gently pull out the fuse holder. It can
be pried out by inserting a screwdriver under the edge by the IEC plug
and pulling out gently. Insert it back with the desired voltage positioned
according to the 3 diagrams below. Make sure that the desired voltage
marking is at the top of the compartment.
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Warning: Class 1 laser product (single-mode).
Important Safety Considerations
1. Securely mount the Waves MaxxBCL in a 19” studio rack away from rain,
moisture, liquids, heat sources or fire using the four supplied mounting bolts.
(Plastic washers are provided to prevent scratching). Apply the rubber feet
for desktop use.
2. In case of damage to the Waves MaxxBCL due to spilled liquids or
physical damage from knocks or dropping, repairs should be performed
by qualified service personnel only.
3. Read all operating instructions.
4. Do not allow children to use the MaxxBCL without adult supervision.
6. Do not overload audio inputs or outputs. Waves will not be responsible for
damage caused to other equipment (such as speakers) through misuse.
7. Do not block the ventilation grills that are located the sides of the unit.
Package Content
Your new MaxxBCL package should contain:
The Waves MaxxBCL unit
• 110 V USA power cable
• 220 V European power cable
• Three (3) sets of four (4) mounting bolts each
• Spare fuse
• Four (4) rubber “feet”
• Four (4) plastic washers
• User Manual
• Quick Start Guide
• Registration card
• Warranty information
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Unpacking the Waves MaxxBCL
After unpacking the MaxxBCL unit, please check it carefully for any dam-
age. If any damage is found, immediately notify the carrier that brought
you the package. You, the consignee, must instigate any claim. Please
retain all packaging in case of future re-shipment.
Mounting the MaxxBCL
Before connecting MaxxBCL, be sure to securely mount it in a standard 19”
studio rack-mount away from heat and moisture. We recommend using
the supplied plastic washers between MaxxBCL and the mounting bolts to
protect MaxxBCL’s front panel from scratches. Alternatively, for desktop use,
attach the four rubber feet to the bottom of the MaxxBCL.
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Introduction
Welcome to the Maxx BCL User Manual. Be sure to read the safety
considerations on page 3 of this manual before you plug-in and switch on
the MaxxBCL’s power.
Thank you for choosing the Waves MaxxBCL. Please spend some time reading
through this manual so that you obtain the best possible performance from
the unit. All Waves products are carefully designed and engineered for
cutting-edge performance and world class reliability. For more information
about our products please visit our web site at:
http://www.waves.com
MaxxBCL Features
• Full 48-bit internal processing.
• Supports sampling rates up to 96kHz.
• Waves IDR™ (Increased Digital Resolution) re-quantization for direct digital
16-bit recorders.
• Waves MaxxBass™ (2nd generation) low frequency enhancer.
• Waves Renaissance Compressor dynamics compression.
• Waves ARC™ (Auto Release Control) technology for dynamically
controlling release times for maximum level with minimum artifacts.
• The L2, the renowned precision brick wall limiting and level maximizing
processor.
• A wide variety of analog and digital connectors for compatibility with all
popular formats.
• 16/24-bit digital I/O
•Superb-quality AD/DA conversion using 24-bit converters and transformer-
based analog input/output stages.
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MaxxBCL Applications
The MaxxBCL performs all digital processes with 48-bit internal precision
(double precision). The internal processing is followed by requantization
(wordlength reduction) from the internal 48-bit data to 16 or 24-bit output
wordlengths. (Analog output always used the full 24-bit wordlength). The
system can also be used to requantize 24-bit input signals to 16-bit (via the
digital outputs only). This is suitable for 16-bit recording equipment such as
DAT and an ideal function for CDR applications.
The “Examples of Applications” chapter (p. 27) includes detailed examples
of MaxxBCL applications. However, you can use the MaxxBCL in many other
setups according to your needs, such as:
• Sound Reinforcement Applications
• Stage Monitoring
• Broadcasting or Webcasting
• Mastering
• Connecting the MaxxBCL to an Insert on a mixer channel
• Recording a mix through the MaxxBCL to your master recorderA/D and •
D/A conversion
Front Panel
1. Global Controls: Select/display operating sample rate, input type, sync
source,quantize type.
2. Presets: Store/Recall the currently active MaxxBCL setting preset.
3. Input Meters: Display the input signal level.
4. Input Trim Rotary Switches (Left/Right): Control analog input level.
5. Compressor Section Controls: Display/Set compressor parameters
and controls.
6. MaxxBass™ Section Controls: Display/Set MaxxBass™ parameters and
controls.
7. Limiter / UltraMaximizer Section Controls: Display/Set Limiter/
UltraMaximizer parameters and controls.
8. Output Meters: Display the output signal level
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Rear Panel
1. Main Power Supply: Connects the MaxxBCL to the power supply.
2. Word Clock: Provides digital synchronization interface.
3. Digital I/O Interface: Allows for digital I/O connection of various
types.
4. Analog I/O Interface: Allows analog I/O connection of various
types.
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