Waves API 2500 User Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3 1.1 WELCOME...........................................................................................................................................................3 1.2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................................................................4 1.
Chapter 1 – Introduction 1.1 Welcome Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your Waves processor, please take the time to read through this manual. In conjunction, we also suggest that you become familiar with www.wavesupport.net. There you will find an extensive Answer Base, the latest Tech Specs, detailed Installation guides, new Software Updates, and current information on Authorization and Registration. By signing up at www.wavesupport.
1.2 Product Overview The API 2500 is a versatile dynamics processor that lets you shape the punch and tone of mixes with absolute accuracy. Its dual channel design lets the 2500 also function as two separate mono channels via a single compression setting. Using auto-makeup gain, you can adjust Threshold or Ratio while automatically maintaining a constant output level.
1.3 Concepts and Terminology There are 3 main parameters that set the API 2500 from other compressors: Thrust, Compression Type, and its adjustable Knee. When used in conjunction with one another, these parameters give the API 2500 unprecedented flexibility. Knee Sets the knee, the manner in which the compressor begins to reduce the gain of the signal. • In the Hard position, gain reduction begins immediately at the set ratio. • In the Med position, there is a slight fade-in to the set ratio.
Thrust Sets the Thrust, a proprietary process that inserts a High Pass Filter at the RMS detector input, limiting compression response to lower frequencies while applying additional compression to higher frequencies. • In Norm mode, there is no filter and the 2500 functions like a normal compressor. • In Med mode, there is a slight attenuation of the low frequencies and a slight boost of the high frequencies, with a flat mid range affecting the signal into the RMS detector.
Type Sets the Compression type, which determines the signal source being fed to the RMS detector. • In New (Feed Forward) mode, the compressor works like newer VCA-based compressors. The RMS detector sends a signal to the VCA that is an exact ratio of the desired compression, set by the ratio control. • In Old (Feed Back) mode, the RMS detector receives a signal from the VCA output, and then feeds the VCA a signal based on the set signal ratio.
1.4 Components WaveShell technology enables us to split Waves processors into smaller plug-ins, which we call components. Having a choice of components for a particular processor gives you the flexibility to choose a configuration suitable for your material. The API 2500 has two component processors: API 2500 Stereo – A stereo compressor that may also be used as two parallel mono processors. API 2500 Mono – A mono compressor with an external sidechain option.
Chapter 2 – Quickstart Guide For those of you who are experienced users of audio signal processing tools, we recommend that you approach the API 2500 as you would any compressor which you are already familiar. Keep in mind that its Thrust, Compression Type, and Knee parameters offer capabilities that transcend other, more conventional, processors. Newer users should explore the API 2500’s preset library and use its presets as starting points for their own experimentation.
Chapter 3 – Controls and Interface 3.
Threshold Sets the point at which compression begins. Threshold for each stereo channel is set independently, since each channel has its own RMS detector, even in Link mode. In Auto Gain Make-up mode, the Threshold also affects the gain. Threshold is a continuous control. Range +10dBu to -20dBu Default 0dBu (-12dBFS to -42dBFS) Attack Sets the attack time of each channel. Range .03ms, .1ms, .3ms, 1ms, 3ms, 10ms, 30ms Default 1ms Ratio Sets the compression ratio of each channel.
3.2 Tone Section Knee Sets the Knee, the manner in which the compressor begins to reduce the signal gain. Range Hard, Med, Soft Default Hard Thrust Sets the Thrust, a proprietary process that inserts a High Pass Filter at the RMS detector input, limiting compression response to lower frequencies while applying additional compression to higher frequencies. Range Loud, Med, Norm Default Norm Type Sets the Compression type, which determines the signal source being fed to the RMS detector.
A note about Sidechain: Sidechain lets you trigger the compressor using an external source, which is fed into the RMS detector and controls the compression of the input signal. Sidechain may only be used in New (Feed Forward) mode. An external sidechain trigger cannot be used in Old (Feed Back) mode; attempting to do so automatically switches the compressor to New (Feed Forward) mode. 3.3 Link Section L/R Link Sets the percentage of linkage between the left and right channels.
3.4 Meter Display Meters The API 2500’s Meters display dBFS. The Gain scale displays the amount of gain reduction during compression with the 0 point located at the far the right, which allows higher gain reduction scale resolution.. The API 2500 is capable of up to 30dB of reduction. Range 0dB to -24dB (Gain Reduction mode) -24dB to 0dB (Input and Output modes) Switchable Display Modes Range GR, Out, In Default GR Clip LED Between the two Meters is a Clip LED which indicates input or output clipping.
3.5 Output Section Analog Turns the Analog modeling on and off. Range On/Off Default On Output Controls the output level in 0.
Make-Up Turns Auto Make-Up Gain on and off. Range Auto, Manual Default Auto In Acts as a master bypass for the entire compression chain. When set to Out, all compressor functions are bypassed.
Chapter 4 – The WaveSystem 4.1 The WaveSystem Toolbar All Waves processors feature the WaveSystem toolbar which takes care of most administrative functions you will encounter while working with your Waves software. The features of the WaveSystem toolbar are the same on practically all Waves processors, so familiarity with its features will be helpful whichever processor you are using. Toolbar Functions Undo Redo Setup A/B Copy A->B Load Save ? Undoes the last 32 actions.
Loading Presets and Setups Click-and-hold on the Load button to see the Load pop-up menu. The menu is divided into four sections. If a section is not currently available it will not appear in the Load pop-up menu. Open Preset File… Select to open any setup or preset file, whether from the Library or your own creations. ‘Filename.xps’: Displays any currently loaded Setup File and its presets. Factory Presets: Displays the default Factory Presets. User Presets: Displays any loaded User Presets.
Deleting Presets You may delete User Presets and presets within a Setup File. Factory Presets and Setup Library files cannot be deleted or overwritten. 1. Hold the Command (Mac)/Control (PC) key down. 2. Click-and-hold the Load button to see the pop-up menu. 3. While still holding the Command/Control key, select the preset or setup to delete. 4. A confirmation box will appear, allowing you to cancel or ‘OK’ the deletion.
Value Window Buttons Value windows display the value of a control and allow click-and-drag adjustment, or direct control via the keyboard. • • • Using the mouse, click-and-drag on the value window to adjust. Some value windows support left/right, some up/down (as you hover over a button, arrows will appear to let you know which direction of movement that button supports).
Additionally, the Mac has an option-TAB function for ‘down’ movement and shift-option-TAB for ‘up’ movement where applicable. If you have several Value Window Buttons selected, TAB functions will take you through the selected controls only.
Appendix A – API 2500 Controls Control Threshold Attack Ratio Release Release Variable Knee Thrust Type L/R Link Link Filter Make-up Meter Analog In Output Range FeedBack, Feed forwards IND, 50%,60%,70%,80%,90%,100% Off, HP, LP, BP Auto, Manual GR, OUT, IN Default 0dBu 1ms 4:1 .5sec .5sec Hard Norm Feed Forwards 100% Off Auto GR On/Off In/Out +/-24dB 0deg In 0dB +10dBu to -20dBu .03ms, .1ms, .3ms, 1ms, 3ms, 10ms, 30ms 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1 4:1 6:1 10:1 inf:1 .05sec, .1sec, .2sec, .5sec, 1sec, 2sec, Var .
