Waves MaxxBass 102, MaxxBass 101 User Manual

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................1

Packing List............................................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Warranty ......................................................................................................................................1

One Year limited Warranty on MaxxBass Hardware........................................................................................................................... 1

Warranty Service ................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Trade Marks ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Copyright ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Waves contact Info ................................................................................................................................................................................ 2

North and South America:............................................................................................................................................................. 2

Rest of the world: ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2

MaxxBass Overview ....................................................................................................................3

MaxxBass System Overview.................................................................................................................................................................. 3

MaxxBass Technology ........................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Front Panel Features.............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Rear panel Features ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4

External Power Supply .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Setting MaxxBass Controls.........................................................................................................7

Step 1: Setting input level ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Input Trim Knob ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Step 2: Setting the MaxxBass effect...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Frequency Knob ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Intensity Knob................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Step 3: Verifying the settings and Locking........................................................................................................................................... 8

Bypass.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Lock................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Application Examples .................................................................................................................9

Small Speaker Systems .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Clubs, DJ, Band Systems ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Sound Reinforcement - Subwoofer Arrays........................................................................................................................................ 10

Specifications.............................................................................................................................11

Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Architectural Specifications................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Architectural Specifications for MaxxBass 101 .......................................................................................................................... 11

Architectural Specifications for MaxxBass 102 .......................................................................................................................... 12

MaxxBass User Guide

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ii

MaxxBass User Guide

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Waves MaxxBass processor unit. This guide contains important information about how to
install and use the unit.

Packing List

The MaxxBass package should contains the following:

MaxxBass 101 or MaxxBass 102
16VAC Power Supply Unit
User Guide (this document)
Registration Card

If any items are missing, please contact your dealer.

Warranty

One Year limited Warranty on MaxxBass Hardware

KS.Waves Ltd. (“Waves”) warrants that the hardware contained herein shall conform in all material respects to the specifica­tions contained in the product documentation for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase from Waves or
its authorized resellers. In the case of a valid warranty claim, your sole and exclusive remedy and Waves’s entire liability under
any theory of liability will be, at Waves’ sole discretion, to repair or replace the Product without charge or to refund the pur­chase price to you.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR

STATUTORY, WAVES MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR
NON-INFRINGEMENT, PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR
OR REPLACEMENT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

This limited warranty, with all terms, conditions and disclaimers set forth herein, shall extend to the original purchaser and
anyone who purchases the Product within the specified warranty period.

Waves does not authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales representative, to assume any liability or make any
additional warranties or representation regarding this Product on behalf of Waves.

IN NO EVENT WILL WAVES BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DAMAGE TO
PROPERTY AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DAMAGE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF WAVES HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitations on the duration of an implied warranty, so the
above limitations may not apply to you. This warrant gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights, which vary, by
state to state.

Governing Law and Severability. This agreement will be governed by the laws of Israel. In the event of a dispute arising under
this Agreement, you consent to jurisdiction in the State of Israel.

MaxxBass User Guide

1

Warranty Service

For warranty service, please call one of Waves’ offices listed below so as to obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number. The
Product, with RA number written outside the shipping box in bold letters, must be sent, transportation and insurance charges
prepaid, to a Waves location (U.S. customers to TN office; all other locations to Tel Aviv, Israel). Your name, address, telephone
number, copy of original sales invoice and detailed description of the problem must accompany the Product. Waves will not
accept responsibility for loss or damage in transit.

The Warranty is void if the Product serial numbers have been removed from the Product or if the Product has been misused,
modified, disassembled or repaired without authorization, as determined in Waves’ discretion.

Trade Marks

MaxxBass is a registered trademark of K.S.Waves LTD, Israel.

Copyright

No part of MaxxBass hardware or the manual may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the
prior written authorization of Waves Ltd.

Waves contact Info

Our web site may have information on the product at www.waves.com or www.maxxbasspro.com.

North and South America:

Wave s
306 West Depot Ave.
Suite 100
Knoxville, TN 37917
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]

Rest of the world:

Waves (KS Waves, Ltd.)
Azrieli Center
The Round Tower, 21st Floor
132 Derech Petach-Tikva
Tel-Aviv, Israel
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]

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MaxxBass User Guide

MaxxBass Overview

MaxxBass System Overview

MaxxBass can be utilized in almost any sound system to improve bass performance. The MaxxBass unit should be placed
between either the mixer (for stereo) or low frequency crossover (for subwoofers) and the audio amplifier as shown in Figure

1.

MaxxBass 101 supports stereo analog inputs and outputs with terminal blocks (with +4dBU sensitivity), XLR and TRS con­nections. MaxxBass 102 supports stereo analog inputs and outputs with RCA connectors (with –10dBU sensitivity). The sys­tem is supplied with an external 16V AC power supply.

audio source

MaxxBass

Figure 1. Audio System Using MaxxBass

Both the MaxxBass 101 and MaxxBass 102 have only a few simple controls and indicators on their front panel. Set the input
level and Frequency controls to fit your specific speaker system and then gradually turn up the Intensity control to achieve the
desired balance of generated low frequencies.

amplifier

speakers

MaxxBass Technology

Waves patented MaxxBass® psycho-acoustic bass extension technology is a unique solution to common bass frequency limita­tions due to cost, size and power consumption. Inserting a MaxxBass unit into the audio system will result in better bass with­out exceeding speaker driver excursion limits, changing speakers or amplifiers, and without increased power consumption.

Previously, to improve bass response required upgrading speakers, amplifiers and resetting equalizers. MaxxBass breaks
through the bass reproduction barrier by delivering deeper, richer bass without changing amplifiers and speakers in both new
and existing sound applications including:

•

Restaurants

•

Retail Stores

•

Clubs

•

DJ/Bands

MaxxBass extends the perceived bass response of a speaker by up to one and a half octaves below the speaker’s cutoff. This is
achieved by utilizing the psycho-acoustic effect of the missing fundamental. MaxxBass process generates higher harmonics
from the low fundamental frequencies below the (set) MaxxBass Frequency, and adds them back into the signal. Additionally,
MaxxBass process removes energy below the (set) MaxxBass Frequency from the input signal, thus reducing peak power and
speaker excursions requirements.

•

Portable PA

•

House of Worship

•

Sound reinforcement

MaxxBass User Guide

3

Front Panel Features

Input Trim

Knob

Input Signal

Indicators

Bypass Button

and Indicator

MaxxBass Intensity

Knob

MaxxBass Frequency

Knob

Lock Button

and Indicator

Power Button
and Indicator

Figure 2. MaxxBass 101 Front Panel

MaxxBass
Frequency

Knob

Bypass

Button

Bypass

Lock

Power

Indicators

Input Trim

Knob

Input Signal

Indicators

MaxxBass

Intensity

Knob

Figure 3. MaxxBass 102 Front Panel

Both MaxxBass systems have a simple control interface requiring only a few control knobs and indicator LEDs. Front panel
LEDs indicate left and right signal presence, bypass, lock and power status. The system provides three rotary control knobs.

These are for Input Trim, MaxxBass Frequency and MaxxBass Intensity as shown in Figure 2 and 3.

Rear panel Features

AC Input RS232 Serial

Connector

Wire Terminal

Output

XLR Output Wire Terminal

Input

Figure 4. MaxxBass 101 Rear Panel

AC Input Input

RS232 Serial

Connector

Lock

Button

Output
(RCA)

(RCA)

Figure 5. MaxxBass 102 Rear Panel

XLR Input TS/TRS Output TS/TRS Input

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MaxxBass User Guide

MaxxBass includes stereo analog inputs and outputs designed for easy connection to most audio systems. The MaxxBass 101
supports stereo input and output with terminal block, XLR and TRS connections (+4dBu sensitivity), as shown in Figure 4.
The MaxxBass 102 supports unbalanced RCA connector at -10dBu sensitivity as shown in Figure 5.

Both MaxxBass 101 and MaxxBass 102 support an RS232 serial connector on their rear panel for future updates.

External Power Supply

Both MaxxBass systems are provided with an external 16V AC power supply. Different power supplies are provided to custom­ers in different regions of the world as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. MaxxBass Included Power Supply

Geographic Region Input Voltage Output Voltage

Americas 110V AC 16V AC

Europe 220V AC 16V AC

Japan 100V AC 16V AC

MaxxBass User Guide

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MaxxBass User Guide

Setting MaxxBass Controls

The MaxxBass systems have only a few simple controls, but establishing the proper setting is critical to achieving the desired
system performance. The description included explains the operation and provides some recommendations. It is required that
a few minutes of listening tests are performed to insure that the controls are set for optimum performance.

Step 1: Setting input level

Input Trim Knob

Input level should be set first. As a rule of thumb, set the input for MaxxBass 101 so that the clipping indicators light occa­sionally. MaxxBass 102 input level should be set so that its signal presence indicators light up.

The Input Trim knob only attenuates the signal and does not apply gain to it - unity gain, or 1:1 input calibration, is set when
the knob is turned fully clockwise.

Step 2: Setting the MaxxBass effect

Frequency Knob

MaxxBass Frequency knob should be tuned to the specific speaker system at hand. Both MaxxBass 101 and MaxxBass 102 sup­port Frequency settings in the range of 25 to 100 Hz. As a thumb rule it is recommended to set MaxxBass Frequency to about
70-90% of the speaker cutoff. For speakers with very high cutoff of above 120Hz MaxxBass Frequency should be set at 100Hz.

As explained in the “MaxxBass Technology” section, MaxxBass removes energy residing below the (set) MaxxBass Frequency
from the input signal. Thus, if MaxxBass Frequency is set too high above the speaker’s cutoff it might degrade the speaker’s
response in that frequency area. It is generally best, when tuning MaxxBass Frequency, to start low and gradually raise the set­ting until the desired effect is achieved.

Table 2. Initial MaxxBass Frequency Recommendation

Product Speaker Cutoff MaxxBass Frequency

Large subwoofers 25-40 Hz 25-30 Hz

Small monitors 70-80 Hz 50-60 Hz

Ceiling mount speakers 80-100Hz 60-80 Hz

Intensity Knob

The MaxxBass Intensity knob should also be tuned to the specific speaker system under evaluation. MaxxBass Intensity con­trol goes from Low (counter-clockwise) to High (clockwise) on the MaxxBass systems. This knob control affects the amount
of the MaxxBass effect. The Intensity knob should initially be set to the Low position and slowly raised until the optimum
level of bass is achieved.

It is worthwhile to elaborate on how MaxxBass Intensity control works, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6.A illustrates the generated harmonics series at low Intensity setting, Figure 6.B illustrates a high Intensity setting. “F”
is the original source frequency, f1 and higher are the generated MaxxBass harmonics. As MaxxBass Intensity is raised, the
relative (to the original source frequency) level of harmonics increases and their decay rate becomes slower - more MaxxBass
effect is “mixed” into the signal in a complex fashion.

MaxxBass User Guide

7

amp

A

amp

B

Ff1f2f3f4f5

Figure 6. Harmonics series at low and high Intensity settings

freq

Ff1f2f3f4f5

freq

Step 3: Verifying the settings and Locking

Bypass

The front of both MaxxBass systems includes a Bypass button. When the Bypass button is pressed, the MaxxBass unit turns
off the MaxxBass processing. MaxxBass will attenuate the audio signal while in bypass by the setting on the input trim control.
When in Bypass the Bypass LED will light.

Use the Bypass button to flip the MaxxBass effect on and off. Listen carefully to make sure that MaxxBass unit is properly
tuned to your system. Perform listening tests on the specific acoustic system to fine tune both frequency and intensity for the
optimum bass response. Frequency sweeps can be used, as well as a variety of source materials.

Lock

Once you are satisfied with MaxxBass parameter settings for input level, frequency and intensity, you can use the system’s Lock
button to preserve your setting. Press this button by inserting a pin. The Lock LED lights up to indicate the unit is locked.
When the MaxxBass is locked, the Frequency and Intensity knobs are disabled to eliminate accidental changes to the setup.

MaxxBass 101 provides the Lock control on its front panel, MaxxBass 102 on its rear panel.

NOTE: The Lock button does not disable the Input trim control.

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MaxxBass User Guide

Application Examples

Small Speaker Systems

MaxxBass significantly enhances audio systems with small speakers such as PA in restaurants and retail as shown in Figure 7.
These systems, equipped with small or ceiling mount speakers, will be dramatically enhanced by allowing listeners to enjoy the
deep bass tones in music without adding a subwoofer. It will
eliminate system distortion caused by trying to push the PA
to deliver frequencies its speakers cannot reproduce.

Figure 7 shows two MaxxBass units, one affecting “area one”,
the other “area two”. This architecture is designed to accom-
modate different speaker types (with different speaker cutoff)
in the two areas.

Public Address System

tape

MaxxBass

info desk

mixer

MaxxBass

amplifier

area one

amplifier

area two

Figure 7. PA Application

Clubs, DJ, Band Systems

MaxxBass can be utilized on both main and monitor speakers for live sound applications as shown in Figure 8. On the main
speakers with subwoofers, MaxxBass delivers a deeper bass sensation without over-driving the subwoofer. Connect MaxxBass
between the system’s crossover unit low (frequency) output and the subwoofer amplifier. When connecting to a subwoofer,
connect the crossover’s low frequency output to MaxxBass’ left and right inputs and use one of MaxxBass’ outputs to the
subwoofer’s amplifier. A main speaker system not including a subwoofer can achieve the sound of a subwoofer by using
MaxxBass.

On-stage monitors normally use
smaller speakers, either in side-field
or personal monitoring setups. Use
MaxxBass to enhance the on-stage
monitoring system to allow it to
deliver a fuller, deeper, and thus less
harsh sound.

CD player

MaxxBass

Club System

phono 1 phono 2

mic

equalizer

crossover

amplifier

speakers

booth

mixer

MaxxBass

amplifier

sub

woofer

Figure 8. Club Application

amplifier

main

speakers

MaxxBass User Guide

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Sound Reinforcement - Subwoofer Arrays

Large scale subwoofer arrays with full range bass also benefit from MaxxBass to increase the bass and richness. This can allow
a reduction in the number of amplifiers and subwoofers to reach the desired bass level.

As shown in Figure 9, connect MaxxBass between the crossover and the subwoofer amplifier on the subwoofer path. Using
MaxxBass on the subwoofer path allows a reduction in the number of amplifiers and subwoofers, and power consumption
to reach the desired bass level. When connected to the subwoofer path, tune MaxxBass according to the subwoofer’s cutoff.
Connect the crossover’s low frequency output to MaxxBass’ left and right inputs and use one of MaxxBass’ outputs for the
subwoofer amplifier’s input.

Sound Reinforcement System

mic

mic

MaxxBass

equalizer

crossover

amplifier

monitor

mixer

MaxxBass

amplifier

mic

main

mixer

monitors

amplifier

sub

woofer

Figure 9. Sound Reinforcement

main

speakers

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MaxxBass User Guide

Specifications

Technical Specifications

Input:

Ty p e

Impedance
Max Level
Gain Range

Output:

Ty p e

Impedance
Max Level
Freq Response (bypass)

THD + Noise:

Effect Bypassed
Effect Enabled

Signal to Noise Ratio:

Effect Bypassed
Effect Enabled

Unit:

Physical Size
PSU (external)

Misc:

User Controls

MaxxBass Freq Range

XLR - Active balanced; Pin 2 hot Wire
Terminal - Active balanced 1/4 TRS - Active
balanced/unbalanced

10kΩ 10kΩ
+22dBu +9dBu

-Inf - 1:1 ratio -Inf - 1:1 ratio

XLR - Active balanced; Pin 2 hot Wire
Terminal - Active balanced 1/4 TRS - Active
balanced/unbalanced

60Ω 10kΩ
+22dBu @ 600Ω +9dBu
20Hz-20kHz +0.2/-0.4dB 20Hz-20kHz +0.2/-0.4dB

-90dBAw -90dBAw

-72dBAw -72dBAw

-96dBAw -96dBAw

-85dBAw (Fc = 50Hz) -85dBAw (Fc = 50Hz)

4.4 x 48.4 x 8.2 cm 4.4 x 21.5 x 6.5 cm
CE 16VAC CE 16VAC

Input Level, MaxxBass Frequency, MaxxBass
Intensity, Bypass, Lock

25-100Hz 25-100Hz

MaxxBass 101 MaxxBass 102

RCA

RCA

Input Level, MaxxBass Frequency, MaxxBass
Intensity, Bypass, Lock

Architectural Specifications

Architectural Specifications for MaxxBass 101

The psycho-acoustic bass extension system shall be a two-channel unit with controls for Input Trim, (effect) Frequency, and
(effect) Intensity. Front panel LEDs shall provide indication of signal presence, independently for left and right channels,
Bypass, Lock, and Power (on).

The front panel shall provide a lock button, which disables the Frequency and Intensity front panel functions, effectively lock­ing in the current settings. A bypass button shall be provided to switch OFF the bass enhancement system. Each input shall
feature a terminal block, XLR, and TRS connectors balanced or unbalanced (in 2 hot), at +4dBu sensitivity. Each output shall
feature a terminal block, XLR, and TRS connectors, balanced or unbalanced (out 2 hot), at +4dBu sensitivity.

The unit shall be capable of operation by means of an external 16v AC power supply. The unit shall occupy one rack space.

The bass enhancement unit shall be a Waves Model MaxxBass 101.

MaxxBass User Guide

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Architectural Specifications for MaxxBass 102

The psycho-acoustic bass extension system shall be a two-channel unit with controls for Input Trim, (effect) Frequency, and
(effect) Intensity. Front panel LEDs shall provide indication of signal presence, independently for left and right channels,
Bypass, Lock, and Power (on).

The rear panel shall provide a lock button, which disables the Frequency and Intensity front panel functions, effectively lock­ing in the current settings. A bypass button shall be provided to switch OFF the bass enhancement system. Each input shall
feature a RCA connector at -10dBu sensitivity. Each output shall feature a RCA connector at -10dBu sensitivity.

The unit shall be capable of operation by means of an external 16v AC power supply. The unit shall occupy one half rack
space.

The bass enhancement unit shall be a Waves Model MaxxBass 102.

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MaxxBass User Guide

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MaxxBass User Guide