COMPOSER PRO MDX2200
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Welcome to the team of COMPOSER PRO users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in
BEHRINGER products by purchasing this unit.
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: making an outstanding device
better still. The COMPOSER has for quite a long time been a standard tool used by numerous studios and
PA rental companies. The task to improve one of our best-selling products 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
family. 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 COMPOSER PRO” has made it all possible. Everybody
has made very personal contributions, starting from the designers of the unit via the many staff members in my
company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.
My friends, it’s been worth the trouble!
Thank you very much,
Uli Behringer
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COMPOSER PRO MDX2200
COMPOSER® PRO
Interactive 2-channel expander/gate/compressor/limiter of the reference class
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IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) compressor concept combines the advantages of “hard knee” and “soft
knee” characteristics
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Attack and release times controllable automatically or manually
Switchable high-pass filter in control signal path avoids low-frequency signals from dominating compressor
action
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Compression characteristics switchable between IKA and “hard knee” characteristics
IRC circuit in expander/gate allows for “inaudible” elimination of disturbing noise signals
IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiter combines clipper with program limiter circuits
Extremely low-noise operational amplifiers and high-grade VCA’s
High-quality detent potentiometers and backlit switches
Stereo couple function selectable with real totaling of RMS output
Accurate 12-digit LED meters for input level, output level and gain reduction
Traffic-light function for easy threshold setting
Switchable side chain input with side chain monitor function
Operating level switchable from +4 dBu to -10 dBV
Servo-balanced inputs and outputs featuring 6.3 mm TRS and XLR connectors
High-grade output transformer BEHRINGER OT-1 can be retrofitted
Relay-controlled hard-bypass switch with auto-bypass function (failsafe relay)
Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system
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COMPOSER PRO MDX2200
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................7
1.1 Before you begin ............................................................................................................................. 8
1.2 Design concept ............................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.1 High quality components and design..................................................................................... 8
1.2.2 Failsafe relays ...................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.3 Balanced inputs and outputs................................................................................................. 8
1.2.4 Transformer balanced outputs (optional) ................................................................................ 9
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS .........................................................................................................9
2.1 Expander/gate section .................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Compressor section ...................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Peak limiter section .......................................................................................................................11
2.4 Rear panel control elements of the COMPOSER PRO .................................................................. 12
3. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................12
3.1 Noise as a physical phenomenon.................................................................................................. 12
3.2 What are audio dynamics? ........................................................................................................... 13
3.3 Compressors/limiters .................................................................................................................... 14
3.4 Expanders/noise-gates ................................................................................................................. 14
4. APPLICATIONS .....................................................................................................................15
4.1 Compression/levelling/limiting/clipping ........................................................................................... 15
4.2 Expander/gate section .................................................................................................................. 16
4.2.1 Controlling leakage in the studio ......................................................................................... 17
4.2.2 Initial settings for the expander/gate section ....................................................................... 17
4.2.3 Reducing leakage in stage mics ......................................................................................... 18
4.2.4 Reducing feedback in stage mics ....................................................................................... 18
4.2.5 Noise reduction on effects paths ......................................................................................... 18
4.2.6 Creative use of the expander/gate section ........................................................................... 18
4.3 Compressor section ...................................................................................................................... 18
4.3.1 Initial settings for the compressor section ........................................................................... 19
4.3.2 The COMPOSER PRO as a sound effects unit ................................................................... 20
4.3.3 The “muffling” effect of a compressor ................................................................................... 20
4.4 Peak limiter section ...................................................................................................................... 20
4.4.1 Initial settings for the peak limiter section ........................................................................... 21
5. SPECIALAPPLICATIONS.....................................................................................................21
5.1 Using the COMPOSER PRO for recording and cassette duplication ............................................. 21
5.1.1 The COMPOSER PRO in digital recording and sampling .................................................... 22
5.1.2 The COMPOSER PRO in mastering ................................................................................... 22
5.2 The COMPOSER PRO as a protective device ............................................................................... 22
5.2.1 Protection of a system with a passive crossover ................................................................. 23
5.2.2 Protection of a system with an active crossover .................................................................. 23
5.2.3 Improving the sound of a processor system ........................................................................ 23
5.3 The COMPOSER PRO in broadcast ............................................................................................. 23
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COMPOSER PRO MDX2200
6. EXTERNAL SIDE CHAIN APPLICATIONS...........................................................................24
6.1 The side chain function ................................................................................................................. 24
6.2 Using an equalizer in the side chain path ..................................................................................... 24
6.2.1 The COMPOSER PRO as a “de-esser” ............................................................................... 24
6.2.2 Frequency-selective filtering of unwanted signals ................................................................ 25
6.2.3 Suppressing instruments during recording........................................................................... 25
6.2.4 Emphasizing musical instruments during recording............................................................. 25
6.3 Anticipated compression............................................................................................................... 25
6.4 “Voice-over” compression (“ducking”) ............................................................................................. 26
6.5 Triggering additional sounds from a rhythm track........................................................................... 26
7. INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................................26
7.1 Rack mounting.............................................................................................................................. 26
7.2 Audio connections ........................................................................................................................ 26
7.3 Selecting the operating level.......................................................................................................... 27
8. SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................28
9. WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................30
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COMPOSER PRO MDX2200
1. INTRODUCTION
In purchasing the new COMPOSER PRO MDX 2200, you have acquired an extremely efficient and universal
dynamics processor, which combines the most commonly used dynamic functions within a compact stereo
unit: every channel has its own independent compressor/limiter, an expander/gate and a peak limiter. The
precision and flexibility of the functions are the main outstanding features of this high end unit.
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 side-chain path, gives the user
unsurpassed creative flexibility when processing sound.
Advanced BEHRINGER technology
Compared to its predecessors, the COMPOSER PRO offers several advanced features such as the extended
LED meters for ease of operation when setting the threshold, the adjustable expansion ratio in the expander/
gate section and the side chain filter. Additionally, we have succeeded in refining the audio properties as well
as the circuit topology.
For the first time, the COMPOSER PRO MDX 2200 uses SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These
sub-miniature components known from aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density, plus
improve the unit’s reliability.
IKA (Interactive Knee Adaption) compressor
Our proven IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) circuit successfully combines the concept of a “hard knee”
compressor with the characteristics of a “soft knee” approach. This program-dependent regulation scheme
forms the prerequisite both for “inaudible” and musical program compression and for creative and highly
effective dynamics processing.
With its IKA circuit the COMPOSER PRO is capable of delivering outstanding musical results both in studio
and live PA applications.
Additionally, the COMPOSER PRO’s side-chain filter allows for limiting the influence low-frequency signal
portions usually have on the control logic, so that the compression ratio is mainly determined by those
frequencies that are essential to the loudness perceived by the listener—the midrange frequencies.
IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander
A basic problem in the use of a compressor is the fact that the noise floor is highly amplified during quiet
sections or when there are music pauses. This effect is exaggerated when the compression ratio is inappropri-
ate. In order to eliminate this problem, one would normally use an additional expander or gate. The noise is
then simply faded out in the quiet sections. 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 COMPOSER PRO the
ratio of which, is automatically adjusted, depending on the program 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. Because of its new IRC circuit design, the BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO expander/
gate section can be used as an independent unit to eradicate noise offering almost limitless possibilities within
this application.
IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiter
A further remarkable feature of the BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO is the IGC (Interactive Gain Control)
limiter, an intelligent combination of a clipper and a program limiter. Above an adjustable threshold the peak
limiter begins to function and restricts signal peaks radically (clipper). If however, the threshold of the limiter
was surpassed for more than a few milliseconds, the IGC circuit automatically kicks in and reduces the level
of the overall output signal so that no audible distortion occurs (program limiter). After the level falls below the
threshold, the signal returns to the original value after a period of about 1 second. This IGC circuit proves to be
extremely valuable as much for live work (loudspeaker protection) as for digital situations, where any extreme
signal peaks would exceed the maximum headroom and therefore would cause severe problems. The following
instructions should initially familiarize you with the special terms used, so that you can get to know all the
functions of the unit. After you have read the instructions carefully, please put them away safely, so that you
can refer to them again if necessary.
1. INTRODUCTION
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COMPOSER PRO MDX2200
1.1 Before you begin
The BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO MDX2200 was carefully packed in the factory, in order to ensure safe
transport. Nevertheless, should the box show signs of damage please check the equipment itself immediately
for any signs of external damage.
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If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, 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.
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and please do not place the COMPOSER PRO
on high-temperature devices such as power amplifiers, etc. to avoid overheating.
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Before connecting the COMPOSER PRO to the mains, please carefully check that your
equipment is set to the correct supply voltage!
The fuse holder on the female mains connector has 3 triangular markings. Two of these triangles are opposite
each other. The MDX2200 is set to the operating voltage shown next to these markings. It can be set to another
voltage by turning the fuse holder through 180°. CAUTION: this does not apply to export models, which
were designed e.g. only for a mains voltage of 115 V!
Connection to the mains is made by means of a mains cable with an IEC receptacle which complies with the
appropriate safety regulations.
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Please note that all units must be grounded properly. For your own safety, you should never
remove any ground connectors from electrical devices or power cords or render them in-
operative.
1.2 Design concept
1.2.1 High quality components and design
The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and employs the
best choice of components. The operational amplifiers NJM4580 which are used in the COMPOSER PRO, are
exceptional. They boast extreme linearity and very low distortion characteristics. The most important aspect of
the COMPOSER PRO design is a radical VCA implementation which results in outstanding technical
specification and excellent performance. To complement this design the choice of components includes high
tolerance resistors and capacitors, detent potentiometers, gold plated relay contacts and several other
stringently selected elements.
For the first time, the COMPOSER PRO MDX 2200 uses SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These
sub-miniature components known from aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density, plus the
unit’s reliability could be improved. Additionally, the unit is manufactured in compliance with a ISO9000
certified management system.
1.2.2 Failsafe relays
Failsafe relays have been incorporated into the design of the BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO, which
automatically and silently bypass the unit in the event of power supply disconnection or failure. These relays
are also active at switch-on to isolate the COMPOSER PRO until the power rails have settled, thus preventing
the possibility of a potentially damaging switch-on thump.
1.2.3 Balanced inputs and outputs
As standard, the BEHRINGER COMPOSER PRO 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 signals (correction
6 dB).
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1. INTRODUCTION
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