The Design Concept; High Quality Components And Design; Inputs And Outputs; Installation - Behringer MIC2200 User Manual

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ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
1.3.4 The best of both worlds
Despite many efforts neither manufacturers nor developers have succeeded
so far in simulating these positive properties of the tube by means of other
devices. Additionally, the natural capabilities of the tube to act as a soft limiter
can only be mimicked with highly sophisticated circuitry. Today's studio
technology requirements are therefore met by a combination of both high-grade
semiconductor and tube technologies. In this context, tubes do not serve any
longer their original purpose as amplifiers, but are used for the detailed shaping
of the sound.
1.3.5 Studio applications
In a recording studio tubes have not the same task as they have in an overdriven
guitar amp, where the considerably higher saturation of the tube(s) leads to a full
and often deliberate modification of the input signal (in many cases combined
with a heavy increase in noise floor levels). In the studio more subtle effects are
needed. Here, tube circuits add life to the signal's tonal character and increase
its power to make itself heard. Often, tubes also increase the signal's perceived
loudness (in relation to the unprocessed signal), i.e. the perceived loudness goes
up although the volume level remains the same. This is because the dynamic
range of the applied audio signal is limited by the tube circuit, while the
amplitude of the signal with the lowest loudness is raised. Thus, increasing tube
saturation produces a slight compression effect over the entire dynamic range.
A similar effect can be perceived when analog tape is saturated. This saturation
effect also compresses the recorded audio material and produces
additional harmonics.

2. The Design Concept

2.1 High quality components and design

The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit
design and employs the best choice of components. The operational amplifiers
NJM4580 which are used in the ULTRAGAIN PRO, are exceptional. They boast
extreme linearity and very low distortion characteristics. To complement this
design the choice of components includes high tolerance resistors and capacitors,
detent potentiometers and several other stringently selected elements.
For the first time, the ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 uses SMD technology
(Surface Mounted Device). These sub-miniature components known from
aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density, plus the unit's
reliability could be improved. Additionally, the unit is manufactured in
compliance with a ISO9000 certified management system.

2.2 Inputs and outputs

2.2.1 Balanced inputs and outputs
As standard, the BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO is installed with electronically
servo-balanced inputs and outputs. The new circuit design features automatic
hum and noise reduction for balanced signals and thus allows for trouble-free
operation, even at high operating levels. Externally induced mains hum etc.
will be effectively suppressed. The automatic servo-function recognizes the
presence of unbalanced connectors and adjusts the nominal level internally to
avoid level differences between the input and output signals (correction 6 dB).

3. Installation

Your BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN 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 packaging and its contents for any
signs of physical damage, which may have occurred in transit.
◊
If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your
dealer and the shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for
damage or replacement may not be granted. Shipping claims must be
made by the consignee.

3.1 Rack mounting

The BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space
(1 3/4"). Please allow at least an additional 4" depth for the connectors on the
back panel. Be sure that there is enough air space around the unit for cooling
and please do not place the ULTRAGAIN PRO on high temperature devices such as
power amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.

3.2 Mains voltage

Before you connect your ULTRAGAIN PRO to the mains, please make
sure that your local voltage matches the voltage required by the
unit! The fuse holder on the female mains connector has 3 triangular markers,
with two of these triangles opposing each other. Your ULTRAGAIN PRO is set
to the operating voltage printed next to these markers, and can be set to
another voltage by turning the fuse holder by 180°. CAUTION: this instruction
does not apply to export models exclusively designed, e.g. for
115 V operation!
◊
Please refer to the specifications for detailed information about
specific voltage supplies!

3.3 Audio connections

The audio inputs and outputs on the BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO are
fully balanced. If possible, connect the unit to other devices in a balanced
configuration to allow for maximum interference immunity.
◊
Please ensure that only qualified persons install and operate the
ULTRAGAIN PRO. During installation and operation the user must have
sufficient electrical contact to earth. Electrostatic charges might affect
the operation of the ULTRAGAIN PRO!
Unbalanced ¼" TS connector
strain relief clamp
sleeve
tip
sleeve
(ground/shield)
tip
(signal)