Behringer ULTRABASS EX1200 User manual

Version 1.1 April 2001
www.behringer.com
User’s Manual
ENGLISH
ULTRABASS PRO EX1200

2
ULTRABASSPROEX1200
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and mainte-
nance instructions in the accompanying
literature.Read the manual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
thecover (or back).No user serviceablepartsinside;
referservicingtoqualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
Allthe safetyand operationinstructions shouldbe read before the appliance is operated.
RetainInstructions:
Thesafety and operatinginstructions should beretainedfor futurereference.
Heed Warnings:
Allwarnings on the appliance andin theoperating instructions should be adheredto.
Followinstructions:
Alloperation anduser instructions shouldbe followed.
Water and Moisture:
Theapplianceshouldnot be usednearwater(e.g.near a bathtub,washbowl,kitchensink,laundry tub, inawet
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 may block the
ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
flowofair throughtheventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances(including amplifiers) thatproduce heat.
Power Source:
Theappliance shouldbe connected to a powersupply onlyof thetype described in the operatinginstructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautionsshould be taken so thatthe groundingor polarization means of an appliance isnot defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
wherethey exitfrom theappliance.
Cleaning:
Theappliance should becleaned onlyasrecommended bythe manufacturer.
Non-usePeriods:
Thepowercordofthe appliance shouldbeunpluggedfromtheoutlet when leftunusedforalongperiod of time.
Debris and Liquid Entry:
Careshould betaken thatdebris and/or liquids do notenter theenclosure throughopenings.
Damage Requiring Service:
Theapplianceshould be servicedbyqualified service personnelwhen:
-The powersupply cordor the plug has beendamaged; or
-Debris orliquid hasentered theappliance; or
-The appliancehas beenexposed torain; or
-The appliancedoes not appearto operatenormally orexhibits a marked change inperformance; or
-The appliance hasbeen dropped, orthe enclosure damaged.
Servicing:
Theuser should not attempt toservice theappliance beyond that which isdescribed inthe operating instruc-
tions.All other servicingshouldbe referredtoqualified servicepersonnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alerts you to the presence of
uninsulateddangerousvoltageinside
the enclosure—voltage that may be
sufficienttoconstitute ariskof shock.

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ULTRABASS PRO EX1200
FOREWORD
DearCustomer,
Welcometo the teamof ULTRABASSPROusers andthank you verymuch for expressingyour confidence in
BEHRINGERproductsby purchasing theEX1200.
It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of
hardworkdeliveredby our engineering teamtoreachavery ambitious goal:makinganoutstandingdevice that
will become a standard tool used by studios and PA companies. The task to design the
ULTRABASS PRO certainly meant a great deal of responsibility, which we assumed by focusing on you, 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 aproduct usuallybrings a lotof people together,and it’sa great feeling,when everybody
whoparticipated insucha projectcan be proudof whatwe’ve achieved.
Itisour philosophy toshareour joy withyou,because you arethemost important memberofthe BEHRINGER
family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products you’ve greatly contributed to shaping our
companyandmaking itsuccessful.In return, weguaranteeyou uncompromisingquality(manufactured under
ISO9000 certified management system) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an extremely
favorable price. All of this will enable you to fully unfold your creativity without being hampered by budget
constraints.
Weareoften asked howwecan make itpossibletoproduce such high-gradedevicesat such unbelievablylow
prices. The answer is quite simple: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers mean large sales
volumes,enabling usto getbetter conditionsof purchasefor components. Isn’t it only fair to pass this benefit
back to you? Because we know that your success is our success too!
Iwouldlike tothankall people whosehelpon “Project ULTRABASSPRO” has madeitall possible. Everybody
hasmadevery personal contributions,startingfromthe designers oftheunitvia the manystaffmembers in our
company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.
Myfriends, it’s been worth the trouble!
Thankyou very much,
UliBehringer

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ULTRABASSPROEX1200
EX1200
ULTRABASS PRO
Professional, multipurpose Bass Sound En ancement system for stage and studio applications
sDigitalsubharmonic synthesizeradds unbelievable bass power toyour soundsystem
sPerfect for discotheques, dance clubs, cinemas, theatres, sport & aerobic studios and your Hi-Fi system
sDigitalsynthesisbased on waveformanalysisgenerates ultra-low frequenciesfordriving subwoofers
sReleasesuntapped sonicresources and addspower toinstruments, vocals andmixed programmaterial
sWaveformprocessor musicallyrestores low frequenciesnormally lostin therecording process
sBuilt-inlimiter protects againstlow-frequencyspeaker over-excursion
sDynamic punch control adds breathtaking kick bass to your program material
sBassmode controlallows youto fade over from “ultra-low”to “punchy”bass sounds
sSubharmonicsfunction allows youto choosebetween low andultra-low subharmonics
sSeparatesubwoofer output toconnect aseparate subwoofer system
sIncorporatesa switchablex-over to splitoff dangerouslow frequencies fromyour clubsystem
sPrecisionoutput level andgain reduction LEDdisplays provideclearvisual indicationofoperation
sServo-balancedgold-platedXLR and 1/4"TRSinputsand outputs
sUltralow-noise4580 audio operationalamplifiersforoutstanding sound performance
sHigh-qualitydetented potentiometers andilluminated switches
sManufacturedunderISO9000 certified managementsystem

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ULTRABASS PRO EX1200
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................6
1.1 TheDesignConcept........................................................................................................................ 6
1.2 BeforeYou Begin ............................................................................................................................ 6
1.3 ControlElements ............................................................................................................................ 8
1.3.1 FrontPanel ........................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.2 RearPanel.......................................................................................................................... 10
2. APPLICATIONS .....................................................................................................................10
2.1 Systemswithout Subwoofer .......................................................................................................... 10
2.2 SystemswithSubwoofer................................................................................................................11
2.3 Multiway Active System ................................................................................................................ 12
2.4 The ULTRABASS PRO in a Hi-Fi System ..................................................................................... 12
3. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................13
3.1 The Integrated Frequency Crossover ............................................................................................. 13
3.2 TheIntegratedLimiter.................................................................................................................... 13
4. INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................................14
4.1 AudioConnections........................................................................................................................ 14
5. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................15
6. WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................16

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ULTRABASSPROEX1200
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the
ULTRABASS PRO EX1200. The BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO is a completely new subharmonic
synthesizerbased ondigital technology forthe generationand processing oflow frequencies.
+This manual first describes the terminology used, so that you can fully understand the
ULTRABASS PRO and its functions. Please read the manual carefully and keep it for future
reference.
1.1 The Design Concept
Why is there a need for a subharmonic synthesizer?
In many recordings, the low-frequency spectrum has been filtered deliberately or gets lost somewhere in the
transmission chain. In most cases, the recording medium is characterized by a limited dynamic range and
frequency response. Reproduction quality may also be adversely affected by a low-performance speaker
system. Thus, tape material, records and broadcast transmissions for example soon reach their limits, in
termsof frequencyand amplitude range.Vital bassfrequencies are thereforenot reproduced.Very often, the
low frequencies are filtered deliberately to facilitate reproduction via small loudspeakers found in portable
radios,car systemsetc.The recordinglacks the essentialbass emphasisand the resultingsonic imagelacks
power.
More bass power with the BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO
Incontrastto simplebassboosting, the ULTRABASSPROgenerates additionalsubharmonics,i.e., musically
relevantfrequencies one ortwo octaves belowthelowest frequencyinthe signal.Thisexpands the frequency
spectrum both naturally and musically. Contrary to conventional designs, the ULTRABASS PRO is not a
so-called “bass booster” simply raising the lower frequency band in level, but uses completely new circuits
basedon digitaltechnology which filterspecific bassfrequencies from theprogram materialand feed themto
thesubharmonic synthesizer. Withthe aid ofdigital frequency shifting,the circuitry producesa new frequency
spectrumthatis enlargedtowardsthe bass end,withthe signalshapeof the generatedlow-rangefrequencies
beingaccuratelysynthesized on theoriginalwaveform. The resultisa “dry” andexactlydefinedlow-frequency
emphasis,without any“booming” or other disturbing sideeffects.
Protect your system with the integrated limiter
Bass frequencies provide the highest energy yield within the entire frequency spectrum. When reproducing
composite signals, both the power amplifiers and the loudspeakers are under extreme duress. Since
conventional bass frequency boosters do not compensate for this, the system is often overloaded with
disastrous results.
TheULTRABASS PRO incorporatesthehighly respectedBEHRINGERlimiter, whichpreventsclipping of the
generated bass signal in the subsequent system and thus protects it against overloading and damage. You
canperfectly limit thelevelsof bassgeneratedby the EX1200and the resultingmaximum displacement ofthe
loudspeaker diaphragm, to fit the size and power rating of the system.
All-purpose application with the integrated crossover
The ULTRABASS PRO features two operational modes: in FULL RANGE mode the newly generated bass
frequenciesareaddedto the originalsignalandarereproduced by thestandardsystem.In70 Hz SPLITmode,
however, all frequencies below 70 Hz are removed, which clearly reduces the stress put on the system. The
actual bass frequencies are routed via the separate subwoofer output to a special low-range loudspeaker/
amplifiersetup.
Turn your system into a “power station”
It is unbelievable how the ULTRABASS PRO adds power to your system. Whether it is the audio system in
discotheques and dance clubs, cinemas, theatres, PA systems, broadcast and TV stations, aerobic and
sports studios or simply your home stereo system, the ULTRABASS PRO will give you a new audio
experience.We aresure thatyou will enjoyyour newBEHRINGER ULTRABASSPRO!
1.2 Before You Begin
Your BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging is designed to
protectthe unitfrom rough handling.Nevertheless, werecommend that youcarefully examinethe packaging
and its contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred during transit.
1.INTRODUCTION

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ULTRABASS PRO EX1200
+If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to BEHRINGER, but notify your dealer and the
shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be
granted. Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
The BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space. Please allow at least an
additional 4" depth for the connectors on the back panel.
Besure that thereis enough spacearoundthe unitforcooling andpleasedo not placethe ULTRABASS PRO
onhigh temperature devicessuch as poweramplifiers etc. toavoid overheating.
+Before you connect your ULTRABASS PRO to the mains, please make sure that your local
voltage matches the voltage required by the unit!
Thefuse holder onthe femalemainsconnector has3 triangular markers,with twoofthese trianglesopposing
eachother. YourULTRABASS PRO is set tothe operatingvoltage printednext tothese markers, andcan 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!
The mains connection of the ULTRABASS PRO is made by using the enclosed mains cable and a standard
IECreceptacle. Itmeets allof theinternational safety certification requirements.
+Please make sure that all units have a proper ground connection. For your own safety, never
remove or disable the ground conductor of the unit or of the AC power cable.
As standard, the BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO is installed with electronically servo-balanced inputs and
outputs. The circuit design features automatic hum rejection for balanced signals, permitting trouble-free
operation even at the highest operating levels. Externally induced power-line hum, etc. is thus suppressed
effectively.The automaticservo function recognizes the presenceof unbalancedconnectors andadjusts the
nominallevel internally toavoid level differencesbetween theinputand outputsignals(6 dB correction).
Youwillfind additional informationinchapter 4 “INSTALLATION”.
1.3 Control Elements
Fig. 1.1: The ULTRABASS PRO
The BEHRINGER ULTRABASS PRO provides 5 illuminated push-button switches, 6 rotary controls, and 4
leveldisplays.The ULTRABASS PROisdesignedas astereoprocessorand is thereforenotsuitedto process
twodifferentsignals.The front oftheULTRABASSPRO is dividedinthreesections, each withitsownfunction.
1.INTRODUCTION

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ULTRABASSPROEX1200
1.3.1 Front Panel
Fig. 1.2: ULTRABASS PRO front panel
POWER switch. This switch puts the ULTRABASS PRO into operation.
Digital Subharmonic Processor Section
POWER LED. This LED lights up to indicate that the unit is connected to a mains outlet and that the
unit is switched on.
Withthe PROCESSswitch thesignalto the subharmonicsgeneratoris switched onoroff. Ifsetto OUT,
theunit isin bypass mode.The crossoverremainsactive butno harmonics areadded tothe signal i.e.,
the bass effect signal is neither sent to the main outputs nor to the subwoofer.
+The X-OVER function and the SATELLITE LEVEL control are still active in bypass mode
(PROCESSOFF).
FREQUENCYcontrol. This controlgoverns the highestfrequencywhich issentto thedigitalharmonics
processor.It thusaffects the frequencyrange inwhich the ULTRABASSPRO works.This is oneof the
main controls to influence the sound of the unit.
The DYNAMIC PUNCH control sets the threshold for the digital frequency shifter of the ULTRABASS
PRO. Signals below the threshold are not processed. With this control it is possible to prevent the
processing of rumble which is not part of the music signal. It is also possible to add depth and punch
just to the bass drum for instance.
ACTIVE LED. This LED lights up as soon as subharmonics are being generated. This depends on the
DYNAMICPUNCH control settings.
TheLOW/ULTRA-LOWswitchsetsthesubharmonicprocessortoproduceeithernormallowsubharmonics
(1octave)or ultra-lowsubharmonics(2 octaves). UsetheULTRA-LOW settingonlyif the usedspeaker
systemcan handleextremely lowfrequencies.
Youcanadjust thepunchor warmth ofthe generated low frequencies withthe BASSMODE control. If
thecontrolis turnedfullycounterclockwise(ULTRA-LOW), onlytheproduced subharmonics aresentto
thesubwoofer and added to the satallite output(ULTRABASS switchin satellitesection “ON”). As you
turnthe controlclockwise (PUNCH), the original lowfrequencies ofthe program material are gradually
addedtothe subharmonics, whichgivesthebass more powerand“punch”.The optimumsettinglargely
dependson the programmaterial and yourpersonal sound perception.Never hesitate toexperiment!
BASS LEVEL control. With this control you can determine the amount of added bass frequencies,
withinarangefrom0(full attenuation) to6(max.effect).Pleaseobservethepower rating ofyoursystem!
BASS LEVEL meter. The amount of generated bass signal is shown by this meter.
Bass limiter section
The LIMITER IN / OUT switch activates or deactivates the bass limiter. The limiter’s task is to protect
theloudspeakersystem against overloading.Inparticular, if thesystemhas no separatesubwoofer,the
level peaks need to be controlled so that extreme diaphragm displacement does not lead to speaker
damage.
THRESHOLD control. The limiter limits the level of the newly generated bass signal to the adjusted
value, the threshold control can be set within a range from 0 dB to “OFF” (limiter off).
+The normal signal is not limited! To prevent damage to your speakers the same safety margin
with respect to the output level should be observed as with normal operation without the
ULTRABASSPRO.
1.INTRODUCTION

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ULTRABASS PRO EX1200
GAIN REDUCTION meter. This meter indicates that the limiter has been put into operation and is
controlling the gain reduction. In this case, it might be wise to reduce the bass level with the LEVEL
control. It is also possible to use the limiter to create a desired effect. With the correct settings it is
possibletocreate a so-calledloudnesseffect: At lowvolumesthe ULTRABASS PROcreatesadditional
harmonicsand extendsthe rangeof the used system and at highervolumes thelimiter limitsthe strain
of the created subharmonics to free the maximum sound pressure level of the system.
Satellite section
The X-OVER function acts as a highpass filter in the stereo main path for use in combination with a
subwoofer.Theactivatedhighpass filter preventsthemainspeakers(now operating in amultiwayactive
system)frombeing overloadedbythe generated lowfrequencies.If the X-OVERswitch is settoSPLIT,
alllow-range frequencies below70 Hz arefiltered in thestereo main path,and the newlygenerated low
frequenciesareexclusively routedtothe subwoofer viathe subwoofer output.
However, if the X-OVER function is switched to FULL RANGE, the generated subharmonics can be
added to the original stereo signal by depressing the ULTRABASS switch. The low-frequency signal
remainspresent at thesubwoofer output.
ULTRABASS switch. With the ULTRABASS switch the generated subharmonics can be led to the
satellite loudspeakers. This is usefull to create a smooth transition from subwoofer to satellite, or if no
subwooferisused.
SATELLITELEVEL control.This isthe level controlfor the mainspeaker systemin full rangeoperation
andfor thesatellites in split(x-over) operation.
+The level of added bass-frequencies present at the satellite output is not dependent on the
setting of the SATELLITE LEVEL control. Only the setting of the BASS LEVEL controls the level
ofsubhamonics.
LEFT / RIGHT OUTPUT LEVEL meter. With these level meters the left and right output level of the
ULTRABASSPRO can bemonitored.
Asmentioned before theULTRABASS PRO hasseveralcontrols whichinfluencethe soundcharacteristicsof
the unit. The FREQUENCY, DYNAMIC PUNCH, SUBHARMONICS and BASS MODE controls change the
soundof the ULTRABASSPRO. The othercontrols govern howmuch of theeffect is audibleand how theunit
is connected. Please take the time to play around with the ULTRABASS PRO at home or “off line” to get the
feel of the possibilities it offers.
1.3.2 Rear Panel
Fig. 1.3: The rear panel layout of the ULTRABASS PRO
MAINSCONNECTION. Use theenclosedpower cord toconnectthe unit tothemains. Please alsonote
theinstructionsgiven in the“INSTALLATION”chapter.
FUSE HOLDER / VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Please make sure that your local voltage matches the
voltageindicated on theunit, before youattempt to connectand operate theULTRABASS PRO. Blown
fuses may only be replaced by fuses of the same type and rating.
SERIALNUMBER. Pleasetakethe timetohave thewarrantycard filledout completely byyour dealer,
andreturn itwithin 14days afterthe date of purchase, so as to be entitledto benefitfrom ourextended
warranty.
AUDIO IN. These are the audio inputs of the ULTRABASS PRO. Available on either balanced or
unbalancedTRS jacks orXLRs.
1.INTRODUCTION

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ULTRABASSPROEX1200
AUDIO OUT. These are the audio outputs of the ULTRABASS PRO. Also on either balanced or
unbalancedTRS jacks orXLRs.
SUBWOOFEROUT. This istheSubwooferoutputforthe connection ofthesubwoofersystem.Again on
eitherbalanced or unbalancedTRS jacks orXLRs.
2. APPLICATIONS
2.1 Systems without Subwoofer
Fig. 2.1: The ULTRABASS PRO in a system without subwoofer
Inthis standard application,the ULTRABASS PROis insertedbetweenthe mixerorthe signalsource and the
poweramplifier.Thenewlygeneratedlow-rangefrequenciesareaddedtotheoriginalsignalandarereproduced
by the existing system.
Connect the ULTRABASS PRO to your system and set up the controls and switches as follows:
Control Position
Process OUT
Frequency 120
Dynamic Punch 0
Subharmonics LOW
Bass Mode CENTER
Bass Level 0
Limiter IN
Threshold OFF
X-Over FULL RANGE
Ultrabass OUT
Satellite Level 0
Tab. 2.1: Start up settings
Now,depress thePROCESS switch andturn theDYNAMIC PUNCH controlclockwise untilthe ACTIVE LED
lights up. Now turn the BASS LEVEL up until the desired low-range frequencies can be heard. Turn the
THRESHOLD control in the Bass Limiter Section counter-clockwise until the first two LEDs of the gain
reduction meter light up. By using the SUBHARMONICS switch and the BASS MODE control you can now
adaptthe bass soundto theprogrammaterial andtoyour personalsound perception. Withthe FREQUENCY
controlyouadjust the highestfrequencyof theprogrammaterial which issentto the subharmonicsynthesizer.
Itthereby alsogoverns the highestfrequency reproducedby the subwooferif oneis attached.
+Generally speaking, the setting of the FREQUENCY and DYNAMIC PUNCH controls is
2.APPLICATIONS