TC Finalizer Plus: what's its real value?

[Chris Shaeffer]

I just got a TC Electronics Finalizer plus- the 48k version, one step down from the current falgship model. I got it for a variety of reasons, and having an effective mastering device is NOT one of them.

My questions is this: taking it for granted that its NOT a quality mastering tool and I'm not claiming to do any serious mastering with it, what are the redeeming values of the unit?

So far it seems like a good compressor and equalizer for something like a drum submix. Its certainly clean and seems to have good A/D/A conversion- one of the reasons I bought it.

It also has lots of fancy, impressive lights...

At any rate, thats just my observations from a couple hours of fiddling with it to get familiar with the interface. Anyone else have stories to share about the unit?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Farview]

Depending on the rest of your system, it could be the best set of converters you have. It is also a good stereo eq. The compressor is cool and you have a peak limiter. It will be usefull for all kinds of things.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

That's was my thinking when I got it: my current "Golden Channel" is an FMR RNP but its still going through the convertors of the Digi 002- I figured the convertors on the TC might be better since they were designed for critical 2-track processing. I've also been unable to take advanage 2 channels of I/o via S/PDIF on the 002, and I wonder if its a better master clock than the Digi.

So now I have an extra 2 channels of A/D/A along with a better system clock and a bunch of usefull effects. Its difficult to find objective comparison information on the net, though. Things like "how does does the finalizer compare to T-RackS?" and "Which is a better master clock?" aren't questions that are adressed often on the boards.

Take care,
Chris