Behringer Tube ultrafex T1954 User manual

TUBE ULTRAFEX®
T1954
www.behringer.com
Version 1.1 December 2001
Users Manual
ENGLISH

2
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
This s mbol, wherever it appears, alerts
ou to important operating and mainte-
nance instructions in the accompan ing
literature. Read the manual.
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.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
All the safet and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain Instructions:
The safet and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings:
All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follo instructions:
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture:
The appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundr tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).
Ventilation:
The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that ma block the
ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that ma impede the
flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated awa from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Po er Source:
The appliance should be connected to a power suppl onl of the t pe described in the operating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Po er-Cord Protection:
Power suppl cords should be routed so that the are not likel to be walked on or pinched b items placed
upon or against them, pa ing particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where the exit from the appliance.
Cleaning:
The appliance should be cleaned onl as recommended b the manufacturer.
Non-use Periods:
The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Debris and Liquid Entry:
Care should be taken that debris and/or liquids do not enter the enclosure through openings.
Damage Requiring Service:
The appliance should be serviced b qualified service personnel when:
- The power suppl cord or the plug has been damaged; or
- Debris or liquid has entered the appliance; or
- The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
- The appliance does not appear to operate normall or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
- The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing:
The user should not attempt to service the appliance be ond that which is described in the operating instruc-
tions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
This s mbol, wherever it appears,
alerts ou to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage inside
the enclosurevoltage that ma be
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

3
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
We thank ou for expressing our confidence in BEHRINGER products b purchasing the BEHRINGER
TUBEULTRAFEX. It is one of m most pleasant tasks to write this preface, as our engineering team has made
it possible to enhance the traditional tube circuitr design (particularl for our VINTAGER series of products),
and adapt it to meet the high sound qualit and d namics requirements of modern, pro-level audio technolog .
The fact that we are still fascinated b antique tube radios and amps as well as the fine and warm tonal
character that we usuall associate with them, are the reasons wh vacuum tubes have kept their ground even
in state-of-the-art circuit topologies used especiall in professional audio technolog or high-end devices. We
are particularl proud that we have found an extremel effective s mbiosis between solid-state and tube
technologies making them affordable to an bod interested in audio technolog . As alwa s, our top-priorit
concern when developing this device was the demanding end user, in other words: ou. It was our major goal
to meet our demands. Sure, it meant a lot of hard work to develop such a product, but the fun has made it all
worthwhile. The shine in the e es of the man interested musicians at the Music Fair 1997, when the saw our
VINTAGER models for the first time, was a lasting incentive driving our development efforts.
It is our philosoph to share our jo with ou, because ou are the most important member of the BEHRINGER
famil . With our highl competent suggestions for new products ouve greatl contributed to shaping our
compan and making it successful. In return, we guarantee ou uncompromising qualit (manufactured under
ISO9000 certified management s stem) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an extremel
favorable price. All of this will enable ou to full unfold our creativit without being hampered b budget
constraints.
We are often asked how we can make it to produce such high-grade devices at such unbelievabl low prices.
The answer is quite simple: its ou, our customers! Man satisfied customers means large sales volumes
enabling us to get better conditions of purchase for components, etc. Isnt it onl fair to pass this benefit back
to ou? Because we know that our success is our success, too!
I would like to thank all people whose help on Project TUBEULTRAFEX has made it all possible. Ever bod
has made ver personal contributions, starting from the designers of the unit via the man staff members in our
compan to ou, the user of BEHRINGER products.
M friends, its been worth the trouble!
Thank ou ver much,
Uli Behringer

4
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
T1954
TUBEULTRAFEX®
Professional, multi-purpose sound enhancement s stem for high-end studio and stage applications
sOur new ULTRA-TUBE® circuitr warms up our music without unwanted noise
sA special Warmth control lets ou add the amount of tube sound ou want
sSelected 12AX7 tubes for outstanding, ultra-musical tube sound
sGives our music extra sparkle and makes our instruments or mixes stand out
sReleases untapped sonic resources and adds detail to instruments, vocals and mixed program material
sMultiband concept provides incredible bass power and high-frequenc transparenc
sNatural Sonic processor for ultra-musical sound improvement
sVSP (Variable Sound Processing) circuit for simultaneous enhancer and exciter processing
sSpecial LC coil/cap filter produces authentical vintage soft and tight bass sounds
sSurround processor provides real spatial enhancement and improved stereo imaging
sBuilt-in noise reduction s stem with precision LED displa to provide clear visual indication of operation
sServo-balanced gold-plated XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs
sUltra low-noise 4580 audio operational amplifiers for outstanding sound performance
sRela -controlled hard b pass with auto-b pass function during power failure (failsafe rela )
sHigh-qualit detented potentiometers and switches with authentic vintage st le knobs
sHuge back-lit analog VU meters and retro design
sBEHRINGER high-performance OT-1 output transformer retrofitable
sHigh-qualit components and exceptionall rugged construction ensure long life even under the most
demanding conditions
sManufactured under ISO9000 certified management s stem

5
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 The Design Concept ........................................................................................................................ 6
1.2 Before You begin ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.3 Control Elements ............................................................................................................................ 7
2. OPERATION .......................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 The Position of the TUBE ULTRAFEX in the Signal Path ............................................................... 10
2.3 Basic Setting ................................................................................................................................. 11
2.4 Adjustment of the Bass Processor ................................................................................................. 11
2.5 Adjustment of the Noise Reduction S stem ................................................................................... 11
2.6 Adjustment of the Enhancer/Exciter S stem .................................................................................. 11
2.7 Adjustment of the Tube Stage ....................................................................................................... 12
2.8 Adjustment of the Surround Processor .......................................................................................... 12
3. APPLICATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Sound Enhancement during Repla ..............................................................................................12
3.2 Sound Enhancement during Recording .......................................................................................... 12
3.3 Enhancing the Sound of Subgroups, Monitor and Effect Paths ...................................................... 13
3.4 Enhancing the Sound of Tape Duplication......................................................................................13
3.5 Enhancing the Sound of Instruments ............................................................................................. 13
3.6 Enhancing the Sound of P.A. S stems..........................................................................................14
3.7 Sound Enhancement in HiFi and Video ......................................................................................... 14
4. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND .............................................................................................. 14
4.1 The BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAFEX ... ......................................................................................... 14
4.2 Ps cho-acoustic Background ....................................................................................................... 15
4.3 On Ps cho-acoustic Devices ........................................................................................................ 15
4.3.1 Frequenc correction .......................................................................................................... 16
4.3.2 Phase shifting ..................................................................................................................... 16
4.3.3 Artificial harmonics generation ............................................................................................16
4.4 The Bass Processor of the TUBE ULTRAFEX ............................................................................... 16
4.5 The Surround Processor of the TUBE ULTRAFEX ......................................................................... 17
4.6 The Vacuum Tubes of the TUBE ULTRAFEX ................................................................................. 17
4.6.1 UTC circuit .......................................................................................................................... 17
4.6.2 Tube histor ........................................................................................................................ 18
4.6.3 Design and functional principle of tubes .............................................................................. 18
4.6.4 Properties of tubes .............................................................................................................. 19
4.6.5 The best of both worlds ....................................................................................................... 20
4.6.6 Studio applications .............................................................................................................. 20
5. INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................... 20
5.1 Rack mounting .............................................................................................................................. 21
5.2 Mains Connection ......................................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Audio Connections ........................................................................................................................ 21
5.4 Transformer-balanced Outputs (optional) ....................................................................................... 22
6. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................. 23
7. WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................... 24

6
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
1. INTRODUCTION
In purchasing the new TUBEULTRAFEX T1954, ou have acquired an extremel efficient and universal sound
processor which combines the sound enhancement features of the ULTRAFEX series with the tube sound of
the BEHRINGER ULTRA-TUBE technolog . Since its announcement of the first ULTRAFEX model in ear
1990, it has caused a sensation. This high-end sound enhancement processor is based on our man ears of
experience and discoveries in the field of ps cho-acoustics. The TUBEULTRAFEX finds widespread applica-
tion throughout the world, in renowned studios, sound reinforcement s stems as well as in broadcast and TV
studios.The sound precision and flexibilit of the functions are the main outstanding features of this high-end
unit. The TUBEULTRAFEX is our state-of-the-art sound enhancement s stem offering a special combination
of sound improvement designs. The unit can be used wherever professional sound improvement is required.
The BEHRINGER TUBEULTRAFEX is the no-compromise answer when the situation demands a no-compro-
mise solution.
Advanced BEHRINGER technology
The philosoph behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and emplo s the
best choice of components. The TUBE ULTRAFEX uses high-qualit resistors and capacitors with ver tight
tolerances, high-grade switches, low-noise operational amplifiers (t pe 4580) as well other selected compo-
nents.
Additionall , the unit is manufactured in compliance with the ISO9000 certified management s stem.
1.1 The Design Concept
Compared to its predecessors, the TUBEULTRAFEX offers several advanced features and we have succeeded
in dramaticall refining the audio qualities. The unit now features our new UTC tube circuitr and a new L/C filter
switch which offers more power in the bass area. Beside that a new VSP (Variable Sound Processing) circuitr
has been added to allow ou to use simultaneous exciter and enhancer sound processing.
Since the introduction of the first ps cho-acoustic Processors, technolog in this field has made tremendous
progress. Although the fundamental principles of enhancer and exciter technolog have been well-known for a
long time, engineers have been able to refine and improve the essential components over and over again. The
BEHRINGER compan has also contributed considerabl to this development:
With the introduction of our Natural Sonic processor, we have set new standards. Previousl encountered
problems of restricted leveling range, plus increased noise level and audible distortion during signal process-
ing, are t pical shortcomings of conventional circuit designs. The were completel solved b the development
of new circuitr .
The BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAFEX is equipped with different sound enhancement features which stand for a
new achievement in the histor of sound processors: The legendar BEHRINGER Natural Sonic principle in
combination with the Variable Sound Processing circuitr (VSP) and the integrated Noise Reduction s stem
offer presence and transparenc for our music without receiving unwanted noise. The Bass Processor addi-
tionall adds power to the bottom end. The innovative Surround Processor enables extra depth and width for
stereo signals. As a special feature the TUBE ULTRAFEX comes with the new ULTRA-TUBE technolog
(UTC) that adds warmth and translucenc to our music.
In the TUBE ULTRAFEX two selected 12AX7/ECC83 vacuum tubes are used. These triodes are capable of
handling a large d namic range with little microphon . In addition to that their relative ruggedness and above
average life span and ou can see wh its one of the most popular and reliable pre-amp tubes on the market.
These features also ensure ou their availabilit for man ears to come.
Failsafe rela s have been incorporated into the design of the BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAFEX, which automati-
call and silentl b pass the unit in the event of power suppl disconnection or failure. These rela s are also
active at switch-on to isolate the TUBE ULTRAFEX until the power rails have settled, thus preventing the
possibilit of a potentiall damaging switch-on thump.
1.2 Before You begin
Your BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAFEX was carefull packed in the factor and the packaging was designed to
protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that ou carefull examine the packaging
and its contents for an signs of ph sical damage, which ma have occurred in transit.
1. INTRODUCTION

7
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
+If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping
company immediately, other ise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
The BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAFEX fits into two standard 19" rack units of space. Please allow at least an
additional 4" 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 TUBE ULTRAFEX
on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.
+Before you connect your TUBE ULTRAFEX to the mains, please make sure that your local
voltage matches the voltage required by the unit!
The mains connection of the TUBE ULTRAFEX is made b using a mains cable and a standard IEC receptacle.
It meets all of the international safet certification requirements. Please make sure that all units have a proper
ground connection.
+Please ensure that only qualified persons install and operate the TUBE ULTRAFEX. During
installation and operation the user must have sufficient electrical contact to earth. Electro-
static charges might affect the operation of the TUBE ULTRAFEX!
Additional information ou will find in Chapter 5 INSTALLATION.
As a standard the audio inputs and outputs on the TUBE ULTRAFEX are full balanced. If possible, connect
the unit to other devices in a balanced configuration to allow for maximum interference immunit . The auto-
matic servo function detects unbalanced connections and compensates the level difference automaticall
(6-dB correction).
1.3 Control Elements
Fig. 1.1: The front panel of the TUBE ULTRAFEX
The BEHRINGER TUBEULTRAFEX has two identical channels and provides 2 switches, 6 rotar controls,
6control LEDs and 2 analog VU meters per channel. The Surround section is equipped with one switch, one
rotar control and one analog meter and has an effect on both channels.
1. INTRODUCTION

8
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
Fig. 1.2: Control elements of the LOW BA D and HIGH BA D section
1The LOW MIX control of the low band determines the amount of signal used for sound enhancement
(from zero to six). Turn the control clockwise for a more strong and punch bass sound. The setting
depends on the application ou are addressing.
+Please note that the Bass Processor should be set carefully to avoid possible speaker damage.
Most near-field monitors are not capable of handling the bass produced by the TUBEULTRAFEX.
2The LC FILTER switch enables an additonal bass sound. The special L/C filter characteristic supplies a
more dr and punch bass sound.
3The R SE SITIVITY control adapts the sensitivit of the Noise Reduction s stem to the input level of
the program material. The Noise Reduction s stem cares for a noise-free performance during breaks in
our program material and removes noise during silent passages. For that the Enhancer/Exciter signal
is d namicall reduced if the input signal falls under the threshold of the NR SENSITIVITY. In combina-
tion with the Noise Reduction s stem ou also edit the sensitivit of the enhancer/exciter function when
using the NR SENSITIVITY control: The more ou turn the control clockwise the more the enhancer/
exciter function comes into action. To avoid pumping and to provide an optimum effect of the enhancer/
exciter function take care of a correct setting of the NR SENSITIVITY control. The three LEDs above the
NR SENSITIVITY control will help ou to find the right setting.
4In combination with the NR SENSITIVITY control these three CO TROL LEDs help ou to find the
perfect setting of the noise reduction s stem. The more LEDs illuminate the more effect signal passes
through the noise reduction s stem. When all three LEDs light up constantl the noise reduction s s-
tem is inactive. In quiet passages onl the first LED should light up. Loud signals should cause all LEDs
to light up.
5The TU E control sets the cut-off frequenc of the high pass filter. Using this control ou can select the
frequencies that are routed to the Natural Sonic processor. The cut-off frequenc can be adjusted within
a range of 1 to 8 kHz.
6The PROCESS control determines the function of the device. When turning the control in clockwise
direction, the exciter function is activated, which increases the signals transparenc and sharpness.
Consequentl , the TUBEULTRAFEX can be adapted to the program material, to suit the application on
hand as well as an personal sound preferences.
+Please note that ith classical music, acoustic instruments or ith output signals that already
include sufficient treble frequencies, the enhancer setting should be preferred. Ho ever,
hen processing, for instance, a slapped bass guitar, it is the exciter setting hich should
dominate.
7The HIGH MIX control of the high band determines the amount of signal used for sound enhancement
(from zero to six). It would depend on the application as to whether a high-qualit s stem is to be given
the finishing touch with the TUBEULTRAFEX, or whether maximum intelligibilit is to be achieved in a
relativel poor sound reinforcement s stem.
8The EFFECT I /OUT switch activates the complete signal process and tube circuitr . The
TUBEULTRAFEX features a hard-b pass function. As a result the inputs and outputs are connected
when the unit is switched off. With the EFFECT IN/OUT switch ou can compare the processed and the
input signal.
1. INTRODUCTION

9
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
Fig. 1.3: Control elements of the surround and tube section
9With the SURROU D I /OUT switch ou can activate the surround section. Please note that this
switch has to be released if ou want to process two separate input signals. Otherwise there will be
undesired cross-talk between the two channels.
10 The SURROU D control determines the effect of the Surround processor. This function serves to im-
prove the intensit of the stereo effect and to enlarge the stereo basis dependent on the program
content. Therefore, this function can onl be used in conjunction with stereo program material.
11 The SURROU D METER enables ou to immediatel monitor the effect of the Surround Processor.
12 The WARMTH control adjusts the amount of upper harmonics added to the original signal.
13 The WARMTH METER allows ou to monitor the amount of added upper harmonics.
14 The POWER switch activates the TUBE ULTRAFEX. If the unit is switched off, it is b passed and the
input signal is connected to the outputs of our TUBE ULTRAFEX.
Fig. 1.4: The rear panel elements of the TUBE ULTRAFEX
15 SERIAL UMBER. Please take the time to have the warrant card filled out completel and return it
within 14 da s after the date of purchase, so as to be entitled to benefit from our extended warrant .
Alternativel , ou can register online at our website under www.behringer.com.
16 FUSE HOLDER/VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Please make sure that our local voltage matches the voltage
indicated on the unit, before ou attempt to connect and operate the TUBEULTRAFEX. In man units
the fuse holder can be installed in one of two positions, allowing ou to switch between 230 V and 115 V.
If ou wish to operate a unit outside Europe at 115 V, then a stronger fuse must be used (see chapter 6
SPECIFICATIONS). Blown fuses ma onl be replaced b fuses of the same t pe and rating.
1. INTRODUCTION

10
TUBE ULTRAFEX T1954
17 AUDIO I . These are the audio inputs of our TUBEULTRAFEX, available both as balanced 1/4" TRS
connectors and XLR connectors.
18 AUDIO OUT. These are the audio outputs of our TUBEULTRAFEX. Matching phone jack and XLR
connectors are wired in parallel. These outputs can be transformer-balanced b retrofitting the optional
output transformer OT-1. The reference level is +4dBu and the maximum level comes to +21dBu.
2. OPERATION
2.1 Introduction
The BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAFEX combines the legendar sound enhancement possibilities with the musi-
cal tube sound of the UTC technolog .
The BEHRINGER UTC technology
The BEHRINGER TUBE ULTRAFEX uses our newl developed UTC technolog , a development resulting from
two ears of intensive research work b our engineering team. This technolog overcomes the problems
related to tube circuitr (see Chapter 3) and generates upper harmonics even at low levels to give our record-
ings more warmth and power.
The BEHRINGER Natural Sonic Processor: sound enhancement of classical and pop music
The BEHRINGER Natural Sonic principle is based on frequenc -selective phase shifting in conjunction with
program-dependent equalization and pulse enlargement. An automatic and natural correction during signal
processing offers a qualit of sound enhancement that has been almost inconceivable until now. Program-
dependent control permits the musical and unobtrusive transparenc required for classical music material,
et also provides the necessar brilliance for pop recordings. Owing to its d namic control, and in contrast with
conventional units, the circuitr does NOT introduce an additional noise, non-related harmonics or distortion.
The VSP (Variable Sound Processing) circuit
The new VSP (Variable Sound Processing) circuit used for the first time in the TUBE ULTRAFEX, allows for
variabl fading over from enhancer to exciter mode. Using the PROCESS control clockwise, the exciter circuit
comes in additionall to provide a variable and carefull adjusted processing of high frequencies. The result is
an increased brilliance and transparenc . Fading over from one effect to the other can thus adapt the effects
perfectl to the respective program material.
Built-in Noise Reduction system
Due to ph sical reasons, exciters and enhancers principall increase noise of the processed program mate-
rial. Therefore, we have incorporated a switchable noise reduction s stem which is capable of automaticall
fading out an additional noise.
Bass Processor
The TUBE ULTRAFEX is equipped with a separate Bass Processor which allows for sound enhancement in the
lower frequenc band. The newl developed, switchable LC filter produces a more dr and substantial bass
sound. Processing the bass range means an optimum completion of high-frequenc processing and opens up
new dimensions in the field of sound processing.
Surround Processor
A switchable Surround Processor has also been integrated into the TUBE ULTRAFEX. With this processor the
intensit of the stereo effect can be dramaticall improved (see chapter 4.5 for additional information).
2.2 The Position of the TUBE U TRAFEX in the Signal Path
The perfect position for inserting the TUBE ULTRAFEX in the signal path depends on the terms of reference:
The stereo structure of the TUBE ULTRAFEX suggests to connect the device with the subgroup or main
inserts. If our mixer does not have inserts ou can also position the TUBE ULTRAFEX between the Main Mix
output and a recording device. Moreover the use between signal processors and a mixer makes sense.
Of course, ou can also use the channels of the TUBE ULTRAFEX independent of each other. So ou can
process two mono signals independentl .
2. OPERATION