User manual BEHRINGER MIC2200

[. . . ] MIC2200 Users Manual Version 1. 2 March 2001 ULTRAGAIN PRO ® www. behringer. com ENGLISH ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. [. . . ] Also the frequency bands in which distortion occurs play an important role because the human ear differentiates very clearly, in particular, in the frequency range of human speech. INTRODUCTION ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 1. 2. 4 The best of both worlds Despite many efforts neither manufacturers nor developers have succeeded so far in simulating these positive properties of the tube by means of other devices. Additionally, the natural capabilities of the tube to act as a soft limiter can only be mimicked with highly sophisticated circuitry. Todays studio technology requirements are therefore met by a combination of both high-grade semiconductor and tube technologies. In this context, tubes do not serve any longer their original purpose as amplifiers, but are used for the detailed shaping of the sound. 1. 2. 5 Studio applications In a recording studio tubes have not the same task as they have in an overdriven guitar amp, where the considerably higher saturation of the tube(s) leads to a full and often deliberate modification of the input signal (in many cases combined with a heavy increase in noise floor levels). Here, tube circuits add life to the signals tonal character and increase its power to make itself heard. Often, tubes also increase the signals perceived loudness (in relation to the unprocessed signal), i. e. the perceived loudness goes up although the volume level remains the same. This is because the dynamic range of the applied audio signal is limited by the tube circuit, while the amplitude of the signal with the lowest loudness is raised. Thus, increasing tube saturation produces a slight compression effect over the entire dynamic range. This saturation effect also compresses the recorded audio material and produces additional harmonics. 2. THE DESIGN CONCEPT 2. 1 High quality components and design The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and employs the best choice of components. The operational amplifiers NJM4580 which are used in the ULTRAGAIN PRO, are exceptional. To complement this design the choice of components includes high tolerance resistors and capacitors, detent potentiometers and several other stringently selected elements. For the first time, the ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 uses SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These sub-miniature components known from aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density, plus the units reliability could be improved. Additionally, the unit is manufactured in compliance with a ISO9000 certified management system. 2. 2 Inputs and outputs 2. 2. 1 Balanced inputs and outputs As standard, the BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO 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. 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). 3. INSTALLATION Your BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred in transit. + If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted. [. . . ] To obtain warranty service, the buyer (or his authorized dealer) must call BEHRINGER (see enclosed list) during normal business hours BEFORE returning the product. Subsequently, the product must be returned in its original shipping carton, together with the return authorization number to the address indicated by BEHRINGER. Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is accompanied by a copy of the original retail dealers invoice. Any product deemed eligible for repair or replacement by BEHRINGER under the terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced within 30 days of receipt of the product at BEHRINGER. [. . . ]