Behringer MDX2200 - Manual (Page 10)

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COMPOSER PRO MDX2200
3 The RATIO control is used to adjust the expansion ratio when the signal drops below the threshold
value. This control determines whether the unit works as an expander (low ratio level) or as a gate (1:8).
The expansion ratio can be set from 1:1 to 1:8.
4 When a signal below the threshold value is applied, the “-” LED lights up, while the “+”-LED lights up
when expansion occurs.
5 To optimally adapt the expander/gate to the program material, the RELEASE switch allows for selecting
a SLOW or FAST release time. When you engage this switch, the expander responds with a slow
release. As a general rule, percussive material with little or no ambience is processed using the FAST
release mode, whereas signals with long decay or with heavy ambience require the SLOW release
mode.
2.2 Compressor section
Fig. 2.3: Control elements of the compressor section
6 The THRESHOLD control sets the threshold point for the compressor section. It has a range of -40 to
+20 dB. The “soft knee” characteristic is applied to the signal exceeding the threshold point by a
maximum of 10 dB. Above 10 dB, the signal would experience “hard knee” compression. The
THRESHOLD-LEDs show the actual state of the input signal relative to the THRESHOLD setting. The
IKA-“soft knee” range is indicated by the middle yellow LED.
7 The RATIO control determines the ratio between the input and output level for all signals exceeding the
threshold point by more than 10 dB. The control range can be adjusted from 1:1 to oo:1.
8 The ATTACK control determines the rate by which the compressor responds to the signal which ex-
ceeds the threshold. This control can be adjusted from 1 to 150 milliseconds.
9 The RELEASE control determines the rate that the compressor returns to unity gain after falling below
the threshold level. This control can be adjusted from 0.05 to 5 seconds.
10 By activating the AUTO switch, the ATTACK and RELEASE controls are disabled and the attack and
release rates are automatically derived from the programme material. This function allows for unobtru-
sive musical compression of signals or mixes with widely varying dynamics. Only if set to “MANUAL”
will the settings of the attack and release controls function.
11 The OUTPUT control allows for the increase or decrease of the output signal by a maximum of 20 dB.
Thus, a level loss due to the compression or limiting process can be compensated for.
+
Please note when using the THRESHOLD control of the peak limiter section, that the OUTPUT
control of the compressor section precedes the peak limiter section. If the OUTPUT control is
set too high, this can result in continuous peak limiting (see item 19 “THRESHOLD control”).
12 When activated, the SC EXT switch severs the connection between the audio input and the side chain
path, whilst at the same time allowing an external signal to be sourced at the SC RETURN jack on the
rear panel.
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS