User`s manual

20
seem at first, can be explained with the fact that especially low-frequency signals with high amplitudes can
overload the power supply in the amplifier(s). The resulting clipping (cutting off of signal peaks) produces
distortion (upper harmonics), which is abruptly added to the midrange/tweeter signals. For this reason,
weak power amps, in particular, must be protected by a limiter in their input dynamics.
3.3.2 Protection of a system with an active crossover
When used with a system with an electronic crossover, connect the ULTRAMIZERPRO before the crossover.
In this application, the BEHRINGER ULTRAMIZERPRO will process the entire audio frequency spectrum.
+ If you want to protect one or more separate units or in a multi-way active system you can use
a (multi)way compressor/limiter between the electronic crossover and the amplifier(s) like the
BEHRINGER MULTICOMPRO MDX4400.
3.3.3 Improving the sound of a processor system
An electronic crossover divides the total frequency spectrum in separate bands, corrects the single unitss
frequency responds and time alignment. A processor system is a PA system which contains a special active
crossover which additionally dynamic functions that monitor the system performance and optimize the output
dependend on the program material. Each band has its own limiter whose task it is to limit dangerous signal
peaks to a certain level. This process avoids overloading the subsequent power amplifier or destruction of the
loudspeaker.
In some units a loudness contour is applied where for instance the bass is boosted at low levels to extend the
range of the system at the low end. At higher level this frequency correction is abandoned in exchange for a
higher maximum sound pressure level. In many cases, this function leads more to a disturbance than to an
improvement of the sound quality.
If the ULTRAMIZERPRO is placed before the processor, the signal peaks can be eliminated before they
reach the limiters of the processing system. The sound quality therefore remains natural and free of side
effects caused by the dynamic functions of the crossover.
3.4 The ULTRAMIZERPRO in combination with a multitrack
In connection with multi-track machines the BEHRINGER ULTRAMIZER PRO can be used to prevent distor-
tion caused by saturation and to minimize tape hiss. Adjustment is fairly straight forward, maximum level is
easily determined and for the same kind of tape fixed. Limiting the audio level enables a higher nominal level of
the recording, with a dramatically improved signal-to-noise ratio.
3.5 The ULTRAMIZERPRO in broadcast
The main aim of processing sound recordings for commercial radio and television is to achieve a maximum
transmission volume.
What is volume?
Volume is defined as the relationship between the average level of program material to peak-to-peak level, in
response to amplitude and duration. The higher the average level and the time it remains at a high level, the
louder the program material will be perceived by the listener.
If you want to run your broadcast station at maximum average volume, proceed as mentioned in chapter
3.2.2. Please make sure that the maximum peak level is below the threshold of the transmitters limiter,
otherwise this could lead to very hard and audible use of the transmission limiters. Keep in mind that a heavy
increase in average volume by means of compression always leads to a loss in dynamics and an increased
perception of side effects. The moderate use of the ULTRAMIZER PRO results in higher average volumes,
free of distortion.
Due to the multiband processing, the ULTRAMIZERPRO is capable of processing entire audio signals inau-
dible to protect subsequent devices. With same or higher, subjective volume signal processing by the
ULTRAMIZERPRO is felt as a clear sound improvement, without the transmitters limiter responding. Digital
devices are well suited to handle the large dynamic range of classical music. For broadcasting however this is
not desired. Ambient noise, people talking in a restaurant, wind noise in a car etc., can drown out quiet
pieces of the music very easily. The ULTRAMIZERPRO raises these pieces in volume without falsifying
3. APPLICATIONS