User Manual

THE MCLASS EFFECTS
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The MClass Maximizer
This is a loudness maximizer, a special type of limiter which can significantly raise the perceived loudness of a mix
without risk of hard clipping distortion. Features include a 4 ms look ahead function for “brick wall” limiting and a Soft
Clip function.
The MClass Maximizer should be used as an insert effect, and is designed to be placed at the end of the signal chain
between the mixed final output and the Hardware Interface.
Parameters
|
Parameter
|
Description
Input Gain The Input Gain sets the basic volume of a mix. If this is set very high, you should use Look
Ahead mode or the Soft Clip function to eliminate the risk of hard clipping distortion. Range:
±12 dB.
Limiter On/Off This turns the Limiter section on or off.
Look Ahead On/Off If activated, this will introduce a very short delay (4 ms) to the signal. This delay is used to de-
tect peaks in the signal before they actually occur. If high peaks are detected the limiter is
“ready for them” and gain reduction is applied to transparently control the peaks.
Attack
(Fast/Mid/Slow)
This governs how quickly the Limiter will apply its effect. If set to Fast with Look Ahead acti-
vated (and the Output Gain is set to 0 dB) you will get “brick wall” limiting - no signal peaks
over 0 dB will pass.
Release
(Fast/Slow/Auto)
This determines how long it takes before the Limiter lets the sound through unaffected. If
Auto is activated, the Release time will automatically adapt to the program material.
Output Gain This controls the output gain and should normally be set to 0 dB.
Soft Clip On/Off If this is activated, it also acts a 0 dB brick wall limiter but in a slightly different way. The signal
will be “soft-clipped” which adds a pleasant, warm sounding distortion to the signal. It can be
used simply to get this effect, or as a safeguard against hard clipping distortion if Look Ahead
with Mid or Slow attack settings are used (or if Look Ahead is deactivated).
Soft Clip Amount This controls the amount of soft-clipping distortion. Note that if Soft Clip is on but the
Amount is set to zero, the distortion will be like hard clipping, and thus less pleasing to the
ear.
Output level meter
(Peak/VU)
This is a more detailed meter than found on the mixer. You can switch the meter characteris-
tics between Peak (faster response to peaks) and VU mode (average levels).