Specifications

Chapter 15: Maxim 95
Maxim Controls and Meters
Maxim Input Level Meter
This meter displays the amplitude of input sig-
nals prior to limiting. Unlike conventional me-
ters, Maxim’s Input meter displays the top 24 dB
of dynamic range of audio signals, which is
where limiting is typically performed. This pro-
vides you with much greater metering resolu-
tion within this range so that you can work with
greater precision.
Maxim Histogram
The Histogram displays the distribution of
waveform peaks in the audio signal. This graph
is based on audio playback. If you select and
play a short loop, the histogram is based on that
data. If you select and play a longer section, the
Histogram is based on that. Maxim holds peak
data until you click the Histogram to clear it.
The Histogram provides a visual reference for
comparing the density of waveform peaks at dif-
ferent decibel levels. You can then base limiting
decisions on this data.
The X axis of the Histogram shows the number
of waveform peaks occurring at specific dB lev-
els. The Y axis shows the specific dB level at
which these peaks occur. The more waveform
peaks that occur at a specific dB level, the longer
the X-axis line. If there appears to be a pro-
nounced spike at a certain dB level (4 dB for ex-
ample), it means that there are a relatively large
number of waveform peaks occurring at that
level. You can then use this information to de-
cide how much limiting to apply to the signal.
By dragging the Threshold slider downwards,
you can visually adjust the level at which limit-
ing will occur. Maxim displays the affected
range in orange.
Maxim Threshold Slider
This slider sets the threshold level for limiting.
Signals that exceed this level will be limited. Sig-
nals below it will be unaffected. Limited signal
peaks are attenuated to match the threshold
level, so the value that you set here will deter-
mine the amount of reduction applied.
Maxim Output Meter
This meter displays the amplitude of the output
signal. The value that appears here represents
the processed signal after the threshold, ceiling,
and mixing settings have been applied.
Maxim Ceiling Slider
This slider determines the maximum output
level. After limiting is performed you can use
this slider to adjust the final output gain. The
value that you set here will be the absolute ceil-
ing level for limited peaks.
Histogram
density of
waveform
peaks at
each level
dB level of
waveform
peaks