5ULTRA-DI PRO DI4000 User Manual

1.Introduction

Whether you are on the stage or in the studio, you often find that you need to connect an audio source to your mixing console, but you don’t have the appropriate connectors. For example, only few keyboards feature balanced outputs; guitars should not be connected directly to the console; and placing a microphone in front of an amp is not always an ideal solution, because the mic will pick up unwanted signals from other instruments, too. Low frequency signals (e.g. produced by a bass guitar) are particularly difficult to handle using these techniques.

“DI” is short for “Direct Injection”. A Direct Inject box allows you to use a high-impedance, unbalanced source, e.g. the signal between guitar and guitar amp, and feed it directly into an input channel on your console, without having to use a microphone. And that’s far from being all. There are plenty of situations in which you’d like to input unbalanced source signals into your console,

and possibly convert them to balanced signals before. As you can expect, the DI4000 offers you a reliable solution.

The following explanations will give you an introduction to the complex performance-impedance issue: impedance is defined as the dependence of a device’s electrical resistance and phase response on the frequency processed. Thus, impedance is one of the criteria that distinguish good DI boxes from poor ones. Much like in a power amp and its connected speakers, impedance determines the performance of the device. With a good power amp, the load impedance will have little influence on the maximum output power, but it can considerably affect other properties. With a passive DI box, the connected load impedances (ins and outs) alter the bandwidth, frequency response, distortion, etc. of the DI box.

By the way: there are two basic types of DI boxes, passive and active. Both can be connected to one of the console’s mic inputs. Passive DI boxes offer the advantage that they are less expensive than active models (less electronics, no power supply), however, their performance depends on the connected impedance. With a passive DI box connected, any impedance change on the console side will also modify the input impedance. The frequency response will always depend on the impedances connected. Any passive DI box will only perform properly with accurately specified impedances (high on the input side, low at the output), i.e. it will only work in standard situations.

Active DI boxes such as our ULTRA-DI PRO, however, do not suffer from such restrictions, because they use an amplifier circuit to buffer the input signal. Since the ULTRA-DI PRO’s input impedance is ultra-high, the signal remains unaffected as it passes through the DI box. Additionally, the ULTRA-DI PRO features balanced impedances on the output side, making the signal less susceptible to hum and noise interference. In this way, the signal as source impedance is completely independent of the console used (and vice versa), which means that the sound remains totally unaffected. The ULTRA-DI PRO uses our proven OT-1 transformer which ensures a clear and distortion-free sound and linear frequency response. Additionally, the ULTRA-DI PRO comes with a built-in power supply.

Future-oriented BEHRINGER technology

The ULTRA-DI PRO is based on SMD technology (Surface Mounted Devices). These subminiature components known from aerospace applications ensure both extreme packing density and greater reliability.

High-quality components and design

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 ULTRA-DI PRO are chosen for their superior signal-to-noise ratio, low distortion and linear performance. Additionally, the ULTRA-DI PRO uses high quality resistors and capacitors with very tight tolerances, high-grade switches as well as other selected components.

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

1.1 Before you begin

Your BEHRINGER ULTRA-DI PRO was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was 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 in transit.

◊If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted. Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.

The BEHRINGER ULTRA-DI PRO fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space. Please allow at least an additional 4" (10 cm) depth for the connectors on the back panel.

◊Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and please do not place the ULTRA-DI PRO on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.

The mains connection of the ULTRA-DI PRO is made by using the supplied cable. It meets all of the international safety certification requirements. Please make sure that all units have a proper ground connection.

◊Before you connect your ULTRA-DI PRO to the mains, please make sure that your local voltage matches the voltage required by the unit!

1.2 Online registration

Please register your new BEHRINGER equipment right after your purchase by visiting http://behringer.com and read the terms and conditions of our warranty carefully.

Should your BEHRINGER product malfunction, it is our intention to have it repaired as quickly as possible. To arrange for warranty service, please contact the BEHRINGER retailer from whom the equipment was purchased. Should your BEHRINGER dealer not be located in your vicinity, you may directly contact one of our subsidiaries. Corresponding contact information is included in the original equipment packaging (Global Contact Information/European Contact Information). Should your country not be listed, please contact the distributor nearest you. A list of distributors can be found in the support area of our website (http://behringer.com).

Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us process your repair claims more quickly and efficiently.

Thank you for your cooperation!