WAVES MAXXBASS 102 (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

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.

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. The MaxxBass process generates higher harmonics from the low fundamental frequencies below the (set) MaxxBass Frequency, and adds them back into the signal. Additionally, the MaxxBass process removes energy below the (set) MaxxBass Frequency from the input signal, thus reducing peak power and speaker excursion requirements.

The MaxxBass unit should be placed between either the mixer (for stereo) or low frequency crossover (for subwoofers) and the audio amplifier.

The MaxxBass 101 front panel has the following controls and indicators:

Input Trim Knob: Adjusts the input signal level.

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

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

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

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

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

Power Button and Indicator: Turns the unit on or off.

The MaxxBass 102 front panel has the following controls and indicators:

Input Trim Knob: Adjusts the input signal 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 on or off.

Bypass/Lock/Power Indicators: LEDs indicate Bypass status, Lock status, and Power status.

The rear panel of the MaxxBass 101 features the following connections:

Power Input: For the external 16V AC power supply.

RS232 Serial Connector: For future updates.

Wire Terminal Output (L/R): Balanced stereo output.

XLR Output (L/R): Balanced stereo output.

Wire Terminal Input (L/R): Balanced stereo input.

XLR Input (L/R): Balanced stereo input.

TS/TRS Output (L/R): Balanced/unbalanced stereo output.

TS/TRS Input (L/R): Balanced/unbalanced stereo input.

The rear panel of the MaxxBass 102 features the following connections and controls:

Power Input: For the external 16V AC power supply.

RS232 Serial Connector: For future updates.

Lock Button: Disables the Frequency and Intensity front panel functions.

Output (RCA L/R): Unbalanced stereo output.

Input (RCA L/R): Unbalanced stereo input.

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.

Follow these steps to set the controls:

Step 1: Setting input level

Use the Input Trim Knob to set the input level first. 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; unity gain (1:1 input calibration) is set when the knob is turned fully clockwise.

Step 2: Setting the MaxxBass effect

Frequency Knob: This should be tuned to your specific speaker system. It supports a range of 25 to 100 Hz. A general rule is to set the MaxxBass Frequency to about 70-90% of the speaker’s cutoff frequency. For speakers with a very high cutoff (above 120Hz), the MaxxBass Frequency should be set at 100Hz. It is generally best to start with a low frequency setting and gradually raise it until the desired effect is achieved.

Intensity Knob: This controls the amount of the MaxxBass effect, from Low (counter-clockwise) to High (clockwise). Initially, set the knob to the Low position and slowly raise it until the optimum level of bass is achieved.

Step 3: Verifying the settings and Locking

Bypass: Use the Bypass button to turn the MaxxBass effect on and off. Listen carefully to ensure the unit is properly tuned to your system. Perform listening tests with a variety of source materials to fine-tune both frequency and intensity for the optimum bass response.

Lock: Once you are satisfied with the settings, use the Lock button to preserve them. The Lock LED will light up, and the Frequency and Intensity knobs will be disabled to prevent accidental changes. The Lock button is on the front panel of the MaxxBass 101 and the rear panel of the MaxxBass 102. NOTE: The Lock button does not disable the Input trim control.

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

MaxxBass can be used on both main and monitor speakers for live sound applications.

Main Speakers with Subwoofers: Connect MaxxBass between the system’s crossover unit low (frequency) output and the subwoofer amplifier. This delivers a deeper bass sensation without over-driving the subwoofer. To do this, 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 without a subwoofer can achieve the sound of a subwoofer by using MaxxBass.

On-stage Monitors: 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 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 needed to reach the desired bass level.

Connect MaxxBass between the crossover and the subwoofer amplifier on the subwoofer path. 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.