No,of course I'm not interested and neither are you,but I thought it perfect fodder for another "slagfest"!!Waves wrote:What is Netshell APA?
APA stands for Waves Audio Processing Accelerator.
What does it do?
Provides external DSP to run multiple Waves plug-ins easily.
Why do I need this?
Waves is known for producing powerful quality plug-ins, and it’s true that the most powerful and advanced Waves plug-ins require more CPU from your system. Waves APA will provide your system with external DSP and enable you to pour on IR-1 convolution reverbs (which is unable to fit on an Accel Card) Linear Phase EQ's, L3's, Renaissance Channels, and many more CPU-hungry Waves plug-ins.
So if I have a Waves bundle can I choose how to use the plug-ins i.e. Host, TDM, APA?
Yes, one of the main advantages of the Waves APA is that we do not limit the user to run the plug-ins on only one resource or another. The user can choose to run the plug-in on the Host CPU, TDM hardware or APA directly from the host application's plug-ins menu.
What plug-ins will run and how efficient is the APA?
At first release IR Convolution Reverb, L3, Lin EQ, Lin MB, C4, Renaissance Reverb, Renaissance Channel, SoundShifter, Morphoder, TransX, and Q-Clone.
Soon after the release there will be others. Not all Waves plug-ins need to support APA. There is a misconception in the Industry were if you use any plug-in on an external DSP it delivers efficiency to your system. This is wrong. Some plug-ins that are not DSP "HOGS" are better run on your host saving the CPU from delivering the process to and from the external DSP. Only CPU-hungry plug-ins benefit from external DSP.
As for efficiency - for example at 48k on a single APA 32 you will be able to run 6x IR Convolution Reverbs, 6x L3 's, 11x Lin EQ's, 7x Lin MB 's, 14x C4's, 11x Renaissance Reverbs each, or a combination of the above DSP power.
An APA44 you will run 20% more efficient then on an APA 32, on average.
How do I connect the APA?
The APA connects via a single Ethernet connection, supplied with the unit. For Multiple units (up to 8 per host) connect all units to a Ethernet Switch.
Latency and Latency Management?
The latency is 8ms round trip. This is reported to the host and can be handled by automatic delay compensation.
Can I use more then one?
Yes, each PC or MAC can have up to 8 APA units connected via an Ethernet Switch.
What does it cost?
Netshell APA 32 - $1600 Retail. Netshell APA 44 - $2400 Retail.
Clients will receive the IRL and Q-CLONE plug-ins for free (valued at $1600 retail).
Can a multiple machine studio share APA resources?
Yes, as long as each host has Waves plug-ins installed you can have a stack of APA's in the central room and dedicate APA resources per room via a V-LAN switch system (maximum 8 APA's per host).
Who are the users Waves is targeting with this product?
1. Any user that has Waves Plug-ins, what ever system they are using.
2. Any user that wishes to have 6x or more convolution reverbs, Q-Clone or other Waves plug-ins.
* They instantly receive Netshell authorization and the IRL & Q-Clone plug-ins worth $1600!
Does it work with PC and MAC?
Yes
Does it work with Audio Units, RTAS, TDM, and VST?
Yes, it will work with most any system that runs Waves plug-ins (DirectX and MAS support coming soon).
Do I need to move my authorization to the APA?
No, the existing authorization remains as is on your HD or iLok.
Is this like other PCI, Firewire, USB DSP Cards?
No, there are distinct differences -
*APA does not have "hard wired" plug-ins connected to it. Waves provides the user with freedom as to their decision of where and when to use their plug-ins.
*APA connects via a standard Ethernet cable (supplied).
*The user is able to stack, expand their system from 1-8 with a mix and match of APA units (APA32, APA44).
*APA runs Waves plug-ins the most advanced audio processors in the world.
What is the difference between APA 32 and APA 44?
APA32 is a 19" rack mount unit, 1U High.
APA44's DSP is aprox 20% more intensive then the APA32. It's a half rack mount unit, mobile, quiet operation, 1U High.
Waves has a rack adaptor that will rack mount 2 APA 44's in a single 19" rack space.
How do I use more then 1 and what is the limit, can I mix APA 32 and APA 44?
A single system can consist of 8 APA units. These can be APA32 and APA44 combined (all connection are Ethernet via a Switch).
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