TC Electronic UnWrap Home Stereo, UnWrap Stereo to 5.1 System Product Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

UNWRAP BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

GLOBAL PLUG-IN CONTROLS & FOCUSFIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

MAIN PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

CENTER PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

SURROUND PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

DELAY PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

OUTPUT PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

PRESET MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

COMPARE SETTINGS WITH A/B MEM FUNCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

PARAMETER LOCK AT RECALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

SETUP EXAMPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

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UNWRAP BACKGROUND

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 re­mix, 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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Using the additive approach, UnWrap preserves the Left and Right channels bit
transparent all the way down to the LSB of a 24 bit input. If the original stereo-mix is
later requested, it can be obtained using only these two channels.
If subsequent down-mix capability using all the channels is essential, this option is
available too. In both cases, the LFE channel can be fully exploited, omitted or
anything in between, as can the Center.

Program related conversion options

It has been TC's goal to provide presets that can make any kind of program material
present itself better and more engaging in 5.1 than in stereo. From old to recent pop
and rock music, from unique classical recordings to highly ambient modern tracks,
from ultra dry to wet source material, UnWrap comes with settings to complement it
all.
Add to the default presets the capability to time-align all channels at sample
precision, widen or narrow the image, control the amount of Center and LFE channel
to be used, change filters and envelopes, and you begin to get an idea of the power
behind this new algorithm.

Introduction

UnWrap in use

UnWrap measures phase, delay and spectral differences between a pair of stereo
channels to create a 5.1 result. For different program material there will be different
optimum settings that best represent the qualities put into the original mix.
Please familiarize yourself with the controls and parameter-ranges on known material
before you attempt unwrapping new stuff.

Setting up

Try loading some of the UnWrap presets. You can A/B the process by pressing Bypass.
You may also experiment for stereo compatibility using the downmix levels on the D­MIX page.

Time alignment

When all Delays are set at "0", all Outputs from UnWrap are aligned with sample
precision. The basic Delay through the algorithm in this case is 3.6 ms at 44.1 and
48kHz. Try offsetting the Delays in samples and ms, and note the shift in image.
Delays may be used...

- on the Surround channels to ensure that sounds appear to originate from the front
speakers

- on the Center channel to compensate for its position

- on the LFE channel to compensate for speaker position or to advance/delay it for

artistic reasons.
When the front channels are not assigned the same Delay, please note that a
subsequent stereo down-mix may not work so well. Use the downmix function
accessible via the Downmix page to compare processed and unprocessed material.

Bit Transparency

When 0% L/R processing is selected, input trims and output levels are at 0dB, the
inputs are bit transparently cloned to the L Front and R Front outputs.

MAIN PAGE

Input trims are provided to carefully match the L/R balance. If working from analog
tape, adjust balance with a 1kHz calibration tone. If working from a digital master
with stereo levels at full scale, it may be necessary to adjust down Input levels a little
bit to avoid UnWrap overloads.
The L/R processing parameter determines how much the L and R front channels are
processed. At 0% UnWrap only adds sound to the 4 other channels preserving the
original L and R as they were. Somewhere between 60 and 70% the width of the
original mix is typically preserved even though a Center channel is added. Tip: A/B the
width soloing the three front channels and toggle by-pass.

UnWrap may derive an LFE signal from the Input. It is recommended to low-pass it
between 40 and 120Hz using a 2nd or 4th order filter.

CENTER PAGE

To better separate and optimize the Center Output, EQ and contour controls are
provided.

First set the Ref. Level control at the approximate reference level of the input signal.
For a typical level, set Ref. Level at -10 to -18dB. With a full scale digital input, ref.
level would be set high, typically 0 to -12dB. With a quiet or highly dynamic input,
set it between -15 and -25dB.

Then choose between the Contour Styles, and finally apply EQ to the center channel if
desired.

UnWrap's 48 bit EQ can work wonders on most signals and be used to selectively
suppress spectral ranges where the L/R width could otherwise get compromised, or to
boost selected frequencies to strengthen the center anchor function.

SURROUND PAGE

To control the surround channels, decorrelation, EQ and contour controls are provided.
First set the Ref. Level control at the approximate reference level of the input signal.
For a typical level, set Ref. Level at -10 to -18dB. With a full scale digital input, Ref.
Level would be set high, typically 0 to -12dB. With a quiet or highly dynamic input,
set it between -15 and -25dB.
Then choose between the Contour Styles, and select a Decorrelation style
complementing your program material.

The different decorrelation styles should always be tried. They are highly subjective
and best evaluated with the Focus control set at "0". When a style is found, try
changing the Focus control to check if further optimization is possible. It may prove
convenient to solo the surround channels while doing so.

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Now adjust the Decorrelation Tone and EQ parameters.
Tuning of the surround parameters is an iterative process and should include the delay
settings as well.

D-MIX PAGE

The downmix feature allows the user to check for stereo compatibility.
Four fields are used to tell how much audio to extract from Left/Right, Center, LFE
and sLeft/sRight surround channels.

What is LtRt?

An LTRT mix is usually used for a stereo optical, or for video. It is a two channel mix
that decodes into four channels in your venue. An LTRT mix is mixed in 4.0 (LCRS),
then folded down using a Dolby encoder producing two tracks (so that they can fit on
stereo optical or video). These tracks are then decoded back into 4.0 through a Dolby
ProLogic receiver. If a Dolby ProLogic decoder is not available, the mix will play back
in stereo.

TOOLTIPS

If you are just getting started with UnWrap and you want to know what all the
parameters do, press the question mark Icon to activate the tooltip function.When
activated, moving the mouse over the different parameters will display information
about the parameter functionality. Of course you can disable the tooltips, as soon as
you know your way around.

System requirements

• Mac OS X (10.4 or higher) / Windows XP

• Pro Tools TDM 7.2.1 software (or higher)

• Pro Tools HD Accel Hardware

• iLok USB key

• iLok.com account and internet access required for product authorization

• System must meet Digidesign’s system requirements for Pro Tools TDM systems!