Waves MaxxBass

Getting Waves MaxxBass up and running was, as with all of the other Waves plug-ins I've used, a piece of cake. There were no compatibility issues and, although I didn't read the manual I can definitely say it's a fairly easy VST to get the hang of. The interface consists of a cut-off frequency fader, an input bass, original bass, and maxx bass fader, and parameters that affect the dynamics and harmonics of the signal. All in all a pretty straight-forward, easy to use plug-in.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Again, as with all of the other Waves plug-ins I've had the pleasure of using, MaxxBass has been a completely stable, reliable addition to my VST library. I'm using a MacBook Pro with a 2.7 Ghz Intel Core i7 processor and 4GBs of RAM and so far everything has been working like a charm. Of course I don't really automate functions on MaxxBass, which may put more stress on my DAW's CPU usage, so I'm not entirely sure how it performs under more strenuous circumstances. I can say, however, that as a sound shaper for some really punchy, fat bass, this is one of my favorites. It really adds a level to your bass that you can feel, sort of like a 32 or 64 ft. organ pipe would. I have successfully employed its effects in Hip-Hop, DubStep, and House tracks and it has done the job well in each scenario. I've only had this plug-in for a couple months, but I feel like it will be a prominent player in my arsenal for a little while.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall Waves MaxxBass is one of the best ways to get a deep thump in your low ends. This is a huge asset seeing as though drowned out bass is a serious problem in mixes - just watch your levels and be conservative because after all, it packs a punch. Very effective and extremely reliable, in the right doses you can't go wrong with MaxxBass.

In electronica music, the number one thing you always want is some huge bass that really thumps you in your chest. Because of that, Waves made this plugin to help those who are trying to achieve that crazy low end that really gets your body moving. The plugin has a cutoff frequency that allows you to adjust it from 32 Hz to 256 Hz, a radio knob to allow you to compress from 1.00:1 to 4.00:1, response, high pass filter, decay, input gain fader, original bass fader, maxxbass fader, output meter and monitor section settings to all help you shape that low end you're looking for. The plugin itself might be a touch daunting for those who have never used something like this, but once you start moving knobs, you should get the hang of it. I've never read the manual, so I can't really comment as to how well it's written. To enable this, simple call it up in your DAW on whatever buss you want for some crazy low end.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I've never experienced a single issue while running these plugins, and I don't really expect to. Waves is pretty famous for being one of the best companies when it comes to overall stability and performance. The plugins are always rock solid. The plugins themselves are cross platform compatible, so both OS X and Windows users alike can utilize these without any issues. It also doesn't take up too much RAM, which is a huge plus. There is one issue, however. This is a 32 bit plugin, and I'm not a huge fan of the way my DAW implements these. My DAW is a 64 bit DAW, and for me to use these, it launches a special bridge application. It's a bit annoying as they disappear while in the background. I'm hoping that Waves updates these in the future so I don't have to keep using this app. I've been using the Waves bundle for the past six or so months, and it's been one of the best purchase decisions I've ever made.

OVERALL OPINION

In my spare time, I do electronica music. Clear chest pounding bass that doesn't sound muddy or hinder other instruments in the mix can be a huge pain, and it's what I'm constantly battling. This plugin helps me shape those low end instruments quite a bit easier than if I wouldn't have it. I wouldn't use it for much other than electronica, however.

The Waves Ltd. Maxx Bass plug-in is a bass enhancer designed for uses of all types, including for film and post production. I’ve only used the plug-in for musical purposes however, so that’s what I’ll be focusing on here in this review. I believe you can purchase this one individually, but I got it along with the full collection of Waves plug-ins. I know it’s available in most of the major Waves plug-in bundles as well. Using the plug-in isn’t too difficult, although it’s not as simple as the Renaissance Bass plug-in which is basically a simpler version of this. For starters, you have control over the frequency you’d like to go up, as well as a built in dynamics processor with control for ratio and response. It then has a high pass for controlling the harmonics which also has a decay parameter. There are then sliders for controlling the level of the original bass, the input level, and the maxxbass level. The plug-in will show you when you’re clipping as well as the overall output level you’re sending. It definitely shares the same kind of user friendly interface you’re going to get with most of the Waves plug-ins, while still maintaining a great deal of control here. I have no need to look at the manual for this one, but check it out if you feel lost at all.


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I’m running the Waves Ltd. Maxx Bass plug-in on my system at home but since I do a good amount of going back and forth between my home studio and the professional studio that I work at, I’ve used it on a few different systems. However, I’m mostly using it at home with Pro Tools 9 and a Mac Book Pro lap top that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. The plug-in doesn’t seem like it’s taking up much of my processing power, although I’ve never really had a need to run more than two or three instances at a time.



OVERALL OPINION

While I do find myself using the Waves Renaissance Bass plug-in quite a bit for it’s simplicity, if I’m looking to get a bit more in depth when it comes to bass enhancing, Maxx Bass is the place I will go to. As I stated earlier I’ve only used this for musically purposes for beefing up a bass guitar or kick drum, but I can definitely see how it would also be helpful in film as well. It certainly does as advertised as you can add a serious amount of bass to your sound pretty quickly and easily here. It’s not exactly like just boosting up the low frequencies in an equalizer as it’s more in depth than that and it shows in the sound. Definitely try out the demo for MaxxBass if you’re at all thinking about it as it’s well worth the time to potentially have a serious bass booster like this one…

The installation is done it without problems?
Yes (requires an account and a key i-lok for licensing bundles, plugins and only demo)

The general configuration is easy?
Yes

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
No

The manual is clear and sufficient?
Yes but no version in French (small flat)


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

What is the configuration of your computer?
PC Intel Celeron 2.50 GHz 4 GB RAM Windows 7 64-bit, Asus motherboard. Sequencer Ableton Live

The software works he correctly on this configuration?
Yes

This software + hardware is stable?
Yes

OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it?
4 months

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
No

What thing do you like most/least about it?
I think this is not the best but well balanced on a low and / or a complete mix, the result is interesting for the music calling for a bass properly inflated. Presets for different types of plays are not bad.

What is your opinion about the value for the price?
As for range waves, but expensive if we have the utility, worth it.

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?
Yes vut style of music I compose.