WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor User Manual

1. Introduction

The WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor is an advanced audio processing plugin designed for mastering and mixing applications. It features adaptive thresholding, automatic makeup gain, and a finite impulse response filter, providing unparalleled technology. This tool offers linear phase crossover with five user-definable bands for multi-band compression, EQ, and limiting. Once experienced, you may find it difficult to use other multi-band processors.

Key features include:

• Linear phase crossover and five variable bands.
• Mastering multi-band compressor.
• Independent 5-band processing.
• ARC (Automatic Release Control).
• Double precision bit resolution processing.
• Mono/Stereo components.

2. Setup and Installation

To begin using your WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor, follow these installation steps:

1. System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements specified by Waves Audio for your operating system (Windows or macOS) and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
2. Download Waves Central: If you haven't already, download and install the Waves Central application from the official Waves Audio website (www.waves.com). This application manages all Waves product installations and licenses.
3. Login: Launch Waves Central and log in with your Waves account credentials.
4. Install Product: Navigate to the "Install Products" section within Waves Central. Select "WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor" from your available licenses and follow the on-screen prompts to install the plugin.
5. Activate License: After installation, activate your license to your computer or a Waves-compatible USB flash drive using Waves Central.
6. DAW Scan: Open your DAW. It may automatically scan for new plugins. If not, manually initiate a plugin scan within your DAW's preferences or plugin manager.
7. Insert Plugin: The WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor will now be available as an insert effect in your DAW.

For detailed installation guides and troubleshooting, refer to the Waves Audio support website.

3. Operating Instructions

The WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor provides precise control over different frequency ranges. Below is an overview of its interface and key controls.

Figure 1: WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor User Interface. This image displays the plugin's graphical interface, showing the frequency response curve, crossover points, and various controls for threshold, gain, range, attack, and release for each of the five bands. On the right, global controls for trim, dither, makeup, and release behavior are visible.

3.1. Interface Overview

• Frequency Display: The large graph at the top shows the frequency response and the effect of compression across different bands. Adjustable points on the curve define crossover frequencies and band levels.
• Crossover (XOVER) Controls:
  • LOW (181 Hz): Defines the upper limit of the Low band.
  • LMID (1198 Hz): Defines the upper limit of the Low-Mid band.
  • HMID (4750 Hz): Defines the upper limit of the High-Mid band.
  • HIGH (16000 Hz): Defines the upper limit of the High band.
  These values are user-adjustable, allowing for precise band splitting.
• Band Controls (per band): Each of the five bands (Low, Low-Mid, High-Mid, High, Master) has dedicated controls:
  • THRSH (Threshold): Sets the level at which compression begins. (e.g., 0.0 dB shown)
  • GAIN: Adjusts the output gain of the band. (e.g., Low band at 2.0 dB, High band at 3.0 dB)
  • RANGE: Controls the maximum amount of gain reduction. (e.g., Low band at -7.0 dB, High-Mid and High bands at -12.0 dB)
  • ATTK (Attack): Determines how quickly the compressor reacts to signals exceeding the threshold. (e.g., Low band at 65.16 ms)
  • REL (Release): Determines how quickly the compressor returns to its original state after the signal falls below the threshold. (e.g., Low band at 64.41 ms)
  • Bypass (Byp): Toggles the bypass for individual bands.
• Master Controls (Right Panel):
  • TRIM: Overall output level adjustment. (e.g., 16 dB shown)
  • DITHER: Dithering options (Off, Type).
  • MAKEUP: Gain makeup options (Off, Manual, Adaptive).
  • RELEASE BEHAVIOR: Options for release characteristics (ARC, Electro).
  • KNEE: Adjusts the softness of the compression knee (e.g., 0.50 shown).

3.2. Basic Operation

To apply multiband compression:

1. Insert the WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor on an audio track or bus in your DAW.
2. Adjust the XOVER frequencies to define your desired bands.
3. For each band, set the THRSH to determine when compression engages.
4. Adjust the GAIN to compensate for level changes due to compression.
5. Use RANGE to control the depth of compression.
6. Fine-tune the ATTK and REL parameters for the desired dynamic response.
7. Utilize the Master Controls for overall output adjustments and specialized features like Dither and Makeup Gain.

4. Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor plugin:

• Software Updates: Regularly check for updates via Waves Central. Updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
• License Management: Keep your Waves licenses activated on your primary machine or a dedicated USB drive. Deactivate licenses from old machines before transferring to new ones.
• System Optimization: Ensure your operating system and DAW are up-to-date. Maintain sufficient free disk space and optimize your system for audio production.
• Preset Management: Back up any custom presets you create. These are typically stored in a user-specific Waves folder on your computer.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor, consider the following common solutions:

• Plugin Not Appearing in DAW:
  • Ensure the plugin is installed and activated via Waves Central.
  • Perform a manual plugin rescan in your DAW's preferences.
  • Verify your DAW is running in 64-bit mode if required by the plugin.
• Audio Dropouts or Crackling:
  • Increase your DAW's audio buffer size.
  • Close unnecessary applications to free up CPU resources.
  • Ensure your audio interface drivers are up-to-date.
• License Issues:
  • Open Waves Central and check your license status. Reactivate if necessary.
  • Ensure your computer has an active internet connection for license verification (if applicable).
• Plugin Crashing DAW:
  • Update the plugin to the latest version via Waves Central.
  • Update your DAW to the latest compatible version.
  • Try removing and re-inserting the plugin on the track.

For further assistance, visit the official Waves Audio support page or contact their customer service.

6. Specifications

Below are the technical specifications for the WAVES Linear Phase Multiband Compressor:

7. Warranty and Support

Waves Audio provides comprehensive support for its products. For warranty information, technical assistance, and customer service, please refer to the official Waves Audio website.

• Official Support: Visit www.waves.com/support for FAQs, knowledge base articles, and contact options.
• License Support: Issues related to product activation and license management are handled through Waves Central and the Waves support portal.
• Seller Information: This product is sold by Shimamura Musical Instruments (A2VJBAZIY75XKO) on Amazon.co.jp. For purchase-related inquiries, please contact the seller directly.