USERS MANUAL

Finalizer Express
STUDIO MASTERING PROCESSOR
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. 9 Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Warning! To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment. This apparatus must be earthed. Use a three wire grounding type line cord like the one supplied with the product. Be advised that different operating voltages require the use of different types of line cord and attachment plugs. Check the voltage in your area and use the correct type. See table below:
Voltage 110-125V Line plug according to standard UL817 and CSA C22.2 no 42.
220-230V CEE 7 page VII, SR section 107-2-D1/IEC 83 page C4. 240V BS 1363 of 1984. Specification for 13A fused plugs and switched and unswitched socket outlets.
This equipment should be installed near the socket outlet and disconnection of the device should be easily accessible. To completely disconnect from AC mains, disconnect the power supply cord from the AC receptable. The mains plug of the power supply shall remain readily operable. Do not install in a confined space. Do not open the unit - risk of electric shock inside.
Caution: You are cautioned that any change or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. Service There are no user-serviceable parts inside. All service must be performed by qualified personnel. a
EMC / EMI. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on. The user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

For the customers in Canada: This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numrique de la classe B est conforme la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
Table of Contents Welcome Introduction Front Panel Rear Panel Signal Flow Diagram Compressor/Limiter Setups p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 8 p. 9 p. 10 p. 11

APPENDIX

Self Test Troubleshooting MIDI Implementation Chart Technical Specifications Note Glossary Soldering Instructions My Settings Optional Master Fader p. 22 p. 23 p. 24 p. 25 p. 26 p. 27 p. 28 p. 30 p. 31

BASIC OPERATION

Knobs & Keys Working the Express Step by Step The Finalizer Matrix WORKING THE FINALIZER EXPRESS Analog Inputs Digital Outputs HOW TO ACHIEVE A GOOD STARTING POINT How to hit the Compressor How to hit the Limiter How to Compare Bypassed and Finalized Signals Classical or Acoustic Source Material Average Rock/Pop Music Commercial Speak p. 12 p. 14 p. 15

p. 16 p. 16

p. 16 p. 17 p. 17 p. 17 p. 18 p. 18
SPECIAL SETUPS Using an External Clock p. 19 Finalizer Exp. as Master Clock p. 19 Finalizer Express as Insert p. 19 EXTERNAL CONTROL Using the TC Master Fader Controlling Fader via MIDI Record/Playback of a Fade

p. 20 p. 20 p. 21

TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov - tcdk@tcelectronic.com

English version

Rev 3 - SW - V 1.01 Prod. No: 606064013

WELCOME

Congratulations
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Finalizer Express. We hope that you have as much pleasure using it as we had making it. The Finalizer Express is an easy-to-use three band home mastering device. It will optimize the level and punch of your music by increasing the average perceived level. The user interface of the Finalizer Express is presented in an analog style, making it extremely intuitive and fast to use. The Finalizer Express interfaces with the outside world through 24 bit A/D and D/A converters, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and Optical I/Os. The Finalizer Express features a digital fader, remote controllable through the optional TC Master Fader or via MIDI.

About this Manual

Many people in the music business (and elsewhere) have an aversion to reading manuals. We understand that. So if you feel like starting without reading the whole manual, simply get going. On the other hand, you might want to know a little more about the Finalizer Express before you start turning knobs or pressing keys. This manual will take you through all of the Finalizer Express functions step by step. If you want to read about a specific function, please refer to the Table of Contents.
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 worlds 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 TCs 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.

FRONT PANEL

POWER Electronic POWER key Easy touch Turn on the device with a single light touch. To turn off the device you must press and hold down the POWER key approx. 3 seconds. This delay time is to avoid switching off the device by accident. CARD SLOT The Finalizer Express is ready for future software update possibilities through the PCMCIA slot.
SELECT INPUT Toggles between the analog Inputs and any of the three digital Inputs. ANALOG IN Controls the analog Input gain. INPUT/OUTPUT METERS The high resolution LED meters show the Input and Output level of the Finalizer Express. The Clip LEDs indicate digital clipping on the Input or Output. NORMALIZER CLIP Indicates digital clipping in the Normalizer section. OPTO, AES/EBU, S/PDIF Indicates the selected digital Input. 44.1, 48kHZ Indicates the incoming Sample Rate. These LEDs will blink when either unacceptable clock or no clock is present at all.
GAIN REDUCTION METERS Shows the gain reduction of the Compressor and Limiter. MIDI Indicates incoming MIDI information, the LED will blink accordingly. NORMALIZE GAIN Sets the gain of the Normalizer section. This parameter determines how hard the Compressor is driven. SOFTCLIP Sets the Softclipper of the Normalizer section On/Off.
THE FINALIZE MATRIX Selects the amount of Compressor Rate and the Compression style. LOOK AHEAD DELAY Sets the 3ms Look Ahead Delay of the Dynamics section On/Off. SOFTCLIP Enables/disables the Softclipper in the Dynamics section.

SPECTRAL BALANCE The Low, Mid and High knobs adjust the level in each of the three bands. EMPHASIS The three Emphasis keys add compression and gain in their respective bands.
THE FADER Controls the Master Output level of the Finalizer Express. EXTERNAL CONTROL Determines whether the Fader should be controlled by the Fader knob, the optional TC Master Fader or MIDI. BYPASS ALL Bypasses all functions except Dithering. ANALOG OUT Controls the analog Output gain. SYNC FROM Sets the digital clock that the Finalizer Express should utilize. DIGITAL OUT Sets the digital Status bits used on all digital Outputs. DITHER Toggles Dither between 16 bit, 20 bit and Off (24 bit). Dither is available on digital Outputs only.

REAR PANEL

Main Power Switch

Power Input

Balanced XLR analog Inputs
Balanced XLR analog Outputs

Serial no.

Digital In/Out AES/EBU S/PDIF OPTICAL (Tos-link)

MIDI In, Thru, Out

External Fader Input
Notes Pin 2 is Hot on all XLRs (IEC and AES standards) The Finalizer Express power supply is capable of operating at any line voltage from 100-240 Volts, 50-60Hz. For further instructions on cables please see our Soldering instructions on page 28-29.

SIGNAL FLOW

INPUT PPM Left Right ANALOG IN GAIN Left ANALOG INPUTS [balanced] A/D Right Analog Digital SOFT CLIP COMP LIM SOFT CLIP D/A ANALOG OUTPUTS [balanced] Input Selector Normalizer Spectral Balance Fader Bypass OUTPUT PPM Left Right ANALOG OUT GAIN
Digital Input [AES] Digital Input [S/PDIF] Digital Input [Tos] Opto
Digital Input Select AES S/PDIF Tos

Normalizer Gain

Bypass

Dither

Digital Output [AES] Digital Output [S/PDIF] Opto Digital Output [Tos]
Note Signal is always present on all Outputs.

COMPRESSOR - LIMITER

The Dynamics Algorithm
This chapter explains the basic principles of the Finalizer Express Dynamics Algorithm, including Auto Make-up Gain, Look-Ahead Delay and Softclipping.

The Compressor

Fig. 1
A Compressor is meant to reduce the dynamic content of the Input signal, and thereby keep a more constant level. When the Input signal exceeds a certain Threshold, the Compressor starts to reduce the signal according to the Ratio. The Ratio indicates how much the signal is reduced. For example, a Ratio set at 2:1 means that for every 2dB the signal exceeds the Threshold, only 1dB comes out (see fig. 1). Attack and Release parameters set the rise and fallback time of the Compressor. The Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release parameters are some of the parameters set by the 25 Compressor settings in the Finalize LED Matrix. Crossover Frequencies The Compressor of the Finalizer Express works differently from conventional compressors in a number of ways. First of all, the Compressor works over three bands, as you may know by now. The Crossover points are fixed to 315Hz and 3.15kHz using 6dB slope linear phase digital filters. Auto Make-up Gain A second difference is the Auto Make-up Gain of the Compressor. This function compensates for the loss of gain through the Compressor. A conventional compressor drops in level when compressing according to the specified Ratio and Threshold (see fig. 1). The Finalizer Express Compressor automatically compensates for this gain loss, and thereby always ensures maximum Output (see fig. 2). Look Ahead Delay By delaying the audio signal 3ms, the Compressor has ample time to accurately calculate and create the necessary level correction. This reduces the number of overshoots in the Compressor and thereby makes the compression more precise and less audible. Please note that this feature will delay the full signal through the Finalizer Express by 3ms.

The Limiter

Fig. 2 10
The Limiter works over three bands just like the Compressor. The Limiter is a brickwall type in order to prevent unintentional compressor overshoots from causing fullscale overloads. The Ratio of the Limiter is fixed to Inf:1, with an Attack time of 1.4ms and a Release time of 1.4s - 1.4s - 1.0s. Finalize Softclip The Softclipper smoothly eliminates any overshoot that might occur after the three bands are joined together. Please note that if you drive the Softclipper too hard, you might introduce noticeable distortion on signals with a low harmonic content and/or on very pure signals. The distortion introduced is somewhat similar to tape saturation that can occur when overdriving an analog tape recorder. The amount of Finalize softclipping is displayed by the four orange LEDs above the Output meter. The Finalizer Express softclipper starts working at -3dBFS and gradually increases with the level.

The SPECTRAL BALANCE knobs Use these knobs to set the level of the three bands of the Compressor. This enables you to add more level to a specific band, very much like a three band eq or tone controls. The SPECTRAL BALANCE controls are placed between the Compressor and Limiter (see page 9), making it possible to use the Spectral balance knobs for hitting the Limiter harder, by boosting each of the bands accordingly. FADER knob Controls the digital (and analog) Master Output level of the Finalizer Express. The Fader allows you to perform your fades within digital domain. The Fader can be externally controlled by the optional TC Master Fader or MIDI. EXTERNAL CONTROL - MIDI/FADER This key toggles between the two external remote possibilities and off. When the green FADER LED is lit, the digital Fader is controlled by the 1/4 jack on the back panel. When the red MIDI LED is lit, the digital Fader is controlled by MIDI CTRL 7 on the selected MIDI channel (see MIDI Channel). When either the Fader knob or the External Fader is selected, the current setting takes effect immediately. When MIDI is selected, the Finalizer Express awaits the next MIDI command before changing the fader setting. BYPASS ALL key This key bypasses all processing of the Finalizer Express except Dither. When Dither is set to off, the Finalizer Express performs true 24 bit bypass. When you want to compare the current processed signal with the bypassed sound, use the Fader to achieve even levels. ANALOG OUT knob Sets the analog Output level. This control only affects the analog Output. Range: -26dB to +6dB. SYNC FROM - 44.1/48/DIGITAL INPUT key Use this key to select the desired Master clock. Pressing the key toggles between the internal 44.1kHz, internal 48kHz, the clock present at the Optical Input, the S/PDIF Input or the AES/EBU Input. This makes it possible to force the Finalizer Express to utilize an incoming digital clock with the analog Input, or to force the Finalizer Express to use its internal clock with a digital Input (see the section: Special Setups for further examples). Warning: Choosing a different Sample Rate than the incoming does not give you Sample Rate conversion, and will cause digital clicks in your source material. 13 DIGITAL OUT key This key toggles the digital Status bits on all three digital Outputs. AES/EBU is recognized as the professional standard while S/PDIF is recognized as the consumer format. Please note that some digital devices will not accept the incoming digital signal unless the Status bits are correct. When none of the two LEDs are lit, the Finalizer Express simply copies the Status bits of the selected Digital Input. This setting comes in handy when for example you want to pass on track IDs through the Finalizer Express. If no digital input is chosen and none of the formats are selected, the Finalizer Express outputs its own AES/EBU Status bits as default. DITHER key Toggles between dither at 16 bit, 20 bit and off (24 bit). The dither type is HP-TDF or High Passed Triangular probability Density Function. When one of the dither LEDs are lit, dither noise is applied to the digital Outputs. However, the signal is not truncated as the Finalizer Express always outputs 24 bit data. Dither must always be applied when the wordlenght of a signal is reduced, e.g. when going from the Finalizer Express 24 bit resolution to a CD players 16 bit resolution you must apply 16 bit dither in order to avoid truncation distortion at low levels.

WORKING THE FINALIZER EXPRESS
Depending on your background you may, or may not be completely on top of all technical terms presented on the previous pages. DONT WORRY! The Finalizer Express is easy to use and you will soon be confident operating this unit. The Finalizer Express is an extremely powerful tool that allows you to tighten up most material. Working intelligently on several frequency areas the Finalizer Express will enhance the energy and the level of your mix, making the sound punchier and louder yet adding the feel of air when needed. Be aware that processing your material with the Finalizer Express can be rather addictive, in the sense that you might want to add more and more and sometimes too much from the Finalizer Express powerful tools. However, though you do not notice at first, heavy multiband compression and soft-clipping does generate listening fatique more easily than material where more of the natural dynamic range is preserved. So use your ears and and enjoy the features of the Finalizer Express as so many already do, by applying the right amount of processing in any given situation. Though the Finalizer Express has a very user friendly interface (almost Plug and Play) you will definitely get better results once you understand how each section works. Working the Express step by step 1. Connect the Finalizer Express in your setup. Be sure to use the correct cables correctly soldered. Please see soldering instructions on page 28. 2. Select the desired Input, for instance the analog Input. 3. Start your source material, and adjust the ANALOG IN knob until the INPUT meter shows approximately -6 to -3dB, with no clipping. 4. Turn on the Normalizer Softclipper, the Look Ahead Delay and the Finalize Softclipper. 5. Adjust the Normalizer gain until you see the GAIN REDUCTION meters moving. 6. Use the ARROW keys to find the compressor setting that you find suitable. Experiment with this. The most subtle setting is in the lower left corner, and the most aggressive setting is in the upper right corner. At page 15 youll find the Finalizer Express Matrix, showing settings of Ratio, Threshold, Attack and Release for each program (field), in the Matrix. 7. Go back to the Normalizer gain, and use it to set the amount of compression that you want. It is recommendable to stay below 3dB of gain reduction. 8. Try experimenting with the spectral balance controls to add some extra lows, mids or highs. 9. If additional compression in a specific area is needed try the EMPHASIS keys. Compression will be applied in a wider frequency band while adding make-up gain to compensate for the loss of level caused by this compression. If your material is going to be re-mastered at a later date, it is recommended to bring a copy of the original material in order to be able to go back to the original sound. Please see pages 20-21 for information on how to use the Finalizer Express with external control. Note: This short tutorial does not replace the experience you can achieve by working with the Finalizer Express.

How to hit the Limiter If you want to hit the Limiter harder without adding more compression, you may use the Spectral Balance controls. Since the Spectral Balance controls are positioned between the Compressor and the Limiter, boosting them equally will hit the Limiter harder without affecting the Compressor.
How to Compare Bypass and Finalized signal Comparing the actual sound between the original source material and the Finalized signal can be somewhat difficult because of the added gain. Use the Fader for this purpose. Adjust the Fader until you feel that the two signals are evenly levelled. Then press the Bypass All key to compare. The Fader setting will indicate how much gain has been added to the signal.
Classical or Acoustic Source Material When using the Finalizer Express for classical music, it is preferable to choose a subtle setting. Here is a suggestion: Disable both Softclippers. This will eliminate the risk of adding second harmonic distortion to your signal. This type of distortion is easily recognizable and not desirable on acoustic types of music. Choose the Matrix setting in the lower left corner in order to get the most subtle setting of the Compressor, using a low Ratio, a fairly slow Attack time and a quite rapid Release time. Enable all three EMPHASIS keys in order to lower the Threshold of the Compressor. Now set the Normalizer GAIN knob until you see the GAIN REDUCTION meters move. It is recommended to stay below -3dB of gain reduction.
Average Pop/Rock Music Pop/Rock music is a wide range of styles. It is really a matter of taste and style how you want to treat your source material. Here is a suggestion to a setting for this type of music: Enable both Softclippers. Choose the middle spot of the Matrix. Now use the Normalizer GAIN knob to set the Compressor. It is recommendable to stay below -3dB of gain reduction. Want to add a bit more low end ? Try experimenting with the LOW knob or maybe lower the MID and HIGH knobs a bit while keeping the LOW knob at center position.
Commercial Speak You might want to try the Finalizer Express for compressing a commercial speaker. This will most likely require a bit more compression than a full mix would do. Here is a suggestion to get you started: Enable both Softclippers. Choose a Matrix setting in the Upper right corner using higher Ratios and a bit aggressive response times. Try experimenting with the settings in the lower right corner as well, using high Ratios but slightly sloppier response times. Choose what suits your source material the best. Now use the Normalizer gain knob to set the Compressor. It is recommendable to stay below -6dB of gain reduction displayed on the gain reduction meters. Want to enhance a specific frequency domain ? Try experimenting with the Spectral Balance controls to add more low end, or enhance the mids to get more intelligibility.

SPECIAL SETUPS

Using an External Clock with Analog In

The Finalizer Express may be forced to use an incoming digital clock as master clock and still use the audio of the analog Inputs. This may be handy if you have a house clock or if you prefer to use a second digital device as master clock of your setup. This is a step by step guide on how to set this up. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Connect the source material to the analog Inputs of the Finalizer Express. Connect the digital Output of your master clock device to one of the digital Inputs of the Finalizer Express. Connect one of the digital Outputs of the Finalizer Express to the digital destination. Select analog In on the Finalizer Express by pressing the Select Input key. Press the Sync From to select one of the digital Inputs as master clock.
The Finalizer Express is set up to accept the audio from the analog Input, but slave to the incoming digital clock.
Using an external clock with the analog Input Using the Finalizer Express as master clock It is possible to use the Finalizer Express as the master clock in a digital setup. This may come in handy when inserting the Finalizer Express for example into a hard disk recording system. Here is a step by step guide on how to set this up: 1. Connect the digital Output of your device to one of the digital Inputs of the Finalizer Express. 2. Select the current digital Input on the Finalizer Express by pressing the Select Input key. 3. Connect one of the Finalizer Express digital Outputs to the digital Input of your device. 4. Press the Sync from key to select the desired internal clock. 5. Select the digital Input on your device. The Finalizer Express is now the master clock of the setup.
Using the Finalizer Express as an Insert device Using the Finalizer Express as an Insert device The Finalizer Express may be used as a stereo Compressor inserted in a subgroup on your mixer, for example it could be used for compressing a group of background vocals or a full drum kit. This is a step by step guide on how to set this up. 1. Connect the two group sends from your mixing console to the analog Inputs of the Finalizer Express. 2. Connect the analog Outputs of the Finalizer Express to the group returns of your mixing console. 3. Disable the Look Ahead Delay by pressing the Look Ahead Delay key. The Finalizer Express is now inserted into a group on your mixing console. Warning: Analog to digital to analog conversion results in a minor delay. This delay may cause phase cancellation when the processed signal is mixed with the original signal. 19

APPENDIX Self Test

PRESS AND HOLD THE BYPASS ALL KEY, WHILE POWERING UP, TO ACCESS THE SELF TEST Use the ARROW left and right < > keys to select a test, press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to activate or deactivate a test. The test number is shown in the Finalize LED Matrix. The selftests are described below. Test 0 - LED test Turns all LEDs on. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. Test 1- Potentiometer test This test is used for calibration of the potentiometers. All potentiometers must be set in middle position. Start test by pressing the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key. If any of the potentiometers are outside the specified range, the symbol - will be shown and the LED above the faulty potentiometer will flash. The symbol + confirms that all controls are within the specified range. The new control values can be stored by pressing the SELECT INPUT key. The symbol + confirms that the new settings were stored successfully. Test 2 - Analog In/Out test Connect a balanced cable between an analog Output and an analog Input. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. The INPUT meters will show -12dB. The symbol + will indicate that the test is okay. The symbol - will indicate that the Input or Output is not okay. If so, try the test with the other analog Input/Output to narrow down the problem. Test 3 - AES/EBU In/Out test Connect a balanced cable between AES/EBU Input and Output. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. The INPUT meters will show 0dB. The symbol + will indicate that the test is okay. The symbol - will indicate that the Input or Output is not okay. Test 4 - S/PDIF In/Out test Connect a RCA cable between S/PDIF Output and Input. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. The INPUT meters will show 0dB. The symbol + will indicate that the test is okay. The symbol - will indicate that the Input or Output is not okay. Test 5 - Opto In/Out test Connect an optical cable between OPTO Output and Input. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. The Input meters will show 0dB. The symbol + will indicate that the test is okay. The symbol - will indicate that the Input or Output is not okay. Test 6 - MIDI In/Out test Connect a standard MIDI cable between MIDI In and Out. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. If MIDI is working the symbol + is shown, otherwise the symbol - is shown. Press LOOK AHEAD DELAY key to stop test. Test 7 - External Fader In test Connect a cable to the External Fader In. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. When the TIP is connected to ground the symbol + is shown, otherwise the symbol - is shown. Test 8 - Battery test Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. The battery voltage is tested and if within limits the symbol + is shown, otherwise the symbol - is shown. Test 9 - System test Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start test. The ASIC, DSP, DSP RAM and EEPROM are tested and if within limits the symbol + is shown, otherwise the symbol - is shown. Test 10 - Fader Calibration Connect the Fader to External Fader In. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key to start calibration test. Move the Fader to max. position. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key again. Move the Fader to min. position. Press the FINALIZE SOFTCLIP key and the symbol + is shown shortly to confirm calibration. Power Off On to start the Operating System software. Service Note In case of the unlikely event that the unit needs to be sent in for service, please pack in the original box and an outer box before sending it.

Cables and lengths

The Master Fader uses standard mono jack cables. The cable can be extended using the jack to jack adapter, and can run at cable lengths up to 25 meters. Remember to recalibrate after extending the cable.