Behringer MDX1600 - Manual (Page 8)

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AUTOCOM PRO-XL MDX1600/COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600/MULTICOM PRO-XL MDX4600
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If you wish to use the peak limiter as a protecting device,
the LIMITER control and the OUTPUT control in the
compressor section should be set so that the peak limiter
responds only rarely or never at all. It should be triggered
by peak signals only. To achieve creative sound effects,
on the other hand, you can also intentionally drive the
peak limiter into this peak limiting range.
The LIMIT LED lights up as soon as the limiter is on.
2.6 The rear panel control elements
Fig. 2.7: Power supply and fuse
FUSE HOLDER/VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Before connecting
the unit to the mains, ensure that the voltage setting matches
your local voltage. A blown fuse should only be replaced
by a fuse of the same type and rating. Please refer to
chapter 6 “SPECIFICATIONS” for details.
MAINS CONNECTION. Use the power cord supplied with
the unit to connect it to the mains. Please note the instruc-
tions given in chapter 5 “INSTALLATION”.
OUTPUTS. These are the audio outputs of your dynamics
processor. The two matching 1/4" TRS and XLR connectors
are wired in parallel and balanced. Of course, unbalanced
cables can be connected here as well.
OPERATING LEVEL switch. This switch can be used to
adapt the COMPOSER PRO-XL, AUTOCOM PRO-XL or
MULTICOM PRO-XL to various operating levels, i.e. to toggle
between home recording level (-10 dBV) and studio level
(+4 dBu). The level meters will be referenced automatically
to the nominal level adjusted, so that the compressor works
in its optimum operating range.
Fig. 2.8: Rear panel connectors and switches
INPUTS. These are the audio inputs. They are also on
balanced 1/4" TRS and XLR connectors.
Fig. 2.9: SIDECHAIN connectors
SIDECHAIN SEND. This is the unbalanced sidechain output,
which allows you to route the audio signal to other devices
for external processing.
SIDECHAIN RETURN. The sidechain input allows you to
use an external signal or the processed (e.g. with an
equalizer) audio signal routed from the SIDECHAIN SEND jack
to control your COMPOSER PRO-XL or AUTOCOM PRO-XL.
3. EXAMPLES OF SIDECHAIN
APPLICATIONS
A very common type of application is to make the compressor
threshold frequency-dependent by inserting a graphic or
parametric equalizer into the side-chain path. To be able to keep
the threshold setting on the MDX1600 or MDX2600, unwanted
frequencies should be cut with an inserted equalizer, without
affecting the levels of selected frequencies. For example, to
control the compressor from a narrow-band midrange frequency
band, we recommend reducing the bass and treble controls on
the inserted EQ, while leaving the midrange control set to 0 dB.
3.1 Eliminating interference
Insert an equalizer into the sidechain control path in the
following order: SIDECHAIN SEND - equalizer - SIDECHAIN
RETURN. Turn the THRESHOLD control to the left until the GAIN
REDUCTION meter reads a clearly noticeable gain reduction.
Now the equalizer must be set so that all frequencies are reduced
in level, except for the interference frequencies. Thus, the
interference signal will trigger the compression.
Using this technique you can, for example, reduce the dynamics
of a bass drum that is too loud in an existing recording. Simply
use an equalizer to cut all frequencies above 150 Hz, so that the
compression will be triggered by the individual beats of the bass
drum.
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To monitor the equalizer setting, press the SC MON
switch to isolate and play back the processed signal.
Once you have checked the EQ setting, switch off SC MON
and adjust the THRESHOLD, so that the compressor responds to
the interference signals only.
Control element Position
SC EXT switch IN
SC MON switch OUT
INTERACT KNEE switch OFF
LO CONTOUR switch OUT
THRESHOLD control +20 dB
RATIO control 4:1
AUTO switch OUT
ATTACK control 0.3 msec
RELEASE control 150 msec
OUTPUT control 0 dB
Tab. 3.1: Eliminating interference with an inserted equalizer
(basic settings)
3. EXAMPLES OF SIDECHAIN APPLICATIONS