TC Electronic Clarity M User manual

CLARITY M
Stereo and 5.1 Audio Loudness Meter with 7"
High Resolution Display and USB Connection
for Plug-In Metering
User Manual
A50-XXXXX-XXXXX

2CLARITY M
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions ...................................... 3
Legal Disclaimer ............................................................. 3
Limited warranty............................................................ 3
1. Introduction ............................................................... 4
2. Hook-up...................................................................... 4
3. Controls and Connectors .......................................... 8
4. Mounting.................................................................... 9
5. SUB-D Cable ............................................................... 9
6. General Operation..................................................... 9
7. Plugin Metering ....................................................... 11
8. Firmware Updates ................................................... 12
9. Specications........................................................... 12

3CLARITY M User Manual
Important Safety
Instructions
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
LIMITED WARRANTY
Terminals marked with this symbol carry
electrical current of sucient magnitude
to constitute risk of electric shock.
Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with
¼"TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. Allother
installation or modication should be performed only
by qualiedpersonnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alertsyou to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure-voltage that may be sucient to constitute a
risk ofshock.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alertsyou to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, donot
remove the top cover (or the rear section).
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualied personnel.
Caution
To reduce the risk of re or electric shock,
do not expose this appliance to rain and
moisture.The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing liquids and no objects lled with liquids,
suchas vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for use
by qualied service personnel only.
Toreduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any
servicing other than that contained in the operation
instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualied
servicepersonnel.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. Ifthe
provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments/accessories specied by
themanufacturer.
12. Use only with the
cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the
manufacturer, orsold with
the apparatus.When a cart
is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed
to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
beendropped.
15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.
16. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is
used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall
remain readily operable.
17. Correct disposal of this
product:This symbol indicates that
this product must not be disposed
of with household waste,
according to theWEEE Directive
(2012/19/EU) and your national
law.This product should be taken
to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste
electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).The
mishandling of this type of waste could have a possible
negative impact on the environment and human health
due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally
associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation
in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to
the ecient use of natural resources. For more
information about where you can take your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local city
oce,oryourhouseholdwastecollectionservice.
18. Do not install in a conned space, such as a book
case or similar unit.
19. Do not place naked ame sources, such as lighted
candles, on the apparatus.
20. Please keep the environmental aspects of battery
disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a
battery collection point.
21. Use this apparatus in tropical and/or
moderate climates.
MUSIC Group accepts no liability for any loss which
may be suered by any person who relies either
wholly or in part upon any description, photograph,
or statement contained herein. Technical specications,
appearances and other information are subject to
change without notice. All trademarks are the property
of their respective owners. MIDAS, KLARK TEKNIK,
LAB GRUPPEN, LAKE, TANNOY, TURBOSOUND,
TC ELECTRONIC, TC HELICON, BEHRINGER, BUGERA
and DDA are trademarks or registered trademarks
of MUSIC Group IP Ltd. © MUSIC Group IP Ltd.
2016 All rights reserved.
For the applicable warranty terms and conditions
and additional information regarding MUSIC Group’s
LimitedWarranty, please see complete details online at
music-group.com/warranty.

4CLARITY M
1. Introduction
The Clarity M provides a comprehensive set of precision tools essential to the
success of any audio producer. Ideally suited to stereo and 5.1 mixing, mastering
and post-production, Clarity M’s 7" high-resolution LCD display provides a wealth
of monitoring information at-a-glance via a single screen. Metering options
include; the legendary LM6 Loudness Radar Meter; a state-of-the-art true peak
meter; downmix compliance; stereo/surround correlation meters;
and a RTA (Real Time Analyzer).
Source inputs come in a vast array of options including: USB for hassle-free VST*,
Audio Units* and AAX* plug-in metering; 6 channels of unbalanced AES3 digital
audio on 75 Ohm BNC connectors for broadcast-grade 5.1 metering; and stereo
optical for maximum exibility.
Continue through this manual to learn about the functionality and operation of
the Clarity M.
2. Hook-up
Plug-in metering - connecting to a computer

5CLARITY M User Manual
Hookup for external mixing desk, surround sound
USB connection for rmware updates and
preset exchange
Included cable that goes from SUB-D-15 to 3 AES
unbalanced inputs on BNC-female connectors,
plus a ¼" stereo (2 GPI) and 1⁄8" mono (GPO) connector.
Connect to an external mixing desk with AES
unbalanced outputs on BNC, or to the console’s
¼" or 1⁄8" outputs.

6CLARITY M
Hookup for audio interface, digital S/PDIF input
USB connection for rmware updates and
preset exchange
Custom SUB-D-15 cable with included
BNC to RCA adapter connects to the
S/PDIF output of an audio interface
Audio interface

7CLARITY M User Manual
Hookup for audio interface, digital TOS input, GPIO
USB connection for rmware updates and
preset exchange
Indication of peaks
or overloads to
external equipment
Optical TOS cable
Audio interface
2 button footswitch for
Play/Pause and Meter Reset

8CLARITY M
3. Controls and Connectors
(1) Radar loudness meter showing short-term loudness history,
momentary loudness and program loudness.
(2) Detailed statistics overview for all key loudness measuring parameters
(3) State-of-the-art true peak meter identies clipping in DACs, CODECs and
downstream lters.
(4) Downmix compliance meters based on TC ELECTRONIC’s industry-standard
loudness measurement algorithms.
(5) Adjustment knob allows various parameters to be controlled.
(6) These selection buttons access the corresponding functions listed in the
LCD display. Holding the far right button turns the unit on and o.
(7) The current source is displayed on the front page. In plug-in mode, the track
name and number where the plug-in is inserted will be indicated here.
(8) High-accuracy real time analyzer with 1/3 octave resolution and pr.
band zoom.
(9) Holes for mounting brackets such as RAM-mount (not included).
(10) Kensington lock.
(11) Power connection.
(12) Connector for included breakout cable with 6 channels AES inputs.
(13) USB connection for plug-in metering, preset exchange and
rmware updates.
(14) Stereo optical input.
(8)
(1)
(10)
(2) (3)
(4)
(5) (6)
(9)
(11)
(7)
(12) (13)
(14)

9CLARITY M User Manual
4. Mounting
The Clarity M includes a built-in stand that can be installed during use and
then reverted back to its storage/travel position. Follow these steps to
mount the stand:
t Remove the 2 hex screws that hold the stand at against the back of the
unit. The screws are designed to be operated with a 2.5 mm hex key, but
you can also use a T10 Torx driver or a 3/32 SAE hex key if care is taken
not to strip the screw.
t Flip the stand around so that it sticks outward from the unit. The stand
has rubber pads to prevent it from scratching the surface where
it is placed.
t Replace the screws into the same holes to secure the stand.
RAM Mount
The Clarity M also has 2 holes that are ready to use with RAM mounts.
These allow convenient attachment to desks or walls for easy access and
ideal viewing. Follow the directions with your RAM mount product to install.
5. SUB-D Cable
A SUB-D-15 breakout cable is included with the Clarity M for connection to
external digital audio devices, as well as GPIO connection. 3 BNC connectors
accept signals from digital mixing consoles or from an audio interface via S/PDIF
by using the included BNC-to-RCA adapter.
GPIO is achieve via a dedicated 1⁄8"TS output and a stereo ¼"TRS input. These can
be used, for example, to trigger reset meter reset commands remotely.
6. General Operation
After the Clarity M has been mounted, audio connections have been made, and
power is supplied, press the 6th button to power the unit on.
Note – to turn the unit o, hold the 6th encoder for 2 seconds, which brings up
the power-oscreen. You can either power ocompletely with the 6th button,
reboot with the 5th button, or cancel the request with the 4th button.
The main meter graphic can be viewed in either RTA (real-time analyzer) or
Radar-style output. The RTA view is ideal for monitoring short-term results across
the full frequency spectrum, while Radar view is great for long-term results.
Pressing the 3rd button ips between the 2 types of metering.
Regardless of the graphic view on the left side, the main screen will show
various levels and metering feedback on the right-hand side of the screen.
This information can be edited on a preset basis using the 6th button (Edit).
See the 'Editing Presets' section for more details.
Depending on the incoming audio, either a stereo meter or 5.1 surround meter
will appear. The stereo meter shows the left and right levels as well as dedicated
peak indicators for each channel. In 5.1 mode, separate meters for left, right,
center, low frequency eects, left surround and right surround are displayed.
Below the meters are indicators for deviation and correlation.
Up to 6 descriptors can be displayed in vertical fashion – program loudness, true-
peak max, loudness max, loudness range, peak to loudness and sliding 10 second
window. Some of these can be hidden in the preset edit window.
RTA
Press the 1st button to automatically set the range for the meter. This will give
you the best visual feedback and ensure that certain frequencies aren't rising
beyond view. The 2nd button provides a manual reset, and the rotary knob can
select a specic frequency for detailed information.
Radar
Press the 1st button to temporarily pause the metering feedback, and press
the 2nd button to reset the meter. By default, the rotary knob adjusts the radar
speed, but can be changed to resolution or target loudness in the system menu.

10 CLARITY M
Editing Presets
Pressing the 6th encoder brings up the preset edit parameters for the currently-
selected meter graphic (RTA or radar). The list of options will mostly correspond
to the meter style, but there are some general options as well.
1. Adjusts the speed of the radar from 1 minute to 12 hours.
2. Adjusts the radar resolution from 3 to 12 dB.
3. Adjusts the target loudness from -36 to -6 LUFS (loudness units, full scale).
4. Adjusts the peak alert level from -12 to +2.5 dBTP, or turns this function o.
5. Sets the frequency at which the loud alert engages, or turns this function o.
6. Selects between momentary and short-term loudness max metric.
7. Selects between loudness unit full scale, K-weighted, or loudness units.
8. Selects which items appear in the main screen center column list.
Selecting 'full list' reveals all 6 items.
9. Toggles between +9 and +18 momentary range.
10. Adjusts the balance between center and surround downmix ratio.
11. Toggles between program and short-term deviation
(indicated with and I or S on the main screen).
12. Selects the source for the RTA.
13. Selects between 10-band or 31-band RTA resolution.
14. Adjusts the RTA response time.
15. Adjusts how long the small peak indicator dashes for each band
hold their position.
16. Determines the range of the RTA, adjustable from 10 to 60 dB.
17. Determines the top range of the RTA.
Library
Press the 4th button to access the Library menu. Scroll through the available
folders with the rotary knob to select the most appropriate category.
The rst 5 presets in each folder are locked and cannot be overwritten. To save a
new preset, select a slot with the arrow buttons and then press the 3rd button
to store. A new name such as Auto #06 will appear in that slot.
To recall a previously-saved preset or a factory preset, select it with the arrow
buttons and then press the 2nd button to recall.
System
Press the 5th button to access the System menu. This allows several global
adjustments and preferences to be set.
1. When the Clarity M is connected to a computer via USB, it will interact like a
hard drive. To use the device as a software meter along with the dedicated
plug-in, change the USB mode to Plug-in. Make sure to eject the Clarity M
before proceeding with software metering.
2. Select the input source.
3. Select the surround sound channel layout.
4. Select the function of the rotary knob when using the radar meter.
5. Select the function of GPI 1 and 2. Each channel can remotely
trigger pause or reset commands.

11 CLARITY M User Manual
6. Select the function of the GPO.
7. Adjust the LCD brightness.
8. Adjust the LCD contract.
9. Scroll through a list of system information.
10. View compliance information for various positions.
7. Plugin Metering
Download the Clarity M plug-in installer from
tcelectronic.com/clarity-m/support.
Open the zip folder and double click the installer icon.
Proceed through the prompts, accept the license agreement and
begin installation.
Connect the Clarity M to your computer with the included USB cable. On the
Clarity M unit, press the 5th button to access the System menu, then make sure
that the USB Mode is set to Plug-in. A prompt will appear to advise that you eject
the Clarity M from your PC before switching modes.
Open your DAW and insert the plug-in on the track or bus of your choice. Keep in
mind where it falls in relation to other plug-ins that might aect the metering.
The exact process varies depending on your software.
Once the plug-in is inserted in the signal chain in the desired location, you can
begin metering on the Clarity M hardware unit.
The plug-in window has a few options for ‘follow transport’and ‘reset on play’
as well as manual pause and reset.

12 CLARITY M
8. Firmware Updates
We may periodically update or improve the functionality in the Clarity M. Go
to tcelectronic.com/clarity-m/support to check for the latest rmware. You can
check the current rmware on your device by accessing the System menu.
Download the rmware le to your PC. Connect the Clarity M to your PC with the
included USB cable and turn the unit on. The unit should appear as a connected
device similar to a hard drive.
Navigate to the rmware folder and drag the new rmware le into the folder.
The Clarity M should automatically detect the new le.
Eject the Clarity M from your computer rst, then either press cancel to abort the
update, or press reboot or oto apply. When you turn the unit on again it will be
running the new rmware.
9. Specications
Connections
Digital Audio Inputs Input 1 – BNC (AES3id, S/PDIF)
Input 2 – BNC (AES3id, S/PDIF)
Input 3 – BNC (AES3id, S/PDIF)
Input 4 - TOSLINK (EIAJ optical)
GPIO 2 external switch inputs, 1 relay output
(100 mA max, optically isolated)
1⁄8" mono female (GPO)
¼" stereo female (2x GPI)
USB USB 2.0 (Micro type B)
Display and Controls
User controls Rotary encoder, 6 selection buttons
Display 7" TFT color 800 x 480
Power
Power consumption 12 V DC, 0.5 A
Physical
Dimensions 182 x 140 x 25 mm (7.2 x 5.5 x 1")
Weight 0.85 kg (1.9 lbs) (excluding cable)
Accessories
Included accessories AC adapter
DB15 cable assembly
BNC female to RCA male adapter
USB cable type A male to micro B male,
1 m long
Compliance
Compliance with all worldwide standards
ITU BS.1770-4, ATSC A/85, EBU R128,
TR-B32 and OP-59

13 CLARITY M User Manual