Behringer Ultragain Pro MIC2200 User manual

User Manual
ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200
Audiophile Vacuum Tube Microphone/Line Preamplier

2ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions ...................................... 3
Legal Disclaimer............................................................. 3
Limited Warranty ........................................................... 3
1. Introduction ............................................................... 5
1.1 Online registration.............................................................. 5
1.2 Technical background....................................................... 5
1.3 The tube used in the ULTRAGAIN PRO........................ 6
2. The Design Concept .................................................. 8
2.1 High quality components and design......................... 8
2.2 Inputs and outputs ............................................................ 8
3. Installation ................................................................. 8
3.1 Rack mounting..................................................................... 8
3.2 Mains voltage....................................................................... 8
3.3 Audio connections............................................................. 8
4. Control Elements ....................................................... 9
4.1 Front panel control elements......................................... 9
4.2 Rear panel control elements ........................................ 10
5. Applications ............................................................. 10
5.1 The ULTRAGAIN PRO as a
microphonepreamplier ...................................................... 10
5.2 The ULTRAGAIN PRO as a level translator ............... 11
5.3 The ULTRAGAIN PRO as a direct-injection box ..... 11
5.4 The ULTRAGAIN PRO’s parametric equalizer.......... 12
5.5 The ULTRAGAIN PRO as a tube interface ................. 12
6. Specications........................................................... 12

3ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
LIMITED WARRANTY
Terminals marked with this symbol carry
electrical current of sucient magnitude
to constitute risk of electric shock.
Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with
¼"TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. Allother
installation or modication should be performed only
by qualiedpersonnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alertsyou to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure-voltage that may be sucient to constitute a
risk ofshock.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alertsyou to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, donot
remove the top cover (or the rear section).
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualied personnel.
Caution
To reduce the risk of re or electric shock,
do not expose this appliance to rain and
moisture.The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing liquids and no objects lled with liquids,
suchas vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for use
by qualied service personnel only.
Toreduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any
servicing other than that contained in the operation
instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualied
servicepersonnel.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong.The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. Ifthe
provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments/accessories specied by
themanufacturer.
12. Use only with the
cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the
manufacturer, orsold with
the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed
to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
beendropped.
15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.
16. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is
used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall
remain readily operable.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND APPEARANCES
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND
ACCURACY IS NOT GUARANTEED. BEHRINGER IS
PART OF THE MUSIC GROUP MUSICGROUP.COM.
ALL TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR
RESPECTIVE OWNERS. MUSICGROUP ACCEPTS NO
LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSSWHICH MAY BE SUFFERED
BY ANY PERSONWHO RELIES EITHER WHOLLY OR
IN PART UPON ANY DESCRIPTION, PHOTOGRAPH
OR STATEMENT CONTAINED HEREIN. COLORS AND
SPECIFICATIONS MAY VARY FROM ACTUAL PRODUCT.
MUSIC GROUP PRODUCTS ARE SOLDTHROUGH
AUTHORIZED FULLFILLERS AND RESELLERS ONLY.
FULLFILLERSAND RESELLERS ARE NOT AGENTS OF
MUSICGROUP AND HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO AUTHORITY
TO BIND MUSICGROUP BY ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
UNDERTAKING OR REPRESENTATION.THIS MANUAL
IS COPYRIGHTED. NO PART OFTHIS MANUAL MAY
BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM
OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL,
INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING AND RECORDING OF ANY
KIND, FOR ANY PURPOSE,WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MUSICGROUPIPLTD.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© 2012 MUSICGroupIPLtd.
Trident Chambers,Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 146,
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
§ 1 Warranty
(1) This limited warranty is valid only if you purchased
the product from a MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller in
the country of purchase. A list of authorized resellers can
be found on BEHRINGER’s website behringer.com under
“Where to Buy”, or you can contact the MUSIC Group o
ce
closest to you.
(2) MUSICGroup* warrants the mechanical and
electronic components of this product to be free of defects
in material and workmanship if used under normal
operating conditions for a period of one (1) year from
the original date of purchase (see the LimitedWarranty
terms in §4 below), unless a longer minimum warranty
period is mandated by applicable local laws. If the product
shows any defects within the specied warranty period
and that defect is not excluded under §4, MUSICGroup
shall, at its discretion, either replace or repair the product
using suitable new or reconditioned product or parts.
Incase MUSICGroup decides to replace the entire product,
thislimited warranty shall apply to the replacement
product for the remaining initial warranty period, i.e.,
one (1) year (or otherwise applicable minimum warranty
period) from the date of purchase of the original product.
(3) Upon validation of the warranty claim, the repaired
or replacement product will be returned to the user
freight prepaid by MUSICGroup.
(4) Warranty claims other than those indicated above
are expressly excluded.
PLEASE RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT. IT IS YOUR PROOF
OF PURCHASE COVERINGYOUR LIMITEDWARRANTY.
THIS LIMITEDWARRANTY IS VOIDWITHOUT SUCH PROOF
OFPURCHASE.
§ 2 Online registration
Please do remember to register your new BEHRINGER
equipment right after your purchase at behringer.com
under“Support”and kindly read the terms and conditions
of our limited warranty carefully. Registeringyour
purchase and equipment with us helps us process
your repair claims quicker and more eciently.
Thankyouforyour cooperation!
§ 3 Return materials authorization
(1) To obtain warranty service, please contact the
retailer from whom the equipment was purchased.
Should your MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller not be
located in your vicinity, you may contact the MUSICGroup
Authorized Fulller for your country listed under
Important Safety
Instructions

4ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
“Support”at behringer.com. Ifyour country is not
listed, please check if your problem can be dealt with
by our“OnlineSupport”which may also be found under
“Support”at behringer.com. Alternatively,please submit
an online warranty claim at behringer.com BEFORE
returning the product. All inquiries must be accompanied
by a description of the problem and the serial number
of the product. Afterverifying the product’s warranty
eligibility with the original sales receipt, MUSICGroup
will then issue a ReturnMaterials Authorization
(“RMA”)number.
(2) Subsequently, the product must be returned in
its original shipping carton, together with the return
authorization number to the address indicated by
MUSICGroup.
(3) Shipments without freight prepaid will not
beaccepted.
§ 4 Warranty Exclusions
(1) This limited warranty does not cover consumable
parts including, but not limited to, fuses and batteries.
Where applicable, MUSICGroup warrants the valves or
meters contained in the product to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90)
days from date of purchase.
(2) This limited warranty does not cover the product
if it has been electronically or mechanically modied
in any way. If the product needs to be modied or
adapted in order to comply with applicable technical
or safety standards on a national or local level, inany
country which is not the country for which the
product was originally developed and manufactured,
thismodication/adaptation shall not be considered a
defect in materials or workmanship. Thislimited warranty
does not cover any such modication/adaptation,
regardless of whether it was carried out properly or not.
Under the terms of this limited warranty, MUSICGroup
shall not be held responsible for any cost resulting from
such a modication/adaptation.
(3) This limited warranty covers only the product
hardware. It does not cover technical assistance for
hardware or software usage and it does not cover
any software products whether or not contained in
the product. Any such software is provided“AS IS”
unless expressly provided for in any enclosed software
limitedwarranty.
(4) This limited warranty is invalid if the
factory-appliedserial number has been altered or
removed from theproduct.
(5) Free inspections and maintenance/repair work
are expressly excluded from this limited warranty,
inparticular, if caused by improper handling of the
product by the user. This also applies to defects caused
by normal wear and tear, in particular, of faders,
crossfaders, potentiometers, keys/buttons, guitar strings,
illuminantsand similar parts.
(6) Damage/defects caused by the following conditions
are not covered by this limited warranty:
• improper handling, neglect or failure to operate the
unit in compliance with the instructions given in
BEHRINGER user or service manuals;
• 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;
• damage/defects caused by acts of God/Nature
(accident, re, ood, etc) or any other condition that
is beyond the control of MUSICGroup.
(7) Any repair or opening of the unit carried out by
unauthorized personnel (user included) will void the
limitedwarranty.
(8) If an inspection of the product by MUSICGroup
shows that the defect in question is not covered by the
limited warranty, the inspection costs are payable by
thecustomer.
(9) Products which do not meet the terms of this
limited warranty will be repaired exclusively at the buyer’s
expense. MUSICGroup or its authorized service center will
inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer
fails to submit a written repair order within 6 weeks after
notication, MUSICGroup will return the unit C.O.D. with
a separate invoice for freight and packing. Such costs will
also be invoiced separately when the buyer has sent in a
written repair order.
(10) MUSIC Group Authorized Resellers do not sell new
products directly in online auctions. Purchasesmade
through an online auction are on a“buyer beware”basis.
Online auction conrmations or sales receipts are not
accepted for warranty verication and MUSICGroup will
not repair or replace any product purchased through an
online auction.
§ 5 Warranty transferability
This limited warranty is extended exclusively to the
original buyer (customer of authorized reseller) andis
not transferable to anyone who may subsequently
purchase this product. No other person (reseller,etc.)
shallbe entitled to give any warranty promise on behalf
of MUSICGroup.
§ 6 Claim for damage
Subject only to the operation of mandatory applicable
local laws, MUSICGroup shall have no liability to the buyer
under this warranty for any consequential or indirect
loss or damage of any kind. In no event shall the liability
of MUSICGroup under this limited warranty exceed the
invoiced value of the product.
§ 7 Limitation of liability
This limited warranty is the complete and exclusive
warranty between you and MUSICGroup. It supersedes
all other written or oral communications related to this
product. MUSICGroup provides no other warranties for
this product.
§ 8 Other warranty rights and
nationallaw
(1) This limited warranty does not exclude or limit the
buyer’s statutory rights as a consumer in any way.
(2) The limited warranty regulations mentioned herein
are applicable unless they constitute an infringement of
applicable mandatory local laws.
(3)
This warranty does not detract from the seller’s
obligations in regard to any lack of conformity of the
product and any hidden defect.
§ 9 Amendment
Warranty service conditions are subject to change without
notice. For the latest warranty terms and conditions
and additional information regarding MUSICGroup’s
limited warranty, please see complete details online at
behringer.com.
* MUSICGroup Macao Commercial Oshore Limited of
RuedePequim No. 202-A, Macau Finance Centre 9/J, Macau,
including all MUSICGroup companies

5ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
1. Introduction
With the ULTRAGAIN PRO you have purchased an extremely musical and exible
microphone preamplier. Our ULTRAGAIN range of devices has been a hit ever
since we introduced our rst model some 5 years ago. This high-end microphone
preamp is based on many years of experience and ndings in amplier
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 ULTRAGAIN PRO meets highest and no-compromise
requirements in terms of operation, sound, specications and workmanship.
Future-oriented BEHRINGER technology
Compared to its predecessor models, the ULTRAGAIN PRO not only has additional
features, but also boasts dramatically enhanced audio qualities. For example,
it uses a special tube stage to provide the program material with typical tube
“warmth”, and has a fully parametric equalizer per channel, which gives you even
more sound-processing exibility.
The heart of the ULTRAGAIN PRO 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 ampliers
4580 and a sophisticated circuit topology, the ULTRAGAIN PRO 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.
BEHRINGER tube circuitry
Our engineering team has made it possible to enhance the traditional tube
circuitry (particularly for our ULTRAGAIN PRO) 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 ne 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 so-called high-end devices. We are particularly proud that we have
found a highly eective symbiosis between solid-state and tube technologies
making them aordable to almost anybody in audio technology.
The parametric equalizer
Parametric equalizers represent the most advanced form of equalization systems.
Basically, the user has control over the three parameters that dene the so-called
Gaussian equalization curve: bandwidth, frequency and amplitude.
The ULTRAGAIN PRO’s on-board parametric equalizer combines the technical
properties of a parametric equalizer with those of a narrow-band notch lter.
Capable of eliminating feedback frequencies, a parametric equalizer is a
perfect match for a microphone preamp. Moreover, as its design is based on our
well-known ULTRA-Q, the ULTRAGAIN PRO’s audio qualities and specications
are well within the so-called “high-end” class. Its on-board equalizer can be used
not only to “tweak” the frequency response but also to creatively process audio
material, thus giving you undreamed of equalization exibility. Both in creative
audio-processing applications in recording and broadcast/TV studios, in video
post-production, and on stage, equalizers are highly ecient and all-purpose
audio tools ideally complementing microphone preamps.
The universal level translator
In addition to a high-grade microphone preamp, the ULTRAGAIN PRO features
a separate level translator which can both raise and lower line level signals.
Youcan use it to translate home recording to studio levels so as to easily connect
tape/video recorders and other hi- devices to professional equipment (and vice
versa, i.e. reducing studio levels to match those of semi-professional equipment).
◊ The following operational manual will introduce you to the BEHRINGER
ULTRAGAIN PRO and its various functions. After reading the manual
carefully, make sure it is always on hand for future reference.
1.1 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 eciently.
Thank you for your cooperation!
1.2 Technical background
By employing current modern analog technology it is possible to manufacture
audio equipment with a dynamic range of up to 130 dB. In contrast to analog
techniques, the dynamic range of digital equipment is approximately 25dB
less. With conventional record and tape recorder technology, as well as
broadcasting, this value is further reduced. Generally, dynamic restrictions are
due to noisy storage in transmission media and also the maximum headroom of
thesesystems.
1.2.1 Noise as a physical phenomenon
All electrical components produce a certain level of inherent noise.
Currentowing through a conductor leads to uncontrolled random electron
movements. For statistical reasons, this produces frequencies within the
whole audio spectrum. If these currents are highly amplied, the result will be
perceived as noise. Since all frequencies are equally aected, we term this white
noise. Itis fairly obvious that electronics cannot function without components.
Even if special low-noise components are used, a certain degree of basic noise
cannot beavoided.
This eect is similar when replaying a tape. The non-directional magnetic
particles passing the replay head can also cause uncontrolled currents and
voltages. The resulting sound of the various frequencies is heard as noise.
Even the best possible tape biasing can “only” provide signal-to-noise ratios of
about 70 dB, which is not acceptable today since the demands of listeners have
increased. Due to the laws of physics, improving the design of the magnetic
carrier is impossible using conventional means.

6ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
1.2.2 What are audio dynamics?
A remarkable feature of the human ear is that it can detect the most wide
ranging amplitude changes—from the slightest whisper to the deafening roar
of a jet-plane. If one tried to record or reproduce this wide spectrum of sound
with the help of ampliers, cassette recorders, records or even digital recorders
(CD, DAT etc.), one would immediately be restricted by the physical limitations of
electronic and acoustic sound reproduction technology.
The usable dynamic range of electro-acoustic equipment is limited as much
at the low end as at the high end. The thermal noise of the electrons in the
components results in an audible basic noise oor and thus represents the
bottom limit of the transmission range. The upper limit is determined by the
levels of the internal operating voltages; if they are exceeded, audible signal
distortion is the result. Although in theory, the usable dynamic range sits
between these two limits, it is considerably smaller in practice, since a certain
reserve must be maintained to avoid distortion of the audio signal if sudden level
peaks occur. Technically speaking, we refer to this reserve as “headroom”—
usually this is about 10 - 20 dB. A reduction of the operating level would allow for
greater headroom, i.e. the risk of signal distortion due to level peaks would be
reduced. However, at the same time, the basic noise oor of the program material
would be increased considerably.
Ear
Microphone Amplier
Power Amplier
Tape Recorder
Radio
Cassette
Recorder
P/dB
140
120
100
80
60
40
Fig. 1.1: The dynamic range capabilities of various devices
It is therefore useful to keep the operating level as high as possible without
risking signal distortion in order to achieve optimum transmission quality.
t
P/dB
+20
0
-20
-40
-60
-80
Clipping
Headroom
Operating level
Eective SNR
Noise oor
Fig. 1.2: The interactive relationship between the operating level and the headroom
1.3 The tube used in the ULTRAGAIN PRO
A closer look at developments and trends in audio technology shows that tubes
are enjoying a renaissance today, in a time when even amateur musicians are free
to use digital eects processors and recording media, and ever more aordable
digital mixing consoles are becoming a natural part of the equipment of many
semi-professional studios. Manufacturers try with ever new algorithms to get the
most out of DSP’s (Digital Signal Processors), the heart of any digital system.
Still, many audio engineers, particularly old hands often prefer using both old
and new tube-equipped devices. As they want to use their warm sound character
for their productions, they are ready to accept that these “littledarlings”
producea higher noise oor than modern, transistor-based devices. Asa
consequence, you can nd a variety of tube-based microphones, equalizers,
preamps and compressors in today’s recording and mastering environments.
Thecombination of semiconductor and tube technologies gives you the
additional possibility of using the best of both worlds, while being able to make
up for their specic drawbacks.
1.3.1 Tube history
Due to many patent litigations, it is dicult to determine exactly when the tube
was “born”. First developments in tube technology were reported between
1904 and 1906. It was a research task of that time to nd a suitable method for
receiving and rectifying high frequencies. On April 12, 1905, a certain Mr. Fleming
was granted a patent for his “hot-cathode valve” which was based on Edison’s
incandescent lamp. This valve was used as a rectier for high-frequency signals.
Robert von Lieben was the rst to discover (probably by chance) that the anode
current can be controlled by means of a perforated metal plate (grid)—one of
the milestones in the development of amplication tubes. In 1912, Robert van
Lieben nally developed the rst tube for the amplication of low-frequency
signals. Initially, the biggest problem was to produce sucient volume levels,
which is why resonance step-ups (though impairing the frequency response)
were used to maximize the attainable volume. Later, the objective was to
optimize the electroacoustic transducers of ampliers in such a way that a broad
frequency band could be transmitted with the least distortion possible.
However, a tube-specic problem is its non-linear amplication curve, i.e.
it modies the sound character of the source material. Despite all eorts to
ensure a largely linear frequency response, it had to be accepted that tube
devices produce a “bad” sound. Additionally, the noise oor generated by the
tubes limited the usable dynamics of connected storage media (magnetic tape
machines). Thus, a one-to-one reproduction of the audio signal’s dynamics
(expressed as the dierence between the highest and lowest loudness
levels of the program material) proved impossible. To top it all, tube devices
required the use of high-quality and often costly transducers and sophisticated
voltagesupplies.
With the introduction of semiconductor technologies in the eld of audio
amplication, it soon became clear that the tube would have to give way to
the transistor, as this device featured an enormously enhanced signal-to-noise
ratio, required a less complex power supply and yielded an improved frequency
response. Plus, semiconductor-based circuits can be realized much more easily—
for less money.
Two decades later, the introduction of binary signal processing meant the
beginning of a new era of recording media that provided plenty of dynamic
response and allowed for the loss-free copying of audio signals. As digital media
were enhanced, however, many people began to miss the warmth, power and
liveliness they knew from analog recordings. This is why purists still today
consider digital recordings as “sterile” in sound.

7ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
1.3.2 Design and functional principle of tubes
Tubes can be roughly classied according to the number of electrodes they use.
There are tubes with two, three or ve electrodes usually referred to as diodes,
triodes or pentodes.
vacuum
anode
cathode
heating
Fig. 1.3: diode
The diode contains two electrodes in a vacuum glass bulb that have electrical
connection to the outside. The vacuum allows for a free movement of electrons.
When one of the electrodes is heated up (= thus becoming a cathode), it begins
to emit electrons. When a positive DC voltage is applied to the other electrode
(= anode), the negative electrons start to migrate from the cathode to the
anode. With reverse polarity between cathode and anode, a current ow is not
possible because the unheated anode emits more or less no electrons. Thisdesign
was used, for example, as a rectier in the power supplies of ampliers.
Themagnitude and velocity of the ow of electrons depend on the cathode’s
temperature, the material it consists of, and the magnitude of the anode voltage.
When the electrons hit the anode they produce heat that is dissipated by using
large anode plates.
vacuum
anode
grid
cathode
heating
Fig. 1.4: triode
The triode has an additional metal grid between anode and cathode.
Byapplying a negative voltage, this grid can be used to control the internal
resistance of the tube, and hence the anode current. When the grid bias voltage
(voltagebetween cathode and grid) becomes negative, the current owing to
the anode is reduced because the negatively charged grid repels the arriving
electrons. As a consequence, there are less electrons to reach the anode.
Whenthe bias voltage is raised towards zero, the ow of electrons accelerates.
Whenit nally becomes zero or even positive, the grid current begins to ow
which considerably reduces the current owing to the anode and can possibly
destroy the tube. Triodes are most commonly used in preamps, often in pairs
arranged in one tube (twintriode).
vacuum
anode
suppressor grid
screen grid
control grid
cathode
heating
Fig. 1.5: pentode
In a triode the capacitance between grid and anode is a problem with regard to
high frequencies and large amplication factors. For this reason, the pentode
has a positively charged screen grid between the control grid and the anode.
However, the positive charge of the screen grid attracts electrons emitted from
the anode plate when it is hit by arriving electrons. To prevent this electron
emission, a decelerating or suppressor grid is placed between anode and screen
grid. As it is negatively charged it blocks the electrons, so that they cannot reach
the screen grid. Pentodes are most commonly used in power stages.
1.3.3 Properties of tubes
In general, the saturation (overdriving) of both transistor and tube-based circuits
results in various types of distortion. These phenomena are quite complex in the
real world, but for the sake of a straightforward mathematical description we
are going to classify them as linear and non-linear distortion. Linear distortion
is produced by frequency-dependent amplication or attenuation processes
such as they occur in all kinds of lters and equalizers. Linear-distortion signals
have the same frequency portions both on the input and output sides, but with
dierent phase positions and amplitudes. Non-linear distortions have additional
harmonics and distortion components that were not contained in the original
input signal.
For example, when the simplest of all oscillations, a sine wave with a xed
frequency f, is overdriven, new oscillations with frequencies of 2*f, 3*f,
etc. (integral multiples of the original frequency) are produced. Thesenew
frequencies are referred to as upper harmonics grouped as odd and
evenharmonics.
Unlike the transistor, saturated tubes mostly produce even harmonics which
are perceived by the human ear as more pleasant in sound than odd harmonics.
Another important aspect lies in the fact that tubes produce distortion more
gradually than transistors, which is why we speak of the “saturation” of a tube
stage. When you overdrive a transistor you get a sudden square deformation
of the sine signal applied at the input, which produces an extreme harmonic
spectrum at the output.
Non-linear distortions are measured with a distortion factor that consists of the
total harmonic distortion [k] and partial harmonic distortions [kn]. The latter are
dened as the ratio between the voltage of a single harmonic and the voltage of
the distorted overall signal. Thus, the content of even harmonics is expressed as
k2, k4, ... and that of odd harmonics as k1, k3, ... .
U
U
n
kn=
Formula for calculating partial harmonic distortion
The total harmonic distortion is the root of all squared distortion factors of the
second and third degrees. Since the higher harmonics have only little impact on
the measured results, they can be neglected.
k = k2
2k2 3
+
Formula for calculating total harmonic distortion
In tube circuits the distortion factor k2is used to describe an eect which the
human ear classies as “pleasant”. Also the frequency bands in which distortion
occurs play an important role because the human ear dierentiates very clearly,
in particular, in the frequency range of human speech.

8ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
1.3.4 The best of both worlds
Despite many eorts neither manufacturers nor developers have succeeded
so far in simulating these positive properties of the tube by means of other
devices. Additionally, the natural capabilities of the tube to act as a soft limiter
can only be mimicked with highly sophisticated circuitry. Today’s studio
technology requirements are therefore met by a combination of both high-grade
semiconductor and tube technologies. In this context, tubes do not serve any
longer their original purpose as ampliers, but are used for the detailed shaping
of the sound.
1.3.5 Studio applications
In a recording studio tubes have not the same task as they have in an overdriven
guitar amp, where the considerably higher saturation of the tube(s) leads to a full
and often deliberate modication of the input signal (in many cases combined
with a heavy increase in noise oor levels). In the studio more subtle eects are
needed. Here, tube circuits add life to the signal’s tonal character and increase
its power to make itself heard. Often, tubes also increase the signal’s perceived
loudness (in relation to the unprocessed signal), i.e. the perceived loudness goes
up although the volume level remains the same. This is because the dynamic
range of the applied audio signal is limited by the tube circuit, while the
amplitude of the signal with the lowest loudness is raised. Thus, increasing tube
saturation produces a slight compression eect over the entire dynamic range.
A similar eect can be perceived when analog tape is saturated. Thissaturation
eect also compresses the recorded audio material and produces
additionalharmonics.
2. The Design Concept
2.1 High quality components and design
The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit
design and employs the best choice of components. The operational ampliers
NJM4580 which are used in the ULTRAGAIN PRO, are exceptional. They boast
extreme linearity and very low distortion characteristics. To complement this
design the choice of components includes high tolerance resistors and capacitors,
detent potentiometers and several other stringently selected elements.
For the rst time, the ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 uses SMD technology
(SurfaceMounted Device). These sub-miniature components known from
aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density, plus the unit’s
reliability could be improved. Additionally, the unit is manufactured in
compliance with a ISO9000 certied management system.
2.2 Inputs and outputs
2.2.1 Balanced inputs and outputs
As standard, the BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO 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 eectively suppressed. The automatic servo-function recognizes the
presence of unbalanced connectors and adjusts the nominal level internally to
avoid level dierences between the input and output signals (correction 6 dB).
3. Installation
Your BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN 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.
3.1 Rack mounting
The BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO ts into one standard 19" rack unit of space
(1 ¾"). Please allow at least an additional 4" depth for the connectors on the
back panel. Be sure that there is enough air space around the unit for cooling
and please do not place the ULTRAGAIN PRO on high temperature devices such as
power ampliers etc. to avoid overheating.
3.2 Mains voltage
Before you connect your ULTRAGAIN PRO to the mains, please make
sure that your local voltage matches the voltage required by the
unit! Thefuse holder on the female mains connector has 3 triangular markers,
withtwo of these triangles opposing each other. Your ULTRAGAIN PRO is set
to the operating voltage printed next to these markers, and can be set to
another voltage by turning the fuse holder by 180°. CAUTION: this instruction
does not apply to export models exclusively designed, e.g. for
115 V operation!
◊ Please refer to the specifications for detailed information about
specific voltage supplies!
3.3 Audio connections
The audio inputs and outputs on the BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO are
fully balanced. If possible, connect the unit to other devices in a balanced
conguration to allow for maximum interference immunity.
◊ Please ensure that only qualified persons install and operate the
ULTRAGAIN PRO. During installation and operation the user must have
sufficient electrical contact to earth. Electrostatic charges might affect
the operation of the ULTRAGAIN PRO!
strain relief clamp
sleeve
tip
sleeve
(ground/shield)
Unbalanced ¼" TS connector
tip
(signal)

9ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
output
For unbalanced use, pin 1 and pin 3
have to be bridged
1 = ground/shield
2 = hot (+ve)
3 = cold (-ve)
input
12
3
12
3
Balanced use with XLR connectors
Fig. 3.1: Dierent plug types
◊ Never use unbalanced XLR connections with microphone cables, as this
would short-circuit any phantom power transmitted over these cables!
4. Control Elements
4.1 Front panel control elements
(1) (4)
(2) (5) (7)(3) (6) (8) (11) (12) (14)(9) (13)
(10) (15)
Fig. 4.1: Control elements on the front panel
(1) This +48 V switch activates the +48 V phantom power circuit that uses
the signal leads to supply condenser microphones with the required
operatingvoltage.
◊ Please check the connected signal source for matching specifications
before you switch phantom power on, so as to avoid damage to the
microphone, etc.
(2) Use the MIC/LINE switch to toggle between MIC and LINE modes. When the
switch is pressed, the unit works in MIC mode (now you can press the +48 V
switch if required; in LINE mode this function is disabled).
◊ Please note that the input phone jack is disabled in MIC mode,
i.e. you must use the XLR connector to access the microphone amp.
(3) The MIC GAIN control is enabled in MIC mode only and allows for applying
gain from 10 to 60 dB to the input signal. In view of the extremely high gain
levels that can be applied, you should verify that the gain control is properly
set before you power up the unit. In case of doubt, set the control fully
counter-clockwise, and start from there slowly raising the gain. High gain
settings and the resulting levels can damage subsequent devices.
(4) The CLIP LED signals that a level of at least +18 dBu is present after the
microphone amp stage. With too high a level the CLIP LED warns you to
reduce the gain with the MIC GAIN control, so as to avoid distortion caused
by overloading. During normal operation, the LED should not light up at all.
(5) With the PHASE REV. switch the input signal is reversed in phase by 180°.
This function is available both in MIC and LINE modes.
(6) When the high-pass lter is switched on (LO CUT switch pressed),
theFREQUENCY control denes the lter’s cut-o frequency. With a setting
range from 12 to 320 Hz the lter’s main task is to eliminate bottom-end
rumble noise, etc.
(7) The LO CUT switch activates/deactivates the high-pass lter.
The following 6 control elements refer to the parametric
equalizer only.
(8) The FREQUENCY control is used to select the frequency to be modied.
Please note that the frequency range can be lowered/raised with the
switches x0.1 and x10. In this way, you can process the entire audio range
between 10 Hz and 20 kHz. With both switches out, the FREQUENCY control
can be swept over a range from 100 Hz to 2 kHz.
(9) The x 0.1 switch lowers the working range of the FREQUENCY control to
10 - 200 Hz, so that you can process the bass end of the audio spectrum.
(10) The x 10 switch raises the working range of the FREQUENCY control to
1 - 20 kHz, so that you can process the treble end of the audio spectrum.
(11) The BANDWIDTH control determines the slope or quality of the lter.
Bandwidth ranges from 0.03 (Q = 43) to 2 octaves (Q = 0,67).
(12) With the LEVEL control you can set the amount of level reduction/gain
applied to the lter. The setting range is from -15 to +15 dB.
(13) The EQ IN/OUT switch activates/deactivates the parametric EQ. Please
switch the EQ o unless you need it for your specic audio application.
(14) The OUTPUT control raises/lowers the output level of the device by a
maximum of 20 dB (+/- 20 dB). With the control in mid-travel position,
nolevel change is applied. Available both in MIC and LINE modes.
(15) The OUTPUT LEVEL LED chain displays the output level within a range from
-30 to +18 dB. The display is referenced to a level of +4 dBu.
strain relief clamp
sleeve
ring
tip
sleeve
ground/shield
For connection of balanced and unbalanced plugs,
ring and sleeve have to be bridged at the stereo plug.
Balanced ¼" TRS connector
ring
cold (-ve)
tip
hot (+ve)

10 ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 User Manual
4.2 Rear panel control elements
(16)
(17) (19) (18)
Fig. 4.2: Rear panel elements of the ULTRAGAIN PRO
(16) FUSE HOLDER / VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Please make sure that your local
voltage matches the voltage indicated on the unit, before you attempt to
connect and operate the ULTRAGAIN PRO. Blown fuses may only be replaced
by fuses of the same type and rating.
(17) MAINS CONNECTION. Use the enclosed power cord to connect the unit
to the mains. Please also note the instructions given in the “Installation”
chapter.
(18) AUDIO IN. These are the audio inputs of your ULTRAGAIN PRO. The XLR
connector is the common mic/line input. The line input is based on
jackconnection.
(19) AUDIO OUT. These are the audio outputs of your ULTRAGAIN PRO.
Matchingphone jack and XLR connectors are wired in parallel.
5. Applications
This section describes some typical applications of the BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN
PRO. Starting from the following basic settings you can use it to solve the
majority of audio problems.
Please take your time to study the application examples, so as to be able to fully
exploit the ULTRAGAIN PRO and its variety of features.
Basically, the ULTRAGAIN PRO can be used in ve areas of application:
1. Using the ULTRAGAIN PRO as a high-quality microphone preamp.
2. Using the ULTRAGAIN PRO to convert home recording to studio levels,
andvice versa.
3. Using the ULTRAGAIN PRO to balance unbalanced signals (DI box).
4. Using the ULTRAGAIN PRO as a parametric equalizer specically “tweaking”
the frequency response.
5. Using the ULTRAGAIN PRO to enhance the sound of the program material by
adding “tube warmth”.
5.1 The ULTRAGAIN PRO as a
microphonepreamplier
Before you can use the BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO as a preamp, we recommend
that you study the various functions of the device. The high gain factors provided
by the microphone preamp can produce extreme levels on the output side,
which may damage subsequent devices. So, you should start with the following
basicsetting:
5.1.1 Basic setting
Control elements position
+48 V switch OUT
MIC GAIN control 10 dB
MIC/LINE switch LINE
PHASE REV. Control OUT
LO CUT switch OUT
EQ IN/OUT switch OUT
OUTPUT control 0 dB
Tab. 5.1: Basic setting of the ULTRAGAIN PRO
Reduce the volume level of the subsequent audio system to a minimum,
andconnect a microphone to the XLR input connector on the BEHRINGER
ULTRAGAIN PRO. Use either the jack or XLR output connectors to connect the
audio system. Owing to its output-side servo balancing circuit, the ULTRAGAIN
PRO detects whether you use a balanced or unbalanced conguration and adjusts
the levelinternally.
Now, power up the entire equipment and press the MIC/LINE switch to activate
the microphone preamp. If you wish to use a condenser mic requiring +48 V
phantom power, please press the +48 V switch (to avoid electrical damage,
please read chapter 5.1.5 “+48 V switch” below).
5.1.2 MIC GAIN control
Congure the equipment according to the application on hand, speak into
the microphone and turn the GAIN control clockwise until the 0 dB LED lights
up. If your DAT recorder, mixing console or other subsequent devices have
high-precision level meters, you can use these to verify the correct level setting.
The maximum output level depends on the device that follows next in the audio
chain, and must therefore be set specically. The high-precision level meter on
the ULTRAGAIN PRO indicates the current operating level. The CLIP LED lights
up at a level of +18 dBu signaling that you have an additional headroom of
5dB available, before the microphone preamp starts overloading. If distortion/
overloading occurs at high volume levels, you should reduce the gain with the
MIC GAIN control.
5.1.3 PHASE REV. switch
The PHASE REV. switch reverses the audio signal’s phase by 180°. Usually,you won’t
need this switch. However, in some cases, it might be necessary to reverse the signal
phase, for example, if a microphone cable has been connected incorrectly (pins 2
and 3 interchanged), or if several microphones are used and specic circumstances
with regard to room acoustics are causing problems (e.g.frequency cancellations
are usually caused by phase problems). The phase reverse function will help you
locate and eliminate any such problem.
5.1.4 LO CUT function
When you pick up acoustic signals with microphones, it is usually necessary
to eliminate low-end signal portions, such as rumble or pop noise, or other
interference frequencies. Often, such frequencies have very high amplitudes and
do not only deteriorate the sound quality but can also damage the power amps or
speakers. Your ULTRAGAIN PRO features a tunable high-pass lter with a very
high slope. Press the LO CUT switch and adjust the FREQUENCY control, so that
any disturbing frequencies are faded out as much as possible, with the least
damage done to the actual audio signals. Press/release the LO CUT switch several
times to make an A/B comparison.