Introduction, Design Concept, Before You Begin

ULTRABASS PRO EX1200

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the ULTRABASS PRO EX1200. The BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO is a completely new subharmonic synthesizer based on digital technology for the generation and processing of low frequencies.

+This manual first describes the terminology used, so that you can fully understand the ULTRABASS PRO and its functions. Please read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference.

1.1 The Design Concept

Why is there a need for a subharmonic synthesizer?

In many recordings, the low-frequency spectrum has been filtered deliberately or gets lost somewhere in the transmission chain. In most cases, the recording medium is characterized by a limited dynamic range and frequency response. Reproduction quality may also be adversely affected by a low-performance speaker system. Thus, tape material, records and broadcast transmissions for example soon reach their limits, in terms of frequency and amplitude range. Vital bass frequencies are therefore not reproduced. Very often, the low frequencies are filtered deliberately to facilitate reproduction via small loudspeakers found in portable radios, car systems etc. The recording lacks the essential bass emphasis and the resulting sonic image lacks power.

More bass power with the BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO

In contrast to simple bass boosting, the ULTRABASS PRO generates additional subharmonics, i.e., musically relevant frequencies one or two octaves below the lowest frequency in the signal. This expands the frequency spectrum both naturally and musically. Contrary to conventional designs, the ULTRABASS PRO is not a so-called “bass booster” simply raising the lower frequency band in level, but uses completely new circuits based on digital technology which filter specific bass frequencies from the program material and feed them to the subharmonic synthesizer. With the aid of digital frequency shifting, the circuitry produces a new frequency spectrum that is enlarged towards the bass end, with the signal shape of the generated low-range frequencies being accurately synthesized on the original wave form. The result is a “dry” and exactly defined low-frequency emphasis, without any “booming” or other disturbing side effects.

Protect your system with the integrated limiter

Bass frequencies provide the highest energy yield within the entire frequency spectrum. When reproducing composite signals, both the power amplifiers and the loudspeakers are under extreme duress. Since conventional bass frequency boosters do not compensate for this, the system is often overloaded with disastrous results.

The ULTRABASS PRO incorporates the highly respected BEHRINGER limiter, which prevents clipping of the generated bass signal in the subsequent system and thus protects it against overloading and damage. You can perfectly limit the levels of bass generated by the EX1200 and the resulting maximum displacement of the loudspeaker diaphragm, to fit the size and power rating of the system.

All-purpose application with the integrated crossover

The ULTRABASS PRO features two operational modes: in FULL RANGE mode the newly generated bass frequencies are added to the original signal and are reproduced by the standard system. In 70 Hz SPLIT mode, however, all frequencies below 70 Hz are removed, which clearly reduces the stress put on the system. The actual bass frequencies are routed via the separate subwoofer output to a special low-range loudspeaker/ amplifier setup.

Turn your system into a “power station”

It is unbelievable how the ULTRABASS PRO adds power to your system. Whether it is the audio system in discotheques and dance clubs, cinemas, theatres, PA systems, broadcast and TV stations, aerobic and sports studios or simply your home stereo system, the ULTRABASS PRO will give you a new audio experience. We are sure that you will enjoy your new BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO!

1.2 Before You Begin

Your BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging is 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 during transit.

6	1. INTRODUCTION