Behringer MDX4400 manual Introduction

MULTICOM PRO MDX4400

1. INTRODUCTION

In purchasing the MULTICOM PRO, you have acquired an extremely efficient and universal dynamics processor. The unit was particularly designed for those applications most frequently used in practice. Despite the extremely complex internal circuitry, the unit has a control surface which is clearly laid out and easy to understand. With the MULTICOM PRO, BEHRINGER have developed an innovative and easy-to-use dynamics processor which meets the high demands that are made on such a device both in live and studio applications. The unit’s most outstanding features are the precision and flexibility of its functions.

Quad compressor/limiters are actually not a new invention. Usually, four simple compressor sections are packed into one enclosure, representing however a compromise in terms of operation and functionality. An excessive number of controls complicates the operation of the unit and a lack of control functions restricts the unit’s range of application.

The BEHRINGER MULTICOM PRO is a compact quad compressor/limiter based on the successful BEHRINGER Interactive Technology. Integrated AUTO processors automatically derive attack and release times from the programme material and provide you with transparent and “inaudible” compression. In 1 RU package the unit consists of four independent high-precision compressor sections with sidechain filters and four peak limiters, each offering all the required controls.

With rack space at a premium both in the studio and in sound reinforcement, the MULTICOM PRO’s unique high density design and clean uncluttered layout makes it a truly useful audio tool for all applications. The MULTICOM PRO is a perfect and extremely cost-effective solution for all your multi-channel dynamic applications.

Advanced BEHRINGER Technology

Compared to its predecessors, the MULTICOM PRO offers several advanced features such as the extended LED meters, the sidechain filter, the controlable peak limiter per channel and the couple function for two channels. Additionally, we have succeeded in refining the audio properties as well as the circuit topology.

For the first time, the MULTICOM PRO MDX 4400 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 Adaptation) 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 MULTICOM PRO is capable of delivering outstanding musical results both in studio and live PA applications.

Additionally, the MULTICOM PRO’s sidechain 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.

AUTO COMPRESSOR Circuitry

The response of a compressor and the quality of dynamics processing largely depend on the control times, i.e., the attack and release functions. In particular, in the field of “musical” compression of complex composite signals, programme-dependent control times are necessary. The interactive AUTO processor derives the attack and release times automatically from the programme material, a function that avoids misadjustment of the control times, which is a problem often encountered in conventional designs. In addition the AUTO processor allows for a high compression of the dynamic range without any audible side effects, such as “pumping”, “breathing” etc.

IGC (Interactive Gain Control) Peak Limiter

A further remarkable feature of the BEHRINGER MULTICOM 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

6 1. INTRODUCTION