Waves Audio X-Noise User Guide
Waves X-Nois e
Software Audio Processor
Users Guide
In this manual –
1. Introduction…………………………………….2
2. Using X-Noise…………………………………4
3. Controls and Displays………………………..6
4. Noise Profile………………………………….10
5. Important information and useful tips……...12
The Noise Reduction Technology
licensed from Algorithmix ® GmbH, Germany.
All rights reserved.
Waves X-Noise software guide page 1 of 12
1. Introduction
Waves X-Noise reduces noise with minimal signal degradation while preserving
excellent audio quality. X-Noise is part of the Waves Restoration bundle, which
removes clicks, crackles, and hum from vinyl records and damaged recordings.
X-Noise and the other Restoration plug-ins have a friendly interface that is easy
to learn and use.
This user guide describes:
• the problems X-Noise solves;
• how to use the software;
• the software user interface.
Click the ? on the toolbar for online help. Thanks for using X-Noise and enjoy!
HAT PROBLEMS DOES
W
X-Noise is ideal for removing background noise caused by tape hiss and airconditioner/ventilation systems. Loud, short-impulse noise and discrete signal
disturbances should be treated first by X-Click, X-Crackle, or both.
X-Noise connects to an audio host application through its plug-in architecture.
The algorithm is based on a single-ended, broadband, real-time, noise-reduction
principle that uses frequency-domain analysis to detect and reduce unwanted
noise from the source.
• Single-ended means that X-Noise does not rely on any complementary
encode/decode processing applied during recording and playback (i.e.,
Dolby NR).
• Broadband refers to the wide frequency range from which noise is
removed: high-frequency hiss and low-frequency rumble can both be
targeted.
• Real-time operation allows you to adjust the parameters and hear the
results immediately.
OW DOES
H
OISE WORK
X-N
X-N
OISE FIX
?
?
X-Noise can learn the character of the disturbing noise from a segment of the
original recording containing only the noise to be removed. This segment is
typically obtained from the recording’s beginning or end, or a gap in the audio. XNoise uses this data to construct a noise profile that helps distinguish t he noise
from the audio data.
X-Noise employs the most recent psychoacoustic research and multilevel
decision algorithms to remove noise while preserving the sonic clarity of the
Waves X-Noise software guide page 2 of 12
source. It performs better than comparable DAW tools and as well or better than
more expensive, dedicated-hardware solutions. X-Noise reduces noise while
minimizing artifacts and other damage to the source recording.
X-Noise’s controls are similar to a dynamics proces sor. Those familiar with a
typical compressor/expander should get excellent results within a few minutes of
experimentation.
Waves X-Noise software guide page 3 of 12
2. Using X-Noise
X-Noise uses two primary parameters, Threshold and Reduction, to control the
noise-reduction process. Adjust these controls first to quickly configure X-Noise
for a given input signal. Resolution, Dynamics and High Shelf parameters offer
more detailed control.
For a complete user interface reference, see Controls and Displays. The
following example will get you started using X-Noise.
TEP
S
Create a noise profile by selecting an audio section from the source recording (at
least 100 ms) containing just the noise that you want to remove. Click the Learn
button in the Noise Profile area below the X-Noise Analyzer. The button blinks
and displays Learning.
Play this section through X-Noise. Click the Learn button again to stop the
learning process and create the noise profile, which appears as a white line on
the X-Noise Analyzer. The line represents the frequency content of the analyzed
noise. At this point, save your X-Noise setup, which includes your noise profile.
If you cannot find a noise-only section, try the default white noise profile or one of
the other available factory presets.
S
After creating the noise profile, cancel the selection of the noise-only segment to
operate on the whole sound file. While playing the recording, adjust the
Threshold and Reduction controls to the desired amount of noise reduction.
Threshold sets the level at which the noise profile is used to distinguish between
the sound source and the noise. Setting the Threshold to 10 dB typically means
that the noise level is below the noise profile and therefore subject to removal.
Use the Reduction control to set the amount of noise reduction applied.
Increasing the Reduction setting increases the amount of noise removed from
below the noise profile. If time-aliasing artifacts (singing or robot-like sounds)
appear, decrease the Reduction setting and increase the Threshold (about 30 dB
above the background noise). Artifacts can be further minimized by adjusting the
Attack, Release, Resolution and High Shelf parameters (see Controls for more
details).
TEP
1 – C
2 – N
REATE A NOISE PROFILE
OISE REDUCTION
Waves X-Noise software guide page 4 of 12
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