Behringer COM800 User Manual
Users manual
Version 1.0 October 2005
DEUTSCH
MINICOM COM800
MINICOM COM800
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock,
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric
do not remove the top cover (or the
rear section). No user serviceable
parts inside; refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
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 tipping 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.
2
MINICOM COM800
MINICOM
Ultra-Compact Stereo Modeling Compressor with 16 Presets
COM800
s Ultra-compact 9.5" stereo modeling compressor for studio and stage
applications
s 16 awesome preset models for the most typical compression applications
(vocal, drums, guitar, keyboard, etc.)
s Dedicated Compressor Modeling control with LEDs indicating the selected
dynamics program
s Integrated Enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression
s IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression circuitry
combines the advantages of hard and soft knee characteristics
s Accurate 6-digit LED Input/Output meter, plus 6-digit LED Gain Reduction
meter for precise level indication
s Operating levels can be selected using the I/O Level switch
DEUTSCH
s High-quality potentiometers and illuminated switches for long-term reliability
s Ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers and state-of-the-art VCAs offer
outstanding sound performance
s All Mini Series models can be stacked on top of each other to create an ultra-
compact signal processor solution
s High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long
life
s Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany
3
MINICOM COM800
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
welcome to the community of Mini Series users and thank
you very much for expressing your confidence in
BEHRINGER products by purchasing the COM800. 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 design an outstanding device whose high level of
functionality will give you maximum performance.
The task to design our new MINICOM certainly meant a
great deal of responsibility. You, the discerning user and
musician, were the focus of our entire development efforts.
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
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 to produce such high-grade devices at such unbelievably
low prices. The answer is quite simple: its you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means
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 all people whose help on Project MINICOM COM800 has made it all possible.
Everybody has made very personal contributions, starting from the designers of the unit via the
many staff members in our company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.
My friends, its been worth the trouble!
youve greatly contributed to shaping our company and
Thank you very much,
Uli Behringer
4
MINICOM COM800
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 5
1.1 Before you get started .......................................................................................................... 6
1.1.1 Shipment .................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.2 Initial operation ........................................................................................................... 6
1.1.3 Online registration ...................................................................................................... 6
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS AND CONNECTIONS ........................................... 7
2.1 The front ............................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 The rear ................................................................................................................................ 8
3. THE PRESETS OF THE MINICOM ............................................................. 9
3.1 Preset categories .................................................................................................................. 9
3.2 The presets in detail .......................................................................................................... 10
4. THE MINICOM IN PRACTICE ................................................................... 11
4.1 How to set levels correctly ..................................................................................................11
4.1.1 The I/O LEVEL switch .............................................................................................. 11
4.1.2 Signal adjustment ..................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Giving instruments more presence ................................................................................... 12
4.2.1 Using the MINICOM as a traditional compressor ................................................... 12
4.3 Giving music productions more punch .............................................................................. 12
4.3.1 Using the MINICOM as a maximizer ...................................................................... 13
5. INSTALLATION .......................................................................................... 14
5.1 Connection options and audio connections ...................................................................... 14
5.1.1 The MINICOM in the insert path ............................................................................. 14
5.1.2 The MINICOM as a mix-signal compressor connected in series ........................... 15
6. SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................... 16
DEUTSCH
7. OTHER MINI PRODUCTS ......................................................................... 17
8. WARRANTY............................................................................................... 18
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for showing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the MINICOM
COM800. The MINICOM COM800 is a preset compressor that allows you to raise both the loudness
and punch of your audio material quickly and effectively. Since a lot of experience is required to be
able to adjust the parameters of a compressor, the COM800 comes with 16 user-friendly presets for
the most common applications to make things easier. These presets are based on tried-and-tested
compressor settings and are optimized for a high level of usability. You can simply trust your ears
when choosing the most appropriate setting and thus focus on what really counts: your music.
Despite its ease of use the COM800 gives you all the functions of a fully-featured compressor. For
example, you can use it as a mono compressor for individual signals, such as vocals, guitar, bass,
etc. or as a master compressor for stereo mix signals. The downstream enhancer makes up for
high-frequency loss due to high compression ratios, and the gain reduction display keeps you informed
about the actual amount of compression applied. After all, you dont want to leave anything to
chance.
With the COM800 youll always be set for success!
1. INTRODUCTION
5
MINICOM COM800
1.1 Before you get started
1.1.1 Shipment
Your COM800 was carefully packed at the assembly plant to assure secure transport. Should the
condition of the cardboard box suggest that damage may have taken place, please inspect the unit
immediately and look for physical indications of damage.
+ Damaged equipment should NEVER be sent directly to us. Please inform the dealer
from whom you acquired the unit immediately as well as the transportation company
from which you took delivery. Otherwise, all claims for replacement/repair may be
rendered invalid.
+ Please always use the original packaging to avoid damage due to storage or shipping.
+ Never let unsupervised children play with the COM800 or with its packaging.
+ Please dispose of all packaging materials in an environmentally friendly fashion.
1.1.2 Initial operation
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling. To avoid overheating, do not place
the COM800 on top of power amps or near radiators, etc.
+ To power the COM800, use only the power supply unit that is delivered with your
equipment.
+ Please ensure that the unit is installed and operated only by people qualified to do so.
During installation and operation the user must have sufficient electrical contact to
earth. Electrostatic discharge may affect the operation of the unit.
1.1.3 Online registration
Please do remember to register your new BEHRINGER equipment right after your purchase by
visiting www.behringer.com (alternatively www.behringer.de) and kindly read the terms and conditions
of our warranty carefully.
Should your BEHRINGER product malfunction, our goal is to have it repaired as quickly as possible.
To arrange for warranty service, please contact the retailer from whom the equipment was purchased.
Should your BEHRINGER dealer not be located in your vicinity, you may directly contact one of our
subsidiaries. Corresponding contact information is included in the original equipment packaging
(Global Contact Information/European Contact Information). Should your country not be listed, please
contact the distributor nearest you. A list of distributors can be found in the support area of our
website (www.behringer.com/support).
Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us process your repair claims quicker and
more efficiently.
Thank you for your cooperation!
6
1. INTRODUCTION
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