Unless you have been living in a cave for the past year, you already have heard at least something about the WavesLive MultiRack system. It was first talked about or at least alluded to right after NAMM in 2009. And we said then and maintain after using it that this is a potential game-changer that allows mix engineers to access Waves plug-ins using any console be it analog or digital.
The Gear
MultiRack is a straight software product (unlike another version called SoundGrid that comes with a server to run the plugs and interface with your console). The idea is that you bring the computer and some kind of audio interface. The MultiRack software is basically a virtual rack, and the number of "spaces" corresponds to the number of channels on your interface. For example, I use a PreSonus FireBox with four inputs and six outs. So I could have a "four-space" rack with two stereo returns.
But, unlike a physical rack, you can stack plugs on top of each other. Think of it as each input on your interface represents a signal path fed by an aux send on your console and you can have multiple pieces of virtual gear in each path and then return them to your console just like you would with actual physical rack gear.
Make sense? It may take a little effort to wrap your brain around the idea, but once you get it and put it into use, the possibilities are limited only by the number of sends on your console, the number of paths in your interface and the power of your computer.
The computer I use is a PC running Windows XP. (That's right, I am one of the unfortunate people who have not jumped over to the MAC yet.) And that fact led to the only real hiccup in this review. The product guys at Waves and the editor who asked me to do this review are all Mac guys, and the thumbdrive they gave me with the software and plug-ins on it were formatted for a Mac. So I had to go back and ask them to please give it to me in a format that 90 percent of the laptops in the world can actually read.
I have the hard drive partitioned with a 15 gig windows partition and a second partition used for file storage and program installation. After an effortless installation of the Waves software, other than typical windows issues that occur when installing programs on a second partition, I was up and running.
As I mentioned, the outboard gear I use is a PreSonus Firebox. Even with the limitations of 4 inputs and 6 outputs with the MultiRack system, I was still capable of multiple Rack I/O setups. My personal favorite and the setup that I found to work best in the room I work in included two mono-to-mono racks plus two mono-to-stereo racks. This setup proved to be very flexible for the multiple bands that play in the venue where I work.
The Gig
Let me start off by saying that with the MultiRack, I was able to achieve a level of control in my mix that I hadn't had before. The venue I work in is a very live room, to say the least, and one of the biggest problems I have is once the band starts playing harder and the singers start really belting out the words, the high end starts getting piercing. Without completely butchering the clarity of the vocals, it is almost impossible to control.
The Renaissance DeEsser plug-in worked great to help control this in the vocals. Add to it the Renaissance Channel EQ ,and I was able to control the high end and still achieve clarity. I found the C4 Multiband Parametric Processor helped greatly in controlling the guitars. (I could go on and on about the plug-ins I used, but we don't have the space.)
And your mileage will vary. Waves loaded us up with a huge pile of plug-ins, including models of some classic tube compressors and other pieces of gear most of us can only dream about using live.
And before you get your panties in a wad in a fit of jealousy, dig this – the software times out in a couple of months, so I get to use it long enough to really depend on it and if I can to keep using it, I'll have to pony up just like anyone else.
How is this feat of anti-piracy achieved? If you do any computer based recording – especially using ProTools – you already know about an iLok. If you don't know, it looks like a cross between a thumbdrive and a very small marital aid. The actual software and plug-ins reside on your computer, but the authorizations to run said software are on the iLok. Music and recording software is among the most cracked code on the planet, and this is a nifty way to keep that from happening. You can install the software and plugs on any computer you want to, but without the iLok inserted into a USB port, none of it will run.
So what if you lose the iLok? Have no fear, just go to iLok.com and you can re-download your authorizations. But an iLok is something that you can't buy at Radio Shack or Wal-Mart, so if you are traveling, I would suggest having a second one in a safe place just in case. They only run about 30 bucks, and it is a cheap insurance policy.
The software is very intuitive. Before even cracking the manual, I was able to set up and find most features offered. The controls on the plug-ins are easy to access and adjust, making on-the-fly changes simple and quick.
The snapshot feature is great for storing and recalling different settings for your plug-ins. I found it proved very useful for the bands where multiple players sang leads. With this software. you are also able to save each session, making it perfect for the touring engineer, or, in my case, in a venue where most of the same bands play week after week.
The overview window is great, making it possible with a quick glance to see all racks and ensure signal is being passed, then double click on the rack that you want to adjust, and the Rack View Window will open. The overall layout is clean and very well thought-out.
In conclusion, the Wave MultiRack system is great software. The I/O setting possibilities are only limited by the outboard gear being used. Even with all the setup possibilities, all the gear needed with this system will fit in most carry-on luggage. Wave MultiRack is very versatile software, making it perfect for virtually any engineer in any venue.
Now if I can figure out how to make my computer think it is June 1, 2010 forever, I'll be in good shape…
Waves Multi-Rack
What It Is: A virtual, software-based effects rack that brings Waves plug-ins to any console – analog or digital.
Who It's For: Any mix engineer comfortable with computers and plug-ins.
Pros: Intuitive, easy to use snapshots let you save multiple "racks" and switch them between acts, or even between songs.
Cons: I don't get to keep it.
How Much? MSRP: WavesLive MultiRack + H-Delay + IR-L Native = $620.
