Upcon plus – TC Electronic DB4 MKII User Manual
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UpCon HD and UpCon Plus
58
DB4 / DB8 MKII Algorithms
cross-fades into up-conversion based on the 
Aux inputs.
Note that this automation mode gives priority to 
the Aux input, though the 5.1 inputs can be used 
simultaneously with the Aux inputs to add to the 
up-conversion (“UpCon+” functions). When no 
signal is present on the Aux inputs, up-conver-
sion is bypassed.
Dissolve
Sets the cross-fade time between 5.1 and up-
conversion. The green UpCon indicator reads 
out the up-conversion status before the Dissolve 
time is applied.
The outputs of UpCon are never muted. Dissolve 
only sets the duration of the cross-fade.
Active Recall
Sets the basic state of UpCon when the preset is 
recalled. If Active Recall is active, the preset will 
recall with up-conversion engaged. This func-
tion enables recall of different up-conversion 
presets without disengaging up-conversion even 
shortly. (The difference between Active Recall or 
not may be noticeable when long Dissolve times 
are used).
Note: Presets that should recall engaged have to 
be saved with Active Recall enabled.
UpCon preset examples are found in Factory 
Preset Bank F4 to F6.
UpCon Plus
UpCon offers the ability to transform a stereo 
broadcast studio into a 5.1 production environ-
ment. Besides normal stereo production tools, 
only a DB4 or DB8 plus extra speakers are 
needed.
UpCon Plus preset examples are found in Fac-
tory Preset Bank F4 to F8. In these presets, note 
that the PLUS controls (Center and Surround) 
are instantly accessible on fader 3 and 4.
Fig 4. 
UpCon Plus application example. 
UpCon together with a Monitor Matrix Engine 
provides a 5.1 simulcast upgrade solution for a 
stereo studio or OB truck – including monitor 
format control and confidence check.
Though the Monitor Matrix preset loaded to an-
other engine inside DB4 or DB8 is not strictly 
needed to achieve stereo and 5.1 simulcast, it is 
recommended for compatibility check in the pro-
duction suite. The Monitor Matrix provides easy 
access to both the stereo signal, the 5.1 up-mix, 
as well as a subsequent down-mix of the 5.1.
UpCon Plus parameters
These parameters offer additional features when 
a stereo signal is input to the Aux channels 
(Aux Priority configuration). Several broadcast-
ers have asked for tools to add true extra audio 
features to a 5.1 signal, even though the basic 
production is done in mono or stereo.
– Example 1: A Sports event or Music concert
transmission gets its basic 5.1 audio from up-
converted stereo, but an audience/ambience 
signal is additionally fed to the L and R Sur-
rounds. The basic production sound is fed to 
UpCon’s Aux inputs, while the add on mate-
rial is fed to the L and R Surround 5.1 inputs. 
Adjust the L/R Surround parameter to get the 
desired amount of additional ambience sound 
in the rear channels.
– Example 2: A News transmission gets its basic
5.1 audio from up-converted stereo, but ad-
ditional studio reader audio is required in the 
Center channel. The basic production sound 
is fed to UpCon’s Aux inputs, while the add 
on mono reader is fed to the Center 5.1 input. 
Adjust the Center parameter to get the desired 
