User manual BEHRINGER COM800

[. . . ] COM800 Users manual Version 1. 0 October 2005 MINICOM DEUTSCH MINICOM COM800 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the rear section). No user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. [. . . ] KEYB PAD HARD LIMIT SOFT LIMIT PRESSURE Reduces the dynamic range of keyboard pad sounds, which can make a mix rather muddy with their excessive dynamic range. The ultimate loudness raiser for aggressive and high-energy productions. Compression with audible control processes, which is desired in this case and produces trendy "pumping" effects. for CD compilations. Mono Mono Mono Stereo Mono Mono Mono Stereo Stereo Stereo Stereo Stereo Mono/ Stereo Mono/ Stereo Mono/ Stereo Limiter PUMP UP 15 LEVELER 16 Table 3. 2: MINICOM presets and ideal areas of application 10 3. THE MINICOM IN PRACTICE Typically, music production comprises three steps: the actual recording as well as the mix and mastering processes. In a computer-based production environment this means that each instrument is recorded on a different track. When using software sound generators, the individual signals are directly available from the computer. Mixing means that the volume levels of the instruments are adjusted, effects are added were needed and the frequency range of each instrument is optimized with equalizers. During the mastering process equalizers and control amplifiers are used to give the mix the finishing touch, so as to achieve a homogeneous sound and optimum loudness. Compressors have become the standard tool for dynamics processing during all stages of a production. Today, these popular control amplifiers are widely used for music production. Traditionally, compressors are used to limit the dynamic range of a signal, i. e. to reduce the difference between the highest and the lowest signal levels. This is useful, in particular, to control volume fluctuations in instrument signals during the mixing process. In addition, compression can also be used to enhance the sound of a production. 4. 1 How to set levels correctly 4. 1. 1 The I/O LEVEL switch Before you can give your signals additional punch and power, please make sure to set the levels of your MINICOM correctly. First of all, adjust the proper operating level using the I/O LEVEL switch on the rear panel of the unit. -10 dBV are used in a consumer environment, +4 dBu in professional recording studios. Many semi-professional audio cards and studio devices can be set accordingly by means of a hardware/software switch. Mixing consoles usually work with the professional 4 dBu level, while guitars, basses, keyboards and consumer equipment (CD/MD-DAT players/recorders) use -10 dBV. If you are not sure which level to use, please consult the users manuals of your devices or simply try which setting gives you a reasonable level on the IN/OUT LED display . Always make sure that the INPUT LEVEL control is set to zero and the METER switch to INPUT. + If you can select the operating level used by your studio equipment, please be sure to have the same level used by all devices. 4. 1. 2 Signal adjustment Wire the MINICOM as described in chapter 5. 1, depending on the application. [. . . ] If the product needs to be modified or adapted in order to comply with applicable technical or safety standards on a national or local level, in any country which is not the country for which the product was originally developed and manufactured, this modification/adaptation shall not be considered a defect in materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover any such modification/ adaptation, irrespective of whether it was carried out properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty, BEHRINGER shall not be held responsible for any cost resulting from such a modification/adaptation. Free inspections and maintenance/repair work are expressly excluded from this warranty, in particular, if caused by improper handling of the product by the user. [. . . ]