TC Electronic Finalizer 96K Mastering Processor

Product Description

The latest progression in TC's Multi-Award winning mastering technology — the Finalizer 96K — delivers unprecedented levels of clarity, warmth, and punch to your mix.

The Finalizer 96K's all new set of advanced features and enhancements, including 96kHz internal and external processing truly puts the world of professional mastering within reach of every studio — large or small.

Inserted between the stereo output of your mixer or workstation and your master recording media, the Finalizer 96K dramatically rounds out your material, creating that "radio ready" sound — previously unattainable outside a professional mastering house.

Features
Convert: 24-bit/96kHz resolution A/D and D/A converters, Format conversion (AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and Tos-link) ADAT interface (track bounce)

Sample Rate Conversion: Within the range of 31-49kHz

Shape: 5-band 24-bit Stereo Digital Equalizer

Enhance: Choose between Dynamic EQ, Stereo Adjust, Digital Radiance Generator, and Spectral Stereo Image

Normalize: Real-time Gain Maximizer

Expand: Variable Slope multi-band Expander

Squeeze: Multi-band Compressor

Trim: Variable Ceiling multi-band Limiter prevents overs

Fade: Manual or Auto Fade Tool

Dither: Maintain the highest resolution at the digital AES/EBU and S/PDIF outputs, Tos-link, and ADAT

Balance: L/R balance in 0.1dB steps

In short, all the tools you need are provided in the Finalizer 96K and makes it essential in your studio.

When you use the Finalizer 96K you can easily enhance the Dynamics of your mix while you mix. Inserted between the Stereo output of your mixer or DAW and your DAT or CDR, it enhances the dynamics and ensures optimal Analog to Digital conversion.

True 24-Bit/kHz Performance
New features have been added to the Finalizer 96K. It has been updated with new true 24bit resolution A/D and D/A converters. Sample Rate Converter translates AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and Tos input to the Finalizer's internal or external rate. Sample Rate Conversion is within the input range 31-49kHz.

The ADAT interface enables you to freely choose 2 ADAT channels and direct them to other channels on the ADAT. This enables you to bounce tracks while processing the sound with the Finalizer's unique features. Finalize your mix and turn it into a masterpiece.

Simple Versatility
The Finalizer 96K gives you all the features you need to add the finishing touch to your mix. The Finalizer 96K's multi-band processor will make your mix sound punchier and crisper. The Finalizer 96K enable you to easily turn your demo tapes into finished recordings. You decide how you want your precious recording to sound and the Finalizer 96K will take you there.

If you prefer using an external device and insist on using it, the Finalizer 96K gives you the ability to insert it, using the analog inputs or Digitally via AES/EBU, S/PDIF, or Tos-link. The Finalizer 96K also gives you the choice of inserting internal effects, this if useful for you when you for example want to refine the overall EQ before compressing the signal.

Analyzer Functions
The Finalizer 96K features a wide range of extremely useful analyzer functions: Phase Correlation Meter, Level Flow Meter, Peak Hold Meter, and Digital I/O Status. Even a Calibration Tone Generator is included in the Finalizer 96K.

Making It Easy
The successful Wizard function is part of the Finalizer 96K, it immediately calculates an optimal setting for your material. The more experienced user may tweak the signal path extensively with more than 90 parameters to choose from. All of the Finalizer's functions are easily monitored on the graphic LCD and on the 7 precision LED meters.

Dithering
The use of dithering is very important when interfacing digitally between audio equipment. When resolution is changed from higher to lower, dithering is necessary to minimize distortion. In the Finalizer 96K you have the user-friendly TPDF Dithering. The output resolution of the Finalizer 96K is 24-bit, when the receiver of the Finalizer signal has a lower resolution, output Dither must be applied to equal the resolution of the receiver. You can Dither from 8-22 bits. If your low level signals are in Stereo, Uncorrelated Dither is the best choice, if they are in Mono, Correlated Dither will be the most unobtrusive. If the low level signals are unfocused, Inverse Dither may be your best choice.

Full Up and Down Sampling
The Finalizer 96K is now able to perform full Up and Down Sampling.

You can enter and exit at any Sample Rate e.g. 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz and make even asynchronous conversion possible. This is essential for you, when working in different Sample Rates.

If you want to work with old or already finished material, you now have the ability to Up Sample to 96 kHz through the Finalizer 96K and re-master, if that's what you want. The Up and Down sample option also makes you well prepared for the DVD or super-CD audio format coming up in the near future."

Contact you local service center for further information about the upgrade kit for Finalizer, so you also can make full Up and Down Sampling!

Recall
The Recall page takes you step by step through a carefully selected list of 30 presets suitable for any type of source material. There are presets for Classical, Rock, Commercials, Jazz, Techno, Live, etc.

Wizard
When you want to create your own special preset, call up the Wizard. Just answer four basic questions about your source material and the type of processing you require, the Wizard will then optimize your material fast and easy.

Input and Output
The In & Out blocks now share the same flowchart that shows the signal path from input through inserts to output. The intuitive user-interface gives you the best possible overview, and makes instant connection changes.

Tools
The Phase Correlation Meter will tell you whether your signal is stereo, mono or out of phase. The Level Flow Meter shows you the level in each block of the Finalizer 96K. This gives you a quick way of viewing headroom throughout the entire signal path.

Another useful tool is the the Digital Status Tool which lets you decide how the status bits are handled through the Finalizer 96K, this is great when converting from S/PDIF to AES/EBU or vice versa.

Inserts
The Insert block give you the ability to insert external devices either using the analog inputs or digitally via AES/EBU, S/PDIF, or Tos-link. The Finalizer 96K also gives you the choice of inserting internal effects e.g. if you want to adjust the Stereo Image.

Equalizer
Use the high-quality 5-band Stereo Digital EQ to adjust the spectral content of your mix and simultaneously preserve or enhance the transparency and energy of your mix

Spectral Stereo Image
The Spectral Stereo Image allows you to control the Stereo content in three bands independent of the Dynamics crossover. Use this for enhancing the Stereo Image in a specific frequency range, e.g. when widening the vocal area without removing the punch of the bass drum.

Normalizer
In this block, the signal's gain is optimized to ensure maximum utilization of headroom. A logical graphic display makes the adjustment a breeze. You can choose between hard or soft limiting to avoid clipping. Simply recall a preset you like, normalize the gain, and the signal is now suitable for the thresholds in the following dynamics blocks. You are up and running.

Compressor/Limiter/Expander
When you use the Finalizer 96K properly the multi-band Compression becomes a desirable form of EQ. Features like variable crest factor, absolute digital ceiling and variable clipper provide you with a unique set of mastering tools.

Cross-Over
The Compressor, Limiter and Expander share 3 user-definable frequency bands. This feature allows you to treat the lows (kicks), mids (vocals), and highs (cymbals) independently without the "pumping" or "breathing" associated with conventional full range compressors. zZounds is an authorized dealer of TC Electronic and TC-Helicon products.

Digital Inputs and Outputs
Connectors: XLR (AES/EBU), RCA Phono (S/PDIF), Optical (Tos-link, ADAT)
Formats: AES/EBU (24 bit), S/PDIF (20 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
Processing Delay: 0.2 ms @ 48 kHz, 0.1 ms @ 96 kHz
Frequency Response DIO: DC to 23.9 kHz +/- 0.01 dB @ 48 kHz DC to 47.9 kHz +/- 0.01 dB @ 96 kHz
Compressor THD+N: -130 dB (0.00003%) @ 10 dB Compression, 20 Hz-20 kHz
Sample Rate Conversion Type: Asynchronous
Dynamic Range: 130 dB
THD+N: -106 dB 44.1 to 48 kHz @ 1 kHz, -2 dBFS
Input Rate Range: 31 kHz to 49 kHz

Analog Inputs
Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
Impedance: 20 Kohm
Max. Input Level: +22 dBu (balanced)
Min. Input Level for O dBFS: -10 dBu
Sensitivity: @ 12 dB headroom: -22 dBu to +10 dBu
A to D Conversion: 24-bit (6.144 MHz delta sigma @ 48/96 kHz)
A to D Delay: 0.8 ms @ 48 kHz, 0.4 ms @ 96 kHz
Dynamic Range: >103 dB (unweighted, BW=22 kHz), >106 dB(A)
THD: -95 dB (0,0018 %) @ 1 kHz, -6 dBFS (FS @ +16 dBu)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz: +0/-0.2 dB @ 48 kHz 10 Hz to 45 kHz: +0/-1 dB @ 96 kHz
Crosstalk: <-60 dB, 10 Hz to 20 kHz, typical -90 dB @ 1 kHz

Analog Outputs
Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
Impedance: 100 ohm (active transformer)
Max. Output Level: +22 dBu (balanced)
Full Scale Output Range: -10 dBu to +22 dBu
D to A Conversion: 24-bit (6.144 MHz delta sigma @ 48/96 kHz)
D to A Delay: 0.57 ms @ 48 kHz 0.28 ms @ 96 kHz>100
Dynamic Range: 100 dB (unweighted, BW=22KHz), >104 dB(A) THD: -82 dB (0.008 %) @ 1 kHz -6 dBFS (FS @ +16 dBu)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-0.5 dB @ 48 kHz 10 Hz to 45 kHz +0/-3 dB @ 96 kHz
Crosstalk: <-60 dB, 10 Hz to 20 kHz typical 90 dB @ 1 kHz

EMC
Complies with: EN 55103-1, EN 55103-2, Class B of FCC rules/part 15, Class B of CISPR 22

Safety
Certified to: IEC 65, EN 60065, UL 1419, and CSA E65

Environment
Operating Temperature: 32