User Manual

3. Using the L3
The L3 user interface is divided into two main parts: the Peak Limiter section
and the IDR section.
The Peak Limiter section of the L3 Multimaximizer is divided into two main
parts:
-full band controls – Threshold, Ceiling, Master Release
-per band controls - Gain, Priority, Release
THE PEAK LIMITER SECTION
The single most important control is the Threshold control. Until the Threshold
is set, the L3 is idle. It introduces only pure delay, and is otherwise 24-bit
transparent.
Once the Threshold is set, any signal that goes over the Threshold will be
limited to the Threshold. The overall Gain is automatically made up by the
Threshold factor. Thus, a Threshold of 6dB will cause a 6dB boost of the
Gain.
The Ceiling control will scale the output so that the maximum energy will
reach the Ceiling value but won’t pass it.
The Ceiling and Threshold controls are placed side by side with the actual
controls placed between a set of Meters. The Threshold is between the input
meters to help adjust the Threshold by the action registered in the input. The
Ceiling is placed between the output meters in order to easily define the
maximum output value.
Between the Threshold and Ceiling controls is the linked control which will
allow you to move both the Threshold and Ceiling controls together. This is
useful in order to maintain consistency in the overall volume. It also allows
you to better perceive the effect of the limiting on the sound of the program
rather than on just the level.
It is recommended to use the linked control and take the Threshold and
Ceiling down together until sound begins to break, distort or lose loudness.
At this point its recommended to take the controls slightly up and then lift the
Ceiling by 0.2dB (or the value of your choice).
Once the Threshold and Ceiling are set, the choices are divided through the
simplified L3 Ultramaximizer vs. the complete L3 Multimaximizer.
In the L3 Ultramaximizer, the remaining Peak Limiter settings are the Master
Release and Profile. According to the selected profile, the Master Release
factor will be subject to different profile settings and will serve as a general
longer vs. shorter release time. The selected Profile will impose a certain
Waves L3 software guide page 6 of 26