TC Electronic Finalizer 96K User Manual

TC Electronic Finalizer 96K User Manual

Studio mastering processor

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USER'S MANUAL
STUDIO MASTERING PROCESSOR

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Summary of Contents for TC Electronic Finalizer 96K

  • Page 1 USER’S MANUAL STUDIO MASTERING PROCESSOR...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Fade ..... . . 33 TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov - tcdk@tcelectronic.com Rev 1.6 - SW - V 3.50...
  • Page 5: Welcome

    WELCOME The Finalizer PLUS/96 is the result of an intense research process combined with the experience and unique creativity of TC’s Research and Development group. The Finalizer PLUS/96 gives you all the tools you need to put the finishing touch on your mix. With its powerful Multiband processing, you can touch up the last details of your mix and enhance the energy and level, in order to make the mix sound punchier and louder.
  • Page 6: Front Panel

    FRONT PANEL Indicates when the Soft Clipper High resolution meters is active SOFTCLIP OVERLOAD POWER OUTPUT 48000Hz -1 -0.5 44100Hz 32000Hz GAIN REDUCTION MIDI IN Normalizer LIM INPUT -24 -20 CARD WORKING -24 -20 EDITED Range: -60dBFS to Indicates Indicates internal overload. 0dBFS.
  • Page 7 Sets parameter values and preset numbers. PROGRAM CONTROL ADJUST FUNCTIONS SOFTCLIP MAIN PAGE RECALL HELP OUTPUT BLOCK ON/OFF WIZARD -1 -0.5 TOOLS STORE BLOCK GAIN REDUCTION QUICK STORE Normalizer LIM INPUT -24 -20 WIZARD COMPARE BAND -24 -20 UTILITY BYPASS MENU PARAMETER This key gives you access...
  • Page 8: Rear Panel

    REAR PANEL...
  • Page 9: Signal Flow Diagram

    SIGNAL FLOW...
  • Page 10: Finalizer Setup

    FINALIZER SETUP Finalizer Setup The Finalizer is carefully designed to optimize the overall level and enhance the energy and clarity in your mix. The use of the three band Compressor, Limiter and Expander makes the dynamics section of the Finalizer very flexible, while maintaining the fidelity of the original material.
  • Page 11 FINALIZER SETUP Connect the Digital Output of DAT #1 to the Digital Input of the Finalizer. Connect the Digital Output of the Finalizer to the Digital Input of DAT #2. Connect the Finalizer’s optical out to the ADAT’s optical in. Connect the ADAT’s optical out to the Finalizer’s optical in.
  • Page 12: Recall

    RECALL Recalling a preset Factory/User presets You are able to search for another preset before recalling it. This 28/30 ROM 128 RAM is called previewing. Until you press OK you are previewing. At PRESETS PRESETS this point your OK key is blinking, indicating that the preset dis- played is not yet recalled (active).
  • Page 13: Store

    STORE Storing a User preset and handling preset names (You can store your preset in the RAM bank only, and the Finalizer therefore automatically selects this bank) (Select letters with the ADJUST wheel and confirm each letter with OK. Note that you can always move the cursor using the PARAMETER keys) Note: Asking for an External Insert is part of a preset.
  • Page 14: Input

    MAIN PAGE Input Page 1 When converting from Analog to Digital, maximum A/D performance is crucial to maintain the maximum quality. In order to achieve this, the A/D converter should be given the best operational conditions. Setting the clock of the converter is one of the points where you have to carefully consider your choice.
  • Page 15 Tos-link and Thru. The new hardware is installed from factory in Finalizer 96K’s - When ADAT is selected, you may assign the Finalizer with serial no. 1214250 and above. To see if the new hardware is signals to any two ADAT channels.
  • Page 16 MAIN PAGE Input Finalizer & ADAT Page 2 When using the Finalizer in a setup with ADAT’s there are a couple of recommendations to keep in mind. There are two different situations: An ADAT setup with BRC (Big Remote Control), and an ADAT setup without BRC. When Analog Input is selected, Analog gain up to +26dB, or attenuation to -6dB before the A/D converters may be applied.
  • Page 18: Inserts

    MAIN PAGE Inserts...
  • Page 19: Digital Radiance Generator

    MAIN PAGE Inserts Inserts Dynamic Equalizer The Finalizer has various Insert possibilities. Choose between: None, DRG (Digital Radiance Generator), Stereo Adjust, Dynamic EQ, Parametric EQ, Ext Insert or MS Encoding/ Decoding or Spectral Stereo Image (only available in Finalizer 96). Note: You can use only one Insert type at a time.
  • Page 20: External Insert

    MAIN PAGE Inserts External Insert Instead of internal processing, one of the two Insert points may be set up for external processing. The External Insert may be Analog, Press the PARAMETER keys to select frequency/gain/ AES/EBU or S/PDIF depending on your Input choice. bandwidth/slope.
  • Page 21: Ms Encoding/Decoding

    MAIN PAGE Inserts MS Encoding/Decoding Spectral Stereo Image MS miking technique or Mid/Side uses a forward-facing directional mic and a side-facing bi-directional mic. MS recording offers very good stereo imaging with the added This function allows you to control the stereo width of your benefit of excellent mono compatibility.
  • Page 22: Normalizer

    MAIN PAGE Normalizer The Clip counter indicates the maximum number of consecutive The process of optimizing the level of your material begins in samples clipped within the last second. the Normalizer. Here you have a graphical presentation of the The Normalizer has a built-in Limiter, which can be either soft or incoming signal, shown as 1 second pictures.
  • Page 24: Expander

    MAIN PAGE Expander Arrow direction indicates whether the parameter value has been increased or decreased since last recall. A dot indicates no changes. low/mid/high Please see the Edit guide low/mid/high description at page 27. Maximum gain reduction in the Expander. low/mid/high This parameter inserts the indicated delay in low/mid/high...
  • Page 25 MAIN PAGE Expander Expander Expert Menu Expander/Gates are often used to remove unwanted background noise. Both the Gate and the Expander perform what is called “Downward Expansion”. In general this means that below a Use the ADJUST wheel to change the Attack time of the three certain Threshold the Input signal gain is reduced on the Output bands.
  • Page 26: Compressor

    MAIN PAGE Compressor Arrow direction indicates whether the parameter value has been increased or decreased since last recall. A dot indicates no changes. Please see the Edit guide low/mid/high low/mid/high low/mid/high description at page 27. This parameter determines whether the Compressor should react to peaks, RMS (average), or something in between.
  • Page 27: The Compressor

    MAIN PAGE Compressor The Compressor User Menu A Compressor is meant to reduce the dynamic content of the Input signal, and thereby keep a more constant level. When the When the Input level exceeds the Threshold, the Compressor will Input signal exceeds the Threshold, the Compressor starts to be activated.
  • Page 28 MAIN PAGE Compressor Expert Menu Make-up gain Make-up gain is automatically calculated in the Finalizer as a function of your Threshold and Ratio settings. If for instance you set the Threshold to -9dB with a Ratio of 1:Infinity, 9dB of The Attack time is the response time that the Compressor uses Make-up gain is added automatically.
  • Page 29 MAIN PAGE Compressor Cross-over Menu With the L-Xovr and H-Xovr you set the Cross-over points of the three bands in the dynamics section. Note: The Cross-over points are common for the Compressor, Limiter and Expander. Compressor Bypass...
  • Page 30: Limiter

    MAIN PAGE Limiter The clip function smoothly kills any low/mid/high overshoot that might occur after heavy Compression or Limiting. The higher the percentage, the softer the clip. This parameter reduces the full scale (0dB) signal level on the Output. (same as under low/mid/high low/mid/high Compressor/Expander)
  • Page 31 MAIN PAGE Limiter The Limiter With the Digital ceiling you can adjust the Digital maximum Output, e.g., if you receive an overload indication on the device connected to the DI/OUT of the Finalizer, you are able to reduce the Output level down by 0.01dB increments. - Press the PARAMETER keys to select parameter.
  • Page 32: Output

    MAIN PAGE Output close to the noise floor. Even if the signal only has passed through a Digital mixer, or a Finalizer, for adjustment of level, Dither should be applied if the succeeding device is of a lower resolution. Dither in the Finalizer is only applied to the Main Digital Outputs, Page 1 so you can not hear it on the Analog Outputs.
  • Page 33: Fade

    The manual fade function can also be controlled by the optional TC Master Fader. To use this facility the Pedal Input in the In the Finalizer, TC Electronic has chosen to use TPDF Dither. Utility menu must be set to Ext. Fader. Please see the Utility This is the most user friendly type of Dither, and it does not menu on page 40.
  • Page 34: Flow

    TOOLS Flow In the Flow meter, you have six small peak meters, representing the level in the different sections of the Finalizer. This can be very helpful in a number of situations. E.g. if you have an overload indication on the front, but you do not know in which section the overload is located.
  • Page 35: Phase Meter

    TOOLS Phase Meter (correlation) The Phase meter shows you the phase relationship between the two channels. Plus means that the two channels are in phase. Minus means that the two channels are relatively out of phase. Sets the curve drawing speed. Curve speed TOOLS Calibration Tone...
  • Page 36: Digital I/O

    TOOLS Digital I/O (DIO) on/off DAT, CD, mixer etc. None, One copy only, Infinite copies Professional usage of status bits. Consumer usage of status bits. Status bits received on Input are fed through to the Digital Output. Here you can set the copyrights on the outgoing Digital audio.
  • Page 37 TOOLS Digital I/O (DIO) This parameter tells whether the incoming signal is Set the copyrights of your material: Pre-emphasized or not. Note! The Finalizer does not remove the Pre-emphasis. - No copies - 1 copy only - Infinite number of copies. (Category code).
  • Page 38: Wizard

    WIZARD soft/medium/hard soft/medium/hard If this option is selected the Finalizer will adjust the Normalizer level. The Finalizer will adjust the Equalizer to the selected spectral expression. WIZARD - Making the whole thing very simple The Wizard is a guide that will help you find the right settings of the Normalizer, Compressor, Limiter and EQ for your specific material. By answering a few relevant questions the Wizard will suggest settings, in all of the above mentioned blocks, that will suit the material you are working on.
  • Page 39: Compare

    COMPARE If you place cursor here, you will hear If you place the cursor here, you will Same function as the BYPASS key. the original preset. hear the edited sound. Use the ADJUST wheel to adjust this level for better comparison with the Bypassed signal.
  • Page 40: Utility

    UTILITY Display Adjust for best contrast on the LCD display. MIDI In Sets the receive channel of the Finalizer. When set to Omni the Finalizer will respond to all channels. When set to Off no MIDI will be received. Sets whether the Finalizer should respond to MIDI program changes or not.
  • Page 41: Midi Out

    UTILITY MIDI Out Connect your Finalizers MIDI Output to another Finalizer, a sequencer or any other MIDI recording device. Press OK and the MIDI transmit channel. Finalizer will perform a MIDI bulk dump of all RAM presets. Sets whether the Finalizer should transmit MIDI program Connect the storing device to the Finalizers MIDI Input and press changes or not.
  • Page 42: Reset Page

    RESET PAGE This function makes it possible to enter your name and phone number into the Finalizer. Press OK to access the User data menu. Use the ADJUST wheel and the MENU keys to write your name and phone number into the Finalizer. Press OK to accept. Your name and phone number will be displayed during power-up.
  • Page 43: Technical Specifications - Plus

    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - FINALIZER PLUS Connectors: XLR (AES/EBU), RCA Phono (S/PDIF), Optical (Tos-link, ADAT), Formats: AES/EBU (24 bit), S/PDIF (24 bit), EIAJ CP-340, IEC 958, EIAJ Optical (Tos-link), ADAT Lightpipe Output Dither: HPF TPDF Dither 8-24 bit Word Clock Input: RCA Phono, 75 ohm, 0.6 to 10 Vpp Sample Rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz...
  • Page 44: Technical Specifications - 96

    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - FINALIZER 96 Connectors: XLR (AES/EBU), RCA Phono (S/PDIF), Optical (Tos-link, ADAT) Formats: AES/EBU (24 bit), S/PDIF (24 bit), EIAJ CP-340, IEC 958, EIAJ Optical (Tos-link),ADAT Lite pipe Output Dither: HPF/TPDF Dither 8-24 bit, mono, stereo, inverted Word Clock Input: RCA Phono, 75 ohm, 0.6 to 10 Vpp Sample Rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz...
  • Page 45: Midi-Implementation Chart

    MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed 1-16 1-16 Mode Default Messages Altered Note Number True Voice Velocity Note ON Note OFF After Touch Keys Pitch Bend Control Change Prog Change True# 0-127 0-127 System Exclusive Common :Song Pos :Song Sel...
  • Page 46: Midi-Continuous Controllers

    MIDI CONTINUOUS CONTROLLERS Left In Right In Comp. Threshold Ext. Insert In Compressor Ratio Ext. Insert Out Compressor Attack Input (Analog or Digital) 14 Compressor Release Clock Compressor Level Balance Limiter Threshold Dither Select Limiter Ratio Analog Out Gain Limiter Attack Fade Curve Limiter Release Fade Time...
  • Page 47: Self Test

    SELF TEST Select MIDI I/O test by pressing OK Connect MIDI out to MIDI In. Prg. change 1-128 is sent out on MIDI thru. Connect this socket Turn the ADJUST wheel to scroll through self tests. to a MIDI compatible device and confirm the Prg. changes. Press the HELP key to exit test.
  • Page 48: Appendix

    APPENDIX Glossary Professional Digital Input/Output standard, using balanced XLR cables. Consumer Digital in/out standard, normally using coaxial RCA type cables or Lightpipe. Dithering is a method to optimize the quality of a Digital audio signal at low levels. A small amount of filtered noise is added to the signal, giving you a less distorted low level signal.
  • Page 49: Tutorial

    APPENDIX Tutorial You should set the gain such that the signal peaks are just below The Finalizer is an extremely powerful tool that allows you to or above the dotted headroom lines. tighten up most material. Working intelligently on several frequency-areas the Finalizer will enhance the energy and and the level of your mix, making the sound punchier and louder yet The Expander is a great help when you clean up the basic mix,...
  • Page 50 APPENDIX Tutorial As a rule-of-thumb the low-band works best with fast Attack times and rather slow Release times because low frequencies have a long wavelength. In the mid-band you can use roughly the same Attack time, but the Release time should be a bit faster since the human ear is very sensitive in this area.
  • Page 51: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING - The Power switch on the rear panel is switched off. - You are using Analog Inputs, but the Input selector in the I/O menu is set to Digital in. - The Analog Input level is set too low. - You are using Analog Inputs, but the Input selector in the I/O menu is set to Digital in.
  • Page 52: Soldering Instructions

    APPENDIX Soldering instructions DIN CONNECTOR DIN CONNECTOR 5POLE - MALE 5POLE - MALE max. 10m 45 degrees 45 degrees SHIELDED CABLE (3 or 5 wires + screen) Note Note NOTE! On TC units with RS485 interface pins 1 and 3 on the DIN connectors are reserved for RS485 connection. Therefore, if you are connecting the unit to other equipment that use these pins, please make sure to use 3-wire standard MIDI type cable (not a five wire MIDI-PLUS type).
  • Page 53 APPENDIX Soldering instructions RING...
  • Page 54 Class B Digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection TC Electronic A/S, Sindalsvej 34, 8240 Risskov, Denmark, against harmful interference in a residential installation. hereby declares on own responsibility that following product:...
  • Page 55: Preset List

    PRESET LIST A general purpose preset. Good on most of today’s “Pump it up” commercial preset. rhythmic music. A preset for a male spoken commercial. Basically the same as the CD Master, but with no Soft-clip. A light compressor for vocals. A master preset enhancing the low and top end.
  • Page 56: Optional Master Fader

    MASTER FADER Why make a Master Fader? If a fade is performed before the Finalizer, the Compressor will try to increase the level as the fade decreases. To avoid this problem, fades must always be done after the Finalizer. The Master Fader makes it possible to perform a manual fade on the very Output of the Finalizer, enabling you to keep your fade in Digital domain and ensuring perfect tracking of Left and Right.

This manual is also suitable for:

Finalizer plus

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