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Behringer T1952 User Manual

Page 19

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TUBE COMPOSER T1952

as the last link in the chain preceding the power amp. Thus, you can effectively avoid damage to the midrange/

tweeter range caused by clipping of the high-energy bass signals. This statement, as paradoxical as it may

seem at first, can be explained with the fact that especially low-frequency signals with high amplitudes can

overload the power supply in the amplifier(s). The resulting clipping (cutting off of signal peaks) produces

distortion (upper harmonics), which is abruptly added to the midrange/tweeter signals. For this reason, “weak”

power amps, in particular, must be protected by a limiter in their input dynamics.

Fig. 3.1: The TUBE COMPOSER as a protective device

Protection of a system with an active crossover
When used with a system with an electronic crossover, connect the TUBE COMPOSER before the crossover.

In this application, the BEHRINGER TUBE COMPOSER will process the entire audio frequency spectrum.

+

If you want to protect separate units in a multi-way active system you can use a (multi)way

compressor/limiter between the electronic crossover and the amplifier(s) like the BEHRINGER

MULTICOM PRO MDX4400.

3.2.4 Improving the sound of a processor system
An electronic crossover divides the total frequency spectrum in separate bands, thus correcting the single

units’ frequency responses and time alignments. A processor system is a PA system which contains a

special active crossover with additionally dynamic functions that monitor the system performance and

optimize the output dependent on the program material. Each band has its own limiter whose task it is to limit

dangerous signal peaks to a certain level. This process avoids overloading the subsequent power amplifier or

destruction of the loudspeaker.
In some units a “loudness contour” is applied where, for instance, the bass is boosted at low levels to extend

the range of the system at the low end. At higher levels this frequency correction is abandoned in exchange for

a higher maximum sound pressure level. In many cases, this function leads to a disturbance rather than to an

improvement of the sound quality.
If the TUBE COMPOSER is placed before the processor, the signal peaks can be eliminated before they reach

the limiters of the processing system. The sound quality therefore remains natural and free of side effects

caused by the dynamic functions of the crossover.

3. APPLICATIONS