Behringer MDX1600 - Manual (Page 4)

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AUTOCOM PRO-XL MDX1600/COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600/MULTICOM PRO-XL MDX4600
1. INTRODUCTION
VAD (Voice-Adaptive) De-esser
The COMPOSER PRO-XL and AUTOCOM PRO-XL incorporate
a newly designed de-esser circuit specifically adapted to process
the critical range of treble frequencies. Hiss noise on vocal tracks
often contains high levels, giving the signals a rather edgy,
unpleasant sound. The de-esser responds to those frequency
ranges in which hiss noise usually occurs and limits the overall
signal level as soon as the audio signal is affected by excessive
energy density in this range. Unlike equalizers, however, it does
not impair the frequency response of the signal. In this way,
intelligibility in low-level passages is perfectly preserved, and
you can even boost the treble range with a good equalizer. The
sound becomes transparent and fresh, while the de-esser prevents
hiss noise from becoming too dominant and disturbing the overall
sound image.
IDE (Interactive Dynamic) Enhancer
Probably the best known negative side effect of a compressor
is the “dull” and “compressed” sound that is likely to result from
the processing of complex program material. Low-frequency
instruments usually produce the highest signal energy and hence
make the compressor reduce the overall level. Any instrument in
the higher frequency ranges concurrently played also has its
level reduced, which leads to a “compressed” overall sound.
The dynamic enhancer provides the solution to this problem,
enabling you to make up specifically for the compression-induced
loss of treble energy. Since the enhancer can detect the amount
of compression applied, it does not change the sound image as
long as the signals remain uncompressed. No treble energy is
lost, even when complex mix-down material is processed.
ATS (Authentic Tube Simulation) circuitry
Even today, the warm, expressive and transparent tonal character
of electronic tubes is a real “classic”. We proudly present the
COMPOSER PRO-XL and its high-tech circuit design enabling
the authentic reproduction of this legendary sound, and at the
same time avoiding all of the technical drawbacks that go along
with tube technology. Owing to state-of-the-art semi-conductor
technology, there is no sound deterioration caused by tube ageing,
there are no heat problems and no maintenance required at all.
All that remains is the advantage of tube technology: its distinctive
sound!
IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) Compressor
Our proven IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) circuit successfully
combines the “hard knee” compressor concept with the “soft knee”
characteristic. This program-dependent control characteristic
makes it possible to both provide an “inaudible” and musical
program compression and allows for creative and efficient
dynamics processing.
IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) Expander
A fundamental problem when using a compressor is the fact
that the basic noise floor depends on the amount of compression
applied, i.e. it is amplified maximally in low-level passages and
breaks in the music (compressor noise). To eliminate this problem,
compressors are usually equipped with additional expander or
gate circuitry, simply fading out the noise during breaks.
The dynamics processors from the PRO-XL Series feature our
IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander, whose ratio setting
changes automatically with the program material. The result is
an expander that can be set quickly and easily, and does not cut
off low-level wanted signals (e.g. the first or last syllable of a word
in a vocal track). With the new IRC circuit, the expander/gate
section of the BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600,
AUTOCOM PRO-XL MDX1600 and MULTICOM PRO-XL MDX4600
can be used as an independent device to eliminate any kind
of interference, thus giving you almost unlimited flexibility of
application.
IGC (Interactive Gain Control) Peak Limiter
Another outstanding feature of BEHRINGER dynamics processors
is the IGC (Interactive Gain Control) limiter, an intelligent combination
of a clipper and program limiter. The clipper comes in as soon as
an adjustable threshold is exceeded and abruptly limits the signal
gain. However, if the limiter threshold is exceeded for longer than
a few milliseconds, the ICG circuit is activated automatically and
reduces the gain of the overall output signal, so that audible distor-
tion is eliminated (program limiter). When the signal drops
below threshold again, its level is restored to its original value
after about one second. This IGC feature is an extremely usefull
tool for both live applications (e.g. speaker protection) and digital
processing, in which excess levels lead to unpleasant distortion.
Safety relay
The design of the COMPOSER PRO-XL incorporates the
so-called safety relays, which set the unit to bypass in case of a
power failure or other malfunctions. Additionally, these relays are
used to implement a switch-on delay, so as to suppress harmful
switch-on thumps.
Balanced inputs and outputs
The BEHRINGER dynamics processors from the PRO-XL series
are equipped with electronically balanced inputs and outputs. The
automatic servo function detects any unbalanced plugs connec-
ted and adjusts the nominal level internally, so as to make sure
that there is no difference in level between the input and output
signals (6-dB correction).
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First, this manual describes the terminology used, so
that you understand the unit and its functions. Please
read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference.
1.1 Before you get started
1.1.1 Shipment
Your COMPOSER PRO-XL, AUTOCOM PRO-XL or
MULTICOM PRO-XL was carefully packed at the factory and
the packaging is designed to protect the unit from rough hand-
ling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine
the packaging and its contents for any signs of physical damage
which may have occurred during transit.
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If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to
BEHRINGER, but notify your dealer and the shipping
company immediately. Otherwise, claims for damage or
replacement may not be granted.
1.1.2 Initial operation
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling
and, to avoid overheating, please do not place it on power
amplifiers, near radiators etc.
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Before you connect the unit to the mains, please make
sure that the voltage setting on the unit matches the
local voltage:
The fuse holder at the AC power connector has 3 triangular
markings. Two of these three triangles are aligned with one
another. The unit is set to the voltage shown next to these markings
and can be switched over by turning the fuse holder by 180°.
IMPORTANT: This does not apply to export models designed
exclusively for 115 V operation!
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If you set the unit to a different mains voltage, be sure
to use a fuse of the correct type and rating. Please refer
to the “SPECIFICATIONS” for details.
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Blown fuses must be replaced by fuses of the same type
and rating! Please refer to the “SPECIFICATIONS” for
details.