Page head, Introduction – TC Electronic DB8 MKII User Manual
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paGe HeaD
introduction
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InTrODuCTIOn
Thank you for choosing DB8 or DB4 as your next step in
audio. Even if the near future is analog we are convinced
you have chosen wisely. Consistency in Loudness is the
single most important audio issue to get right in broadcast
today. DB8 and DB4 employ cutting edge technology to
enable stations get rid of listener complaints about jumping
levels, and to transmit in analog and digital with optimum
processing for both feeds.
The Difference Between DB8 and DB4
– DB8 has four independent processors in one frame and
thus runs 4 independant Engine algorithms simultaneouly.
– DB4 has two engines but can run two processing engines
PLUS a LM6 Radar meter.
DB8 is designed for large broadcast centers, while DB4
may be a more appropriate match for a regional station,
but they share the same processing, the same presets
and the same physical I/O structure - and even the same
program to control them. Many machines of both types can
be controlled from one Icon program (included with this
package), and they will identify themselves over a network,
be it local or remotely located machines.
Software and Manual for DB8 and DB4
Software updates for both machines are always released
simultaneously, and the two machines share the same
manual. The relevant differences are highlighted. Instead of
both names being printed throughout the manual, “DB8” is
used as a generic term.
Presets
DB8 and DB4 include a number of international standard
presets ready for use. More presets are continuously made
available in software updates, and from the TC web-site.
Presets are based on information from broadcasters
around the world. Some are subtle, some aggressive, but
they all provide outstanding audio resolution, never before
available in a broadcast processor.
Identify Your Opportunities
If your station is an early mover in digital and seeking to
identify advantages, DB8 and DB4 will provide you with all
the possibilities you need to experiment and find the right
competitive angle. The processors can also adapt to your
audience’s changing needs, or audio strategy could even
be changed from program to program.
Technical Integrity
Synchronous 48 kHz sampling and 48 bit processing
throughout. Wide range, high order jitter rejection. The
DB8/DB4 platform is without compromises. In fact,
hundreds of machines could be cascaded without even
degrading the transmitted sound.
Foundation
TC’s involvement with high quality digital audio dates
back to the mid eighties with pre-DSD technology
being employed in the still ubiquitous delay, 2290. TC’s
commitment to digital excellence continued over the years
with equipment for the music, film and mastering industries.
The multichannel processing in DB8 and DB4, for
instance, was originally developed for film. Those tools
have been adjusted for broadcast use and are now part
of your arsenal. Or dynamics control, where some of the
latest end-listener distortion canceling methods originally
invented for mastering have been built in. DB processors
even include advanced loudness and true-peak meters,
founded on ITU and EBU standards TC has been a
significant contributor to.
Many years of experience with analog and digital broadcast
combined with the know-how of skilled engineers is the
strong base of the DB8/DB4 platform. From the purist and
quality conscious hardware engineers to software writers
of whom some were involved with designing the MPEG
codecs, the team forms a competent, non-dogmatic design
group ready to take broadcast audio to the next level.
We are confident you will value your new possibilities.