TC Electronic FINALIZER EXPRESS - Stereo Mastering Processor

The Finalizer Express is an easy-to-use multi-band mastering device. It optimizes the level and punch of program material by increasing the average perceived level. The user interface of the unit is presented in an analog style, making it extremely intuitive and fast to use, and features a digital fader, remote controllable through an optional TC Master Fader, or via MIDI.

The signal coming into the Finalizer Express is split into three frequency bands, using three stereo-linked crossover bands combining linear phase digital filters. Once the original signal is separated into its separate components, each band can be processed 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. Multi-band compression avoids the major drawback of broadband compression, where certain frequencies, notably the bass, can unnaturally skew the compressor. This can cause problems for the higher frequency material, often producing pumping effects, or the "sucking in" of vocals.

The multi-band dynamics algorithm automatically makes up for the gain loss caused by the compressor, and thereby ensures maximum level. The LED Matrix enables the user 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. The Finalizer Express interfaces with the outside world through 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and optical I/O's.