Behringer INTELLIGATE XR2000 User Manual

User’s Manual

Version 1.2 January 2001

XR2000

ENGLISH

INTELLIGATE

www.behringer.com

INTELLIGA TE XR2000

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.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:

All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.

Retain Instructions:

The safety 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.

Follow 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, laundry 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 may block the ventilation openings: or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

Heat:

The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Power Source:

The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type 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.

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 where they exit from the appliance.

Cleaning:

The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by 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 by qualified service personnel when:

- the power supply 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 normally 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 beyond that which is described in the Operating Instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Read the manual.

INTELLIGA TE XR2000

FOREWORD

Dear Customer, Welcome to the team of INTELLIGATE users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in

BEHRINGER products by purchasing the XR2000. 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 an outstanding product whose flexibility makes it an ideal tool both in studio and live sound environments. The task to design the new INTELLIGATE 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 we’ve achieved.

It is our philosophy to share our joy with you, because you are the most important member of the BEHRINGER team. With your highly competent suggestions for new products you’ve greatly contributed to shaping our company and making it successful. In return, we guarantee you uncompromising quality (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.

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: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes enabling us to get better conditions of purchase for components, etc. Isn’t 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 INTELLIGATE” has made it all possible. Everybody has made very personal contributions, starting from the designers of the unit to the many staff members in our company and finally to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.

My friends, it’s been worth the trouble!

Thank you very much,

Uli Behringer

INTELLIGA TE XR2000

INTELLIGATE

Interactive Class-A Expander/Gate/Ducker

High precision key filters for frequency selective operation

Ultra-fast gate (< 3 µsec.) employing the UTR (Ultra Transient Response) circuit

IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander circuit eliminates “chatter” on or around the threshold point

Fully adjustable ratio control in Expander mode

XR2000

XR2000XR2000

Fully adjustable attenuation control in Gate mode

Independent hold/release controls for any envelope shaping

Key listen facility for monitoring the filter section

High-performance Class-A VCA’s

Ultra low-noise 4580 audio operational amplifiers for outstanding sound performance

Precise gain reduction display with 8 LED’s

Accurate “Traffic Light” display for easy threshold setting

True RMS level detection for “inaudible” performance

Servo-balanced inputs and outputs

Gold-plated XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors

V High-quality detented potentiometers and illuminated switches

V Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system

INTELLIGA TE XR2000

T ABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................ 6

1.1 Before you begin.............................................................................................................................................. 6

1.2 Control elements ............................................................................................................................................. 7

1.2.1 Front panel ............................................................................................................................................ 8

1.2.2 Rear panel............................................................................................................................................ 9

2. OPERATION............................................................................................................................................................ 10

2.1 Functions of the Expander............................................................................................................................. 10

2.2 Interactive control functions ........................................................................................................................... 10

2.2.1 THRESHOLD control .......................................................................................................................... 11

2.2.2 ATTACK-, RELEASE- and HOLD controls.......................................................................................... 11

2.2.3 RANGE control.................................................................................................................................... 12

2.2.4 IRC (Interactive Ratio Control)-EXPANDER ....................................................................................... 12

2.3 RATIO control ................................................................................................................................................. 12

2.4 GAIN REDUCTION meter .............................................................................................................................. 13

2.5 COUPLE function ........................................................................................................................................... 13

2.6 DUCKER function .......................................................................................................................................... 13

2.7 KEY FILTERS ................................................................................................................................................. 13

2.7.1 KEY EXT function ................................................................................................................................ 13

2.7.2 KEY LISTEN function .......................................................................................................................... 13

3. APPLICA TIONS ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

3.1 Initial settings................................................................................................................................................. 14

3.1.1 The gating function ............................................................................................................................. 14

3.1.2 The EXPANDER function.................................................................................................................... 15

3.2 Correct microphone placement .................................................................................................................... 16

3.3 Frequency selective expansion ..................................................................................................................... 16

3.4 Main applications........................................................................................................................................... 16

3.4.1 Controlling leakage in the studio ....................................................................................................... 16

3.4.2 Reducing leakage in stage mics ....................................................................................................... 17

3.4.3 Reducing feedback in stage mics ..................................................................................................... 17

3.4.4 Noise reduction on effects paths ....................................................................................................... 17

3.5 Using the INTELLIGATE to change the sound .............................................................................................. 18

3.5.1 Reshaping sample sounds ............................................................................................................... 18

3.5.2 Altering the texture of musical instruments ....................................................................................... 18

4. SPECIAL APPLICA TIONS...............................................................................................................................

4.1 The INTELLIGATE as “De-Esser”.................................................................................................................. 18

4.2 Frequency selective operation ....................................................................................................................... 19

4.2.1 Frequency selective filtering of unwanted signals............................................................................. 19

4.2.2 Suppressing instruments during recording ...................................................................................... 19

4.2.3 Reducing feedback in PA systems ..................................................................................................... 19

5. EXTERNAL SIDECHAIN APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................................ 20

5.1 The “Key External” function ............................................................................................................................ 20

5.2 Using an equalizer in the sidechain path ..................................................................................................... 20

5.3 “Voice Over” applications...............................................................................................................................21

5.3.1 The “Voice Over” application in conference room situations............................................................. 2 1

5.4 Anticipated expansion ................................................................................................................................... 22

5.5 Triggering additional sounds from a rhythm track ........................................................................................ 22

........ 18

6. INST ALLATION ....................................................................................................................................................... 23

6.1 Mains voltage ................................................................................................................................................. 23

6.2 Audio connections ......................................................................................................................................... 23

7. SPECIFICA TIONS.................................................................................................................................................... 24

8. WARRANTY ............................................................................................................................................................ 26

INTELLIGA TE XR2000

1. INTRODUCTION

In purchasing the INTELLIGATE, you have acquired an extremely efficient and universal dynamics processor. The unit is a versatile, high quality expander, gate and ducker for recording and broadcast situations, post production suits etc. It can therefore be used for recording or eliminating noise in audio recordings, automatically shutting down open mics in PA systems, increasing dynamics in heavily compressed music, improving the dynamic range of noisy communication systems, creating special effects for varying sound styles etc.

Advanced BEHRINGER Technology

Despite the extremely complex internal circuitry, the unit has a control surface which is clearly laid out and easy to understand. The internal design of the unit, together with its external sidechain path, gives the user unsurpassed creative flexibility when processing sound.

The BEHRINGER INTELLIGATE contains several new circuit designs which make the unit the ultimate expander/ gate/ducker.

UTR (Ultra Transient Response) Gate

With an attack time of 3 µs, the BEHRINGER INTELLIGATE is one of the fastest gates known, that have been designed. An extremely quick attack time is necessary for very fast transients, e.g. for hand claps or percussive instruments, so that the gate does not loose the initial transients and affect the sound.

The new UTR (Ultra Transient Response) circuit, in conjunction with a Class-A VCA circuit, the unit allows for instantaneous attack parameters without the all too familiar, nightmarish switching noise, found when using conventional gates.

IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) Expander

A basic problem in the use of a noise-gate is that generally these devices provide you with little more than a simple “on/off” switch. When attempting to fade noise out of complex programme material, the unit would inadvertently create undesirable side effects.

To eliminate this problem, one would use an additional expander, which would create a continuous and gently fade. However, simple expanders, even when they are used correctly, drastically cut signals below the preset threshold. This effect becomes more noticeable during the transition from signal to noise floor. This can mean that the start or end of words can be cut on a vocal track.

A newly developed IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander has been integrated into the INTELLIGATE. The ratio of which, is automatically adjusted, dependent on programme material. The result is an expander which is less critical of adjustment and which is more tolerant in the presence of those signals which appear slightly above the noise floor.

In conjunction with the gate function, the IRC expander is an excellent tool for all associated sound engineering situations. Additionally, the extensive control parameters allow for a focussed and successful solution whilst processing all types of programme material. Without compromise, the unit meets the highest demands with regard to operation, sound, specifications and manufacture.

 This manual first describes the terminology used, so that you can fully understand the

INTELLIGATE and its functions. Please read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference.

1.1 Before you begin

Your INTELLIGATE 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.

1. INTRODUCTION

INTELLIGA TE XR2000

The BEHRINGER INTELLIGATE 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 INTELLIGATE on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.

 Before you connect your INTELLIGATE 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 INTELLIGATE is set to the operating voltage printed next to these markers, and can 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 INTELLIGATE is made by using the enclosed mains cable and a standard IEC receptacle. It meets all of the international safety certification requirements.

 Please make sure that all units have a proper ground connection. For your own safety, never

remove or disable the ground connector of the unit or of the AC power cable.

As standard, the BEHRINGER INTELLIGATE is installed with electronically 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. Externally induced mains hum etc., will be effectively suppressed. The automatic servo-function recognizes the presence of unbalanced connectors and adjusts the nominal level internally to avoid level differences between the input and output (correction 6 dB).

You will find additional information in chapter 6 “INSTALLATION”.

1.2 Control elements

Fig. 1.1: The control surface of the INTELLIGA TE

The BEHRINGER INTELLIGATE has two indentical channels. Each channel is equipped with 5 push button switches, 8 rotery controls and 11 LEDs. The COUPLE switch is for stereo operation:

The INTELLIGATE converts to stereo mode by engaging the COUPLE switch, where the left channel assumes the control of both audio paths, whereby the control voltage of channel 2 will be replaced with that of channel 1. By depressing the COUPLE switch, you overide all the controls and switches of channel 2 with the exception of the IN/OUT and the KEY LISTEN switch. Channel 1’s controls completely take over the functions of channel 2.

1. INTRODUCTION

INTELLIGA TE XR2000

1.2.1 Front panel

Fig. 1.2: Control elements of the Expander section

The IN/OUT switch engages the corresponding channel. This switch is used to make direct A/B comparisons between source material and the processor’s effected signal.

The THRESHOLD control adjusts the threshold level for the expander/gate section in the range of -50 to +20 dBu. Signals below this level cause attenuation. As the key signal passes through threshold, the release and hold functions are triggered, dropping the gain of the Expander/Gate to the value determined by the RANGE control . In Ducker mode these funtions are reversed.

The ATTACK control adjusts the time taken to reach unity gain after the key signal exceeds threshold. When in the Ducker mode, this control adjusts the rate of attenuation after the key signal exceeds the threshold. The control range lies between 3 µs and 90 milliseconds.

The HOLD control adjusts the period of delay before the onset of the release function, after the signal falls below the threshold. The control range lies between 8 milliseconds and 4 seconds.

The RELEASE control adjusts the time taken for the gain to be reduced to a value set by the RANGE control. When in the Ducker mode, this control adjusts the rate of recovery to unity gain after the hold cycle is complete. The control range lies between 10 milliseconds and 2 seconds.

Use the RATIO control to adjust the ratio of the downward expander. It defines the relationship between the input and the output level which fall below the threshold. The control range lies between1.2:1 to 30:1.

The RANGE control determines the maximum amount of attenuation. The control range lies between 0 dB up to 100 dB.

The DUCKER switch changes the operation from the Expander to the Ducker and the control signal is inverted. When the key signal exceeds the threshold, the gain of the Ducker is now decreased and the output is returned to unity gain when the key signal falls below the threshold.

The arrangement of the LEDs in this application is called “traffic lights” and indicates the operating status of the unit. The BELOW LED (red) indicates that the key signal is below threshold. The HOLD LED (yellow) indicates that the hold circuit is active. The ABOVE LED (green) indicates that the key signal is above threshold.

The 8-stage GAIN REDUCTION meter informs you of the actual gain reduction and displays this in a range of 0 to 40 dB.

1. INTRODUCTION

+ 18 hidden pages