Behringer Ultragain Pro MIC2200 User Manual

ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual

1.3.4  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. Today’s 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.

1.3.5  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). In the studio more subtle effects are 

needed. Here, tube circuits add life to the signal’s tonal character and increase 

its power to make itself heard. Often, tubes also increase the signal’s 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.
A similar effect can be perceived when analog tape is saturated. This saturation 

effect also compresses the recorded audio material and produces 

additional harmonics.

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. They boast 

extreme linearity and very low distortion characteristics. 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 unit’s 

reliability could be improved. Additionally, the unit is manufactured in 

compliance with a ISO9000 certified management system.

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. 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).

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.

The BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space 

(1 3/4"). Please allow at least an additional 4" depth for the connectors on the 

back panel. Be sure that there is enough air space around the unit for cooling 

and please do not place the ULTRAGAIN PRO on high temperature devices such as 

power amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.

unit! The fuse holder on the female mains connector has 3 triangular markers, 

with two of these triangles opposing each other. Your ULTRAGAIN PRO is set 

to the operating voltage printed next to these markers, and can be set to 

another voltage by turning the fuse holder by 180°. CAUTION: this instruction 

The audio inputs and outputs on the BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO are 

fully balanced. If possible, connect the unit to other devices in a balanced 

configuration to allow for maximum interference immunity.