Master X HD
by TC Electronic · Compressor · Multiband dynamics processor
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Master X HD is a multiband dynamics processor from TC Electronic, with separate expansion, compression and limiting in each band.
It is built for single tracks, buses and master outputs; the developer lists it at $199, and Sweetwater shows it at $149.
Best for: Mastering, Mix Bus, Drum Bus. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: multi-band, mastering, bus processing, downward expansion, simple, mix bus, full mix, parallel processing, airy, bass, drum bus, gentle, metering, minimal controls, built-in mix knob, mixing, soft clip, visual feedback.
What it does
Master X HD is TC Electronic's three-band dynamics processor, with expansion, compression and limiting set separately for each band. TC has deliberately cut the controls down so you are not faced with a large grid of parameters, and it works on single tracks, mix buses and the master output.
- Three bands: low, mid and high, with the crossover frequencies tucked away in an edit menu rather than on the main panel.
- Three processors per band: an expander, a compressor and a limiter, each with threshold, ratio and response (attack/release) controls plus an adjustable Factor parameter.
- Target curves: Air, Bass and Smile curves besides flat, to steer the tonal balance the dynamics work towards.
- Band gain: a gain control per band that acts as a simple EQ after the dynamics.
- Parallel and output: a wet/dry control for parallel compression, soft clipping and input/output levels; makeup gain is automatic and can't be turned off.
- Metering and presets: gain reduction display with a 12 or 24 dB range, and presets for both mastering and individual tracks.
- Optional controller: a small desktop unit with two knobs and eight mode buttons is sold separately as Master X HD-DT, and controls every plug-in function.
The current version is 1.1.0, working at up to 192 kHz. TC Electronic's own product pages currently return a 404 error, so these details come from KVR and the reviews below; a demo is not stated.
Source: TC Electronic product page
When to use it
Master X HD is the quick, guided choice for multiband dynamics: three bands, three processors each, and target curves instead of dozens of per-band settings. Compared with FabFilter Pro-MB it gives much less per-band control and no dynamic-EQ-style band placement, but it is faster to get a polished result. Unlike TDR Kotelnikov or Pro-C 3, which are single-band compressors, it can expand, compress and limit each frequency range separately. It is also a much simpler tool than TC's own MD3 and MD4 HD, which give engineers the full System 6000 parameter set.
- Best for: master and mix-bus processing where you want gentle, mastering-style multiband control with little setup.
- Genres: general-purpose, for any style.
- Look elsewhere if: you want full control of each band or adjustable crossovers on the main panel; Pro-MB or TC's MD4 HD fit better.
- Tip: leave the gain display on the 12 dB range for finer decisions, and Option-click controls to return them to their subtle default settings (Mac Music Tech).
What producers say
Reviewers like its sound and simplicity for the price, while expert users miss deeper per-band control.
- Mac Music Tech said it "sounds nice, looks good and reasonably economical in CPU cycles" and recommended buying the DT bundle without reservations, but wanted an expert mode and a way to turn off automatic makeup gain.
- Sweetwater buyers rate the Master X HD-DT bundle 4.3 out of 5 from 8 reviews, praising a sound that is easy to make "thoroughly professional" and calling it "a no brainer" for the price.
- Criticisms: Sweetwater users note it lacks the per-band controls of Pro-MB, isn't equivalent to TC's MD4, and one found the controller's build poor.
Where to buy
- PluginFox: $75 (regular $149)
- KVR Audio: $199 (Developer's listed price on KVR; TC Electronic's own product page was unreachable (404))
Tutorials and reviews
- How To Use tc electronic Master X HD and Brickwall HD with Protoculture
- Master X HD & Brickwall HD - Official Product Video
- MASTER X HD-DT & BRICKWALL HD-DT Overview & Audio Demos
- TC Electronic Master X HD-DT & Brickwall HD-DT Demo (no talking)
- TC Electronic Master X Review
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