MASTER X HD NATIVE / Manual

4 MASTER X HD User Manual
1. Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your MASTER X HD.
MASTER X HD is a supreme 3 band Expander/Compressor/Limiter that is specially
designed for audio professionals in the studio or using modern live setups.
Combining award-winning multiband compression technology with a fast and
intuitive user interface, as well as a super smooth expander, the MASTER X HD is
made for the uncompromising sound engineer. The optional Desktop Controller
adds intuitive and exciting hands-on control, while providing ways to optimize
your workow. This new take is highly rened and optimized, while staying true
to the award-winning legacy of TC Electronic multiband technology featured in
products like Finalizer, Master X3 and C400XL.
Multiband Dynamics Technology
MASTER X HD uses advanced TC Electronic multiband dynamics technology to
compress and adapt to any source - from vocals and percussion, to guitars and
even keyboards. Due to the perfectly split- and recombining crossover lters
the inherent transparency of the multiband compressor brings out the qualities
of the source material, yet secures a rm and consistent level at all times. The
optimized and super-fast expander oers smooth and high precision expansion
of any source. The MASTER X HD is equally aimed for channel, sub-mix and master
bus insert.
Three Strikes and you're in!
MASTER X HD stands out in three distinct areas that make it the ideal unit for
demanding use in the studio or in modern live setups:
• • Sound quality – this quality is ensured by proven and optimized source-
based multiband compression, limiting, and smooth expansion.
• • Versatility – decide on expansion, compression, limiting, or a combination,
adaptable to any source, and the MASTER X HD is up for the task.
• • Intuitive – the fast and intuitive user interface and a mix knob for parallel
compression, makes for a fast, professional product.
Intuitive – yet advanced
The rened user interface features extremely fast and easy tuning of the many
parameters in a complex multi-band multi-dynamic processor. The overall
processing characteristics are controlled via a “Target Curve” that simplies the
handling by providing a global processing style for all bands in all processing
blocks. The interaction between the bands can be ne-tuned by applying
“Target Factors” which determine the frequency focus of each processing
block, signicantly reducing the number of required user parameters to set this
complex process up.
Additionally, MASTER X HD features a 'Mix' knob allowing parallel compression
without complicated routing schemes. The unique Parallel compression will lift
hidden details in every vocal or drumkit track.
Last but not least, MASTER X HD features a new take on Softclipping that includes
emphasis, which optimizes use on bass dominated material.
For enhanced precision in modern mastering, the TC Electronic Brickwall HD
plug-in features top shelf True Peak limiting and is perfect in combination with
Master X HD.
About this manual
Read this manual to learn how to install and use your TC Electronic MASTER X HD
multi-band dynamics processor unit. This manual is only available in PDF format
from the TC Electronic website. To get the most from this manual, please read it
from start to nish, or you may miss important information.
To download the most current version of this manual, visit the web page:
www.tcelectronic.com/Categories/c/Tcelectronic/Downloads
If you still have questions about your TC Electronic product after reading its
manual, please get in touch with TC Support:
www.tcelectronic.com/brand/tcelectronic/support
2. Plug-in Installation
The combined MASTER X HD plug-in installer for both the NATIVE and DT Desktop
Controller products can be downloaded from the following page:
www.tcelectronic.com/masterxhd-dt/support
The MASTER X HD plug-in requires an active PACE iLok license to work. See
Chapter 3.
Using the Desktop Controller is optional, and all parameters are available in the
plug-in.
Save the installer le (.pkg or .msi le) in a convenient location on your hard
drive.
2.1 Installation on a PC
Double click the installer (.msi le). If you get a security warning, click ‘Run’.
Accept the license agreement and click ‘Next’.
Select which VST and/or AAX components you want to install. Pro Tools uses AAX
and most other DAW programs use VST. The installer will oer a default location
to save the le, but you can choose another location by clicking
the ‘Browse’ button.
Click ‘Next’ to begin the installation. When installation is complete, click ‘Finish’.