WAVES 984242 MaxxVolume Software User Guide
- June 10, 2024
- WAVES
Table of Contents
WAVES 984242 MaxxVolume Software
Waves MaxxVolume Software User Guide
Product Information
MaxxVolume is an all-in-one dynamics processor plugin offered by Waves. It is available in both mono and stereo configurations, and performs four different dynamics processing functions: gating, low level compression, leveling, and compression. Combining several acclaimed Waves dynamics processing technologies, MaxxVolume packs a lot of audio processing power while consolidating several controls under a small set of simple faders. Each of the dynamics functions is controlled by one or two faders for simplicity and straightforward operation.
Product Usage Instructions
Before using the Waves MaxxVolume plugin, you need to have a free Waves account which can be created from www.waves.com. This account will be used to install the software, manage licenses, renew Waves Update Plan, participate in bonus programs, and keep up to date with important information. The left side of the plugin interface (to the left of the Energy Meter) handles low gain or low signal level audio, while the right side handles high signal level functions.
Low Level Compressor
The Low Level Compression function is controlled by a pair of faders: Threshold, which sets the threshold under which low level compression starts, and Gain, which sets the amount of gain applied to the compressed portion of the signal. Low Level Compression can be explained in simple terms as the opposite of standard or high level compression. In a standard compression setting, any signal above the set threshold gets compressed and attenuated. With a low level compressor, any signal that goes below the set threshold gets compressed upward, resulting in increased gain. The dynamic range is thus compressed, pushing low levels up while leaving high levels as they were. The Low Level Compression function is controlled by a pair of faders: Threshold, which sets the threshold under which low level compression starts, and Gain, which sets the amount of gain applied to the compressed portion of the signal. Low Level Compression can be explained in simple terms as the opposite of standard or high level compression. In a standard compression setting, any signal above the set threshold gets compressed and attenuated. With a low level compressor, any signal that goes below the set threshold gets compressed upward, resulting in increased gain. The dynamic range is thus compressed, pushing low levels up while leaving high levels as they were. If you are familiar with compression curves, low level compression looks like this (curve marked in red)
Gate
The Gate function is controlled by a single fader that sets the gating
threshold. The gate applies gentle downward expansion, affecting any signal
below the threshold. The Gate function is controlled by a single fader that
sets the gating threshold. The gate applies gentle downward expansion,
affecting any signal below the threshold.
Leveler
The Leveler function, also known as auto-gain control (AGC), is controlled
by the Leveler fader which sets its threshold and target. A Leveler is used to
maintain constant levels over long segments of audio. Essentially, a Leveler
is a compressor set to very long attack and release times, making it react to
the forest and not each individual tree. A Leveler can also be viewed as an
RMS compressor. Overall, Waves MaxxVolume is a powerful dynamics processing
tool that offers useful features for managing audio levels, compression, and
gating. With its simple interface and straightforward controls, it can be
easily integrated into any audio mixing workflow. The Leveler function, also
known as auto-gain control (AGC), is controlled by the Leveler fader which
sets its threshold and target. A Leveler is used to maintain constant levels
over long segments of audio. Essentially, a Leveler is a compressor set to
very long attack and release times, making it react to the “forest” and not
each individual “tree”. A Leveler can also be viewed as an RMS compressor
MaxxVolume’s Leveler smoothly and transparently gain-rides any signal that
exceeds its threshold, bringing it back down as close as possible to the
desired target level (the threshold).
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your new Waves plugin, please take a moment to read this user guide. To install software and manage your licenses, you need to have a free Waves account. Sign up at www.waves.com. With a Waves account you can keep track of your products, renew your Waves Update Plan, participate in bonus programs, and keep up to date with important information. We suggest that you become familiar with the Waves Support pages: www.waves.com/support. There are technical articles about installation, troubleshooting, specifications, and more. Plus, you’ll find company contact information and Waves Support news. MaxxVolume is an all-in-one dynamics processor. Available in both mono and stereo configurations, it performs four different dynamics processing functions: gating, low level compression, leveling, and compression. Combining several acclaimed Waves dynamics processing technologies, MaxxVolume packs a lot of audio processing power while consolidating several controls under a small set of simple faders. Each of the dynamics functions is controlled by one or two faders for simplicity and straightforward operation. The left side of the plug-in interface (to the left of the Energy Meter) handles low gain or low signal level audio. The right side of the interface handles high signal level functions.
High Level Compressor
MaxxVolume’s High Level Compression function is comprised of compression with
automatic makeup gain and output level control. The Compressor function is
similar to that of Waves Renaissance Vox. The compressor is controlled by the
Threshold fader, which sets the amount of desired dynamic range compression.
An automatic gain makeup function compensates for gain reduction resulting
from the applied compression. The Gain fader determines the maximum output
signal level.
MaxxVolume Interface and Functions
The MaxxVolume interface is organized around the central Energy Meter. The controls are laid out so that Low Level signal functions are on the left side of the interface, while High Level signal functions are on the right side of the interface. Low Level Compression, Gating, Leveling, and High Level Compression can each be turned on or off individually using the on/off buttons located on their respective faders, as shown below:
Energy Meter
Displays the audio signal’s level after the Leveler’s processing function, and
before the other dynamics processing functions.
Range : 0 to -96dB
Low Level Compression – Threshold
Sets the threshold below which low level soft-knee compression starts. The
fader’s position is displayed by a hairline indicator on the Energy Meter. The
fader supports an on/off button for low level compression.
Range : 0 to -96dB
Low Level Compression – Gain
Controls the maximum amount of gain makeup and compression applied to the
signal below the Threshold. Note that applying gain values that are higher
than the Threshold value will result in a signal exceeding 0dB or clipping.
Displays the amount of low-level makeup gain.
Range : 0 to +48dB
Gate
Sets the level below which gating (downward expansion) is applied. The fader
supports an on/off button for gating.
Range : 0 to -96dB
Loud/Soft
Changes the ARC release times between: Loud – shorter and more aggressive
release resulting in louder output signal. Soft – longer release times
resulting in softer output signal.
Range : Soft/Loud
Leveler
Sets both the threshold above which leveling is applied, and the target to
which the audio signal is leveled. To compensate for gain reduction caused by
the Leveler, use the High Level Compressor function. The fader supports an
on/off button for leveling.
Range : 0 to -48dB
High Level Compression – Gain Reduction Meter
Displays the amount of high-level gain reduction or attenuation.
Range : 0 to -48dB
High Level Compression – Threshold
Controls the compressor threshold, setting the amount of potential dynamic
range compression. As you pull the fader down, automatic makeup gain
corresponding to the resulting attenuation is applied to the signal. The
fader’s position is displayed by a hairline indicator on the Energy Meter. The
fader supports an on/off button for high level compression.
Range : 0 to -48dB
High Level Compression – Gain
Controls the maximum output level.
Range : 0 to -48dB
Output Meter
Displays the plug-in’s output level, including peak and clip (signal exceeding
0dB) indication.
Range : 0 to -96dB
WaveSystem Toolbar
Use the bar at the top of the plugin to save and load presets, compare settings, undo and redo steps, and resize the plugin. To learn more, click the icon at the upper-right corner of the window and open the WaveSystem Guide