Behringer AC112 User Manual
Users Manual
Version 1.3 July 2004
ENGLISH
AC112
VINTAGER
VINTAGER AC112
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 qualified
personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The
apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside
the enclosurevoltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to
important operating and maintenance instructions
in the accompanying literature. Please read the
manual.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
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 manufacturers instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) 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 fit 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) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified 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 qualified 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) CAUTION - These service instructions are for use by
qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of
electric shock do not perform any servicing other than
that contained in the operation instructions unless you
are qualified to do so.
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VINTAGER AC112
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Welcome to the team of VINTAGER users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in
BEHRINGER products by purchasing the AC112.
It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of
hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach a very ambitious goal: To present you with a really
out-of-the-ordinary vintage guitar workstation.
What remains indispensable on the stage is the musical expression a good amplifier must reproduce with full
detail. For this reason, we did not simply install a triode stage in a solid-state amplifier, but implemented the
proven UTC circuitry from our studio processors. Thus, we achieved a particularly musical compression effect,
open sound and gradual shift to the upper harmonics spectrum, which could be produced before by pure-tube
amplifiers only. So, your playing dynamics and personal sound will not be confined in the amplifier but will be
reproduced and inspired even further. In particular, we made sure that the AC112 will give you lots of fun with its
intuitive user interface, so that you can focus entirely on playing your guitar.
The task to design the VINTAGER 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 a product usually brings a lot of people together, and what a great
feeling it is when everybody who participated in such a project can be proud of what weve achieved.
It is our philosophy to share our joy with you, because you are the most important member of the BEHRINGER
family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products youve greatly contributed to shaping our
company and making it successful. In return, we guarantee you uncompromising quality 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.
We are often asked how we can make it possible to produce such high-grade devices at such unbelievably low
prices. The answer is quite simple: its you, our customers! Many satisfied customers, mean large sales
volumes enabling us to get better conditions of purchase for components, etc. Isnt it only fair to pass this
benefit back to you? Because we know that your success is our success too!
I would like to thank the following people, whose help on Project VINTAGER has made it all possible:
s The existing users of BEHRINGER equipment, whose comments and suggestions have made them the
most important members of the BEHRINGER design team,
s Jan, whose passionate work has made the VINTAGER a revolutionary vintage guitar workstation,
s Thorsten who designed this marvelous manual,
s Volker and C.W. for the fine mechanics,
s and all the others, who have made very personal contributions.
My friends, its been worth the trouble!
Thank you very much,
Uli Behringer
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VINTAGER AC112
VINTAGER
Ultra-flexible 60 Watt Guitar Workstation with Digital Multi-Effects Processor
AC112
s Powerful 60 Watt RMS Guitar Workstation with a hand-selected 12AX7 vacuum tube
s Authentic vintage design with ULTRATUBE circuitry for classic tube sound
s Original heavy duty 12" JENSEN® / BUGERA guitar speaker
s Two independent channels with separate volume controls, EQ and effects
s CLEAN channel delivers clean and slightly distorted sounds with smooth tube compression
s OVERDRIVE channel offers a broad range, from modern crunch to high-gain sounds
s Each channel has its classic 3-band EQ with excellent sound characteristics
s 24-bit stereo multi-effects processor with ultra-high resolution 24-bit AD/DA converters
s 31 original VIRTUALIZER/MODULIZER presets with world-class effects such as Reverb, Delay, Phaser,
Chorus, Flanger, Pitch Shifter, Speaker Simulator, Rotary Speaker, Magic Drive, Compressor, Expander,
Wah, Tube Emulator and various effect combinations
s 99 outstanding and easy-to-edit user presets
s Quasi-analog operation: three FX parameters per preset can be edited with dedicated controls
s Adjustable AUX input for playback or other line-level signals (e.g. CD player, drum computer, etc.)
s Frequency-corrected stereo line output for recording and live applications
s Insert facility for external effects devices (stomp boxes, wah-wah pedals, etc.)
s Channel select and effect bypass footswitch FS112 included
s Complete MIDI implementation for channel and effect selection as well as real time control
s Master volume control and frequency-corrected stereo headphones output
s Extremely rugged construction ensures long life, even under the most demanding conditions
s Robust power supply ensures excellent transient response
s Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany. Made in China
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VINTAGER AC112
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................6
1.1 Design concept ............................................................................................................................... 7
1.1.1 ULTRATUBE technology ....................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Before you begin ............................................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Control elements............................................................................................................................. 8
1.3.1 Front panel ........................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.2 Rear panel .......................................................................................................................... 10
2. WIRING EXAMPLES ............................................................................................................. 11
2.1 Standard setup consisting of guitar, footswitch and external effects device ..................................... 11
2.2 Expanded setup with MIDI foot controller, playback source and mixing console ............................ 12
3. EFFECTS PROCESSOR ...................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Description of effects ..................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Controlling the VINTAGER via MIDI ............................................................................................... 22
3.2.1 Store Enable mode ............................................................................................................. 23
4. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND by Neville Marten (Guitarist Magazine) .........................23
5. INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................................24
5.1 Mains connection .......................................................................................................................... 24
5.2 Audio connections ........................................................................................................................ 24
5.3 MIDI connection ............................................................................................................................ 25
6. APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................25
6.1 Preset list ..................................................................................................................................... 25
6.2 MIDI implementation ..................................................................................................................... 28
7. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................29
8. WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................30
WARNING!
+ It should be pointed out, that extreme output volumes may damage your ears and/or your
headphones. Turn down all LEVEL controls before you switch on the unit. Always pay attention
to an appropriate volume.
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VINTAGER AC112
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the VINTAGER
AC112. With the VINTAGER, you have acquired a modern guitar workstation that sets new standards in guitar
amp engineering. When developing the AC112, our top objective was to reproduce the authentic sound of
classical guitar amps as perfectly as we could and combine it with latest DSP technology while focusing on
a user interface that can be operated intuitively.
BEHRINGER is an audio engineering company that has been successfully developing products for studio and
live applications for many years now. Our range of products includes microphones and a variety of 19" devices
(compressors, enhancers, gates, tube processors, headphone amps, digital effects devices, DI boxes, etc.)
as well as various monitoring and P.A. speakers plus professional live and recording consoles. The name of
BEHRINGER stands for no-compromise quality, fully-featured products and exemplary service even years
after purchase as well as sensationally low prices, which allow any ambitious music lovers to make their
musical dreams come true.
We also set great store by flexibility, which has become a particularly important factor in the music business
over the past few years. Modern guitarists need to offer a broad range of sounds, but should still be able to play
in different kinds of applications at short notice: home recording, studio, live concerts. For this reason, it has
always been our prime concern to give you a guitar workstation that offers you a complete set of functions, but
can still be operated intuitively and quickly no matter what kind of style you play.
Unfortunately, conventional guitar amps are often not fully designed and developed. Moreover, many manufacturers
of traditional-style guitar amps are somewhat afraid of using state-of-the-art technology. The VINTAGER, on
the other hand, is a pioneering guitar amp that has considerably more functions than any conventional 2channel amp with a built-in spring reverb. Still, you can use the AC112 so that it mimics an excellently
sounding 2-channel combo amp with an admittedly good spring reverb (except for that shatter sound when
the amp gets knocked over). However, we recommend that you make yourself familiar with the VINTAGER in
full detail, so that you know what each of the many functions does and be able to fully exploit the numerous
effects and control options provided.
As technology advances, youve got to keep track of latest technological breakthroughs to avoid falling by the
wayside. We, too, have continuously improved this amp and included many of your valuable suggestions. We
have spared neither expense nor effort to test different types of circuitry and speakers until the results gave us
complete satisfaction. After all, we really want to give you fully designed and developed products that meet
your expectations in every respect. The VINTAGER shall be a useful tool for years to come, which is why weve
equipped the effects modules of our Guitar Workstation with EPROMS that can be updated. In this way, we
can keep working on new algorithms and considering your ideas and suggestions. The resulting software
updates will be made available for free on the Internet, so as to ensure that your amp will never be outdated.
Weve packed our entire experience into this latest generation of guitar amps. Many people contributed to this
project of intense development: studio musicians, collectors of vintage guitar amps, music and guitar lovers
alike. We even invited guitar amp tuning experts to help us develop an amplifier that gives you the best of all
worlds:
s Sophisticated analog technology with a feel factor only analog technology can provide.
s ULTRATUBE circuitry for the perfect emulation of tube-specific nuances to make up for the drawbacks
encountered in tube designs (noise, hum, etc.)
s Latest DSP technology to give you a broad range of modern high-gain and vintage-type effect sounds.
s Rugged and solid construction which even withstands roughest handling.
s Intuitive operation, so that you can focus your mind on what is most important to you: your music!
+ This manual first describes the terminology used, so that you can fully understand the VINTAGER
and its functions. Please read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference.
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1. INTRODUCTION
VINTAGER AC112
1.1 Design concept
The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and employs the
best choice of components. The operational amplifiers used in the VINTAGER are exceptional: they boast
extreme linearity and very low distortion characteristics. To complement this design, the choice of components
include low-tolerance resistors and capacitors, high-quality potentiometers and several other stringently selected
elements.
The VINTAGER uses SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These subminiature components adapted
from aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density to further improve the overall reliability.
The super-robust steel-plate enclosure of your VINTAGER, with its generously dimensioned power supply,
ensures that your AC112 will never fail on the stage even when the going gets tough. The enclosure is made
of high-grade and non-polluting E1-MDF wood, which consists of multiple tongued/glued layers and is absolutely
free of formaldehyde.
1.1.1 ULTRATUBE technology
The tube circuitry employed in the VINTAGER has evolved from our ULTRATUBE circuit that is used in our
studio-quality tube devices. By overdriving the tube stage, this circuit produces additional upper harmonics and
a gradual compression effect. Thanks to this compression your guitar sounds are improved in sustain and
definition and make themselves heard. While processing the guitar signal the UTC processor (Ultra Tube
Circuitry) largely eliminates the noise and hum typically encountered in conventional tube circuits and creates
the actual tube effect without raising the noise floor. The specifically selected tube used in the VINTAGER is of
the ECC83/12AX7 type and will give you a very special sound experience over many years to come.
1.2 Before you begin
Your BEHRINGER VINTAGER was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging is 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 during transit.
+ 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.
+ If the unit needs to be shipped, please always use the original packaging to avoid damage.
+ Never let unsupervised children play with the VMX100 or with its packaging.
+ Please dispose of all packaging materials in an environmentally-friendly fashion.
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and please do not place the VINTAGER on high
temperature devices such as radiators etc. to avoid overheating.
+ Before you connect your VINTAGER to the mains, please make sure that your local voltage
matches the voltage required by the unit!
The mains connection of the VINTAGER is made by using the enclosed mains cable and a standard IEC
receptacle. It meets all of the international safety certification requirements.
1. INTRODUCTION
7
VINTAGER AC112
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+ Please make sure that all your equipment is grounded at all times. For your own protection,
you should never tamper with the grounding of the cable or the unit itself. The unit shall
always be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
The MIDI connection (IN) is made over standardized DIN plug-in connectors. An optocoupler has been used for
isolated data communications.
You will find additional information in chapter 5 INSTALLATION.
1.3 Control elements
Fig. 1.1: The front panel of the VINTAGER
The BEHRINGER VINTAGER AC112 features 15 controls, five push-buttons and one 2-digit, 7-segment LED
display on its front panel. Additionally, there are two 1/4" jacks for input and headphones.
1.3.1 Front panel
Fig. 1.2: The front panel control elements
The CLEAN channels VOLUME control sets the volume for the clean channel.
The BASS control in the EQ section allows you to boost or cut the bass frequencies in the CLEAN
channel.
With the MID control you can boost/cut the midrange frequencies in the CLEAN channel.
The TREBLE control adjusts the CLEAN channels upper frequency range.
+ Please note that with all three EQ controls in the CLEAN channel set fully to the left, there will
be no signal sent to the speaker, which is due to the classical and extremely efficient EQ
circuit used in the VINTAGER.
INPUT is the VINTAGERs 1/4" jack input for your guitar. Use a commercial 1/4" jack mono cable (no
DIY, better ask your specialized dealer), with good mechanical and electrical shielding, so as to avoid
unpleasant surprises during rehearsals or concerts.
Press the OVERDRIVE button to select the CLEAN or OVERDRIVE channel. When OVERDRIVE is
on, the corresponding LED lights up.
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1. INTRODUCTION
VINTAGER AC112
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The GAIN control determines the degree of distortion in the OVERDRIVE channel.
The VOLUME control sets the volume for the OVERDRIVE channel.
+ Use both VOLUME controls to optimize the volume ratio of the two channels, so that no volume
differences can be heard when switching from one channel to the other. This setting is also
effective on the level-dependent digital effects!
The BASS control in the EQ section allows you to boost/cut the bass frequencies in the OVERDRIVE
channel.
With the MID control you can boost/cut the midrange frequencies in the OVERDRIVE channel.
The TREBLE control adjusts the OVERDRIVE channels upper frequency range.
The DISPLAY reads either the program number of the selected preset or the value of the parameter
selected with the PARAMETER, EFFECT A or EFFECT B controls.
With the UP button you can increment the program number of the built-in effects module. Keep the
button pressed to scroll through the programs.
The DOWN button allows you to decrement the program number.
The STATUS LEDs inform you about the type of parameter you can edit with the PARAMETER control
(an exception being the MIDI LED).
s MIDI: This LED lights up when you press both UP and DOWN buttons for about two seconds. Subsequently,
you can use these buttons to set up a MIDI channel for MIDI data reception (1 through 16, ON = Omni and
OF = off, or ON = Omni and 1 through 16 plus one decimal point each = Store Enable mode, see chapter
3.2.1). Press the ENTER button to confirm your selection. The MIDI LED flashes as soon as MIDI data is
being received.
+ The Store Enable mode (see chapter 3.2.1) allows you to store presets directly via MIDI. Please
note that by sending MIDI control #18 values, any changes made to the currently active preset
will be permanently stored.
+ Whenever the multi-functional MIDI LED flashes and the unit is not in edit mode, this indicates
that the DSP modules output level is close to distortion. In this case, you should turn down the
VOLUME control a bit.
s TIME: This LED lights up when you select a time-domain effect parameter (e.g. reverb or delay time).
s SPEED: This LED lights up for all modulation effects and indicates the LFO speed (low-frequency oscillator)
or the speed parameter of compress/expander.
s SENS: This LED informs you that you can adjust the sensitivity of effects such as Auto-Wah, Expander,
Compressor.
s PITCH: This LED lights up when you edit the pitch shifter, and shows the detune factor, either in semi-tones
or cents.
s EQ: This LED lights up when you edit the parameters of a filter-based effect.
To the right of the status LEDs you can find a chart that lists the various effect types as well as their initial
program numbers. Use this list to quickly locate, edit and store the effect of your choice. The built-in effects
module features 31 different effect groups and includes a total of 99 effect variations.
Use the ENTER button to confirm your program selection.
+ When the MIDI functions are inactive, one effect can be stored for each of the two channels on
your VINTAGER, which allows for instance, to select a DELAY effect for the OVERDRIVE channel
and assign a REVERB/CHORUS effect to the CLEAN channel. The corresponding program
numbers will be stored with the channels and can be recalled using the footswitch or the front
panel buttons. When MIDI is on, this assignment feature will be disabled, so that in this mode
both channels and effects can be selected separately.
The PARAMETER control allows you to edit an effect-specific parameter. Once selected with the
PARAMETER control, its value is displayed and the corresponding LED lights up (see ).
1. INTRODUCTION
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