Operation Manual

Version 1.x

Copyright This guide is copyrighted 2009 by Tac System, Inc. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Tac System, Inc. Tac System, NML RevCon-RR are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tac System, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All features and specifications subject to change without notice.

http://www.tacsystem.com/ 3-5-1,Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo , Japan 141-0021

T1-10003 NML RevCon-RR-JP

TEL +81-90-5807-9806

Table of Contents

Content

Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
Introduction

Before Using the NML RevCon-RR...

A. B. Before Using This Manual ......................................................................................................6
a.1. Basic Terminology ....................................................................................................................... 6

General....................................................................................................................................7
b.1. b.2. b.3. Features ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 7 NML RevCon-RR System Requirements <Ver.1.0> ................................................................... 7

Installation

NML RevCon-RR Installation

1. 2. iLok Authorization................................................................................................................10
1.1. Activation ................................................................................................................................... 10

NML RevCon-RR Program Installation .................................................................................13

2.1. 2.2. Installing on Macintosh-OS ....................................................................................................... 13 Installing on a PC (WindowsXP/Vista) ...................................................................................... 14

3.

NML RevCon-RR Program Uninstallation ............................................................................15

3.1. 3.2. Uninstalling from Macintosh-OS ............................................................................................... 15 Uninstalling from PC-OS ............................................................................................................ 15
Operation

NML RevCon-RR

NML RevCon-RR Basic Operation

1. Preparation............................................................................................................................18
1.1. 1.2. Opening the Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 18 Names and Functions of Plug-in Elements............................................................................... 19

2.

NML RevCon-RR Operation ..................................................................................................20

2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.3. Using Reverb Reduction ............................................................................................................ 20 Using Reduction and Level Adjustment on Dialog .................................................................. 21 Separating Noise ........................................................................................................................ 22 Switching the Graphic Display .................................................................................................. 24

3.

Audition, Process, and Export ..............................................................................................25

Before Using the NML RevCon-RR...

Introduction

A.
a.1.

Before Using This Manual

Basic Terminology
This manual assumes that you are familiar with basic operational principles and terms used in Macintosh/Windows systems, such as Menus, Windows, Scrollbar use, Cursor, Markers, Files, Data, and Commands. Below is a list of terms used in this manual: Drag Hold down the mouse button and drag the mouse to move files or data. Click Place the cursor, then quickly press and release the mouse button. Used for selecting objects on screen. Double Click Place the cursor, then quickly press and release the mouse button twice. Used for executing onscreen tools. Shortcut Keys Combinations of key strokes used to execute a command. On a Macintosh, "shift", "control", "option(alt)", "command(apple)", as well as Function "F" keys are used. On Windows, "shift", "control", "alt(option)", as well as Function "F" keys are used. For example, to save the current file, you can either use the mouse to select Save in the File menu, or just press <command+S> on a Mac, and <ctrl+S> on Windows. Default/Default Value Initial settings or conditions for parameters. Dialog For operations that require the user to make a choice, a window containing buttons and check boxes (Dialog) will open. An example of a use of this term in this manual: "a Dialog box will be displayed." Alert This is a window that contains warnings about the current operation. An example of a use of this term In this manual: "An Alert will be displayed/An Alert box will appear" when an operation cannot be undo-ed. Clip Board This is where data that has been cut or copied is temporarily stored. This is a standard feature on both Macintosh/ Windows.

B.

General
NML RevCon-RR is a Pro Tools Audio Suite plug-in that was developed to enable the removal of reverberation from a sound source. NML RevCon-RR's feature set includes not only reverb reduction, but also two types of augmentative parameters tailored to dialog sound. The first is an envelope correction feature called Attack/Release Suppression, which improves the clarity of dialog recordings by suppressing reverberation that could not be removed completely. The other is a Noise Separation feature that increases the effectiveness of the Reverb Reduction, together with a Remix feature that adds noise back to the processed audio for more natural sounding results. This Noise Separation & Remix feature can help balance dialog and background levels, and add natural sounding clarity to the dialog in a way that, until now, could only be achieved by placing the mic closer to the source.

b.1.

Features
- The world's first removal process that uses reverberation prediction - Simple operation with a single Reduction knob - Spectrogram, audio envelope display (before/after process) - Correction parameters tailored to dialog sound (Attack Suppression, Release Suppression) - Noise Separator & Remix processing

b.2.

Specifications
NML RevCon-RR will operate under the following specifications: - Audio Suite Plug-in - Sampling Rate: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz Plug-in Type: Multi-mono Plug-in (Mono/Stereo/LCR/Quad/LCRS/5.0/5.1/6.0/6.1/7.0/7.1) - Maximum selection length for processing: 15 minutes

b.3.

NML RevCon-RR System Requirements <Ver.1.0>

System Requirements <Macintosh> MacOS 10.3 or newer Pro Tools version 7 or newer An unused USB port iLok key

System Requirements <Windows>

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Windows XP 32bit or 64bit Windows Vista (all editions) Pro Tools version 7 or newer

An unused USB port iLok key

NML RevCon-RR Installation

Installation

1.

iLok Authorization
This product requires an iLok authorization. Please follow the instructions below to authorize the plug-in. To authorize you will need the following:

1.

iLok key < iLok.com User ID > You will need to create an iLok.com account if you do not have one already, and register your iLok key. After completing the registration, note your User ID.

An iLok key is NOT included with this product. Please purchase one separately.

Without an authorization, the NML RevCon-RR will operate in demo mode. The plug-in will be fully functional during the demo period. The demo period lasts for 14 days. You may choose to prepare your authorization during the demo period. 2. 3. 4. Your copy of the User Registration Card < serial number > Authorization Card - NML RevCon-RR < Authorization Code > Internet connection

1.1.

Activation
1. 2. Access the TacSystem homepage. Navigate to Home page > Support > Product Registration, then click on "special form" under "Product

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Information." Or you may just enter the following URL:

https://www.tacsystem.com/support/regist/original.html
3. The user registration form will appear. Please fill out the necessary information, then click "Confirmed and Submit" button at the bottom of the page.

Enter the serial number written on your copy of the user registration card (alphanumeric characters only). Enter your iLok.com User ID (alphanumeric characters). Enter the authorization code found on your Authorization Card - NMLRevCon-RR.

Enter the information as written on your user registration card.

Press this button to submit.

The serial number and iLok.com User ID should be entered using only alphanumeric characters. The authorization code should be entered using only numbers.

If any of the required information is missing, an error will appear. Please check the form again.

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4.

The confirmation window will appear. If the information is correct, click on the "Submit" button.

5.

User registration completed message will appear.

6.

Within 7 business days, TAC System will email you a registration confirmation message to the email address you have provided. We (TacSystem) will issue an iLok license for this product, based on the information you have provided. If you do not receive a registration confirmation message after 7 business days, please contact us. There may have been a problem (for example, wrong or unregistered iLok.com User ID).

7. 8.

Access your iLok.com account and download the license to your iLok key. Your iLok is now ready to use with this product!

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2.

NML RevCon-RR Program Installation

The NML RevCon-RR program is a plug-in for Pro Tools. This manual assumes that Pro Tools 7 or newer is already installed and operational on your system.

2.1.

Installing on Macintosh-OS
1. Insert the "NML RevCon-RR" install CD in your drive.

The installer is contained in a compressed file. First, please read the "Read Me" document in the "Technical Information" folder. This document contains information that you should be aware of prior to installation. 2. 3. Next, double click on the file "NML RevCon-RRxx.dmg." The "Tac System RevCon-RR.pkg" installer icon will appear. Double click this to begin the installation process.

2.

Follow the onscreen instructions to install. When the installation is complete, the installer will display "Installation completed successfully." Click on "Close"

The NML RevCon-RR plug-in is installed on your <system drive>/Library/Application Support/ Digidesign/Plug-Ins/. This folder can also be accessed via <system drive>/Application/Digidesign/Pro Tools/Plug-in alias/.

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2.2.

Installing on a PC (WindowsXP/Vista)
1. Insert the "NML RevCon-RR" install CD in your drive. The installer is contained in a compressed file. First, please read the "Read Me" document in the "Technical Information" folder. This document contains information that you should be aware of prior to installation. 2. Next, double click on the file "NML RevCon-RR.exe."

3.

Follow the onscreen instructions to install. When the installation is complete, the installer will display a completing installation dialog. Click on "Finish."

The NML RevCon-RR plug-in is installed on your <system drive>/Program Files/Common Files/ Digidesign/DAE/Plug-Ins/.

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3.

NML RevCon-RR Program Uninstallation

If for any reason you no longer need the NML RevCon-RR, it can be removed in the following manner.

3.1.

Uninstalling from Macintosh-OS

1. Navigate to <system drive>/Library/Application Support/Digidesign/Plug-Ins/ and trash the file "NML RevCon-RR.dpm."

3.2.

Uninstalling from PC-OS

1. Navigate to <system drive>/Program Files/Common Files/Digidesign/DAE/Plug-Ins/ and trash the 2 files "NML RevCon-RR.dpm" and "NML RevCon-RR.rsr."

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NML RevCon-RR Basic Operation

NML RevCon-RR Operation

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1.

Preparation
Because the NML RevCon-RR is an Audio Suite plug-in, basic operation consists of making a selection containing the source audio, then generating a reverb reduction processed file. Here we assume that there is already a Pro Tools session open.

1.1.

Opening the Plug-in

1. In the Pro Tools Edit window, select a range of audio or region(s) that you would like to process.

The maximum selection length for processing is 15 minutes.

2.

Select "NML RevCon-RR" from the AudioSuite menu.

3.

The NML RevCon-RR will open. The currently selected waveform will be displayed on the plug-in graphic display.

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1.2.

Names and Functions of Plug-in Elements

Below is an explanation of NML RevCon-RR knobs, displays and functions.

Attack Suppression Control Section

Sample Period Display for Noise Separation

Audio Level Envelope Display Attack Suppression Threshold Level Display

Release Control

Median Level of the audio in the selected range Release Suppression Threshold Level Display Audio Spectrogram Display Release Suppression Control Section Noise Suppression Control Section Graphic Display Toggle Button

Reduction Control

Reduction Control knob, Release Control knob Parameters for Reverb Reduction. Reverb Reduction results are dependent on these 2 parameters.

2.

Attack Suppression Control Section Parameters for suppressing the sound energy after the audio level exceeds the Attack Suppression Threshold. The Attack Suppression Threshold level is displayed on the Audio Level Envelope Display.

3.

Release Suppression Control Section Parameters for suppressing the sound energy after the audio level drops below the Release Suppression Threshold. The Release Suppression Threshold level is displayed on the Audio Level Envelope Display.

4.

Noise Separation Control Section Parameters for Noise Separation and Remix functions.The sample period for Noise Separation is shown on the graphic display.

5.

Audio Level Envelope Display Displays the audio envelope of the target audio. The median energy level of the target audio (Median Level) is shown centered in the display.

6.

Audio Spectrogram Display Displays the spectral composition of the target audio.

7.

Graphic Display Buttons Switches the graphic display to show either the original unprocessed audio, or the processed audio.

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2.
2.1.

NML RevCon-RR Operation

Using Reverb Reduction
To use Reverb Reduction - NML RevCon-RR's primary function - adjust the "Reduction" and "Release" knobs.

"Reduction" determines how much reverb is reduced (removed). Parameter values are 0~100%. The default setting is 0%, which has no effect. 100% is the maximum amount of reduction.

Numeric Entry Field (1% increments)

Turn clockwise to increase reduction. Drag up and down to turn knob.

"Release" determines the length of reverberation that is to be targeted for processing. The value range is 30~500msec, set in 5msec increments.
Numeric Entry Field (5msec increments)

Turn clockwise to increase the length of reverberation to be processed. Drag up and down to turn knob.

Results of Reverb Reduction will vary depending on the source audio.

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2.2.

Using Reduction and Level Adjustment on Dialog

Attack Suppression and Release Suppression are augmentative functions designed for dialog sound, that suppress the reverb elements that could not be removed using the Reverb Reduction function. Attack Suppression suppresses the prominent sonic energy following loud passages, while Release Suppression suppresses the sonic energy following a drop in level. This results in increased clarity of the dialog sound. 1 Attack Suppression The Attack Suppression function settings are made using the Threshold Level fader and Suppression Curve Setting buttons.
Attack Suppression Threshold Level Fader Drag up/down to adjust You can refer to the Atck THLD line on the Audio Level Envelope Display to the right when setting this parameter The value range is from Median Level to +20dB Numeric Entry Field (1dB increments)

Attack Suppression Curve Setting Buttons Sets the curve shape for signal suppression. The buttons are arranged so that the lowest suppresses the most (see graph below).

Attack Suppression Threshold Level

Release Suppression The Release Suppression function settings are made using the Threshold Level fader and Suppression Curve Setting buttons.
Release Suppression Threshold Level Fader Drag up/down to adjust You can refer to the Rel THLD line on the Audio Level Envelope Display to the right when setting this parameter The value range is from Median Level to -40dB Numeric Entry Field (1dB increments)

Release Suppression Level Setting Buttons Sets the curve shape for signal suppression. The buttons are arranged so that the lowest suppresses the most (see graph below).

Release Suppression Threshold Level

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2.3.

Separating Noise
Noise Separation and Noise Remix are augmentative functions that enhance the effectiveness of the Reverb Reduction process. The reverb reduction process works better when there is less noise, thus the inclusion of the Noise Separation function which can separate noise from the dialog. This noise separation process enables the removal of reverb that is associated only with the dialog sound. The Noise Remix function adds the separated noise back to the reverb-reduced (processed) sound. This function helps preserve ambience, which is an important element of a natural sounding background, while allowing dialog to stand out. The Remix level, which adds the noise elements back to the signal, can be adjusted to taste, allowing you to balance the noise level with the processed dialog.

Set the Sample Period which is used as the basis for Noise Separation. Click on the to enable Noise Sample Period setup mode. While in this mode, you can adjust the noise sample period in the graphic display by dragging.

If you place the mouse cursor on the edge of the noise sample period, the cursor will turn into a drag the edge.

allowing you to

Initially, the noise sample period is automatically set to the first section in the selection that is under -20dB below Median Level.
Automatically selected default Noise Sample Period

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If you would like to finely adjust the noise sample period, click on the graphic display. Clicking on

to zoom in on just the noise period in

will loop audition only the noise sample period, so that you can listen to the noise elements.

Enabling Noise Separation processing Clicking on will execute the Noise Separation process. Use the ReMix Noise fader to set the amount of noise that you would like to add back to the processed signal.

ReMix Noise Level Fader Drag up/down to adjust There are four levels of settings: Hard(Max)= 100%, 90%, 80%, Soft(Min)= 70%

Noise Separation Control Switch

If you would like to completely remove noise from the signal, we recommend using a dedicated noise reduction plug-in before using the NML RevCon-RR.

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2.3.

Switching the Graphic Display

The graphic display section can display either the original or processed signal. 1 Click on section. to display the original signal, or on to display the processed signal on the graphic display

Graphic Display Switch

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3.

Audition, Process, and Export

Please refer to the Pro Tools manual regarding Pro Tools Audio Suite plug-in operations such as Analyze, Preview, and Process.
Menu to select where the processed file should be placed

Preview Button Loop playback of selection Bypass Button Enables preview of original audio Playback Level Adjusts preview level

Process Button Exports file Analyze Button Executes process according to plug-in settings

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NML RevCon-RROperation Manual

date: 03/05 2009 Ver.1.x

Copyright
This guide is copyrighted 2009 by TacSystem, Inc. (hereafter TacSystem ), with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of TacSystem. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All features and specifications subject to change without notice.

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