May 21, 2001 signal processing solutions for audio professionals and Maxx(TM) solutions for
consumer electronics, today announced that it has begun sampling customers on
its first semiconductor solution, the MX3000AS MaxxBass(R) ASIC. The
MX3000AS, based on Waves patented MaxxBass algorithm, offers a low cost
solution that dramatically extends perceived low frequency response in
consumer products such as televisions, multimedia speakers, car stereos and
compact subwoofers.
MaxxBass applies the psycho-acoustic principle of hearing, known as the
missing fundamental. This algorithm creates the listener perception of lower
frequencies than are physically present by generating a carefully calculated
series of harmonics designed to simulate the auditory experience caused by the
missing fundamental pitch. These harmonics extend the perceived frequency
response down one-third or one and one half octaves below the speaker cutoff
frequency without perceived distortion or increased power consumption. The
MaxxBass algorithm has won awards and praise from audio professionals who
create world's top selling music CDs and movie soundtracks. Now, the MX3000AS
allows consumer electronics to benefit from this powerful technology.
"Waves is excited to offer our customers a low cost silicon solution for
MaxxBass," stated Gilad Keren, Waves President and CEO. "MaxxBass addresses
the most difficult and costly problem in audio systems, extended bass
frequency reproduction. Existing bass boost technologies use equalization and
compression to increase the bass volume in the existing frequency band.
MaxxBass patented psycho-acoustic algorithm uses complex harmonics generation
that allows one to hear bass frequencies below those that are physically
possible to create due to loudspeaker constraints. The extended bass response
enabled by the MX3000AS allows low cost audio systems to increase their
emotional impact from today's popular music, movie soundtrack and games
content."
The MX3000AS is a mixed signal ASIC (Application Specific Integrated
Circuit) combining both DSP and precise analog converter technology into an
easy to use, low cost solution. It provides stereo analog input and output
with minimal external components to allow simple integration into low cost
consumer electronics. It can be integrated easily into systems with I2C
controllers or as a stand-alone solution.
Availability
Free downloadable demonstration programs, MX3000AS datasheets and other
background information of the MX3000AS and the MaxxBass algorithm are
available at http://www.maxx.com.
Limited quantities of MX3000AS engineering samples are available to
qualified customers with production quantities in the fourth quarter of 2001.
An evaluation system, the MX3000ASEVM, will be available in June.
About Waves
Waves is a leading provider of DSP solutions for audio professionals
content creation and Maxx(TM) audio signal processing solutions for consumer
applications. Waves award-winning audio processor plug-ins are the quality
standard for thousands of audio professionals in music, movie and multimedia
content creation by utilizing proprietary DSP algorithms based on Waves
psycho-acoustic expertise. Waves' Maxx technology dramatically enhances audio
performance in consumer applications and has been licensed to several leading
companies, including Motorola and Microsoft. The Waves mission is to develop
and provide solutions that enable unparalleled sonic quality for all audio
applications. Headquartered in the United States, the company also maintains
a wholly owned R&D subsidiary in Israel.
Reader Contact Information
North America:
Waves, Inc., 306 West Depot Avenue, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN, 37917
Tel: 865-546-6115, Fax: 865-546-8445, Info@waves.com,
http://www.waves.com.
Israel:
Waves, Ltd., Azrieli Center, The Round Tower, 21st Floor, 132 Derech
Petach-Tikva, Tel-Aviv, Israel,
Tel: 972-3-6081648, Fax: 972-3-6081656 Info@waves.com,
http://www.waves.com.
