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INTRODUCTION
What is the Finalizer Express?
This is a short introduction to the Finalizer Express concept, including a brief description of Multiband Dynamics
processing.
Multiband Dynamics Processing
TC Electronic has been working with Multiband Dynamics for several years and has become one of the world’s leading companies in this
field. The simple explanation of Multiband Dynamics is that the incoming signal is split into several frequency bands, in this case into three
bands. This is done using three stereo-linked crossover bands combining linear phase digital filters. When the signals are separated, it is
possible to process them independently. In this case three stereo Compressors and three stereo Limiters are used, one for each band. After
the dynamics processing, the three bands are joined again. All this is done digitally with no loss in sound quality or resolution.
Why Multiband Dynamics ?
Multiband Dynamics makes it possible to process the bands independently. This means that the bands can be processed differently without
affecting each other. When working with a full mix using conventional dynamics processing, you face certain problems. Generally you will
have a problem, when the energy of the source material is mainly in the low end. The bass guitar or kick drum will then control the overall
compression and thereby introduce what is best known as “pumping and breathing”. With conventional dynamics processing it is also
impossible to compress, or limit, the low end without affecting the mids containing Vocals and guitars, or to leave the highs less
compressed than the rest of the signal.
All these problems can be avoided by using Multiband Dynamics. With the Finalizer Express you will avoid “Pumping and Breathing”,
you can compress and limit the low end without affecting the mids and highs, and you can leave the highs less compressed than the rest of
the signals. In addition to these benefits, Multiband Dynamics sound a lot more subtle and transparent, making it possible to achieve
a higher perceived level of a mix without getting that ‘squeezed and squashed’ compressor sound.
The Finalizer Express
The Finalizer Express is a studio mastering device meant for optimizing the overall perceived level of your mixes. This is done by utilizing
TC’s proprietary Multiband Dynamics algorithm that the Finalizer Express inherited from the TC Finalizer Plus/96.
The Multiband Dynamics algorithm automatically makes up for the gain loss caused by the Compressor, and thereby ensures maximum
level. The Finalize LED Matrix enables you to choose between 25 different settings of the Compressor organized by Ratio and
Compression style ranging from smooth and subtle to aggressive and hard compression. In addition, the three Emphasis keys can be used
for adding extra compression to the selected band.
The three Spectral Balance controls allow you to change the level relationship between low, mid and high, making it possible to add some
extra tight compressed low end.
The digital fader enables you to perform your fades within the digital domain, using the fade knob on the front panel of the Finalizer
Express or by using the optional TC Master Fader, and even record and playback fades through MIDI. Last but not least, the Finalizer
Express features 16 and 20 bit dither for delivering your material to a 16, 20 or even 24 bit digital media.
