User Manual

TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100

Audiophile Vacuum Tube Preamplifer with Limiter
2 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
Table of Contents
Thank you ............................................................................................ 2
Important Safety Instructions ........................................................... 3
Legal Disclaimer .................................................................................. 4
Limited Warranty ................................................................................ 5
1. Introduction .................................................................................. 10
1.1 The design concept .................................................................................... 10
1.2 Online registration ..................................................................................... 11
2. Control Elements .......................................................................... 12
2.1 Connections (Side Panel) ......................................................................... 12
2.2 User interface ............................................................................................... 13
3. Wiring Examples .......................................................................... 15
3.1 Enhancing vocals and instruments in liveapplications ............... 15
3.2 Direct to Disk application in studio or
home recording environments ..................................................................... 16
3.3 The MIC100 as DI-box ............................................................................... 17
4. Audio Connectors ........................................................................ 18
5. Specifcations ............................................................................... 20
Thank you
Thank you for the confdence you have placed in us by purchasing the MIC100.
Your MIC100 is a professional mic preamp that can be used in a variety of
applications. Due to its incredible functionality and the broad range of connection
options, the MIC100 ensures outstanding performance. You will soon appreciate the
MIC100s fexibility, be it live on stage or in the home/professional recording studio.
3 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
This symbol, wherever
it appears, alertsyou
to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure-voltage that may be suf cient
to constitute a risk ofshock.
This symbol, wherever
it appears, alertsyou
to important operating
and maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Please read
the manual.
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.
Caution
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
liquids and no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus.
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.
Repairs have to be performed by
qualified service personnel.
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
manufacturersinstructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
or other apparatus (including amplifers)
that produce heat.
Important Safety
Instructions
4 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
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. Ifthe
provided plug does not ft into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
10. Place the power cord so that it is
protected from being walked on and
sharp edges. Be sure that the power
cord is protected particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles and the point
where it exits from the apparatus.
11. The apparatus shall be connected to
a MAINS socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection.
12. Where the MAINS plug or an
appliance coupler is used as the
disconnect device, the disconnect device
shall remain readily operable.
13. Only use attachments/accessories
specifed by the manufacturer.
14. Use only with
the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specifed
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.
15. Unplug this apparatus during
lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
16. Refer all servicing to qualifed
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.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND
APPEARANCES ARE SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND
ACCURACY IS NOT GUARANTEED.
BEHRINGER IS PART OF THE MUSIC
GROUP (MUSIC-GROUP.COM).
ALLTRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY
OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
MUSICGROUP ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY
FOR ANY LOSS WHICH MAY BE
SUFFERED BY ANY PERSON WHO RELIES
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
5 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
EITHER WHOLLY OR IN PART UPON
ANY DESCRIPTION, PHOTOGRAPH
OR STATEMENT CONTAINED HEREIN.
COLORS AND SPECIFICATIONS MAY
VARY FROM ACTUAL PRODUCT.
MUSIC GROUP PRODUCTS ARE
SOLD THROUGH AUTHORIZED
FULLFILLERS AND RESELLERS ONLY.
FULLFILLERSAND RESELLERS ARE
NOT AGENTS OF MUSICGROUP AND
HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO AUTHORITY
TO BIND MUSICGROUP BY ANY
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED UNDERTAKING
OR REPRESENTATION. THIS MANUAL
IS COPYRIGHTED. NO PART OF THIS
MANUAL MAY BE REPRODUCED OR
TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY
MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL,
INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING AND
RECORDING OF ANY KIND, FOR
ANY PURPOSE, WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
MUSICGROUPIPLTD.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
2012 MUSICGROUPIPLtd.
Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay,
P.O. Box 146, Road Town, Tortola,
BritishVirgin Islands
1 Warranty
(1) This limited warranty is valid only if
you purchased the product from a MUSIC
Group Authorized Reseller in the country
of purchase. A list of authorized resellers
can be found on BEHRINGERs website
behringer. com under Where to Buy,
or you can contact the MUSIC Group of ce
closest to you.
(2) MUSICGroup* warrants the
mechanical and electronic components
of this product to be free of defects in
material and workmanship if used under
normal operating conditions for a period
of one (1) year from the original date
of purchase (see the Limited Warranty
terms in 4 below), unless a longer
minimum warranty period is mandated
by applicable local laws. If the product
shows any defects within the specifed
warranty period and that defect is not
excluded under 4, MUSICGroup shall,
at its discretion, either replace or repair
the product using suitable new or
reconditioned product or parts. Incase
MUSICGroup decides to replace the
entire product, thislimited warranty shall
apply to the replacement product for the
remaining initial warranty period, i.e.,
LIMITED WARRANTY
6 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
one (1) year (or otherwise applicable
minimum warranty period) from the date
of purchase of the original product.
(3) Upon validation of the warranty
claim, the repaired or replacement
product will be returned to the user
freight prepaid by MUSICGroup.
(4) Warranty claims other than those
indicated above are expressly excluded.
PLEASE RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT. ITIS
YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE COVERING
YOUR LIMITED WARRANTY. THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT SUCH
PROOF OFPURCHASE.
2 Online registration
Please do remember to register your
new BEHRINGER equipment right after
your purchase at behringer. com under
Support and kindly read the terms
and conditions of our limited warranty
carefully. Registeringyour purchase and
equipment with us helps us process your
repair claims quicker and more ef ciently.
Thankyouforyour cooperation!
3 Return materials
authorization
(1) To obtain warranty service, please
contact the retailer from whom the
equipment was purchased. Should your
MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller not
be located in your vicinity, you may
contact the MUSICGroup Authorized
Fulfller for your country listed under
Support at behringer. com. Ifyour
country is not listed, please check if
your problem can be dealt with by our
OnlineSupport which may also be
found under Support at behringer. com.
Alternatively,please submit an online
warranty claim at behringer. com BEFORE
returning the product. All inquiries must
be accompanied by a description of the
problem and the serial number of the
product. Afterverifying the products
warranty eligibility with the original
sales receipt, MUSICGroup will then
issue a ReturnMaterials Authorization
(RMA)number.
(2) Subsequently, the product must be
returned in its original shipping carton,
together with the return authorization
number to the address indicated by
MUSICGroup.
(3) Shipments without freight prepaid
will not beaccepted.
4 Warranty Exclusions
(1) This limited warranty does not
cover consumable parts including,
but not limited to, fuses and batteries.
Where applicable, MUSICGroup warrants
7 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
the valves or meters contained in the
product to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for a period of ninety
(90) days from date of purchase.
(2) This limited warranty does not cover
the product if it has been electronically or
mechanically modifed in any way. If the
product needs to be modifed or adapted
in order to comply with applicable
technical or safety standards on a national
or local level, inany country which is not
the country for which the product was
originally developed and manufactured,
thismodifcation/adaptation shall not
be considered a defect in materials or
workmanship. Thislimited warranty
does not cover any such modifcation/
adaptation, regardless of whether it
was carried out properly or not. Under
the terms of this limited warranty,
MUSICGroup shall not be held responsible
for any cost resulting from such a
modifcation/adaptation.
(3) This limited warranty covers only
the product hardware. It does not cover
technical assistance for hardware or
software usage and it does not cover
any software products whether or not
contained in the product. Any such
software is provided AS IS unless
expressly provided for in any enclosed
software limitedwarranty.
(4) This limited warranty is invalid if the
factory- appliedserial number has been
altered or removed from theproduct.
(5) Free inspections and maintenance/
repair work are expressly excluded from
this limited warranty, inparticular, if
caused by improper handling of the
product by the user. This also applies
to defects caused by normal wear and
tear, in particular, of faders, crossfaders,
potentiometers, keys/buttons, guitar
strings, illuminantsand similar parts.
(6) Damage/defects caused by the
following conditions are not covered by
this limited warranty:
improper handling, neglect or
failure to operate the unit in
compliance with the instructions
given in BEHRINGER user or service
manuals;
connection or operation of the
unit in any way that does not
comply with the technical or
safety regulations applicable in the
country where the product is used;
damage/defects caused by acts of
God/Nature (accident, fre, food,
etc) or any other condition that is
beyond the control of MUSICGroup.
8 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
(7) Any repair or opening of the
unit carried out by unauthorized
personnel (user included) will void the
limitedwarranty.
(8) If an inspection of the product by
MUSICGroup shows that the defect in
question is not covered by the limited
warranty, the inspection costs are payable
by thecustomer.
(9) Products which do not meet the
terms of this limited warranty will
be repaired exclusively at the buyers
expense. MUSICGroup or its authorized
service center will inform the buyer of
any such circumstance. If the buyer fails
to submit a written repair order within
6 weeks after notifcation, MUSICGroup
will return the unit C.O.D. with a separate
invoice for freight and packing. Such costs
will also be invoiced separately when the
buyer has sent in a written repair order.
(10) MUSIC Group Authorized Resellers
do not sell new products directly in online
auctions. Purchasesmade through an
online auction are on a buyer beware
basis. Online auction confrmations
or sales receipts are not accepted for
warranty verifcation and MUSICGroup
will not repair or replace any product
purchased through an online auction.
5 Warranty transferability
This limited warranty is extended
exclusively to the original buyer
(customer of authorized reseller) andis
not transferable to anyone who may
subsequently purchase this product.
No other person (reseller,etc.) shallbe
entitled to give any warranty promise on
behalf of MUSICGroup.
6 Claim for damage
Subject only to the operation of
mandatory applicable local laws,
MUSICGroup shall have no liability to
the buyer under this warranty for any
consequential or indirect loss or damage
of any kind. In no event shall the liability
of MUSICGroup under this limited
warranty exceed the invoiced value of
the product.
7 Limitation of liability
This limited warranty is the complete
and exclusive warranty between you
and MUSICGroup. It supersedes all other
written or oral communications related
to this product. MUSICGroup provides no
other warranties for this product.
9 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
8 Other warranty rights
and nationallaw
(1) This limited warranty does not
exclude or limit the buyers statutory
rights as a consumer in any way.
(2) The limited warranty regulations
mentioned herein are applicable unless
they constitute an infringement of
applicable mandatory local laws.
(3) This warranty does not detract from
the sellers obligations in regard to any
lack of conformity of the product and any
hidden defect.
9 Amendment
Warranty service conditions are subject
to change without notice. For the
latest warranty terms and conditions
and additional information regarding
MUSICGroups limited warranty,
please see complete details online at
behringer. com.
* MUSICGroup Macao Commercial Ofshore
Limited of RuedePequim No. 202-A,
Macau Finance Centre 9/J, Macau, including all
MUSICGroup companies
10 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
1. Introduction
With the MIC100, you have purchased an extremely musical mic preamp that
is equipped with a 12AX7 vacuum tube. An integrated limiter, a phase reverse
function, phantom power supply, a highly accurate LED meter and a switchable pad
function complement this powerful device.
1.1 The design concept
The heart of the TUBEULTRAGAIN is an extremely low-noise microphone preamp
circuitry that uses discrete components and produces a highly trans-parent
sound. In combination with our BEHRINGER tube technology, the operational
amplifers 4580 and a sophisticated circuit topology, the TUBEULTRAGAIN yields
excellent noise and distortion properties. The innovative UTC circuitry that has
been developed by our engineering team ofers an abundance of sound-shaping
possibilities. Absolute musicality was our major goal when we designed the
TUBE ULTRAGAIN. The result is a device that, thanks to our tube circuitry, lends an
incredible punch to percussion instruments. On the other hand, instruments that
are rich in upper harmonics will receive more transparency. The sound will be warm,
detailed and brilliant.
Surely you know the recording problem that single instruments or vocals sometimes
dont cut through. Thanks to the TUBEULTRAGAIN, vocals gain in presence and
volume without masking other instruments. As a result, your voice will be perfectly
integrated in the mix.
11 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
1.2 Online registration
Please register your new BEHRINGER equipment right after your purchase by visiting
http://behringer.com and read the terms and conditions of our warranty carefully.
Should your BEHRINGER product malfunction, it is our intention to have it repaired
as quickly as possible. To arrange for warranty service, please contact the BEHRINGER
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 (http://behringer.com).
Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us process your repair claims
more quickly and efciently.
Thank you for your cooperation!

12 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
2. Control Elements
(1) (2) (5) (3) (4)
Fig. 2.1: Side panel of the MIC100
2.1 Connections (Side Panel)
(1) Use the POWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR to hook up the enclosed power supply
unit. Next to this connector youll fnd the strain relief clamp, which prevents
accidental release of the power supply.
(2) This is the balanced XLR OUTPUT of your MIC100. Use this connector to feed the
XLR input of your mixing console, multitrack recorder or power amp.
(3) The balanced " TRS OUTPUT of your MIC100 can also be connected to either
mixer, recording system or power amp.
(4) The balanced " TRS INPUT of your MIC100 can be used to connect your
electric guitar, for example. This input is wired parallelly to the XLR input.
(5) Use the balanced XLR INPUT to connect your microphone.
In contrast to its outputs, the MIC100s inputs should never be
used simultaneously!
13 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
2.2 User interface
(7) (8) (13) (12) (11) (10) (9) (6)
Fig. 2.2: User interface of the MIC100
14 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
(6) The GAIN control allows applying gain from +26 to +60 dB to the input signal.
This control should be set fully counterclockwise when (dis)connecting a sound
source to the MIC100. When all connections are made, slowly start raising gain.
(7) We recommend using the LED meter to adjust gain. The LED chain displays the
output signal level in dB. Please make sure that the clip LED never lightsup
permanently. It should light up only at peak signals, but never allthe time.
(8) If your MIC100 is connected to the mains via the enclosed power supply unit,
the POWER LED lights up to indicate that your MIC100 is running.
(9) The 20 dB PAD button reduces the input sensitivity by 20 dB. The appropriate
setting depends on the equipment connected. No matter what your application
is, the clip LED warns you to reduce the gain setting, so as to avoid distortion.
(10) This +48 V switch activates the phantom power supply for the XLR input.
Phantom power supply is required for operating condenser microphones.
(11) With the PHASE REVERSE switch, the input signal is reversed by 180.
This function is available for both mic and line signals. Use this function
in a multi-microphone setup if you detect phase cancellations in specifc
frequency bands.
(12) Use the LIMITER switch to limit the signal and to prevent distortion.
(13) The OUTPUT control governs the output level of the device within a range from
- to +10 dB. If the control is set fully counter-clockwise, there is no output
signal at all. The more the control is set clockwise, the higher the output level.
The devices SERIAL NUMBER is found on the bottom side of the unit.
15 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
3. Wiring Examples
Youll be surprised how fexibly you can set up your MIC100. The following chapter
describes some typical wiring examples.
3.1 Enhancing vocals and instruments in
liveapplications
Here, the MIC100 is wired before the mixers channel input. Thus, the sound
gains in warmth and transparency. Due to the integrated limiter, distortion is
eliminated efectively.
XLR-input XLR-output Microphone input
Fig. 3.1: Standard live application
16 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
3.2 Direct to Disk application in studio or
home recording environments
If you are looking for a device that considerably enhances the sound of your digital
workstation, this is where the MIC100 comes in. Many hard disk recorders lack a
certain liveliness. In addition, they are often equipped with lousy microphone
preamps. Such problems can be solved perfectly with the MIC100.
" TRS output XLR input
Fig. 3.2: Connection of the MIC100 and the soundcard of your PC
17 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
3.3 The MIC100 as DI-box
Your MIC100 is excellently suited for this application. For example, you can connect
an unbalanced acoustic guitar signal to the MIC100 to prevent hum or interference
noise. What you get is a balanced, noise-free signal.
" TRS
input
Insert
" TRS output
XLR output
Microphone input
Fig. 3.3: The MIC100 as DI-box
18 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
4. Audio Connectors
output
For unbalanced use,
pin 1 and pin 3
have to be bridged
1 = ground/shield
2 = hot (+ve)
3 = cold (-ve)
input
1 2
3
1 2
3
Balanced use with XLR connectors
Fig. 4.1: XLR connectors
strain relief clamp
sleeve
tip
sleeve
(ground/shield)
Unbalanced " TS connector
tip
(signal)
Fig. 4.2: " TS connector
19 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
strain relief clamp
sleeve
ring
tip
sleeve
ground/shield
For connection of balanced and unbalanced plugs,
ring and sleeve have to be bridged at the stereo plug.
Balanced " TRS connector
ring
cold (-ve)
tip
hot (+ve)
Fig. 4.3: " TRS connector
20 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
5. Specifcations
XLR Input
Connector balanced/unbalanced
Type transformerless, DC-decoupledinput
Impedance approx. 2k
Max. input level +7dBu / -20 dB with pad
" TRS Input
Connector balanced/unbalanced
Type transformerless, DC-decoupledinput
Impedance approx. 1M
Max. input level +16dBu / -20 dB with pad
Audio Outputs
Connectors XLR connector + " TRS jack
balanced/unbalanced
Type transformerless, DC-decoupledoutput
Impedance approx. 700 balanced,
approx.350 unbalanced
Max. output level approx. +26dBu @ 100k
21 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
Frequency Response
Mic input <10Hz to 43kHz (3dB)
Line input <10Hz to 40kHz (3dB)
Function Controls
GAIN variable (+26dB to +60dB)
OUTPUT variable (- to +10dB)
Function Switches
20 dB PAD level attenuation (20dB)
+48 V activates the phantom power
PHASE REVERSE Phase reverse (180)
LIMITER limits the output signal
Indicators
Input Level 8-segment LED meter:
-24, -18, -12, -6, 0, +6, +12, Clip
Power LED indicates operation
22 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 User Manual
Power Supply
Adapter PSU
Mains Voltage
USA/Canada 120V~, 60Hz
Europe/U.K./Australia 230V~, 50Hz
China 220V~, 50Hz
Korea 220V~, 60Hz
Japan 100V~, 50 / 60Hz
Physical/Weight
Dimensions (H x W x D) approx. 2.5 x 5.3 x 5.3" / 64x 135x 135mm
Weight (without power supply) approx. 2.2lbs / 1kg
BEHRINGER is constantly striving to maintain the highest professional standards. As a result of these efforts,
modifications may be made from time to time to existing products without prior notice. Specifications and appearance
may differ from those listed or illustrated.
We Hear You