6 T H G E N E R AT I O N

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.
 THE SCIENCE OF SOUND

Whether theyre creating sound for films, music or games, todays 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 its
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 algo-
rithms 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

 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 cant 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.

MaxxAudio V6
 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.

dB dB
out out
Clipping Clipping
Maximum Volume
with Limiter
Maximum Volume Effective Maximum Volume
Effective Before Clipping Speaker
Speaker Before Clipping
Dynamic
Dynamic Range
Range with
MaxxVolume
Background Background
Noise 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 MaxxLeveler On

SNR SNR
Estimator Estimator

Movie Games Music Movie Games Music

MaxxAudio V6
 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.

L
Stereo MAXX 360
Content MAXX 360
R

MaxxAudio V6
 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,
youre 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 devices 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. Todays 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

MaxxAudio V6
 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 Perceived Loudspeakers

Span Angle 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 songs 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

SNR SNR
System Volume
Estimator Estimator

Background Dialog Background Background Dialog Background

noise noise noise noise

MaxxAudio V6
 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 SNR Estimators

Analyzer Adaptive Filters

Media
Mode
Side Chain

MaxxNR on VoIP
Voice Audio
Path
Speakers

Far-end Voice input Stereo MultiBand

Noise
Reduction

Band
Control

Input SNR Estimators

Analyzer Adaptive Filters

VoIP
Mode
Side Chain

MaxxAudio V6
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 com-
pressed 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 band-
limited 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.

Output

Original Input

Band
BandNN

Input

.. . ..
Band
Band Harmonics
Splitter Equalizer
Spliter Generation

Band
Band22

Frequency Response Frequency Response

Band
Band1 1

A band limited signal down sampled to 22 KHz. The signal from Fig. 1 after Bandwidth Extension process-
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
0 0
L+R L+R
-20 -20

-40 -40

-60 -60

-80 -80

3363 4000 4757 5657 6727 8000 9514 11314 16000 19027 3363 4000 4757 5657 6727 8000 9514 11314 16000 19027

The following frequency response graph (Fig. 1) shows a The next graph (Fig. 2) shows the same (band limited)
band limited signal (20Hz 20 KHz) that has been down signal after processing it with Bandwidth Extension.
sampled to 22 KHz then up sampled to 44 KHz, thus losing
all high frequency content above 11 KHz.

This result shows the extension of the damaged frequency response to higher frequencies which is otherwise
impossible to achieve using standard equalization.

MaxxAudio V6
 KEY MAXXAUDIO BENEFITS

Individualized Comprehensive preset Support for Full integration

device tuning by selection, perfected external audio and logistical
professional for all audio content peripherals support
audio engineers

Trademark Customized user

speaker No bundled
and marketing interface and
protection hardware required
opportunities 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 NORTH AMERICA OFFICE

WAVES AUDIO LTD. Waves Inc.
www.maxx.com Azrieli Center 3 2800 Merchants Drive,
www.waves.com The Triangle Tower, 32nd Floor Knoxville, TN 37912
Tel-Aviv 67023, Israel Phone: 1-865-909-9200
Phone: +972-3-608-4000 Fax: 1-865-909-9245
Fax: +972-3-608-4056