Behringer MDX2200 user manual Introduction, Advanced Behringer technology

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COMPOSER PRO MDX2200

1. INTRODUCTION

In purchasing the new COMPOSER PRO MDX 2200, you have acquired an extremely efficient and universal dynamics processor, which combines the most commonly used dynamic functions within a compact stereo unit: every channel has its own independent compressor/limiter, an expander/gate and a peak limiter. The precision and flexibility of the functions are the main outstanding features of this high end unit.

Despite the extremely complex internal circuitry, the unit has a control surface which is clearly laid out and easy to understand. The internal design of the unit, together with its external side-chain path, gives the user unsurpassed creative flexibility when processing sound.

Advanced BEHRINGER technology

Compared to its predecessors, the COMPOSER PRO offers several advanced features such as the extended LED meters for ease of operation when setting the threshold, the adjustable expansion ratio in the expander/ gate section and the side chain filter. Additionally, we have succeeded in refining the audio properties as well as the circuit topology.

For the first time, the COMPOSER PRO MDX 2200 uses SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These sub-miniature components known from aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density, plus improve the unit’s reliability.

IKA (Interactive Knee Adaption) compressor

Our proven IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) circuit successfully combines the concept of a “hard knee” compressor with the characteristics of a “soft knee” approach. This program-dependent regulation scheme forms the prerequisite both for “inaudible” and musical program compression and for creative and highly effective dynamics processing.

With its IKA circuit the COMPOSER PRO is capable of delivering outstanding musical results both in studio and live PA applications.

Additionally, the COMPOSER PRO’s side-chain filter allows for limiting the influence low-frequency signal portions usually have on the control logic, so that the compression ratio is mainly determined by those frequencies that are essential to the loudness perceived by the listener—the midrange frequencies.

IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander

A basic problem in the use of a compressor is the fact that the noise floor is highly amplified during quiet sections or when there are music pauses. This effect is exaggerated when the compression ratio is inappropri- ate. In order to eliminate this problem, one would normally use an additional expander or gate. The noise is then simply faded out in the quiet sections. However, simple expanders, even when they are used correctly, drastically cut signals below the preset threshold. This effect becomes more noticeable during the transition from signal to noise floor. This can mean, that the start or end of words can be cut on a vocal track.

A newly developed IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander has been integrated into the COMPOSER PRO the ratio of which, is automatically adjusted, depending on the program material. The result is an expander which is less critical of adjustment and which is more tolerant in the presence of those signals which appear slightly above the noise floor. Because of its new IRC circuit design, the BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO expander/ gate section can be used as an independent unit to eradicate noise offering almost limitless possibilities within this application.

IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiter

A further remarkable feature of the BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO is the IGC (Interactive Gain Control) limiter, an intelligent combination of a clipper and a program limiter. Above an adjustable threshold the peak limiter begins to function and restricts signal peaks radically (clipper). If however, the threshold of the limiter was surpassed for more than a few milliseconds, the IGC circuit automatically kicks in and reduces the level of the overall output signal so that no audible distortion occurs (program limiter). After the level falls below the threshold, the signal returns to the original value after a period of about 1 second. This IGC circuit proves to be extremely valuable as much for live work (loudspeaker protection) as for digital situations, where any extreme signal peaks would exceed the maximum headroom and therefore would cause severe problems. The following instructions should initially familiarize you with the special terms used, so that you can get to know all the functions of the unit. After you have read the instructions carefully, please put them away safely, so that you can refer to them again if necessary.

1. INTRODUCTION

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Contents Composer PRO Safety Instructions Foreword Composer PRO Table of Contents Installation IRC Interactive Ratio Control expander IntroductionAdvanced Behringer technology IKA Interactive Knee Adaption compressorFailsafe relays Before you beginDesign concept High quality components and designExpander/gate section Control ElementsTransformer balanced outputs optional Control elements of the compressor section Compressor sectionControl elements of the peak limiter section Peak limiter sectionRear panel control elements of the Composer PRO Technical BackgroundNoise as a physical phenomenon Dynamic range capabilities of various devices What are audio dynamics?Expanders/noise-gates Compressors/limitersCompression/levelling/limiting/clipping ApplicationsClipping IRC curve characteristic of the ExpanderControlling leakage in the studio Initial settings for the expander/gate sectionCreative use of the expander/gate section Reducing leakage in stage micsReducing feedback in stage mics Noise reduction on effects pathsTab .2 Initial settings for the compressor section Initial settings for the compressor sectionMuffling effect of a compressor Composer PRO as a sound effects unitSpecial Applications Initial settings for the peak limiter sectionComposer PRO in digital recording and sampling Composer PRO as a protective deviceComposer PRO in mastering Protection of a system with an active crossover What is volume?Composer PRO in broadcast Protection of a system with a passive crossoverComposer PRO as a de-esser Using an equalizer in the side chain pathExternal Side Chain Applications Side chain functionEmphasizing musical instruments during recording Frequency-selective filtering of unwanted signalsAnticipated compression Suppressing instruments during recordingRack mounting InstallationVoice-over compression ducking Triggering additional sounds from a rhythm trackBalanced use of stereo 1/4 jack plugs Selecting the operating levelAudio Input SpecificationsOptions § 1 Warranty CARD/ONLINE Registration Warranty
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