More, more, more is the theme for the TC Electronic DB4 MKII and DB8 MKII cross-platform broadcast processors, which add more metering, redundancy, compatibility, and trickle-down than their predecessors (the DB2, DB4, and DB8).

The DB4 MKII and DB8 MKII conform to new EBU, ATSC, and ITU Loudness and True-peak level standards across all platforms and all formats. According to the manufacturer, the broadcast world’s highest resolution, lowest latency, and lowest distortion comes complimentary with the DB4 MKII and DB8 MKII.

The MKII versions feature the new EBU R128 and ATSC A/85 compliant LM6 Loudness Meter, new SNMP functions, and one week of detailed logging, even without connection to a computer. In the DB4 MKII, the LM6 meter is always available in addition to its two multichannel audio processors.

In addition, the MKII versions offer the same power supply as the original unit; however, instead of one power supply, the new units offer two. Both the DB4 MKII and DB8 MKII double up on fuses, mains inlets, and the Swiss-made Papst fans.

The DB4 MKII and DB8 MKII are said to be just as user-friendly as the original DB2, DB4, and DB8 processors; they run presets from original DB4 and DB8 units straight out of the box. The new processors also facilitate multi-platform broadcast ("trickle-down processing") from one low-latency frame. The MKIIs offer new functions that work whether or not metadata has been correctly set upstream.

According to TC Electronic, they have synchronous 48 kHz sampling and 48 bit processing throughout in combination with jitter rejection, which deliver high audio resolution and perfect timing, even when long transmission lines are used to feed a processor. Hundreds of DB processors can be cascaded without degrading the sound as much as a single pass through HDTV data reduction.

TC Electronic DB-4 MKII and DB-8 MKII features:

• Compatibility: Conform to new EBU, ATSC, and ITU Loudness and True-peak level standards across all platforms and all formats
• LM6 metering: EBU R128 and ATSC A/85 compliant and new SNMP functions
• Logging: One week of detailed logging, even without connection to a computer
• Double up: Two power supplies, two fuses, two main inlets, and two Swiss-made Papst fans
• Preset compatibility: Runs original DB4 and DB8 presets out of the box
• More Trickle-Down: Work whether metadata has been correctly set upstream or not
• Mastering quality: 48 kHz sampling, 48 bit processing, and massive jitter rejection ensures high audio resolution and perfect timing

The new DB4 MKII ($10,995 MSRP) and DB8 MKII ($17,495 MSRP) are now available from TC Electronic. For more information, please visit tcelectronic.com.