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Introduction – Behringer T1953 User Manual

Page 6

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TUBE ULTRAGAIN T1953

1. INTRODUCTION

With the TUBE ULTRAGAIN you have purchased an extremely musical and flexible microphone preamplifier.

Our ULTRAGAIN range of devices has been a hit ever since we introduced our first model some 5 years ago.

This high-end microphone preamp is based on many years of experience and findings in amplifier technology

and is used throughout the world in renowned studios, sound reinforcement systems as well as in broadcast

and television studios. Improving the legendary ULTRAGAIN even further was a real challenge, and we are

proud of our success. The BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAGAIN meets highest and no-compromise requirements

in terms of operation, sound, specifications and workmanship.
Even at the conception of the TUBE ULTRAGAIN it was clear that we had to combine the outstanding technical

specifications of our ULTRAGAIN with a warm tube sound. We are therefore proud to be able to present the

TUBE ULTRAGAIN, a device featuring our newly developed UTC vacuum tube circuit combined with a

no-compromise approach.
The heart of the TUBE ULTRAGAIN is an extremely low-noise microphone preamp circuit that uses discrete

components to produce a highly transparent sound. In combination with our BEHRINGER tube technology, the

operational amplifiers 4580 and a sophisticated circuit topology, the TUBE ULTRAGAIN yields excellent noise

and distortion properties! The switchable +48 V phantom power supply allows for connecting almost any kind

of microphone and suppresses power-up thumps with its “soft mute” function.
Our engineering team has made it possible to enhance the traditional tube circuitry (particularly for our

TUBE ULTRAGAIN) and adapt it to meet the high sound quality and dynamics requirements of modern,

pro-level audio technology. The fact that we are still fascinated by “antique” tube radios and amps as well as

the fine and warm tonal character that we usually associate with them, are the reasons why vacuum tubes

have kept their ground even in state-of-the-art circuit topologies used especially in professional audio

technology or high-end devices. We are particularly proud that we have found a highly effective symbiosis

between solid-state and tube technologies making them affordable to almost anybody in audio technology.
With the exception of 2 12AX7/ECC83 tubes, the TUBE ULTRAGAIN T1953 is based on SMD technology

(Surface Mounted Device). These subminiature components known from aerospace applications ensure both

extreme packing density and greater reliability.
Speaking of reliability: quality assurance plays an ever important role in today’s production methods. To

guarantee even greater operational reliability, our products are manufactured under one of the most stringent

industrial quality assurance systems: ISO9000. This European certification is granted exclusively to

companies whose manufacturing processes are in full compliance with this accurate standard.

1.1 The concept

The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and employs the

best choice of components. The op-amps, type 4580, used in the TUBE ULTRAGAIN are chosen for their

superior signal-to-noise ratio, low distortion and linear performance. Additionally, the TUBE ULTRAGAIN uses

high quality resistors and capacitors with very tight tolerances, high-grade switches as well other selected

components.
The TUBE ULTRAGAIN uses 12AX7 / ECC83 tubes. These triodes are capable of handling a large dynamic

range with little microphony. Add to this their relative ruggedness and above average life span and you can see

why it’s one of the most popular and reliable pre-amp tubes on the market. These features also ensure you

their availability for many years to come.

Balanced inputs and outputs

As standard, the BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAGAIN is installed with electronically servo-balanced inputs and

outputs. The new circuit design features automatic hum and noise reduction for balanced signals and thus

allows for trouble-free operation, even at high operating levels. Externally induced mains hum etc. will be

effectively suppressed. The automatic servo-function recognizes the presence of unbalanced connectors and

adjusts the nominal level internally to avoid level differences between the input and output signals

(correction 6 dB).

Transformer-balanced outputs (optional)

In contrast to electronic balancing, the use of transformer-balanced outputs offers the advantage of galvanic

separation between units. Electrical potential differences and ground loops in audio installations do not

1. INTRODUCTION