From kitchen to cinemaToday's music has to be purposed for a number of different reproduction situations, from a mono kitchen radio over a home stereo to a full scale cinema surround system. Because no true down-mix or up-conversion standard exists, control of 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 multi channelThis method should always be chosen to fully exploit the true potential of 5.1 and beyond. It requires, however, that the original multi track audio source is still at disposal and the budget is available for performing an expensive and time-consuming full 5.1 re-mix. In a best case scenario you will end up with different mixes each presenting the full potential of the original audio source tailored to support individual reproduction formats.
Up-conversionUp-conversion is conversion of a traditional stereo signal by means of a highly advanced algorithm in order to feed 5.1 reproduction equipment. Many reasons can exist for seeking a high quality up-conversion alternative to a true 5.1 re-mix:
- A multi track audio source never existed
- Original source tracks are not in a suitable condition
- Budget considerations prevent 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.
UnWrapFor situations where up-conversion is required, UnWrap™ is the best alternative to a full 5.1 re-mix. The world’s primary high-resolution up-conversion algorithm is now available as a production quality processor in a plug-in.
TC now unveils the world's first production quality processor, UnWrap, as a plug-in. By a brute force DSP approach, UnWrap™ preserves the qualities and resolution of the original mix much better than consumer market 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 offering as much creative freedom as possible to the engineer performing this important task.
Basic conversion optionsSome conversion options are of a profound nature. Therefore, it is imperative to distinguish between 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.
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, eventually, the original stereo-mix is required, it can be obtained using only these two channels.
If subsequent down-mix capability using all channels is essential, this too is an option. Either way, the LFE channel can be fully exploited, omitted or anything in between, as can the center channel.
Program related conversion optionsIt 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 ratio of center and LFE channels to be used, change filters and envelopes, and you begin to get an idea of the power behind this plug-in.
Main PageThe main page is where you control the most often used parameters. The input trims are provided to carefully match the L/R balance. The L/R Processing parameter determines how much the L and R front channels are processed and the LFE Processing parameter is used to configure how much LFE signal is derived from the input.
Center PageThe center page gives you total control of the center signal. To better separate and optimize the center output, you have a full feature EQ at hand, and the contour control lets you choose between a number of different contour styles for different flavours of music. UnWrap's 48 bit EQ can work wonders on most signals and can be used to selectively suppress spectral ranges where the L/R width would otherwise get compromised, or to boost selected frequencies to strengthen the center anchor function.
Surround PageThe surround page is where you control the two surround channels. As with the center page, you have a number of countour styles at hand, and the full feature EQ as well. On top of that, you have a number of decorrelation styles, each of them fitting different program material.
Delay - time alignment pageAt the delay page you can set a delay individually for each of the channels. You'd typically use delays:
• 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
Down-mix PageThe down-mix feature allows you to check your UnWrapped 5.1 mix for stereo compatibility.
Four fields are used to tell how much audio to extract from Left/Right, Center, LFE and sLeft/sRight surround channels.
Output pageThe output page gives you the ability to listen to each of the 5.1 channels individually, by using the solo or mute buttons. You also have total control of individual channel level settings as well as the overall output level
Bit TransparencyWhen 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.
