TUBE ULTRAGAIN T1953
1. INTRODUCTION
With the TUBE ULTRAGAIN you have purchased an extremely musical and flexible microphone preamplifier. Our ULTRAGAIN range of devices has been a hit ever since we introduced our first model some 5 years ago. This high-end microphone preamp is based on many years of experience and findings in amplifier technology and is used throughout the world in renowned studios, sound reinforcement systems as well as in broadcast and television studios. Improving the legendary ULTRAGAIN even further was a real challenge, and we are proud of our success. The BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAGAIN meets highest and no-compromise requirements in terms of operation, sound, specifications and workmanship.
Even at the conception of the TUBE ULTRAGAIN it was clear that we had to combine the outstanding technical specifications of our ULTRAGAIN with a warm tube sound. We are therefore proud to be able to present the TUBE ULTRAGAIN, a device featuring our newly developed UTC vacuum tube circuit combined with a no-compromise approach.
The heart of the TUBE ULTRAGAIN is an extremely low-noise microphone preamp circuit that uses discrete components to produce a highly transparent sound. In combination with our BEHRINGER tube technology, the operational amplifiers 4580 and a sophisticated circuit topology, the TUBE ULTRAGAIN yields excellent noise and distortion properties! The switchable +48 V phantom power supply allows for connecting almost any kind of microphone and suppresses power-up thumps with its “soft mute” function.
Our engineering team has made it possible to enhance the traditional tube circuitry (particularly for our TUBE ULTRAGAIN) and adapt it to meet the high sound quality and dynamics requirements of modern, pro-level audio technology. The fact that we are still fascinated by “antique” tube radios and amps as well as the fine and warm tonal character that we usually associate with them, are the reasons why vacuum tubes have kept their ground even in state-of-the-art circuit topologies used especially in professional audio technology or high-end devices. We are particularly proud that we have found a highly effective symbiosis between solid-state and tube technologies making them affordable to almost anybody in audio technology.
With the exception of 2 12AX7/ECC83 tubes, the TUBE ULTRAGAIN T1953 is based on SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These subminiature components known from aerospace applications ensure both extreme packing density and greater reliability.
Speaking of reliability: quality assurance plays an ever important role in today’s production methods. To guarantee even greater operational reliability, our products are manufactured under one of the most stringent industrial quality assurance systems: ISO9000. This European certification is granted exclusively to companies whose manufacturing processes are in full compliance with this accurate standard.
1.1 The concept
The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and employs the best choice of components. The op-amps, type 4580, used in the TUBE ULTRAGAIN are chosen for their superior signal-to-noise ratio, low distortion and linear performance. Additionally, the TUBE ULTRAGAIN uses high quality resistors and capacitors with very tight tolerances, high-grade switches as well other selected components.
The TUBE ULTRAGAIN uses 12AX7 / ECC83 tubes. These triodes are capable of handling a large dynamic range with little microphony. Add to this their relative ruggedness and above average life span and you can see why it’s one of the most popular and reliable pre-amp tubes on the market. These features also ensure you their availability for many years to come.
Balanced inputs and outputs
As standard, the BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAGAIN is installed with electronically servo-balanced inputs and outputs. The new circuit design features automatic hum and noise reduction for balanced signals and thus allows for trouble-free operation, even at high operating levels. Externally induced mains hum etc. will be effectively suppressed. The automatic servo-function recognizes the presence of unbalanced connectors and adjusts the nominal level internally to avoid level differences between the input and output signals (correction 6 dB).
Transformer-balanced outputs (optional)
In contrast to electronic balancing, the use of transformer-balanced outputs offers the advantage of galvanic separation between units. Electrical potential differences and ground loops in audio installations do not
