Behringer MDX4400 - Manual (Page 6)

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MULTICOM PRO MDX4400
1. INTRODUCTION
In purchasing the MULTICOM PRO, you have acquired an extremely efficient and universal dynamics
processor. The unit was particularly designed for those applications most frequently used in practice. Despite
the extremely complex internal circuitry, the unit has a control surface which is clearly laid out and easy to
understand. With the MULTICOM PRO, BEHRINGER have developed an innovative and easy-to-use dynamics
processor which meets the high demands that are made on such a device both in live and studio applications.
The unit’s most outstanding features are the precision and flexibility of its functions.
Quad compressor/limiters are actually not a new invention. Usually, four simple compressor sections are
packed into one enclosure, representing however a compromise in terms of operation and functionality. An
excessive number of controls complicates the operation of the unit and a lack of control functions restricts the
unit’s range of application.
The BEHRINGER MULTICOM PRO is a compact quad compressor/limiter based on the successful BEHRINGER
Interactive Technology. Integrated AUTO processors automatically derive attack and release times from the
programme material and provide you with transparent and “inaudible” compression. In 1 RU package the unit
consists of four independent high-precision compressor sections with sidechain filters and four peak limiters,
each offering all the required controls.
With rack space at a premium both in the studio and in sound reinforcement, the MULTICOM PRO’s unique
high density design and clean uncluttered layout makes it a truly useful audio tool for all applications. The
MULTICOM PRO is a perfect and extremely cost-effective solution for all your multi-channel dynamic
applications.
Advanced BEHRINGER Technology
Compared to its predecessors, the MULTICOM PRO offers several advanced features such as the extended
LED meters, the sidechain filter, the controlable peak limiter per channel and the couple function for two
channels. Additionally, we have succeeded in refining the audio properties as well as the circuit topology.
For the first time, the MULTICOM PRO MDX 4400 uses SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These
sub-miniature components known from aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density, plus
improve the unit’s reliability.
IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) Compressor
Our proven IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) circuit successfully combines the concept of a “hard knee”
compressor with the characteristics of a “soft knee” approach. This program-dependent regulation scheme
forms the prerequisite both for “inaudible” and musical program compression and for creative and highly
effective dynamics processing.
With its IKA circuit the MULTICOM PRO is capable of delivering outstanding musical results both in studio and
live PA applications.
Additionally, the MULTICOM PRO’s sidechain filter allows for limiting the influence low-frequency signal
portions usually have on the control logic, so that the compression ratio is mainly determined by those
frequencies that are essential to the loudness perceived by the listener—the midrange frequencies.
AUTO COMPRESSOR Circuitry
The response of a compressor and the quality of dynamics processing largely depend on the control times,
i.e., the attack and release functions. In particular, in the field of “musical” compression of complex composite
signals, programme-dependent control times are necessary. The interactive AUTO processor derives the
attack and release times automatically from the programme material, a function that avoids misadjustment of
the control times, which is a problem often encountered in conventional designs. In addition the AUTO
processor allows for a high compression of the dynamic range without any audible side effects, such as
“pumping”, “breathing” etc.
IGC (Interactive Gain Control) Peak Limiter
A further remarkable feature of the BEHRINGER MULTICOM PRO is the IGC (Interactive Gain Control) Limiter,
an intelligent combination of a clipper and a program limiter. Above an adjustable threshold the peak limiter
begins to function and restricts signal peaks radically (clipper). If however, the threshold of the limiter was
surpassed for more than a few milliseconds, the IGC circuit automatically kicks in and reduces the level of the
1. INTRODUCTION