Introduction; General Mixing Console Functions - Behringer EURORACK UB2442FX-PRO User Manual

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EURORACK UB2442FX-PRO/UB2222FX-PRO/UB1832FX-PRO/UB1622FX-PRO User Manual

1. Introduction

The BEHRINGER EURORACK mixing console offers you premium-quality
microphone preamplifiers with optional phantom power supply, balanced line
inputs and the ability to connect external effects devices. Because of its extensive
and carefully thought-out routing possibilities, your EURORACK lends itself
equally to both live and studio use.
IMP Invisible Mic Preamp
The microphone channels are fitted with BEHRINGER's brand new high-end
IMP INVISIBLE MIC PREAMPs that boast the following features:
• 130 dB dynamic range for an incredible amount of headroom
• A bandwidth ranging from below 10 Hz to over 200 kHz for crystal-clear
reproduction of even the finest nuances
The extremely low-noise and distortion-free circuitry guarantees absolutely
•
natural and transparent signal reproduction
• They are perfectly matched to every conceivable micro phone with up to
60 dB gain and +48 volt phantom power supply
• They enable full utilisation of the greatly extended dynamic range of your
24-bit/192 kHz HD recorder, thereby main taining optimal audio quality
Multi-effects processor
Additionally, your EURORACK mixing console has an effects
processor with 24-bit A/D and D/A converters included, which gives
you 100 presets producing first-class reverb, delay and modulation
effects plus numerous multi-effects in excellent audio quality.
The mixing consoles of the PRO series feature a state-of-the-art
integrated switch-mode power supply. One of the great advantages
is that (compared to conventional circuits) a switch-mode power
supply adapts to mains voltages between 100 and 240 volts automatically.
Furthermore, due to its much greater efficiency, it consumes much less energy
than a conventional power supply unit.
FBQ Feedback Detection System
The FBQ Feedback Detection System integrated into the
graphic EQ of your UB1832FX-PRO is one of this mixer's most
outstanding features.
This ingenious circuitry lets you immediately recognize and eliminate feedback
frequencies. The FBQ Feedback Detection System uses the LEDs in the frequency
band faders of the graphic EQ to indicate the critical frequencies. This way,
what once used to be a labor-intensive search for feedback frequencies is now an
activity that even a child could master.
Voice Canceller
We have added another useful feature to the
EURORACK UB1832FX-PRO: the Voice Canceller.
The Voice Canceller is a filter circuitry that filters out vocal
portions from a track. Therefore, this mixing console is ideally suited for use as
a karaoke machine. This feature is also an optimal solution for singers who need
accompanying music for their rehearsals.
Caution!
◊ We should like to draw your attention to the fact that extreme volumes
may damage your hearing and/or your headphones or loudspeakers.
Turn the MAIN MIX faders and phones control in the main section
fully down before you switch on the unit. Always be careful to set the
appropriate volume.

1.1 General mixing console functions

A mixing console fulfils three main functions:
• Signal processing:
Preamplification
Microphones convert sound waves into voltage that has to be amplified
several-fold; then, this voltage is turned into sound that is reproduced
in a loudspeaker. Because micro phone capsules are very delicate in their
construction, output voltage is very low and therefore susceptible to
interference. Therefore, mic signal voltage is amplified directly at the mixer
input to a higher signal level that is less prone to interference. This higher,
interference-safe signal level has to be achieved through amplification using
an amplifier of the highest quality in order to amplify the signal and add as
little noise to it as possible. The IMP "Invisible" Mic Preamp performs this
role beautifully, leaving no traces of noise or sound coloration. Interference
that could take place at the preamplification level could affect signal quality
and purity, and would then be passed on to all other devices, resulting in
inaccurate sounding program during recording or playback.
Level-setting
Signals fed into the mixer using a DI-box (Direct Injection) or the output of a
sound card or a keyboard, often have to be adjusted to the operating level of
your mixing console.
Frequency response correction
Using the equalizers found in each channel strip, you can simply, quickly and
effectively adjust the way a signal sounds.
Effects mixing
In addition to the effects processor contained in your mixer, using the
insert connectors on the mono channels and both aux busses lets you insert
additional signal processors into your signal path.
• Signal distribution:
Individual signals adjusted at each channel strip are laid out at the aux
sends and returns, and are either fed into external effects processors or fed
back to the internal effects processor. Then, the signals are brought back
into the main mix either via the aux return connectors or via direct internal
wiring. The mix for the on-stage musicians is also created using the aux
sends (monitor mix). Similarly, for example, signals for recording equipment,
power amplifiers, headphones and 2-track outputs can also be taken.
• Mix:
All other mixing console functions fall under this vital category. Creating a mix
means primarily adjusting the volume levels of individual instruments
and voices to one another as well as giving them the appropriate weight
within the overall frequency spectrum. Likewise, you'll have to sensibly
spread individual voices across the stereo image of a signal. At the end of
this process, adjusting the level of the entire mix to other equipment in the
signal path is required (e. g. recorder/crossover/amplifier).
The control surface of BEHRINGER mixing consoles is optimized in such a way
that these functions become easy to fulfil while the signal path remains simple
to follow.