User manual BEHRINGER MDX1400

[. . . ] MDX1400 Users Manual Version 1. 4 June 2001 D AUTOCOM PRO ® www. behringer. com ENGLISH AUTOCOM PRO MDX1400 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosurevoltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. [. . . ] Since such a value will not be reached in practice, you can use it to disable the compressor section and work exclusively with the expander/gate and dynamic enhancer circuits. + 3. 3. 1 Initial Settings For The Compressor Section Control IN/OUT switch SC EXT switch SC MON switch INTERACTIVE switch SC FILTER switch THRESHOLD control RATIO control AUTO switch OUTPUT control Setting IN OUT OUT IN OUT +20 dB 3:1 IN 0 dB Tab. 3. 2: Initial settings for the compressor section Rotate the THRESHOLD control counterclockwise until an appropriate amount of gain reduction is indicated on the GAIN REDUCTION meter. This operation will be accompanied by an audible drop in output level. The OUTPUT control should now be turned clockwise to reinstate the output level. The level of the unprocessed and the processed signal can be compared by pressing the I/O METER switch and observing the INPUT/OUTPUT LEVEL meter. Final adjustments of the controls can then be made to suit your particular requirements, including the RATIO, ATTACK and RELEASE controls. The AUTO function of the attack and release times, provides program dependent dynamic processing which suits most standard uses. If a condensed or wider sound processing technique is required, the attack and release times can also be manually adjusted. APPLICATIONS 15 AUTOCOM PRO MDX1400 The experienced user will be in a position to specify parameters while in bypass mode and thus realize the effect before the unit is actually switched into operation. This is important in live situations, where a signal needs to be managed efficiently by the engineer, without the convenience of continual A/B comparison. For using the AUTOCOM PRO as a Limiter, you should set RATIO to oo:1, INTERACTIVE to off and use short Attack and max. Use the THRESHOLD control to set the threshold level for limiting. 3. 3. 2 The AUTOCOM PRO As A Sound Effects Unit In the early 1960s, musicians began looking at the recording process as a way to create new sounds. The pumping effect which had been avoided by earlier engineers suddenly became fashionable and was utilized as a creative tool, laying the groundwork for many of the sounds which are now considered indispensable in contemporary music. The compressor is used in this role because you can hear it working, and control of the dynamic range is of secondary importance. The BEHRINGER AUTOCOM PRO, with its extensive range of functions, is well suited to this application. Sound effects of this kind can be achieved using extreme settings. To achieve this, set the THRESHOLD control to a fairly low level, the RATIO control to almost maximum and use the ATTACK and RELEASE controls to obtain the desired effect. Experiment with all the controls in order to get a feel of their function!3. 3. 3 The Muffling Effect Of A Compressor Quite often, compressors are sometimes accused of muffling the sound, whilst at the same time reducing the dynamics. This fact should be investigated further. Bass frequencies contain most of the energy within music and therefore cause the compressor to reduce the overall dynamics. [. . . ] This also applies to defects caused by normal wear and tear, in particular, of faders, potentiometers, keys/buttons and similar parts. Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are not covered by this warranty: s misuse, neglect or failure to operate the unit in compliance with the instructions given in BEHRINGER user or service manuals. s connection or operation of the unit in any way that does not comply with the technical or safety regulations applicable in the country where the product is used. s damages/defects caused by force majeure or any other condition that is beyond the control of BEHRINGER. [. . . ]