Difference between Waves MaxxBass and Waves LoAir?

Question

I could read the manuals but I'm feeling lazy today. Who has used both and can shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of each?

Answer 1

I've used MaxxBass and RenBass for years and have been using LoAir for about a year. Here are my observations:

MaxxBass and RenBass have a similar sound. RenBass has simpler (slimmed down) controls. While they sound the same, they also can sound different :) I use them for adding punch, thump, or weight to a sound. Sometimes MaxxBass works sometimes RenBass, it all depends on the material.

LoAir is completely different. It is supposed to be like a subharmonic synth (I've never used one). I use LoAir when I want boom, when I want to shake the house, and when I want my sub bumping. While I find LoAir is much more of a "wow" effect than the others, I also find that it is easier to make things sound terrible using it.

When I'm designing guns, I rarely use LoAir but often use MaxxBass or RenBass. LoAir works better for me on things like explosions or big monster footsteps/bodyfalls. I also tend to use LoAir at more extreme settings than the other 2.

That's my take on it, others may have different experiences.

Answer 2

As I understand it, LoAir enhance/adds in subharmonic or low end content. MaxxBass adds in harmonic content in the upper registers to help perceive the low end of a track as more present and louder witout overdriving the low end (it's really good for that too).

So MaxxBass=adds/enhances upper registry harmonics for low end sound, LoAir=adds/enhances lower frequency content for higher end/thin sounds.