Waves Portable Speaker 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  
i
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
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 specifica-  
tions 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 pur-  
chase 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, PURCHASERS 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.  
1
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
Warranty Service  
For warranty service, please call one of Wavesoffices 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 Wavesdiscretion.  
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  
North and South America:  
Waves  
306 West Depot Ave.  
Suite 100  
Knoxville, TN 37917  
tel: 1-865-546-6115  
fax: 1-865-546-8445  
Rest of the world:  
Waves (KS Waves, Ltd.)  
Azrieli Center  
The Round Tower, 21st Floor  
132 Derech Petach-Tikva  
Tel-Aviv, Israel  
tel: 972-3-6081648  
fax: 972-3-6081656  
2
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 con-  
nections. MaxxBass 102 supports stereo analog inputs and outputs with RCA connectors (with 10dBU sensitivity). The sys-  
tem is supplied with an external 16V AC power supply.  
audio source  
amplifier  
MaxxBass  
speakers  
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.  
MaxxBass Technology  
Waves patented MaxxBass® psycho-acoustic bass extension technology is a unique solution to common bass frequency limita-  
tions due to cost, size and power consumption. Inserting a MaxxBass unit into the audio system will result in better bass with-  
out 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  
Portable PA  
House of Worship  
Sound reinforcement  
DJ/Bands  
MaxxBass extends the perceived bass response of a speaker by up to one and a half octaves below the speakers 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.  
3
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
Front Panel Features  
Input Trim  
Knob  
Input Signal  
Indicators  
Bypass Button MaxxBass Intensity MaxxBass Frequency  
and Indicator Knob Knob  
Lock Button  
and Indicator  
Power Button  
and Indicator  
Figure 2. MaxxBass 101 Front Panel  
Input Trim  
Knob  
MaxxBass  
Intensity  
Knob  
Bypass  
Button  
Input Signal  
Indicators  
MaxxBass  
Frequency  
Knob  
Bypass  
Lock  
Power  
Indicators  
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  
XLR Input  
TS/TRS Output  
TS/TRS Input  
Figure 4. MaxxBass 101 Rear Panel  
AC Input  
Lock  
Button  
Input  
(RCA)  
RS232 Serial  
Connector  
Output  
(RCA)  
Figure 5. MaxxBass 102 Rear Panel  
4
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 custom-  
ers in different regions of the world as shown in Table 1.  
Table 1. MaxxBass Included Power Supply  
Geographic Region  
Input Voltage  
Output Voltage  
Americas  
Europe  
Japan  
110V AC  
220V AC  
100V AC  
16V AC  
16V AC  
16V AC  
5
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
6
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 occa-  
sionally. 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 sup-  
port 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 Technologysection, MaxxBass removes energy residing below the (set) MaxxBass Frequency  
from the input signal. Thus, if MaxxBass Frequency is set too high above the speakers cutoff it might degrade the speakers  
response in that frequency area. It is generally best, when tuning MaxxBass Frequency, to start low and gradually raise the set-  
ting until the desired effect is achieved.  
Table 2. Initial MaxxBass Frequency Recommendation  
Product  
Speaker Cutoff  
MaxxBass Frequency  
Large subwoofers  
Small monitors  
25-40 Hz  
70-80 Hz  
80-100Hz  
25-30 Hz  
50-60 Hz  
60-80 Hz  
Ceiling mount speakers  
Intensity Knob  
The MaxxBass Intensity knob should also be tuned to the specific speaker system under evaluation. MaxxBass Intensity con-  
trol 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 mixedinto the signal in a complex fashion.  
7
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
amp  
amp  
A
B
freq  
freq  
F
f1 f2 f3 f4 f5  
F
f1 f2 f3 f4 f5  
Figure 6. Harmonics series at low and high Intensity settings  
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 systems 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.  
8
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  
Public Address System  
to deliver frequencies its speakers cannot reproduce.  
tape  
info desk  
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.  
mixer  
MaxxBass  
MaxxBass  
amplifier  
amplifier  
area one  
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 systems crossover unit low (frequency) output and the subwoofer amplifier. When connecting to a subwoofer,  
connect the crossovers low frequency output to MaxxBassleft and right inputs and use one of MaxxBassoutputs to the  
subwoofers 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  
Club System  
phono 1  
phono 2  
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  
mic  
equalizer  
crossover  
MaxxBass  
MaxxBass  
amplifier  
mixer  
amplifier  
amplifier  
booth  
speakers  
sub  
main  
woofer  
speakers  
Figure 8. Club Application  
9
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
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 subwoofers cutoff.  
Connect the crossovers low frequency output to MaxxBassleft and right inputs and use one of MaxxBassoutputs for the  
subwoofer amplifiers input.  
Sound Reinforcement System  
mic  
mic  
mic  
monitor  
mixer  
equalizer  
crossover  
MaxxBass  
amplifier  
MaxxBass  
amplifier  
main  
mixer  
amplifier  
monitors  
main  
speakers  
sub  
woofer  
Figure 9. Sound Reinforcement  
10  
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
Specifications  
Technical Specifications  
MaxxBass 101  
MaxxBass 102  
Input:  
Type  
XLR - Active balanced; Pin 2 hot Wire  
RCA  
Terminal - Active balanced 1/4 TRS - Active  
balanced/unbalanced  
Impedance  
Max Level  
Gain Range  
10k  
10kΩ  
+22dBu  
+9dBu  
-Inf - 1:1 ratio  
-Inf - 1:1 ratio  
Output:  
Type  
XLR - Active balanced; Pin 2 hot Wire  
Terminal - Active balanced 1/4 TRS - Active  
balanced/unbalanced  
RCA  
Impedance  
Max Level  
60Ω  
10kΩ  
+22dBu @ 600Ω  
+9dBu  
Freq Response (bypass)  
THD + Noise:  
Effect Bypassed  
Effect Enabled  
Signal to Noise Ratio:  
Effect Bypassed  
Effect Enabled  
Unit:  
20Hz-20kHz +0.2/-0.4dB  
20Hz-20kHz +0.2/-0.4dB  
-90dBAw  
-72dBAw  
-90dBAw  
-72dBAw  
-96dBAw  
-85dBAw (Fc = 50Hz)  
-96dBAw  
-85dBAw (Fc = 50Hz)  
Physical Size  
PSU (external)  
Misc:  
4.4 x 48.4 x 8.2 cm  
CE 16VAC  
4.4 x 21.5 x 6.5 cm  
CE 16VAC  
User Controls  
Input Level, MaxxBass Frequency, MaxxBass  
Intensity, Bypass, Lock  
Input Level, MaxxBass Frequency, MaxxBass  
Intensity, Bypass, Lock  
MaxxBass Freq Range  
25-100Hz  
25-100Hz  
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 lock-  
ing 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.  
11  
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
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 lock-  
ing 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.  
12  
MaxxBass User Guide  
 
 
 

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