Behringer CX3400 Manual - Page 4
Introduction, The Design Concept - crossover
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4 SUPER-X PRO CX3400 User Manual 1. Introduction This manual first describes the terminology used, so that you can fully understand the CX3400 and its functions. Please read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference. 1.1 Multi-way speaker systems Multi-way speaker systems can be found almost everywhere today - not only in stereo systems, cinemas, discotheques and concert halls. As "customers" become more and more demanding, even such "simple" products as TV sets have them installed. Why? With the same sound pressure level, low-frequency sound waves have a much greater amplitude than high-frequency signals. When a single loudspeaker is to produce both bass and treble frequencies, so-called intermodulation distortion will occur. Don't worry about unfamiliar terminology! Everybody knows the effect that the sound of a fire engine's siren seems to become lower in frequency, once it has passed you. So, the perceived frequency is affected by the motion of the sound source or the listener. This phenomenon is called Doppler effect (thanks to Mr. Doppler who discovered it) and can also be found in loudspeakers: as the speaker diaphragm is displaced by low frequencies, the treble frequencies seem to be raised in loudness, or lowered when the diaphragm reverses its direction. Quite similar in sound to a vibrato, it is precisely this effect that we call intermodulation distortion. As a consequence, we cannot expect a single loudspeaker to reproduce signals with the same quality over the entire audio spectrum. Therefore, 2, 3 or 4-way systems have become the standard today. Speakers that need to reproduce only a limited range of the audio spectrum can accomplish this task with much greater accuracy, i.e. they produce a more regular frequency response and dispersion pattern. To operate a speaker system that consists of several loudspeakers for the various frequency ranges, you have to provide a variety of input signals for the single speakers. For this purpose, crossover networks split up the input signal into several frequency bands. You can use passive crossovers wired between amplifier and speaker, or active systems placed before the amplifier in the signal chain. Passive crossovers are usually employed in hi-fi speaker boxes. 1.2 SUPER-X PRO: the high-end frequency crossover The BEHRINGER SUPER-X PRO CX3400 is a high-quality active crossover network that can be used for 2, 3 or even 4-way sound reinforcement systems. Whether you need to set up a system for small clubs or large halls, improve an on-stage monitoring system or enhance your studio monitors with an additional subwoofer: your SUPER-X PRO is the ideal choice for all of these applications. 2. The Design Concept 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 SUPER-X PRO, are exceptional. They boast extreme linearity and very low distortion characteristics. To complement this design the choice of components includes low-tolerance resistors and capacitors, high-quality potentiometers and several other stringently selected elements. The CX3400 uses SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These subminiature components adapted from aerospace technology allow for an extreme packing density to further improve the overall reliability. Additionally, the unit is manufactured in compliance with the ISO9000 certified management system. 2.1 Before you begin Your BEHRINGER SUPER-X PRO CX3400 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. Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and please do not place the CX3400 on high-temperature devices such as radiators etc. to avoid overheating. ◊ Before you connect your SUPER-X PRO to the mains, please make sure that your local voltage matches the voltage required by the unit! The mains connection of the CX3400 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 conductor of the unit or of the AC power cable. Further information can be found in chapter 2 "Installation". 2.2 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 efficiently. Thank you for your cooperation!