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moosers
Published on 01/26/11 at 17:58
The Waves L3-16 is a multi-maximizer multi-band plug-in for maximizing the volume on your mixes. The plug-in comes individually but also as part of a few different bundles. I believe also included with the L3-16 is the original L3, but I'm not totally sure on how it works if you buy it as an individual. Installing the plug-in should be as easy as following the instructions that will come up on the screen, although I don't have this at home so I haven't installed it myself ever. The configuration of the plug-in is pretty user friendly, splitting it up into five separate bands to work with. Each band has gain, frequency, and Q parameters, while there are also main controls for setting the threshold and output ceiling. There are also options for bit quantization, dither, noise shaping, separation, and release character. Lastly, there's a nifty graph and a release parameters as well. I think most users will find that this is easy to get the hang of and won't be reaching for the manual.
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
We're running the Waves L3-16 on a few systems at the studio where I work. This is a rather new plug-in so we don't have them on all the systems yet, but our two main rooms have it. I've mostly been trying it out in our C room, which is Pro Tools HD (like the others) and has an Apple G5 Power PC computer with 8.5 GB of RAM and dual 2.3 Ghz processor. I've also used it a bit in our A room, but either way it's enough to run the plug-in more than comfortably. When factoring in performance, also take into account that most will probably be using it for mastering and only need a single instance of it at a time.
OVERALL OPINION
The Waves L3-16 is the most in depth and advanced version of Waves' ever popular series of loudness maximizers. I have to say that it's also my favorite to use for the most part. If I'm just looking to get a quick level I'll probably stick with the standard L3, but for serious home mastering jobs or for more in depth control, the L3-16 is going to be the way to go. As always with Waves plug-ins, this has an incredible sound for a plug and will add you a ton of volume to your mixes in the end. I know a lot of home studio users have issues getting their mixes loud enough; the Waves L3-16 is a huge step in the right direction in helping this!
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
We're running the Waves L3-16 on a few systems at the studio where I work. This is a rather new plug-in so we don't have them on all the systems yet, but our two main rooms have it. I've mostly been trying it out in our C room, which is Pro Tools HD (like the others) and has an Apple G5 Power PC computer with 8.5 GB of RAM and dual 2.3 Ghz processor. I've also used it a bit in our A room, but either way it's enough to run the plug-in more than comfortably. When factoring in performance, also take into account that most will probably be using it for mastering and only need a single instance of it at a time.
OVERALL OPINION
The Waves L3-16 is the most in depth and advanced version of Waves' ever popular series of loudness maximizers. I have to say that it's also my favorite to use for the most part. If I'm just looking to get a quick level I'll probably stick with the standard L3, but for serious home mastering jobs or for more in depth control, the L3-16 is going to be the way to go. As always with Waves plug-ins, this has an incredible sound for a plug and will add you a ton of volume to your mixes in the end. I know a lot of home studio users have issues getting their mixes loud enough; the Waves L3-16 is a huge step in the right direction in helping this!