TC electronic SDN BHD Home Stereo System manual Unwrap Background

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From kitchen to cinema

Today's music has to be purposed for a number of different reproduction situations, from a mono kitchen radio over a CD stereo system to a full size cinema.

Because no true down-mix or up-convert standard exist, control over this important process can only be achieved by handling it at the mastering or mix studio; thus producing one type of master for every major target reproduction situation.

Re-mixing for multichannel

If the source tapes are still at disposal and the budget is available, the only way to take full advantage of the original material is by performing a re-mix. In a best case scenario you will end up with different mixes each exposing full potential for the format for which it was tailored.

Re-mixing can be an expensive and time-consuming process, but with experienced engineers, the method should be chosen to fully exploit the possibilities of 5.1 and beyond.

Up-conversion

Many reasons can exist for seeking a high quality up-conversion alternative to a re-

mix, if...

•multitrack tapes never existed

•original source tapes are not in a suitable condition

•budget considerations prevents you from re-mixing

•a stereo soundtrack needs replaying using all the cinema channels

Finally there could be a more controversial reason with classic tracks: Maybe we don't really want Strawberry Fields or The Boxer submitted to new balancing and Y2k effects.

UnWrap

For situations where up-conversion is indicated, TC now offers its renowned production quality processor, UnWrap. Using a brute force DSP approach, UnWrap preserves the qualities and resolution of the original mix way more than mediocre processors found in current hi-fi equipment.

UnWrap is a double precision algorithm capable of running at any sample rate between 44.1 and 96 kHz. Applications typically include mastering, film production and broadcast conditioning.

Because up-conversion is not a one-size-fits-all process, UnWrap offers a palette of options to be used for different types of program material, thereby giving as much creative freedom as possible to the engineer performing this important task.

Basic conversion options

Some conversion options are of a profound nature, e.g. if the process is thought of as purely additive, if the ability to collapse to stereo again is important, or if an LFE channel should be derived or not.

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