TC Electronic SYSTEM 6000 MKII Algorithm Manual - Brickwall 2
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Green Limiter LED indicator
Indicates bit transparency (read introduction for details).
Threshold
Range: Off, 0dBFS to -25dBFS
When the input level exceeds the Threshold, the signal
will be attenuated. Gain reduction meters at the bottom of
the display display the max amount of reduction applied
to either of the channels. When Link is active, the same
amount of reduction is used in both channels.
Note: The architecture of Brickwall 2 enables bit
transparency to be obtained for any limiting Threshold
between Full Scale and -25 dBFS.
In CD mastering it is common practice to allow level
to digital Full Scale on a sample by sample basis.
This has the consequence that downstream
equipment will behave unpredictably, and in many
cases add distortion you don’t hear. The distortion is
not harmonic, can be quite severe (more than 10%) and
cause early listening fatigue. Consult the Tech Library at
the TC website for more details. To get rid of most
distortion problems in most cases, make sure the
Upsample key is pushed (green). Threshold can now be
set safely at 0.0 dBFS, while Brickwall 2 still takes care of
peaks that would otherwise cause distortion. The
alternative is to detect only single samples (Upsample
grey), like most processors do, and lower the Threshold by
2-3 dB to obtain the same degree of low distortion
downstream performance. Besides from post production
and broadcast work, at least one mastering situation exists
where you should consider a lower Threshold than 0 dBFS
with upsampling engaged: When dealing with material that
will be subsequently low bit-rate data reduced. In such
cases try around -2 dBFS, and listen through the encoder
and decoder
Softclip
Range: Off, +18dB, +12dB, +6dB, 0dB, -6dB, -12dB
When the post Gain level exceeds the threshold set, Soft
Clip is activated. When Soft Clip is in operation, the red
indications above the Gain Reduction meters light up.
Soft Clip deliberately adds harmonic distortion, and
may be balanced against the adaptive limiter for
more apparent loudness, or as an effect. However,
when processing sensitive material, and for live
applications, it is recommended to turn off Soft Clip
to avoid bad surprises.
Upsample
When activated (green) Brickwall 2 operates at 5 times
upsampling (regardless of System sample rate) to detect
and remove intersample peaks above the Threshold. The
I/O meters are constantly upsampling to give an indication
of potential downstream distortion problems at the input as
well as the output. See the Threshold description for more
information.
Adaptive
Many different objectives exist when it comes to peak
limiting audio. From taking care of a few peaks in a gentle
way to pushing up the average/peak ratio in order to raise
the apparent loudness, for voice cut-through or a dozen
other reasons. Brickwall 2 extends the adaptive release
time control of Brickwall 1 to include numerous new internal
variables, to make the algorithm respond intelligently for a
number of applications. Activate Adaptive (green) to take
advantage of the different Profiles.
Profile
Range: Dynamic, Soft, Universal, Loud, Voice.
The adaptive Profiles allow you to tell Brickwall 2 what your
intentions are. The selected Profile is only active when
Adaptive is pushed (green).
Several internal variables are dynamically updated based
on the Profile chosen, so distortion is perceived (and
measured) to be as low as possible for a given loudness,
and reduction in average/peak ratio. Maximum perceived
distortion tolerated is different from Profile to Profile. The
multi-dimensional parameter-space is fully continuos to
avoid situations where distortion could occur, or where
processing is suddenly altered without a detectible cause.
Acquaintance yourself with the different Profiles to have
them at hand when called for by a specific application.
The Dynamic Profile offers gentle processing with
minimum static and dynamic distortion. It’s a first choice for
audiophile limiting, for instance with classical music, choir
etc.
The Soft Profile also prioritizes low static and dynamic
distortion over loudness, and is typically suitable for
acoustic music with natural transients and ambience, as
well as live applications.
The Universal Profile has a higher tolerance for perceived
distortion than Dynamic and Soft. It is still magnitudes
better than analog designs, but may be on the aggressive
side for sensitive music. It is a good choice for starters, and
in production where you don’t know what to expect.
The Loud Profile again has a higher tolerance for perceived
distortion, and is therefore better suited for production and
mastering rather than live applications.
The Voice Profile is targeted human voice, and adapts
well to asymmetrical signals. Used on composite material,
perceivable distortion is to be expected with large ratios of
limiting.
Release
Range: 20 ms to 7 sec.
Because dynamic release times are included with the
adaptive profiles, Release becomes inactive when Adaptive
is selected.