WAVES MAXXBASS 101 (01) PDF MANUAL

The MaxxBass package should contain 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.

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.

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.

The MaxxBass 101 front panel includes:

Input Trim Knob: Adjusts the input level.

Input Signal Indicators: LEDs for Low and High signal presence for left and right channels.

Bypass Button and Indicator: Turns the MaxxBass processing off and on. The indicator lights when in bypass mode.

MaxxBass Intensity Knob: Controls the amount of the MaxxBass effect.

MaxxBass Frequency Knob: Sets the cutoff frequency for the effect.

Lock Button and Indicator: Locks the Intensity and Frequency knobs to prevent accidental changes. The indicator lights when locked.

Power Button and Indicator: Turns the unit on and off. The indicator lights when the unit is powered on.

The MaxxBass 102 front panel includes:

Input Trim Knob: Adjusts the input level.

Input Signal Indicators: LEDs indicate left and right signal presence.

MaxxBass Intensity Knob: Controls the amount of the MaxxBass effect.

MaxxBass Frequency Knob: Sets the cutoff frequency for the effect.

Bypass Button: Turns the MaxxBass processing off and on.

Bypass, Lock, Power Indicators: LEDs indicate the status of Bypass, Lock, and Power.

POWER ~16V AC: AC Power Input.

RS232: Serial connector for future updates.

OUTPUT: Wire Terminal Output (L/R), XLR Output (L/R), TS/TRS Output (L/R).

INPUT: Wire Terminal Input (L/R), XLR Input (L/R), TS/TRS Input (L/R).

POWER ~16V AC: AC Power Input.

RS232: Serial connector for future updates.

LOCK: Lock button.

OUTPUT: RCA Output (left/right).

INPUT: RCA Input (left/right).

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 the table below.

Input level should be set first using the Input Trim Knob. As a rule of thumb, set the input for MaxxBass 101 so that the clipping indicators light occasionally. For the MaxxBass 102, the 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.

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

MaxxBass removes energy residing below the set MaxxBass Frequency from the input signal. If the 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 to start low and gradually raise the setting until the desired effect is achieved.

The MaxxBass Intensity knob should also be tuned to the specific speaker system. The Intensity control goes from Low (counter-clockwise) to High (clockwise) and 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.

As MaxxBass Intensity is raised, the relative level of generated harmonics increases and their decay rate becomes slower, meaning more of the MaxxBass effect is “mixed” into the signal.

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 the 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.

Once you are satisfied with the 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, while the MaxxBass 102 has it on its rear panel.

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

MaxxBass significantly enhances audio systems with small speakers, such as PA in restaurants and retail. 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 also eliminate system distortion caused by trying to push the PA to deliver frequencies its speakers cannot reproduce.

You can use multiple MaxxBass units to accommodate different speaker types (with different speaker cutoffs) in different areas of a venue.

MaxxBass can be utilized on both main and monitor speakers for live sound applications. 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. Use MaxxBass to enhance the on-stage monitoring system to allow it to deliver a fuller, deeper, and thus less harsh sound.

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.

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.

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.

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.