Waves – Trans-X Software Audio Processor User’s Guide Waves Trans-X software guide page 1 of 8
Chapter 1 – Introduction and Overview The Waves Trans-X transient processor is a special breed of dynamics processor designed specifically for detecting and shaping the transient attacks of audio signals. This is useful for adding or reducing the punch or pluck of a certain instrument. Trans-X is also a great tool for shaping the impact of the impulsive transients vs. the continuous and sustained components of the sound.
The Multiband plug-in splits the program to four bands by engaging three phase-compensated crossovers. The crossover design is identical to the Waves C4. In the multiband component you can specify a dedicated range and sensitivity for each band. This allows you to make better adjustment on a drum group auxiliary or a drum loop that needs improved punch.
Chapter 2 – Using the Trans-X Although using the Trans-X is easy (there are only a few controls to set), there is still a range of subtle nuances and general functionality that gives complex results. The Trans-X comes with a set of factory presets that can serve as good starting points and are usually classified and named according to the application they were designed to carry out.
Note! When boosting the range, it is important to anticipate the drop in overall track level. You may then use the AutoTrim button to bring the output level back up to just below clipping. Moderate the range to fit your needs. This is best done by ear while listening to the actual program. MULTIBAND CONSIDERATIONS When you have a mixed percussion track or a full drum set it is obviously advantageous to use the Multiband component.
Chapter 3 – Controls and displays TRANS-X CONTROLS RANGE: +18 to –24dB. Default: +6dB. The range control defines the maximum gain adjustment possible. When set to +18dB, it means that it will boost up to 18dB more and never go over the range limit. The range is displayed on the graph as a purple area above or below 0 dB. Its boundaries are shown by a light purple color.
RELEASE: 0.50 to 500ms. Default:10.02ms. This is the release time for the gain adjustment. Once the detected transient is over, this is the time it will take the gain adjustment to settle back to 0dB. The release is actually not completely linear and in the multiband it is even scaled differently for each band. OUTPUT: +18dB to –18dB. Default: 0dB. The Output fader is located between the output meters and adjusts the gain of the overall output of the Trans-X. TRIM: Click to Trim.
TRANS-X DISPLAYS GAIN ADJUSTMENT METERS: The Trans-X Wide shows a gain adjustment meter where the range is indicated by purple shading and a yellow line represents the gain adjustment within the range. The Trans-X Multi shows a similar display with a dynamic gain line over the full band spectrum so that you can see how much gain is adjusted per each band. OUTPUT METERS: The output meters measure the top 30dB peak value.
