What do you think about the Waves Maxx BCL hardware for mastering?

[TLH]

Hi Gear Slutz,

Is anyone using the Waves BCL hardware for mastering? If yes, what is your opinions?

[84K]

Great converters... No WUP fee, no upgrade fee, beats the plugin version. It is especially convenient if you have a console, that way you can reference your mix through the L2 without having to go ITB.

[jonnyclueless]

I like the L2 better.

[pigpen]

Originally Posted by 84K

Great converters... No WUP fee, no upgrade fee, beats the plugin version. It is especially convenient if you have a console, that way you can reference your mix through the L2 without having to go ITB.

Worth the cash 84? What I am willing to pay for is your opinion once you get the Pendulum...which should Pigpen get, the BCL or Pendulum???? Hmmmmmm???

[84K]

Hey Pigpen,

Is it worth the money? Do you already have the Waves software versions? Do you mix itb? If the answer is "yes" to both those questions, then I most-likely say no.

OTB
It is worth it if you do your mixing otb and you want to hear the sound of the L2 on your mix during the final stages as a reference, and/or if you mix otb and you want to send your client out with a reference CD with a hint of mastering, i.e., LOUDer.

Also, if you do not trust the ME and you want to make it as close as you can.

ITB
For ITB guys who do not have the software, or itb users who want better converters while sending their mix/master to an outboard medium.

Pendulum Limiter
The Pendulum Limiter, although I do not have one yet, I think it will be the L2 killer.... I will post with a valid response once mine is in.... Which may be this week

[pigpen]

Thanks 84....right now I mix ITB. I have the SH summing mixer coming, but no console right now.
I am using the Maxim plug since I upgraded to HD and lost my Waves plugs.
I think I am going to just wait until I hear some action on the Pendulum. I really want it to make me throw my Maxim on EvilBay!!!!
As always, thanks for your opinion!
thumbsup

[T_R_S]

Originally Posted by jonnyclueless

I like the L2 better.

I though the BCL was a L2 with extra stuff on it. ???

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by jonnyclueless

I like the L2 better.

The MaxxBCL has an L2 built in. It is not quite as versatile as a true L2 (I don't think you can set all the parameters) but it should do well enough. I tested its A/D converter against more top of the line converters in a direct A/B from an analog tape at matched gain, and I felt my Cranesong sounded more transparent. I think I'm getting spoiled, there is a range of A/D converters that is far more transparent and open than the middle range.

It may surprise you that my reference A/D is a Cranesong Hedd. When I get the bread I'll have to shoot out the Lavry gold and the Weiss against the Cranesong, but there is no question that the Cranesong is a "cut above" the mid-level stuff.

BK

[T1M0N_5]

Originally Posted by 84K

ITB
For ITB guys who do not have the software, or itb users who want better converters while sending their mix/master to an outboard medium.

Does the MAXX BCL have an Insert point, so that I can use its DAC, then insert an analog compressor, then use its ADC and have the BCL processing?

how are the converters of the maxx bcl compared to RME converters?
how are they compared to lavry blue?
how big is the difference from the processing in this unit compared to the software?
does the maxx bcl have fans to cool the unit or does it work quietly?

[Cellotron]

Originally Posted by T1M0N_5

Does the MAXX BCL have an Insert point, so that I can use its DAC, then insert an analog compressor, then use its ADC and have the BCL processing?

It does not have an insert point, only digital or analog i/o, so the answer to your question is no.

how are the converters of the maxx bcl compared to RME converters?
how are they compared to lavry blue?

I haven't heard the Maxx BCL so I don't know the answer to this question - but if the converters are the same as what was used in the hardware L2 then the Lavry Blue's definitely sound closer to the source than the Waves L2 converters did to my ear.

how big is the difference from the processing in this unit compared to the software?

The PC native versions use 32bit floating point processing math - the hardware (and I believe also the TDM versions) uses 48bit fixed point throughout.

does the maxx bcl have fans to cool the unit or does it work quietly?

There are no fans in it.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[Gravity8058]

I've heard some masters where I swear the MaxxBass was employed at the mastering stage. Suppose it could be a plug in version, but they were from mid/big name mastering houses. Anyone hear those or wonder the same thing? (BTW, the MaxxBass is a feature of the BCL)

[lucey]

Originally Posted by 84K

Pendulum Limiter
The Pendulum Limiter, although I do not have one yet, I think it will be the L2 killer.... I will post with a valid response once mine is in.... Which may be this week

It's such a different beast as to not be an L2 killer ... a very different thing. The L2 still works very well, if not over used, and if there is some compensation made.

[Andy Krehm]

Originally Posted by 84K

...Pendulum Limiter
The Pendulum Limiter, although I do not have one yet, I think it will be the L2 killer.... I will post with a valid response once mine is in.... Which may be this week

I've had the PL-2 since the first month it came out and don't see how it could replace an L2 for general mastering applications.

However, used together they are killer!

[lucey]

Originally Posted by Andy Krehm

However, used together they are killer!

I liked the combo as well. Using the Soft Clip on the Alpha to do a similar thing.