Behringer EX3200 User manual

Users Manual
Version 1.3 November 2001
ENGLISH
ULTRAFEX
®
PRO EX3200
www.behringer.com

2
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
This s mbol, wherever it appears, alerts
ou to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure
 voltage that ma be sufficient to con-
stitute a risk of shock.
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 electrical 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 electrical 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 ventilaton. 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.
Object and Liquid Entry:
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into 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
- objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into 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.

3
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Welcome to the team of ULTRAFEX PRO users and thank ou ver much for expressing our confidence in
BEHRINGER products b purchasing this unit. It is one of m most pleasant tasks to write this letter to ou,
because it is the culmination of man months of hard work delivered b our engineering team to reach a ver
ambitious goal: making an outstanding device better still. The ULTRAFEX has for quite a long time been a
standard tool used b numerous studios and P.A. rental companies. The task to improve one of our
best-selling products certainl meant a great deal of responsibilit , which we assumed b focusing on ou, the
discerning user and musician. It also meant a lot of work and night shifts to accomplish this goal. But it was
fun, too. Developing a product usuall brings a lot of people together, and what a great feeling it is when
ever bod who participated in such a project can be proud of what weve achieved.
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 ULTRAFEX PRO 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
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
EX3200
ULTRAFEX® PRO
Multiband sound enhancement processor
sGives our music that extra sparkle and makes our instruments or mixes stand out
sReleases untapped resources and details instruments, vocals and mixed program material
sMultiband concept for 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 process
sDual Mode ultra-bass enhancer produces soft and tight bass sounds
sShift function allows ou to control the frequenc range of added bass punch
sSurround processor provides ou real spatial enhancement and improved stereo imaging
sBuilt-in noise reduction s stem with precision LED displa to provide clear visual indication of operation
sSolo facilit for effect loop application
sServo-balanced gold-plated XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs
sUltra low-noise 4580 audio operational amplifiers for superior sound performance
sRela controlled hard b pass with auto-b pass function during power failure (failsafe rela )
sHigh-qualit detented potentiometers and illuminated switches
sBEHRINGERs high-performance output transformer OT-1 retrofitable
sManufactured under ISO9000 certified management s stem

5
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 6
2. THE DESIGN CONCEPT ....................................................................................................... 7
2.1 High qualit components and design ............................................................................................... 7
2.1.1 Failsafe rela s ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Inputs and outputs .......................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.1 Balanced inputs and outputs ................................................................................................. 7
2.2.2 Transformer balanced outputs (optional) ................................................................................ 7
3. INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Rack mounting ................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Mains voltage .................................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 Audio connections .......................................................................................................................... 8
4. CONTROL ELEMENTS ......................................................................................................... 9
4.1 The multiband processor section ................................................................................................... 10
4.2 The bass processor section ........................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Surround processor section ........................................................................................................... 11
4.4 Rear panel control elements of the ULTRAFEX PRO ..................................................................... 12
5. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND .............................................................................................. 12
5.1 Design concept of the ULTRAFEX PRO ........................................................................................ 12
5.2 Ps cho-acoustic background ........................................................................................................ 13
5.3 On ps cho-acoustic devices ......................................................................................................... 13
5.3.1 Frequenc correction .......................................................................................................... 14
5.3.2 Phase shifting ..................................................................................................................... 14
5.3.3 Artificial harmonics generation ............................................................................................ 14
5.4 The bass processor of the ULTRAFEX PRO .................................................................................. 14
5.5 The surround processor of the ULTRAFEX PRO ............................................................................ 15
6. APPLICATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 15
6.1 Basic applications ......................................................................................................................... 15
6.1.1 The ULTRAFEX PRO as In Line processor ........................................................................ 15
6.1.2 The ULTRAFEX PRO as sidechain processor ................................................................... 16
6.2 Basic settings ............................................................................................................................... 16
6.3 T pical applications ....................................................................................................................... 17
6.3.1 Sound enhancement during repla ...................................................................................... 17
6.3.2 Sound enhancement during recording ................................................................................. 17
6.3.3 Enhancing the sound of subgroups, monitor and effects paths ............................................ 17
6.3.4 Enhancing the sound of tape duplication ............................................................................. 17
6.3.5 Enhancing the sound of instruments ................................................................................... 18
6.3.6 Enhancing the sound of P.A. s stems ................................................................................ 18
6.3.7 Sound enhancement in Hi-Fi and video ............................................................................... 18
7. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 19
8. WARRANT ........................................................................................................................... 20

6
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
1. INTRODUCTION
In purchasing the new ULTRAFEX PRO Model EX3200, ou have acquired an extremel efficient and universal
sound enhancement processor. The sound precision and flexibilit of the functions are the main outstanding
features of this high-end unit. The ULTRAFEX PRO 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 ULTRAFEX PRO is the no-compromise answer when the situation
demands a no-compromise solution.
Advanced BEHRINGER technology
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 ULTRAFEX PRO finds widespread application throughout the world, in renowned
studios, sound reinforcement s stems as well as in broadcast and TV studios.
The task to improve our famous ULTRAFEX PRO II was a big challenge. We are ver proud that we succeeded.
Compared to its predecessors, the ULTRAFEX PRO offers several advanced features and we have succeeded
in dramaticall refining the audio qualities. The unit features now a Mode function which enables ou to select
either a soft and warm bass sound or a super-tight bass. 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
processing, are t pical shortcomings of conventional circuit designs. The were completel solved b the
development of new circuitr .
Sophisticated manufacturing and quality assurance system
For the first time, the ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200 uses SMD technolog (Surface Mounted Device). These
sub-miniature components known from aerospace technolog allow for an extreme packing densit , plus
improve the units reliabilit .
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 ULTRAFEX PRO, 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
material. Therefore, we have incorporated a switchable noise reduction s stem which is capable of
automaticall fading out an additional noise.
Bass processor
The ULTRAFEX PRO is equipped with a separate bass processor which allows for sound enhancement in the
lower frequenc band. A newl developed Dual Mode circuit allows ou to var between two different bass
sounds from soft to tight.
Processing the bass range means an optimum completion of high-frequenc processing and opens up new
dimensions in the field of sound processing.
1. INTRODUCTION

7
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
Surround processor
A switchable surround processor has also been integrated into the ULTRAFEX PRO. With this processor the
intensit of the stereo effect can be dramaticall improved. The program material gains in liveliness, depth and
transparenc . As in a cinema with its special acoustics, the listener has the impression that the orchestral
instruments are placed all around him. The surround processor enlarges the stereo basis, dependent on the
program material, without audibl coloring the sonic image.
+The follo ing operational manual ill introduce you to the BEHRINGER ULTRAFEX PRO and
its various functions. After reading the manual carefully, make sure it is al ays on hand for
future reference.
2. THE DESIGN CONCEPT
2.1 High quality components and design
The philosoph behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and emplo s the
best choice of components. The operational amplifiers NJM4580 which are used in the ULTRAFEX PRO are
exceptional. The boast extreme linearit and ver low distortion characteristics. The most important aspect of
the ULTRAFEX PRO design is a radical VCA implementation which results in outstanding technical
specification and excellent performance. To complement this design, the choice of components includes high
tolerance metalfilm resistors and capacitors, detented potentiometers and several other stringentl selected
elements.
For the first time, the ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200 uses SMD technolog (Surface Mounted Device). These
sub-miniature components known from aerospace technolog allow for an extreme packing densit , plus the
units reliabilit could be improved. Additionall , the unit is manufactured under ISO9000 certified management
s stem.
2.1.1 Failsafe relays
Failsafe rela s have been incorporated into the design of the BEHRINGER ULTRAFEX PRO, which
automaticall 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 ULTRAFEX PRO until the power rails have settled, thus preventing
the possibilit of a potentiall damaging switch-on thump.
2.2 Inputs and outputs
2.2.1 Balanced inputs and outputs
As standard, the BEHRINGER ULTRAFEX PRO is installed with electronicall 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. Externall induced mains hum etc. will be
effectivel suppressed. The automatic servo-function recognizes the presence of unbalanced connectors and
adjusts the nominal level internall to avoid level differences between the input and output signals (correction
6 dB).
2.2.2 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
therefore impair the performance of the units. The transformer-balanced outputs, commonl used in radio and
TV engineering, can also be fitted retrospectivel upon request. The BEHRINGER transformer OT-1 is
designed to the highest exacting standards and is available as an accessor .
2. THE DESIGN CONCEPT

8
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
3. INSTALLATION
Your BEHRINGER ULTRAFEX PRO 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 ist contents for an signs of ph sical damage, which ma 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, other ise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
3.1 Rack mounting
The BEHRINGER ULTRAFEX PRO fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space (1 3/4"). 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 ULTRAFEX PRO on high temperature devices such as power
amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.
3.2 Mains voltage
Before you connect your ULTRAFEX 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 ULTRAFEX PRO is set to the operating voltage
printed next to these markers, and can be set to another voltage b turning the fuse holder b 180°. CAUTION:
this instruction does not apply to export models exclusively designed, e.g. for 115 V operation!
The mains connection of the EX3200 is made b using the enclosed 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. For your o n safety, never
remove or disable the ground connector of the unit or of the AC po er cable.
3.3 Audio connections
The audio inputs and outputs on the BEHRINGER ULTRAFEX PRO are full balanced. If possible, connect the
unit to other devices in a balanced configuration to allow for maximum interference immunit .
Critical applications ma require to build up a transformer-balanced configuration for the output signals, so as
to avoid interference from ground loops or potential differences. For this purpose, we offer our high-qualit
output transformer OT-1 as a retrofit kit.
+Please ensure that only qualified persons install and operate the ULTRAFEX PRO. During
installation and operation the user must have sufficient electrical contact to earth. Electro-
static charges might affect the operation of the ULTRAFEX PRO!
3. INSTALLATION

9
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
Fig. 3.1: Different plug types
+Never use unbalanced XLR connections ith microphone cables, as this ould short-circuit
any phantom po er transmitted over these cables!
4. CONTROL ELEMENTS
Fig. 4.1: ULTRAFEX PRO front panel
The BEHRINGER ULTRAFEX PRO has two identical channels and provides 5 illuminated push-button
switches, 5 rotar controls, and 13 LEDs per channel.
4. CONTROL ELEMENTS

10
ULTRAFEX PRO EX3200
4.1 The multi and processor section
4 8
176532
Fig. 4. : Controls of the multiband processor section
1The IN/OUT switch activates the rela and puts the corresponding channel into operation. With the
switch in the OUT position, the unit is b passed.
2The AUTO NR switch (AUTO NOISE REDUCTION) activates the automatic noise reduction s stem. If
the switch is not depressed, the section is switched off and the unit operates with maximum effect.
3The NR SENSITIVITY control adapts the sensitivit of the Natural Sonic processor to the input level of
the program material. The subsequent EFFECT meter helps ou to adjust the NR SENSITIVITY control.
4In conjunction with the NR SENSITIVITY control, these thirteen EFFECT meter LEDs provide correct
level indication for the unit. The LEDs displa the amount of sound enhancement.
+Please make sure, that the sensitivity of the unit is high enough especially at lo -level signals.
Other ise audible pumping may occur. The first LED should al ays be illuminated even at
lo -level signals and should only go off hen the music stops.
5The TUNE control sets the lower cutoff 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 ULTRAFEX PRO 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 program material, 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 ULTRAFEX PRO, or whether maximum intelligibilit is to be achieved in a
relativel poor sound reinforcement s stem.
8When the SOLO switch is depressed, the unit operates in solo mode and separates the pure effect
signal from the main signal. Thus, the BEHRINGER ULTRAFEX PRO ma be used as a sidechain
processor (see chapter 6.1.2).
+Please note that pre-monitoring of the solo signal ill only allo for a rather restricted
evaluation of the sound, since this signal only provides sound enhancement if it is combined
ith the original signal.
4. CONTROL ELEMENTS