Behringer MDX1600 User Manual

AUTOCOM PRO-XL MDX1600/COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600/MULTICOM PRO-XL MDX4600

1. INTRODUCTION

VAD (Voice-Adaptive) De-esser

The COMPOSER PRO-XL and AUTOCOM PRO-XL incorporate

a newly designed de-esser circuit specifically adapted to process

the critical range of treble frequencies. Hiss noise on vocal tracks

often contains high levels, giving the signals a rather edgy,

unpleasant sound. The de-esser responds to those frequency

ranges in which hiss noise usually occurs and limits the overall

signal level as soon as the audio signal is affected by excessive

energy density in this range. Unlike equalizers, however, it does

not impair the frequency response of the signal. In this way,

intelligibility in low-level passages is perfectly preserved, and

you can even boost the treble range with a good equalizer. The

sound becomes transparent and fresh, while the de-esser prevents

hiss noise from becoming too dominant and disturbing the overall

sound image.
IDE (Interactive Dynamic) Enhancer

Probably the best known negative side effect of a compressor

is the dull and compressed sound that is likely to result from

the processing of complex program material. Low-frequency

instruments usually produce the highest signal energy and hence

make the compressor reduce the overall level. Any instrument in

the higher frequency ranges concurrently played also has its

level reduced, which leads to a compressed overall sound.

The dynamic enhancer provides the solution to this problem,

enabling you to make up specifically for the compression-induced

loss of treble energy. Since the enhancer can detect the amount

of compression applied, it does not change the sound image as

long as the signals remain uncompressed. No treble energy is

lost, even when complex mix-down material is processed.
ATS (Authentic Tube Simulation) circuitry

Even today, the warm, expressive and transparent tonal character

of electronic tubes is a real classic. We proudly present the

COMPOSER PRO-XL and its high-tech circuit design enabling

the authentic reproduction of this legendary sound, and at the

same time avoiding all of the technical drawbacks that go along

with tube technology. Owing to state-of-the-art semi-conductor

technology, there is no sound deterioration caused by tube ageing,

there are no heat problems and no maintenance required at all.

All that remains is the advantage of tube technology: its distinctive

sound!
IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) Compressor

Our proven IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) circuit successfully

combines the hard knee compressor concept with the soft knee

characteristic. This program-dependent control characteristic

makes it possible to both provide an inaudible and musical

program compression and allows for creative and efficient

dynamics processing.
IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) Expander

A fundamental problem when using a compressor is the fact

that the basic noise floor depends on the amount of compression

applied, i.e. it is amplified maximally in low-level passages and

breaks in the music (compressor noise). To eliminate this problem,

compressors are usually equipped with additional expander or

gate circuitry, simply fading out the noise during breaks.

The dynamics processors from the PRO-XL Series feature our

IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander, whose ratio setting

changes automatically with the program material. The result is

an expander that can be set quickly and easily, and does not cut

off low-level wanted signals (e.g. the first or last syllable of a word

in a vocal track). With the new IRC circuit, the expander/gate

section of the BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600,

AUTOCOM PRO-XL MDX1600 and MULTICOM PRO-XL MDX4600

can be used as an independent device to eliminate any kind

of interference, thus giving you almost unlimited flexibility of

application.

IGC (Interactive Gain Control) Peak Limiter

Another outstanding feature of BEHRINGER dynamics processors

is the IGC (Interactive Gain Control) limiter, an intelligent combination

of a clipper and program limiter. The clipper comes in as soon as

an adjustable threshold is exceeded and abruptly limits the signal

gain. However, if the limiter threshold is exceeded for longer than

a few milliseconds, the ICG circuit is activated automatically and

reduces the gain of the overall output signal, so that audible distor-

tion is eliminated (program limiter). When the signal drops

below threshold again, its level is restored to its original value

after about one second. This IGC feature is an extremely usefull

tool for both live applications (e.g. speaker protection) and digital

processing, in which excess levels lead to unpleasant distortion.
Safety relay

The design of the COMPOSER PRO-XL incorporates the

so-called safety relays, which set the unit to bypass in case of a

power failure or other malfunctions. Additionally, these relays are

used to implement a switch-on delay, so as to suppress harmful

switch-on thumps.
Balanced inputs and outputs

The BEHRINGER dynamics processors from the PRO-XL series

are equipped with electronically balanced inputs and outputs. The

automatic servo function detects any unbalanced plugs connec-

ted and adjusts the nominal level internally, so as to make sure

that there is no difference in level between the input and output

signals (6-dB correction).

First, this manual describes the terminology used, so

that you understand the unit and its functions. Please

read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference.

1.1 Before you get started

1.1.1 Shipment

Your COMPOSER PRO-XL, AUTOCOM PRO-XL or

MULTICOM PRO-XL was carefully packed at the factory and

the packaging is designed to protect the unit from rough hand-

ling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine

the packaging and its contents for any signs of physical damage

which may have occurred during transit.

If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to

BEHRINGER, but notify your dealer and the shipping

company immediately. Otherwise, claims for damage or

replacement may not be granted.

1.1.2 Initial operation

Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling

and, to avoid overheating, please do not place it on power

amplifiers, near radiators etc.

Before you connect the unit to the mains, please make

sure that the voltage setting on the unit matches the

local voltage:

The fuse holder at the AC power connector has 3 triangular

markings. Two of these three triangles are aligned with one

another. The unit is set to the voltage shown next to these markings

and can be switched over by turning the fuse holder by 180°.

IMPORTANT: This does not apply to export models designed

exclusively for 115 V operation!

If you set the unit to a different mains voltage, be sure

to use a fuse of the correct type and rating. Please refer

to the SPECIFICATIONS for details.

Blown fuses must be replaced by fuses of the same type

and rating! Please refer to the SPECIFICATIONS for

details.