6 TH GENERATION PROFESSIONAL SOUND FOR CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

Transcription

1 6 TH GENERATION PROFESSIONAL SOUND FOR CONSUMER ELECTRONICS Waves MaxxAudio is a suite of advanced audio enhancement tools that brings award-winning professional technologies to consumer electronics devices. MaxxAudio provides end-users with unparalleled sound performance, whether playing a game, watching a movie, listening to music or using online voice communication. MaxxAudio delivers a more impressive listening experience from any device, be it a PC, TV, laptop, smartphone or tablet. With MaxxAudio, what sounded great in the recording studio will sound great everywhere.

2 THE SCIENCE OF SOUND Whether they re creating sound for films, music or games, today s top audio engineers share the same goals: To arouse our emotions, to tell a great story, and to deliver an experience that transcends the limits of our imaginations. Creating rich, complex soundscapes that combine power with detail requires ideal listening environments and specialized tools. But a song, movie or game can sound only as good as the device it s played back on. The small, low-power speakers used in consumer devices suffer from various acoustic drawbacks with regard to dynamic range, frequency response, imaging and more. MaxxAudio compensates for these hardware limitations by incorporating psycho-acoustic algorithms that deliver maximum clarity, transparency and natural sound quality. Designed to attend to the latest trends and use cases of audio consumption on consumer devices, MaxxAudio 6th generation enhancement suite offers the most innovative algorithms available in the consumer market today. INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: MaxxBass - Patented Psycho-Acoustic Bass Extension MaxxTreble - High Frequency Shaping MaxxEQ - 10 Band Equalization MaxxVolume - Dynamic Compensation MaxxLeveler - Intelligent Volume Stabilizer MaxxSurround - Multi-Channel Immersion Maxx360 - Stereo-To-Surround Transformation MaxxMultiband - Multiband Compression & EQ MaxxSense - Adaptive Audio Conditioning MaxxSpace - Headphone Enhancement MaxxStereo - Spatial Enhancement MaxxDialog - Intuitive Dialog Management MaxxNR - State-Of-The-Art Noise Reduction Bandwidth Extension - Cutting-Edge Frequency Revival

3 LOW FREQUENCY EXTENSION Waves MaxxBass, patented psycho-acoustic bass extension delivers a more natural sound without overpowering your system. MaxxBass separates low bass frequencies which can t be reproduced by the loudspeaker and analyzes them to create a complex set of higher frequency harmonics, which the loudspeakers can then reproduce. The harmonics are mixed back with the rest of the audio, replacing the original low frequencies. The harmonics are perceived by the brain as the original low frequencies, resulting in a larger, more powerful sound, with extended bass response up to 1.5 octaves below the roll off frequency (f3) of the loudspeaker, with no increase in loudspeaker size or amplifier power. HIGH FREQUENCY SHAPING MaxxTreble replaces a traditional treble control which uses frequency-specific compression instead of equalization, resulting in no loss of RMS. Based on the acclaimed professional Waves C1 Compressor/Expander, MaxxTreble applies its powerful proprietary process to the selected frequency range between 500 Hz and 20 khz. The end result is a crystal-clear sound experience, so you can reach those highest of highs. 10-BAND EQUALIZATION A full spectrum ten-band paragraphic equalizer that can be controlled via parametric data entry or directly on the graphic display, MaxxEQ lets you tune your audio to overcome acoustic constraints caused by loudspeakers, cabinets and amplification circuitry. MaxxEQ includes ten adjustable bands with multiple filter types as well as adaptable Gain, Frequency and Q parameters. In addition, each band can be individually disabled, allowing developers and end-users complete flexibility to shape their sound.

4 DYNAMIC COMPENSATION Using acoustic modeling, Waves MaxxVolume calculates not only the signal being fed to the loudspeakers, but the real volume heard by the listener as well. MaxxVolume increases RMS levels by 12dB or more, delivering sound up to four times louder with no distortion. To top it off, MaxxVolume automatically protects your system, so you can crank it up without running the risk of loudspeaker damage, or turn it way down, without missing a beat. Effective Speaker Dynamic Range db out Clipping Maximum Volume Before Clipping Noise Effective Speaker Dynamic Range with MaxxVolume db out Clipping Maximum Volume with Limiter Maximum Volume Before Clipping Noise Soft Sounds Rise Above Noise db in db in INTELLIGENT VOLUME STABILIZER Waves MaxxLeveler technology allows control over the psycho-acoustic weighting curves to which the Leveler will respond. This results in consistent and controllable loudness levels with minimal changes to frequency response, and can be accurately calibrated to your loudspeakers and amplifier. Recognizing audio content ahead of time, MaxxLeveler automatically adjusts itself to keep output levels balanced, delivering smooth volume across all media content. MaxxLeveler Off SNR Estimator MaxxLeveler On SNR Estimator Movie Games Music Movie Games Music

5 MULTI-CHANNEL IMMERSION Drawing on Waves professional 360 Surround plugins, MaxxSurround enlarges the soundstage, for maximized dynamic response and expanded spatial imaging from any surround signal. Delivering enhanced 7.1 audio imaging from surround sources, creating an immersive multi-dimensional soundscape with breathtaking depth, realism and separation, balance and spread. STEREO-TO-SURROUND TRANSFORMATION Maxx360 employs a patented process to turn ( up-mix ) any stereo content into enveloping 5.1 / 7.1 surround sound, using advanced center and rear channel extraction processing, together with a unique LFE channel enrichment process. Based on the UM225/226 professional audio plugin by Waves, Maxx360 automatically analyzes audio content, extracting each element and positioning it within the surround soundscape. Best of all, Maxx360 maintains the character of the original mix, including absolute levels, relative levels and relative positions in space. Within the mix, dialog is positioned properly in the center channel, while bringing out and enhancing the impact and excitement of LFE special effects. Stereo Content L R MAXX 360

6 MULTIBAND COMPRESSION & EQ MaxxMultiband features eight floating bands with narrow Q values, providing a dynamic equalization that was previously available only in recording studios, post production facilities and mastering rooms. Using a sophisticated proprietary algorithm, MaxxMultiband divides audio content up to eight individual frequency ranges between 20 Hz and 20 khz. It then applies a powerful combination of high level compression, low level compression, equalization and automatic gain compensation to selected ranges. MaxxMultiband essentially turns you into a mastering engineer; the only difference is, instead of mastering the sound of audio content, you re mastering the audio performance of your device, eliminating troublesome enclosure resonance. ADAPTIVE AUDIO CONDITIONING MaxxSense listens to your content before you do, then customizes the output in real-time, before it reaches your ears. By analyzing audio content automatically, MaxxSense minimizes the need for user adjustments, so they can move seamlessly between VoIP and video games, online streaming, prerecorded music and more. Its integrated Noise Rider function analyzes the listening environment using the device s own microphones, acoustically modeling incidental dynamic noise in real time, and adjusting its output performance accordingly. MaxxSense does it all smoothly and seamlessly, without abrupt volume changes or calculation pauses. HEADPHONE ENHANCEMENT In the early days of stereophonic sound, left and right channels often contained completely different musical elements. Today s mixes, however, are comparatively narrow, with left and right signals that are fairly similar. While using headphones, this tends to results in a one-dimensional listening experience which does not portray recorded content in its most flattering light, with sound sources being perceived mostly as arriving from within the head. MaxxSpace restores the sensation of natural stereo separation and spaciousness by applying a subtle proprietary process to the headphones stereo signal. MaxxSpace headphone enhancement enables even the simplest pair of ear-buds to provide an expansive, enveloping listening experience. With MaxxSpace

7 SPATIAL ENHANCEMENT Spatial imaging technology improves the stereo separation of closely-placed loudspeakers. Using pure acoustic cross-talk cancellation and phase compensation to widen the stereo field, the MaxxStereo algorithm increases perceived loudspeaker separation by up to 70 degrees, providing natural sound and an enormous sweet spot. MaxxStereo Loudspeakers Span Angle Perceived Loudspeakers Separation INTUITIVE DIALOG MANAGEMENT MaxxDialog employs a unique dynamic engine which considers the amplitude, frequency, and time envelope of stereo sources, providing a program-based Center and Sides (left/right) signal split. Based on the Waves Center pro audio plugin which is used by top audio engineers to zero-in on a song s phantom center and raise or lower vocals without affecting the rest of a mix, MaxxDialog offers similar functionality, providing developers with a simplified interface that facilitates integration into consumer devices. With MaxxDialog System Volume SNR Estimator SNR Estimator noise Dialog noise noise Dialog noise

8 STATE-OF-THE-ART NOISE REDUCTION MaxxNR adapts to and eliminates background noise throughout online communications such as VoIP based conversations as well as user-generated content such as homemade videos. Based on the Waves WNS Noise Suppressor plugin originally engineered for professional audio post production facilities, MaxxNR uses adaptive multi-band dynamics with zero latency and no phase distortion, resulting in transparent, natural sound. By automatically analyzing the input signal, MaxxNR determines which frequency ranges contain undesirable background noise, and dynamically processes these ranges alone, effectively reducing ambiance and environment sounds. MaxxNR on audio content Stereo Audio Path Speakers User Generated Content Stereo MultiBand Noise Reduction Band Control Stereo Analyzer SNR Estimators Adaptive Filters Side Chain Media Mode MaxxNR on VoIP Voice Audio Path Speakers Far-end Voice input Stereo MultiBand Noise Reduction Band Control Input Analyzer SNR Estimators Adaptive Filters Side Chain VoIP Mode

9 BANDWIDTH EXTENSION CUTTING-EDGE FREQUENCY REVIVAL Derived from and related to the modeling of vintage analogue amplifiers, Waves Bandwidth Extension Technology was designed to compensate for lower resolution encoding on compressed audio signals, restoring lost frequencies to provide a fuller spectrum output which more closely resembles the original uncompressed signal. Waves Bandwidth Extension restores lost high frequencies by generating higher order harmonics from existing frequencies, and manipulating them to behave as the original lost frequencies with dynamics and EQ control. VoIP and most phone networks transmit bandlimited or compressed audio signals which reduce clarity and intelligibility. The algorithm synthesizes and expands narrowband signals, improving audio performance by simulating higher quality sample rates. Waves Bandwidth Extension is also ideal for compressed audio files such as mp3s which have reduced frequency ranges. When music files are encoded, high frequency content is lost, depending on the bit rate and encoder. This is especially common with content that is encoded for streaming purposes. Original Input Output Input BandNN Band Splitter Band Spliter.... Harmonics Generation Equalizer Band22 Frequency Response Band1 1 Frequency Response A band limited signal down sampled to 22 KHz. The signal from Fig. 1 after Bandwidth Extension process L+R Fig. 1 Fig. 2 0 L+R The following frequency response graph (Fig. 1) shows a band limited signal (20Hz 20 KHz) that has been down sampled to 22 KHz then up sampled to 44 KHz, thus losing all high frequency content above 11 KHz. The next graph (Fig. 2) shows the same (band limited) signal after processing it with Bandwidth Extension. This result shows the extension of the damaged frequency response to higher frequencies which is otherwise impossible to achieve using standard equalization.

10 KEY MAXXAUDIO BENEFITS Individualized device tuning by professional audio engineers Comprehensive preset selection, perfected for all audio content Support for external audio peripherals Full integration and logistical support speaker protection No bundled hardware required Trademark and marketing opportunities Customized user interface and graphic design ABOUT WAVES AUDIO Waves is the world leading developer of DSP technologies for pro audio, live sound and consumer electronics, heard on popular music, hit movies and top-selling video games the world over! Waves received a Technical GRAMMY award for its outstanding contributions to the recording industry. Now, Waves professional sound tools are available for consumer electronics devices. BECAUSE SOUND MATTERS. CONTACT INFORMATION maxx@waves.com WAVES CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS ISRAEL WAVES AUDIO LTD. Azrieli Center 3 The Triangle Tower, 32nd Floor Tel-Aviv 67023, Israel Phone: Fax: WAVES NORTH AMERICA OFFICE Waves Inc Merchants Drive, Knoxville, TN Phone: Fax: