FRANCINSTIEN
The stereo correction techniques collectively known as FRANCINSTIEN have been continuously developed since the 1990s when the first, passive matrix was produced and sold by Perfect Pitch Music.
Go to this link for history and background on what FRANCINSTIEN does.
Alternatively, if you’re short of time, here is the one minute guide to FRANCINSTIEN.
Gradual improvements to the FRANCINSTIEN have included: better matrix components (in the PLUS); the addition of buffer amplifiers (Acif); the recalculation of the crosstalk components (Bride of FRANCINSTIEN).
However, the most radical improvement came with FRANCINSTIEN T-Sym which was launched in 2016 as part of Pspatial Audio’s Stereo Sauce software.
FRANCINSTIEN T-Sym is radical because it incorporates findings derived from a theoretical analysis of a stereophonic sound reproduction system as a sub-optimal wavefront reconstruction system which post-dates the original research which informed the original Stereo Shuffling techniques by thirty years1.
Bennett, Barker and Edeko’s theoretical analysis of a two-loudspeaker stereo system as a flawed “audio hologram” permits us to build a complete theoretical model for the derivation of two-channel stereo correction signals so that we can correct for shortcomings in stereo with unparalleled accuracy.
A real-time implementation of FRANCINSTIEN T-Sym
But T-Sym was developed for Pspatial Audio’s Stereo Sauce software as a purely digital, file-based process and was implemented with non-causal digital filters. No direct real-time implementation of FRANCINSTIEN T-Sym is therefore possible. (At least in a universe where time only runs in one direction!)
FRANCINSTIEN WARP (for WAvefront Recontruction Processor) is an innovative, real-time implementation of the original, non-causal FRANCINSTIEN T-Sym algorithm.
The FRANCINSTIEN WARP is a line-level device, designed to be used between a source and a preamplifier (or integrated amplifier). The analogue circuitry is of the highest possible quality – with cutting-edge op-amps and audiophile passive components used in unique analogue signal-processing circuitry. The WARP processor itself is partnered by the RESOLVE power-supply unit.
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Two box solution
Housed in an identical chassis to the WARP processor, the RESOLVE power supply is of the very highest audio quality and connects to the processor unit via a cable with screw-lock connectors.
The FRANCINSTIEN WARP and RESOLVE PSU are designed to be compatible with European Eco-Consumption directives. Consumption is less than 4 Watts in all configurations and active. The unit is intended to remain energised all the time. The design is thereby compatible with the best audio practice of leaving the unit on all the time whilst respecting the environment, and your electricity bill!
Specification
Size: WARP: 112 × 50 × 225 mm (W-H-L) : RESOLVE PSU: 112 × 50 × 225 mm (W-H-L)
WARP Supply: 12V DC input on screw locking connector
Power: IEC input connector on RESOLVE PSU. Consumption: Less than 4 Watts in all configurations and active.
Sensitivity: Nominal 250mV RMS (2V RMS for 0dBFS)
Input load: 50kohms
Gain: 0dB
Frequency response: Programme dependent
Crosstalk: Programme dependent
Total output noise: 10μV RMS, A-weighted
Maximum input signal (prior to clipping): 3.9V RMS
Headroom (wrt nominal sensitivity): 24dB
References
1 Bennett, J.C. et al. A New Approach to the Assessment of Stereophonic Sound System Performance. J.Audio Eng. Soc., Vol.33, No.5, 1985 (May)