TC Electronic MASTER X HD NATIVE, MASTER X HD-DT User manual

User Manual

MASTER X HD NATIVE / MASTER X HD-DT

Multiband Dynamics Processor Plug-In with Optional Hardware Desktop Controller

V 1.0

2 MASTER X HD User Manual

Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions ...................................... 3

Legal Disclaimer ............................................................. 3

Limited warranty ............................................................ 3

1. Introduction ............................................................... 4

2. Plug-in Installation .................................................... 4

2.1 Installation on a PC ............................................................. 4

2.2 Installation on a Mac ......................................................... 5

3. Activate your MASTER X HD ......................................

iLok license ..................................................................... 5

3.1 Activation when you have purchased the NATIVE

version ............................................................................................ 5

3.2 Get a Free Demo License ................................................. 5

4. Connection and Setup .............................................. 6

4.1 Connecting the MASTER X HD-DT Desktop Controller

(optional) ....................................................................................... 6

4.2 Operating the MASTER X HD ......................................... 6

4.3 Insert vs Aux Eect............................................................. 6

4.4 Mono/Stereo Operation ................................................... 6

4.5 Plug-in and Hardware Controls ..................................... 7

6. Navigating the MASTER X HD Desktop Controller

(optional).......................................................................17

7. Dynamics Processing In-Depth ..............................18

7.1 Compressor .........................................................................18

7.2 Limiter ................................................................................... 19

7.3 Gate/Expander ................................................................... 19

7.4 Modern Mastering, Loudness and ..................................

Tru e -Peak s ................................................................................... 20

8. Presets ...................................................................... 22

8.1 Factory Presets ................................................................... 22

8.2 User Presets ........................................................................ 22

8.3 Presets and the optional hardware unit ................. 23

8.4 Favorite Presets ................................................................. 23

8.5 Make Current Preset Default ........................................ 23

8.6 Reveal User Preset Folder in Explorer .......................23

9. Software Updates ................................................... 24

9.1 Hardware Unit Software Updates (optional) ..........24

10. Specications ......................................................... 24

4.6 Connection Status to the Hardware Unit ................... 7

5. User Interface ............................................................. 8

5.1 Bypass On/O ...................................................................... 9

5.2 Main Display ......................................................................... 9

5.3 Meters ..................................................................................... 9

5.4 Static Response View ...................................................... 10

5.5 Target Curve And Target Factors................................. 10

5.6 Expander .............................................................................. 12

5.7 Compressor .........................................................................13

5.8 Limiter ................................................................................... 14

5.9 Crossover Frequencies and Band Gains.................... 15

5.10 Soft Clip .............................................................................. 15

5.11 Mi x ........................................................................................ 16

5.12 S/C, IO, Mix Controls .......................................................16

3 MASTER X HD User Manual

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

20. Please keep the environmental aspects of battery

This apparatus may be used in tropical and moderate

Important Safety Instructions

Terminals marked with this symbol carry
electrical current of sucient magnitude

to constitute risk of electric shock.
Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with
¼" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. Allother
installation or modication should be performed only
by qualiedpersonnel.

This symbol, wherever it appears,

alertsyou to the presence of uninsulated

dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure-voltage that may be sucient to constitute a
risk ofshock.

This symbol, wherever it appears,

alertsyou to important operating and

maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

Caution

To reduce the risk of electric shock, donot

remove the top cover (or the rear section).
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualied personnel.

Caution

To reduce the risk of re or electric shock,

do not expose this appliance to rain and
moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing liquids and no objects lled with liquids,
suchas vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

Caution

These service instructions are for use

by qualied service personnel only.
Toreduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any
servicing other than that contained in the operation
instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualied
servicepersonnel.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including ampliers) that produce heat.

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 t into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Use only attachments/accessories specied by
themanufacturer.

12. Use only with the
cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied 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.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualied 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.

15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.

16. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is
used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall
remain readily operable.

17. Correct disposal of this
product: This symbol indicates
that this product must not be
disposed of with household
waste, according to the WEEE
Directive (2012/19/EU) and

your national law. This product
should be taken to a collection center licensed for the
recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment
(EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could have
a possible negative impact on the environment and
human health due to potentially hazardous substances
that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time,
your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product
will contribute to the ecient use of natural resources.
For more information about where you can take your
waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local
city oce, or your household waste collection service.

18. Do not install in a conned space, such as a book
case or similar unit.

19. Do not place naked ame sources, such as lighted
candles, on the apparatus.

disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a
battery collection point.

21.

climates up to 45°C.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which
may be suered by any person who relies either
wholly or in part upon any description, photograph,
or statement contained herein. Technical specications,
appearances and other information are subject to
change without notice. All trademarks are the property
of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik,
Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic,
TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Auratone and Coolaudio
are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music
Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands
Ltd. 2020 All rights reserved.

LIMITED WARRANTY

For the applicable warranty terms and conditions
and additional information regarding Music Tribe’s
Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at
musictribe.com/warranty.

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 per fectly 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.

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’.

• • 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 frequenc y 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 perfec t 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.

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.

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 Suppor t:

www.tcelectronic.com/brand/tcelectronic/support

Click ‘Next ’ to begin the installation. When installation is complete, click ‘Finish’.

5 MASTER X HD User Manual

Note: If your DAW fails to detect the newly installed plugin, this can often be
xed by adding the following paths to the Plug-in Manager (or similar) of the
DAW. The default paths on a PC are "C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST2" and
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3" for VST2 and VST3, respectively.

2.2 Installation on a Mac

Double click the installer (.pkg) le.

Proceed through the prompts to begin installation.

3. Activate your MASTER X HD iLok license

3.1 Activation when you have purchased the NATIVE version

Step 1: Install iLok

The rst step is to create an iLok user account at ww w.iLok.com and install the
PACE iLok License Manager on your computer if it’s your rst time using iLok.

Step 2: Activation

In the received mail (when buying the NATIVE version) or on the rear cover of the
printed quick start guide (when you have bought the DT Desktop Controller
version) you will nd your personal Activation Code. To activate your sof tware,
please use the "Redeem an Activation Code" feature in the PACE iLok License
Manager.

Click ‘Continue.'

A default location will be selected for installation, or you can select another
folder manually. If you have administrator authorization in place, you will need to
enter your password before beginning installation.

Click 'Close' when done.

3.2 Get a Free Demo License

Make use of this hassle-free oer to try out our plug-ins before you buy.

• 14-Day Trial Period

• Fully Functional

• No Feature Limitations

• No Physical iLok Key Needed

Step 1: Install iLok

The rst step is to create a free iLok user account at www.iLok.com and install the
PACE iLok License Manager on your computer if it is your rst time using iLok.

Step 2: Get your free license

Go to:

www.tcelectronic.com/brand/tcelectronic/free-trial-masterxhd-native

and enter you r iLok User ID.

Step 3: Activation

Activate your software in the PACE iLok License Manager.

6 MASTER X HD User Manual

4. Connection and Setup

4.1 Connecting the MASTER X HD-DT Desktop Controller (optional)

Getting the Desktop Controller up and running couldn’t get any easier. Plug the
included USB cable into the unit ’s rear micro-USB port, and connect the other end
to a free USB port on your computer. The Desktop Controller is bus powered, so no
other power cables are necessary, and no additional drivers need to be
manually installed.

MASTER X HD-DT

Laptop

The Desktop Controller will light up upon successful connection. You can now
apply the plug-in to a channel in your DAW to begin using the eect. This process
may vary slightly depending on your software, but generally should require
these steps:

• Select a channel or bus in your DAW to which you would like to add the eect.
Access the mixer page where you should see a section dedicated to eect slots

• Open the menu where you can select from a list of eect types, which
probably includes many stock plugins that are included with the DAW.
There should be submenu to view general VST/AU/AAX options.

• The plug-in will likely be found in a dedicated TC Electronic folder. Select the
MASTER X HD and it will now be added to the signal chain.

Double click on the eect slot that contains the MASTER X HD to view the plug-in
UI. There should be a green link icon at the bottom, and text that indicates
successful connection between the plug-in and the Desktop Controller.

4.2 Operating the MASTER X HD

After you have installed the plug-in, activated the iLok license and optionally
connected the MASTER X HD-DT Desktop Controller via USB, you can begin
inserting the plug-in to your tracks.

Adjustments to the eect are done in two ways. Either by using the plug-in user
interface or via the physical Desktop Controller.

4.3 Insert vs Aux Eect

The MASTER X HD is intended for insertion directly into an eect slot on a single
channel, sub mix bus or master bus, which passes the entire signal through the
eect. Should you prefer to have some of the original signal passed through the
plug-in, please use the built-in MIX parameter, which is ideal for that purpose.

Be careful if using MASTER X HD on an auxiliary bus, as mixing the output of
MASTER X HD with the original track sound will potentially create a phasing issue
depending on your DAW's ability to correc tly compensate for latency in plug-ins.
Mixing of signal from before and after the MASTER X HD is best and most reliably
done using the built-in MIX parameter.

4.4 Mono/Stereo Operation

The MASTER X HD can be used both as a mono instance on mono tracks and a
stereo instance on stereo tracks.

In the case of a mono out instance, the output signal is made by outputting the
left plug-in channel only. In this case, panning should not be used.

7 MASTER X HD User Manual

4.5 Plug-in and Hardware Controls

After you have installed the plug-in, activated the iLok license, and optionally
connected the MASTER X HD DT desktop controller hardware unit via USB, you
can begin using it.

The controls of the plug-in and desktop controller are described in more detail
later in this manual.

Plug-in User Interface:

Optional Desktop Controller Hardware Unit:

4.6 Connection Status to the Hardware Unit

The TC Icon family all use the same method to show the connection status
between the plug-in and the hardware unit.

Connection status is indicated on the lower left side of the plug-in window.
Successful connec tion is indicated with a green chain icon. The Tooltips area will
show the plug-in instance name that the hardware unit is currently connected
to. This is often the DAW channel name. If your DAW does not support this, you
may enter a name for the instance. This may be especially convenient when using
DAW project templates.

When using the NATIVE version only, this chain icon will remain grey:

If another instance of the plug-in already exists on another track, the chain icon
will appear yellow, and the text box will notify you where the plug-in is currently
active. Click the chain icon to connect the hardware unit to the new plug-in
location.

To summarize the connection status possibilities:

Most DAWs oer the ability to move or drag plug-ins from one track/bus to
another, and MASTER X HD supports this as well.

Most DAWs also feature an on/o switch for plug-ins, accessible inside the
plug-in window and/or the track itself. Muting the plug-in will make the eect
inaudible, but will not shut down the connection to the hardware unit.

8 MASTER X HD User Manual

Window

5. User Interface

Control of the MASTER X HD is done in the plug-in, or using the optional hardware
unit (when you have purchased the DT version).

Overview

As a general note, the parameters, controls, and graphs are color-coded as
follows:

• • Expander: Green

• • Compressor: Blue

• • Limiter: Yellow

• • Softclip: Orange

• • Curve: Purple (Use the overall Curve selection and an amount of Factor

for each of the Expander, Compressor, Limiter, to dial in the low and
high frequency band relative to the mid band)

For an example of the use of colour: anything coloured blue concerns the
Compressor controls, actions, and eec t

Controls

• • Any of the circular controls can be adjusted either by dragging on the

dials, or by double-clicking and entering a numeric value in the box.

• • Threshold controls and Soft Clip also show the current signal level as an

inner-ring, as a guide to setting the controls

The top part of the display:

• • Three Static Response graphs (Low/Mid/High), each with a combination

display of the Expander/Compressor/Limiter performance

• • Individual gain reduction meters for Expander/Compressor/Limiter in

each band

• • Each band can be auditioned individually by pressing the SOLO button

• • This display can be hidden or shown, by clicking in this area

The controls section at the bottom includes:

• • Curve, overall setting

• • Factor, individual setting for Expander/Compressor/Limiter. This applies

an amount of the Curve setting to Low/High band relative to Mid band

• • The main controls of either the Expander, Compressor, or Limiter, are

shown - depending on whether COM, EXP, LIM is selected.

• • Expander on/o/focus, Compressor on/o/focus, Limiter on/o/focus

• • Expander/Compressor/Limiter adjustment

• • Softclip on/o/ threshold, look ahead

• • Input gain, output gain

• • Mix on/o and adjustment, balance

• • Bypass on/o

The main display shows the Frequency, Band Gains and the amount of Gain
Reduction in each band for each of the Expander, Compressor and Limiter.

• • The gain of each band can be adjusted by vertically moving the white

node in the center of each band on the main display. Note that the Band
Gain sits before the Compressor

• • The crossover frequency of each band can be adjusted by horizontally

moving the 2 arrows shown below the main frequency axis

Low Band

Solo Solo Solo

Band

Gain

Gain
Adjustment

At the right hand edge:

• • Input meter and Output meter

At the bottom left:

• • Connection status "Chain" icon

• • Connection status message and Tool Tips

Mid Band High Band

Response Hide/Show

Input
Meter
L/R

Output
Meter
L/R

Input/Output

Soft Clip Mix

Status and Tool Tips

CurveModule Connection

Crossover Adjustment

Factor

Low/Mid

Exp/Com/Lim

Preset

Bypass (on/o)

Mid/High
Crossover Adjustment

Window Size

Adjustment