Mastering & Multi-Band Compression at its best

The latest progression in TC's Multi-Award winning mastering technology - the Tc Electronic Finalizer96K - delivers unprecedented levels of clarity, warmth and punch to your mix. With an all new set of advanced features and enhancements, including 96kHz internal and external processing, Finalizer 96K 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. TC Electronic has lifted the performance of Studio Mastering Processors to an even higher level with the introduction of the new Finalizer 96K. This powerful Studio Mastering Processor is the result of an intense research process, creativity and thoroughly knowledge about recording.

Since many of TC Electronic's engineers have a background in recording, they know what is important for mastering engineers, studios and YOU!

True 24bit/96khz performance - New features have been added to the TC Electronic 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. Now it is easy for you to finalize your mix and turn it into a masterpiece.

Simple versatility - The TC Electronic Finalizer 96K gives you all the features you need to add the finishing touch to your mix. The Finalizer 96K's multiband processor will make your mix sound punchier and crisper. With the Finalizer 96K, now you can easily turn 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.

Essential for 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. Please see illustration below. All the tools you need are provided in one unit. You can simultaneously:

• Convert: 24bit/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: Five band 24bit Stereo Digital Equalizer
• Fade: Manual or Auto Fade Tool
• Enhance: Choose between Dynamic EQ, Stereo Adjust, Digital Radiance Generator"! and Spectral Stereo Image
• Normalize: Real-time Gain Maximizer
• Expand: Variable Slope multiband Expander
• Balance: L/R balance in 0.1dB steps
• Dither: Maintain the highest resolution at the digital AES/EBU and S/PDIF outputs, Tos-link and ADAT
• Squeeze: Multiband Compressor
• Trim: Variable Ceiling multiband Limiter prevents overs

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.

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 seven precision LED meters.

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 24bit, 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 8-22bits. 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.

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

The In & Out blocks now share the same flowchart that shows the signal path from input through inserts to output. A very intuitive interface gives you the best possible overview and makes instant connection changes.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 Tc Electronic Finalizer 96K. This gives you a quick way of viewing headroom throughout the entire signal path. The Digital Status Tool 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. The PCMCIA card slot of the Finalizer 96K supports up to 2MB SRAM. The Card easily fits into your pocket. The Compare button allows you to adjust the Finalizer 96K's signal to the same level as the bypassed signal - great for fast and accurate comparison. Use the Navigation controls to move around quickly inside the Finalizer 96K's intuitive software interface.

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.With the high quality 5 band Stereo Digital EQ, you can adjust the spectral content of your mix and simultaneously preserve or enhance the transparency and energy of your mix.

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. widening the vocal area without removing the punch of the bassdrum.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. 

With the TC Electronic Finalizer 96K properly used multiband 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.The Compressor, Limiter and Expander share three user-definable frequency bands. This feature allows you to treat the lows (kick), mids (vocal) and highs (cymbals) independently without the 'pumping' or 'breathing' associated with conventional full range compressors.

TC Finalizer 96K Technical Specifications:

• 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 kHzCompressor THD+N:-130 dB (0.00003%) @ 10 dB Compression, 20 Hz-20 kHz
• Sample Rate Conversion Type:Asynchronous.
• Dynamic Range:120 dBTHD+N:-106 dB 44.1 to 48 kHz @ 1 kHz, -2 dBFS
• Input Rate Range:31 kHz to 49 kHz
• Analog Input Connectors:XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)Impedance:20 Kohm
• Max. Input Level:+22 dBu (balanced)
• Min. Input Level (for 0 dBFS):-10 dBuSensitivity:@ 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:<-80 dB, 10 Hz to 20 kHz typical -100 dB @ 1 kHz
• Analog Output 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: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
• Complies with:EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2, FCC part 15, Class B, CISPR 22, Class B
• Safety: Certified to IEC 65, EN 60065, UL 1419 and CSA E65
• Environment: Operating Temperature 32 F to 122 F (0 C to 50 C)
• Storage Temperature:-22 F to 167 F (-30? C to 70? C)
• Humidity:Max. 90 % non-condensing
• PCMCIA Interface Connector:PC Card, 68 pin type 1 cards
• Standards:PCMCIA 2.0, JEIDA 4.0Card
• Format:Supports up to 2 MB SRAM
• Control Interface MIDI:In/Out/Thru: 5 Pin DINGPI, Pedal, Fader: 1/4" phone jack
• Finish:Anodized aluminum front Plated and painted steel chassis
• LCD:56 x 128 dot graphic LCD-display
• Dimensions:19" x 1.75" x 8.2" (483 x 44 x 208 mm)
• Weight:5.2 lb. (2.35 kg)
• Mains Voltage:100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz (auto-select)
• Power Consumption:<20 WBackup
• Battery Life:>10 years