INPUT
OUTPUT
User Manual
TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200
Audiophile Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with
Preamp Modeling Technology
3
TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
The apparatus shall not be
Important Safety
Instructions
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.
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.
This symbol, wherever
it appears, alerts you
to important operating
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
and maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Please read
the manual.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus
near water.
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.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation
openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
Caution
To reduce the risk of fire or
◊
electric shock, do not expose this
appliance to rain and moisture.
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TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 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. If the
provided plug does not fit 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.
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 qualified
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.
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
specified by the manufacturer.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
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).
14. Use only with
the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or
ALL TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY
OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
MUSIC GROUP ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY
FOR ANY LOSS WHICH MAY BE
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving the cart/
SUFFERED BY ANY PERSON WHO RELIES
5
TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
LIMITED WARRANTY
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
§ 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 BEHRINGER’s website
behringer.com under“Where to Buy”,
or you can contact the MUSIC Group office
closest to you.
SOLD THROUGH AUTHORIZED
FULLFILLERS AND RESELLERS ONLY.
FULLFILLERS AND RESELLERS ARE
NOT AGENTS OF MUSIC GROUP AND
HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO AUTHORITY
TO BIND MUSIC GROUP 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
(2) MUSIC Group* 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 specified
warranty period and that defect is not
excluded under § 4, MUSIC Group shall,
at its discretion, either replace or repair
the product using suitable new or
ANY PURPOSE, WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
MUSIC GROUP IP LTD.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© 2012 MUSIC GROUP IP Ltd.
Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay,
P.O. Box 146, Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands
reconditioned product or parts. In case
MUSIC Group decides to replace the
entire product, this limited warranty shall
apply to the replacement product for the
remaining initial warranty period, i.e.,
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TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
one (1) year (or otherwise applicable
minimum warranty period) from the date
of purchase of the original product.
MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller not
be located in your vicinity, you may
contact the MUSIC Group Authorized
Fulfiller for your country listed under
“Support”at behringer.com. If your
country is not listed, please check if
your problem can be dealt with by our
“Online Support”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. After verifying the product’s
warranty eligibility with the original
sales receipt, MUSIC Group will then
issue a Return Materials Authorization
(“RMA”) number.
(3) Upon validation of the warranty
claim, the repaired or replacement
product will be returned to the user
freight prepaid by MUSIC Group.
(4) Warranty claims other than those
indicated above are expressly excluded.
PLEASE RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT. IT IS
YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE COVERING
YOUR LIMITED WARRANTY. THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT SUCH
PROOF OF PURCHASE.
§ 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. Registering your purchase and
equipment with us helps us process your
repair claims quicker and more efficiently.
Thank you for your cooperation!
(2) Subsequently, the product must be
returned in its original shipping carton,
together with the return authorization
number to the address indicated by
MUSIC Group.
(3) Shipments without freight prepaid
will not be accepted.
§ 3 Return materials
authorization
(1) To obtain warranty service, please
contact the retailer from whom the
equipment was purchased. Should your
§ 4 Warranty Exclusions
(1) This limited warranty does not
cover consumable parts including,
but not limited to, fuses and batteries.
Where applicable, MUSIC Group warrants
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TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
the valves or meters contained in the
(4) This limited warranty is invalid if the
product to be free from defects in material factory-applied serial number has been
and workmanship for a period of ninety
(90) days from date of purchase.
altered or removed from the product.
(5) Free inspections and maintenance/
(2) This limited warranty does not cover repair work are expressly excluded from
the product if it has been electronically or
mechanically modified in any way. If the
product needs to be modified or adapted
in order to comply with applicable
this limited warranty, in particular, if
caused by improper handling of the
product by the user. This also applies
to defects caused by normal wear and
technical or safety standards on a national tear, in particular, of faders, crossfaders,
or local level, in any country which is not
the country for which the product was
originally developed and manufactured,
this modification/adaptation shall not
be considered a defect in materials or
workmanship. This limited warranty
does not cover any such modification/
adaptation, regardless of whether it
was carried out properly or not. Under
the terms of this limited warranty,
MUSIC Group shall not be held responsible
for any cost resulting from such a
potentiometers, keys/buttons, guitar
strings, illuminants and 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;
modification/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 limited warranty.
damage/defects caused by acts of
God/Nature (accident, fire, flood,
etc) or any other condition that is
beyond the control of MUSIC Group.
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TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
(7) Any repair or opening of the
unit carried out by unauthorized
personnel (user included) will void the
limited warranty.
§ 5 Warranty transferability
This limited warranty is extended
exclusively to the original buyer
(customer of authorized reseller) and is
not transferable to anyone who may
subsequently purchase this product.
No other person (reseller, etc.) shall be
entitled to give any warranty promise on
behalf of MUSIC Group.
(8) If an inspection of the product by
MUSIC Group shows that the defect in
question is not covered by the limited
warranty, the inspection costs are payable
by the customer.
(9) Products which do not meet the
terms of this limited warranty will
§ 6 Claim for damage
Subject only to the operation of
mandatory applicable local laws,
MUSIC Group 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 MUSIC Group under this limited
warranty exceed the invoiced value of
the product.
be repaired exclusively at the buyer’s
expense. MUSIC Group 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 notification, MUSIC Group
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.
§ 7 Limitation of liability
(10) MUSIC Group Authorized Resellers
do not sell new products directly in online
auctions. Purchases made through an
online auction are on a“buyer beware”
basis. Online auction confirmations
or sales receipts are not accepted for
warranty verification and MUSIC Group
will not repair or replace any product
purchased through an online auction.
This limited warranty is the complete
and exclusive warranty between you
and MUSIC Group. It supersedes all other
written or oral communications related
to this product. MUSIC Group provides no
other warranties for this product.
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TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
§ 8 Other warranty rights
and national law
(1) This limited warranty does not
exclude or limit the buyer’s 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 seller’s 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
MUSIC Group’s limited warranty,
please see complete details online at
behringer.com.
* MUSIC Group Macao Commercial Offshore
Limited of Rue de Pequim No. 202-A,
Macau Finance Centre 9/J, Macau, including all
MUSIC Group companies
10 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
1. Introduction
With the MIC200, you have purchased an extremely musical mic preamp that is
equipped with a 12AX7 vacuum tube. Thanks to BEHRINGER’s preamp modeling,
its main advantages are the number of preamp settings you can select. Additionally,
features like an integrated limiter, phase reverse function, phantom power supply,
highly accurate LED meter, switchable pad function and low cut filter make the
MIC200 a very powerful piece of equipment.
1.1 The design concept
The heart of the TUBE ULTRAGAIN 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
amplifiers 4580 and a sophisticated circuit topology, the TUBE ULTRAGAIN yields
excellent noise and distortion properties. The innovative UTC circuitry that has
been developed by our engineering team offers 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
don’t cut through. Thanks to the TUBE ULTRAGAIN, 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 MIC200 User Manual
1.2 Online registration
Please register your new BEHRINGER equipment right after your purchase by visiting
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!
12 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
2. Control Elements
INPUT
OUTPUT
(1) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7) (3) (8)
(9)
Fig. 2.1: User interface of the MIC200
13 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
2.1 User interface
(1) The GAIN control allows you to control the gain from +26 to +60 dB to
the input signal. This control should be set all theway to the left when (dis)
connecting a sound source from the MIC200. When all connections are made,
slowly start raising the gain control.
(2) 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 lights up
permanently. It should light up only at peak signals, but it should never be on
all the time.
(3) If your MIC200 is connected to the mains via the enclosed power supply unit,
the POWER LED lights up to indicate that your MIC200 is running.
(4) The 20 dB PAD switch reduces the input sensitivity by 20 dB (switch pressed).
The appropriate setting depends on the equipment connected. Generally
speaking, lowering the signal level in mic applications is not recommended.
No matter what your application is, the clip LED warns you to reduce the gain
setting to avoid distortion.
(5) This +48 V switch activates the phantom power supply for the XLR input.
Phantom power supply is required for operating condenser microphones.
Dynamic microphones require no phantom power.
(6) Press the LOW CUT switch to eliminate undesired subsonic noise, such as
floor rumble.
(7) 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 specific
frequency bands.
14 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
(8) The OUTPUT control governs the output level within a range from
-∞ to +10 dB. If the control is turned all the way to the left, there is no
output signal at all. The more the control is turned to the right, the higher the
output level.
(9) The PREAMP MODE rotary switch gives you a wide selection of
preamp presets. The options available are: WARM, WARM/LIMITER,
LIMITER and NEUTRAL:
WARM (moving clockwise, starting at 9 o’clock):
These settings make sense if you wish to add that typical warmth associated with
analog signals.
•
•
•
•
KEYB: For electronic keyboard instruments of all types
E-GTR: Electric guitar
VOCAL: Speech and vocals
VALVE: Warm, analog tube sound
WARM + LIMITER (moving clockwise, starting at 12 o’clock):
Use these settings when working with high volumes or with sounds with frequent
signal peaks, and if directly recording an instrument with a mic (e. g. drums) to insert
additional warmth.
•
•
•
•
MULTI: Various applications
VOCAL: Speech and vocals
A-GTR: Acoustic guitar
PIANO: Piano/grand piano
15 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
LIMITER (moving clockwise, starting at 3 o’clock):
Select these settings if you wish to use the limiter function without adding
tube warmth.
•
•
•
•
BASS: Bass guitar
A-GTR: Acoustic guitar
PERC: Percussion and drums
LIMIT: Neutral limiter setting
NEUTRAL (moving clockwise, starting at 6 o’clock):
These settings are ideal for neutral and natural sound reproduction without limiter
and without tube sound.
•
•
•
•
NEUTRAL: Neutral sound setting
VOCAL: Optimized setting for speech and vocals
GUITAR: Optimized setting for guitars and guitar amps
BASS: Optimized setting for electric bass guitar
◊
Since presets cannot cover all possible applications, experiment with
different settings until you find those that work best for you. Think of
presets as the starting points for your sound configuration.
16 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
2.2 Rear panel
(12)
(11)
(10)
Fig. 2.2: The rear panel of your MIC200
(10) The balanced ¼" TRS INPUT of your MIC200 can be used to connect your
electric guitar, for example. This input is wired parallelly to the XLR input.
Ideally, the balanced XLR INPUT should be used to connecta microphone.
◊
In contrast to its outputs, the MIC200’s inputs should never be
used simultaneously!
(11) This is the balanced XLR OUTPUT of your MIC200. Use this connector to feed the
XLR input of your mixing console, multitrack recorder or power amp.
The balanced ¼" TRS OUTPUT of your MIC200 can also be connected to a mixer,
recording system or power amp.
(12) Use the POWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR to hook up the enclosed power supply
unit. Next to this connector you’ll find the strain relief clamp, which prevents
accidental release of the power supply.
The device’s SERIAL NUMBER is found on the bottom side of the unit.
17 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
3. Wiring Examples
You’ll be surprised how flexibly you can set up your MIC200. The following chapter
describes some typical wiring examples.
3.1 Enhancing vocals and instruments in
live applications
Here, the MIC200 is wired before the mixer’s channel input. Thus, the sound gains
in warmth and transparency. Thanks to the limiter setting for vocals (VOCAL),
distortion is eliminated effectively.
XLR-input
XLR-output
Microphone input
INPUT
OUTPUT
Fig. 3.1: Standard live application
18 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
3.2 “Direct to Disk” application in studio or
homerecording environments
If you are looking for a device that considerably enhances the sound of your digital
workstation, this is where the MIC200 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 MIC200.
XLR input
¼" TRS output
INPUT
OUTPUT
Fig. 3.2: Connection of the MIC200 and the soundcard of your PC
19 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
3.3 The MIC200 as DI-box
Your MIC200 is excellently suited for this application. For example, you can connect
an unbalanced acoustic guitar signal to the MIC200 to prevent hum or interference
noise. What you get is a balanced, noise-free signal.
¼" TRS output
¼" TRS
input
Insert
XLR output
INPUT
OUTPUT
Microphone input
Fig. 3.3: The MIC200 as DI-box
20 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
4. Audio Connectors
Fig. 4.1: XLR connectors
Fig. 4.2: ¼" TS connector
21 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
Fig. 4.3: ¼" TRS connector
22 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
5. Specifications
Audio Inputs
XLR Input
Connector
balanced / unbalanced
Type
transformerless, DC-decoupled input
approx. 2 kΩ
Impedance
Max. input level
¼" TRS Input
+7 dBu / -20 dB with pad
Connector
balanced / unbalanced
transformerless, DC-decoupled input
approx. 1 MΩ
Type
Impedance
Max. input level
E.I.N.1 (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
@ 0 Ω source resistance
@ 150 Ω source resistance
@ 600 Ω source resistance
+16 dBu / -20 dB with pad
-125.5 dBu / -128.5 dBu A-weighted
-124 dBu / -126.8 dBu A-weighted
-120 dBu / -122.7 dBu A-weighted
Audio Outputs
Connectors
Type
XLR connector + ¼" TRS jack balanced / unbalanced
transformerless, DC-decoupled output
approx. 700 Ω balanced, approx. 350 Ω unbalanced
approx. +26 dBu @ 100 kΩ
Impedance
Max. output level
23 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
System Data
Signal-to-noise ratio
Frequency Response
Mic input
90 dB A-weighted @ -28 dBu input level
<10 Hz to 47 kHz ( 3 dB)
<10 Hz to 55 kHz ( 3 dB)
Line input
Function Controls
GAIN
variable (+26 dB to +60 dB)
variable (-∞ to +10 dB)
OUTPUT
Preamp mode control
selection of various preamp settings for microphone
and instruments
Function Switches
20 dB PAD
+48 V
level attenuation (20 dB)
activates the phantom power
High pass filter (cut-off frequency 90 Hz)
Phase reverse (180°)
LOW CUT
PHASE REVERSE
Indicators
Input Level
8-segment LED meter:
-24, -18, -12, -6, 0, +6, +12, Clip
Power LED
indicates operation
24 TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC200 User Manual
Power Supply
Mains Voltage
USA/Canada
Europe/U.K./Australia
China
120 V~, 60 Hz
230 V~, 50 Hz
220 V~, 50 Hz
Korea
220 V~, 60 Hz
Japan
100 V~, 50 / 60 Hz
external power supply 9 V~ / 1300 mA
Mains connector
Physical / Weight
Dimensions (H x W x D)
approx. 2.5 x 5.3 x 5.3" / 64 x 135 x 135 mm
Weight (without power supply) approx. 1.0 kg
1 Equivalent Input Noise
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.
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