Introduction | Behringer A4400 specification

1. INTRODUCTION

In purchasing the new POWERPLAY PRO HA4400, you have acquired a headphone amplifier of the high-end class which meets all the demands and requirements of studio work. Due to its extensive functions and the new design the POWERPLAY PRO is an extremely efficient and universal headphone amplifier. It has been designed above all as a reference unit for the sonic evaluation of the final mix as well as a distribution monitor amplifier for musicians in the studio.

The unit features switching possibilities and a sound quality few headphone amplifiers can offer. Apart from its extremely powerful amplifiers the unit also offers a ingenious signal distribution system.

Advanced BEHRINGER Technology

Since its announcement of the first POWERPLAY several years ago, it has caused a sensation. This high-end headphone amplifier is based on our many years of experience and discoveries in the field of professional studio technology. The POWERPLAY finds widespread application throughout the world, in renowned studios, sound reinforcement systems as well as in broadcast and TV studios.

The task to improve our famous POWERPLAY was a big challenge. We are very proud that we succeeded. Compared to its predecessors, the POWERPLAY PRO offers several advanced features and we have suc- ceeded in dramatically refining the audio qualities. The unit features now additional XLR input and output connectors and LED displays for each channel, which give you exact information about the output gain. Moreover, there is an input level meter, which helps you to set up the correct level.

State-of-the-art production processes

For the first time ever, the POWERPLAY PRO is now manufactured with SMD components (Surface Mount Device). Using these sub-miniature components known from aeronautics does not only ensure extreme pack- ing densities, but also improves the POWERPLAY PRO’s reliability.

The additional AUX input

In addition to its high-quality amplifiers, the POWERPLAY features a variety of professional switching and mixing options: each of the four stereo amplifiers is equipped with an independent AUX input, which allows for adding a further audio signal to the master signal. The musician can therefore control the volume of his/her own instrument in the master playback signal as desired. This built-in mix function supersedes the external monitor mixer required up to now.

The BEHRINGER distribution matrix

A extremely interesting feature is the intelligent and clearly arranged distribution matrix which allows each channel to be switched over from stereo to mono whilst activating the mute function of the left and/or right input signal source.

In mono mode, two different mixes can be fed into the left and right MAIN inputs on the rear panel. By muting a channel, the signal of the channel which is not muted will appear on BOTH headphone pads. Thus, two completely different mixes can be routed to the headphone set in mono mode.

In stereo mode, any muting action in a particular channel automatically mutes the corresponding headphone output. As a consequence, it is possible to route the playback signal, for instance, to the left channel only, so that the vocalist can hear his/her voice directly via the right channel of the headphones. So moving the unused headphone pad away from the ear - uncomfortable but common practice up to now - will be a thing of the past.

MAIN output jacks are available to link several headphone amps, or to control external power amplifiers.

All power amplifiers are equipped with front and rear panel headphone outputs. Even if the unit is permanently installed in a rack with fixed cabling, additional headphones can be connected without difficulties, which allows for pre-monitoring the individual mixes for the musicians. Each power amplifier features three parallel output connectors for the connection of up to three headphone sets per amplifier, or a maximum of 12 headphones per unit.

The DIRECT IN input

A so-called DIRECT IN connector can be found on the front panel. For instance, it is often necessary to replay a song for the musicians in the studio via a cassette recorder. This can be done easily and rapidly using the DIRECT IN connector. When using this input, the master signal applied on the rear panel will be interrupted automatically.