Behringer XR4400 manual Introduction

MULTIGATE PRO XR4400

1. INTRODUCTION

With the BEHRINGER MULTIGATE PRO you purchased a dynamics processor of the high-end class designed to meet highest requirements: professional recording, broadcast and television studios, CD and digital production facilities, etc. Its complete range of features and innovative circuit topology make the MULTIGATE PRO an all-purpose device for reducing noise in audio recordings, for automatically muting stage mics, expanding the dynamic range of compressed recordings, improving the signal-to-noise ratio of noisy communications systems and for producing special effects, etc.

Future-oriented BEHRINGER technology

Our MULTIGATE range of devices has been a hit ever since we introduced our first model several years ago. This expander/gate is based on many years of experience and findings in psychoacoustics and is used throughout the world in renowned studios, sound reinforcement systems as well as in broadcast and television studios.

It was a real challenge to improve the well-known MULTIGATE even further, and we are proud of our success. Compared to its predecessor models, the MULTIGATE PRO not only has additional features, but also comes with dramatically improved functionalities. For example, it now has a parametric filter enabling you to accurately set the trigger frequencies, while the FlexLink system allows for great flexibility when linking the device’s individual channels in a master/slave configuration.

Basically, quadruple gates are not a new invention. However, packing four simple noise gates into one enclosures usually means a compromise in terms of ease of operation and functionality. Too many control elements make such a device impossible to handle, and if you sacrifice crucial functions for the sake of easy operation, the range of useful applications is restricted considerably.

The BEHRINGER MULTIGATE PRO is a quadruple expander/gate with a maximum of functionalities and can still be operated conveniently. Interactive functions make it easy and efficient to specifically process any kind of program material, while the need for “adjustment work” has been reduced drastically. Each of the MULTIGATE PRO’s four sections comprises an ultra-fast gate, a program-dependent expander, a filter section and high-precision meters indicating both threshold point and gain reduction.

The IAC circuit (Interactive Attack Control)

One of the MULTIGATE PRO’s most outstanding features is the program-dependent control of attack times. The new IAC circuit (Interactive Attack Control) analyzes the program material to calculate the attack time by way of interaction, so that the hold/release process is triggered automatically depending on the program, which is why the MULTIGATE PRO does not need a dedicated attack control.

Switchable gate/expander function

Another highlight of the MULTIGATE PRO is the switchable operating mode of gate and expander. With the MODE function off, the MULTIGATE PRO works in gate mode using an extremely fast attack time to gate all kinds of drum and synthesizer sounds, without cutting their percussive edge.

In expander mode the device analyzes the shape and dynamic contents of the input signal to calculate the control time parameters. It thus works as an interactive expander that adapts automatically to the program signal. The result: guitar sounds, vocals and complex mix signals can be “cleaned” without audible clicks, breathing or other detrimental effects. Additionally, you can freely expand any type of program material in its dynamic range.

Side-chain filter section

When several microphones are used, for example to pick up a drum set, crosstalk between microphones can lead to unwanted triggering of the gate. The built-in parametric sidechain filter of the MULTIGATE PRO allows the user to accurately select the frequencies causing the trouble, so that the device responds to these frequencies only. The monitor function can be used to pre-monitor the filter, making it easier to adapt the circuitry to the acoustic properties of the program material.

FlexLink system

An innovative couple function gives you great flexibility to synchronize the expander/gate sections in a master/ slave configuration.

6 1. INTRODUCTION