Waves Dips into Hardware

WAVES LTD., a supplier of DSP software for the professional audio and multimedia markets, demonstrated the L2 Ultramaximizer a 2U 19" rackmount hardware audio limiter/converter at the Audio Engineering Society Convention in San Francisco on September 26-29, 1998. The heart of the L2 is the proprietary brick wall look-ahead peak limiter algorithms and IDR (Increased Digital Resolution) dithering technology from the award-winning L1 software.

The L2 Ultramaximizer hardware features 48-bit internal processing and support for 96kHz sampling rates. Featuring digital and analog I/O with 24-bit A/D and D/A converters means the L2 is ideal for the maximum number of audio applications, from mixing to mastering to concert sound. The L2 Ultramaximizer performs high quality re-quantization to 24, 22, 20, 18, and 16-bit outputs, plus the Waves ARC (Auto Release Control) technology continuously controls the optimal release time for maximizing levels and minimizing audible distortions.

Mastering - The L2 Ultramaximizer and IDR processing enhances the perceived sound quality by as much as 18dB. For example, 16 and 20-bit masters can have the perceived resolution of 19 and 23-bit signals, respectively. Recording and Mixing - The L2 Ultramaximizer can be used to requantize 24-bit input signals to a 16-bit signal suitable for typical 16-bit recording equipment. This is ideal for mixing to DAT or CDR. L2 Ultramaximizer eliminates the danger of clipping when recording hotter signals to the mix-down deck (or other downstream components, whether for live sound or broadcasting). Additionally, the L2 can be used for stereo or dual-mono operation.

I/O:

• Balanced analog (24-bit AD and DA converters)
• S/PDIF (RCA) or AES/EBU (XLR)
• Sampling rates of 32, 44. and 48kHz
• x2 function for doubling sample rates (88.2 and 96kHz)
• Choice of sync to external clock (BNC), digital input, or internal
• Waves IDR; Master Dither System:
• 2 master dither choices (type1 and type2)
• 3 noise-shaping curves (moderate, normal, and ultra)
• Re-quantizer output: 24, 22, 20, 18, and 16-bits

L2 Limiter:

• Adjustable Threshold (0 to -30.0dBFS)
• Output Ceiling (0 to -30.0dBFS)
• Release time mode: auto (ARC) or manual (0.1ms to 1000ms), independently selectable on each channel.
• Display/front panel:
• All options are controlled from the front panel.
• All meters are resettable infinite-hold peak LED ladders, with dedicated numeric displays.
• All controls have dedicated rotary controls (no menu pages or LCD displays).
• Full bypass for all processes. Link for stereo/dual-mono operation.