TC Electronic Finalizer 96k - Manual (Page 50)

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As a rule-of-thumb the low-band works best with fast Attack
times and rather slow Release times because low frequencies
have a long wavelength. In the mid-band you can use roughly the
same Attack time, but the Release time should be a bit faster
since the human ear is very sensitive in this area. If you set the
mid-band Release too long it will sound unnatural. The hi-band
works best with an Attack time that is a bit slower than the other
two bands because it will let high frequency transients to pass the
Compressor. Letting these peaks through the Compressor
prevents that stressed and over-compressed sound. The Release
time of the hi-band should be fast, like the mid-band, for the
same reasons, to increase the “openness” of the Compressor.
The Limiter
The Limiter is placed after the Compressor. This means that if
you drive the Compressor too hard, you hit the Limiter too hard.
Give the Limiter some room to do its intended job, to hold down
the level once in a while. If you run the Compressor block Output
levels too close to the Limiter “ceiling” your mix will sound
“squashed”. Conservative use of the Limiter, especially using the
softer Ratios will keep the mix sounding natural. Using the soft
clipper with adequate “look-ahead” time will prevent any
overshoot from the Finalizer.
The Crossover
A last thing to remember about the Finalizer’s dynamics section
is that the adjustable Cross-over frequencies are critical to the
unit’s proper operation. By changing the Cross-over setting to
match the program material you can change the sound dramati-
cally, so you should experiment with this feature and find the
setting that makes your mix sound best.
This tutorial is only as a brief description of a few of the many
possibilities of the Finalizer. It does not replace the experience
you can achieve by working with the Finalizer.
Use and trust your ears
APPENDIX Tutorial