Introduction; The Concept; Before You Begin - Behringer ULTRA-DYNE PRO DSP9024 User Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

With the BEHRINGER ULTRA-DYNE PRO, you have purchased a fully digital sound processing device
based on DSPs and 24-bit A/D and D/A converters. The high speed DSPs are capable of performing any
process in fractions of a second, the only element governing their performance being the software.
The BEHRINGER ULTRA-DYNE PRO has two channels which can be used independently or coupled via
software.
The following user's manual will introduce you to the BEHRINGER ULTRA-DYNE PRO and its
various functions. After reading the manual carefully, make sure it is always on hand for future
reference.

1.1 The concept

Unlike analog technology with its response speed limitations regarding changes in amplitude, digital signal
processing permits differences in amplitude to be identified in advance using a preliminary signal delay.
Increasing this preliminary delay also increases the potential for the intelligent control. Even "looking ahead"
by only a few samples is sufficient to ensure the intelligent application of dynamic processing – such as
limiting, which ensures an absolutely reliable signal ceiling – without clipping.
The signal delay may make itself unpleasantly noticeable in live use due to the mix of direct and delayed
sound. Very short delay times are thus advisable!
You are probably familiar with the effect of a solo instrument or voice being briefly "swallowed" by a bass
drum beat or a solid bass guitar pulse. This is a typical problem with broad-band compressors and limiters.
The powerful low frequencies generally dictate the overall level of the complete frequency spectrum. When
these high amplitudes exceed the set threshold of the compressor, the compression process is activated,
resulting in a muffled sound when the high frequencies are also attenuated. This problem does not occur
when using multiband technology as the low frequencies are controlled independently, effectively preventing
adverse effects on the other frequency bands. In multiband operation, the program material is divided into
several frequency bands. Unlike broadband units, a separate compressor or limiter is available for each of
these bands. The frequency ranges are merged once again downstream of these control units.
The ULTRA-DYNE PRO breaks the audio spectrum down into six frequency bands, thus offering "inaudible",
but highly effective compression. A completely new, intuitive operating concept permits the easy modification
of parameters, either for the individual bands, or globally. In addition, the ULTRA-DYNE PRO offers a Gate with
a wide range of user-definable parameters, a lightning-fast Peak Limiter, Tube Simulation and an Exciter. The
ULTRA-DYNE PRO also includes the VIRTUOSO and ULTRAMIZER functions for program material analysis to
facilitate your work, adapting the Compressor parameters quickly and automatically to suit your audio material.
The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and the best choice
of components. Top-quality 24-bit AD/DA converters which belong to the best components available owing to
their outstanding specifications and excellent sonic characteristics are the heart of the BEHRINGER
ULTRA-DYNE PRO. Two 24-bit DSPs perform the precise calculations needed for the processing of the
complex algorithms. Additionally, the unit uses resistors and capacitors with very tight tolerances, high-grade
integrated circuits and other selected components.
The ULTRA-DYNE PRO DSP 9024 uses SMD (Surface Mounted Device) technology. These subminiature
components known from aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density and enhance the unit's
reliability. Additionally, the unit is manufactured in compliance with an ISO 9000 certified management system.
Fail-safe relays have been incorporated into the design of the BEHRINGER ULTRA-DYNE PRO. These
automatically and silently bypass the unit in the event of power supply disconnection or failure. These relays
are also active at switch-on to isolate the unit from potentially damaging switch-on thump.

1.2 Before you begin

Your BEHRINGER ULTRA-DYNE PRO was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was designed
to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packag-
ing and its contents for any signs of physical damage which may have occurred in transit.
ULTRA-DYNE PRO DSP9024
1. INTRODUCTION 7