User’s Manual
Version 1.1 January 2004
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Welcome to the team of POWERPLAY PRO users and many thanks for the confidence that you have shown
in us by purchasing the HA4600. It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because after
many months of hard work our engineers have achieved a very ambitious goal: the presentation of an
outstanding piece of equipment, which thanks to its flexibility can be used both in studios and by in live sound
applications. The task of developing our new POWERPLAY PRO has meant a great deal of responsibility. As
we continued to develop it further, you—the discerning end-user and musician—were always at the forefront of
our thoughts. Meeting this responsibility also involved us in considerable effort and late-night working, but it
was fun, too. This type of development always brings together a large number of people, and it is a great feeling
when all those involved can be proud of the results of their work.
Our philosophy is that you should also share in this satisfaction. You are the most important member of our
team. With your highly competent encouragement and suggestions for new products, you have greatly
contributed to shaping our company and to making it successful. In return we guarantee you an uncompromising
level of quality (manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system), excellent technical and audio
characteristics and an extremely favorable price. All this makes it possible for you to develop your fullest
potential, without being hampered by budget constraints.
We are often asked how we manage to manufacture equipment of this quality at such unbelievably low prices.
The answer is very simple: You make it possible! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes. Large
sales volumes means we can get better purchase prices for components etc. Isn’t it only fair for us to pass this
benefit back to you? After all, we know that your success is our success, too!
I would like to thank everyone who has helped make the POWERPLAY PRO possible. All have made their own
personal contribution, beginning with the developers, through the many employees of our company and up 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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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
POWERPLAY PRO
Professional multi-purpose headphone amplifier system for stage and studio applications
s Four totally independent high-power stereo amplifiers in one rack space
s Four independent input/aux sections provide up to four stereo mixes
s Stereo aux input for each channel allows you to mix in any additional instrument or sound source
s Ultra-musical 2-band EQ per channel for effective sound adaptation
s Highest sonic quality even at maximum volume
s Output level control per channel
s Mono / stereo switch per channel for more flexibility
s Left & right mute switches per channel allow two different mixes in mono mode
s One front and two rear 1/4" TRS outputs per channel
s Accurate 8-digit LED output meter per channel
s Front panel direct input connector for easy connection of any source
s Paralleled main outputs allow cascading of several headphone amplifiers
s Servo-balanced, gold-plated XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs
s Ultra low-noise 4580 operational amplifiers for outstanding audio performance
s High-quality detented ALPS potentiometers and illuminated switches
s High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction for long life and durability
s Shielded toroidal power transformer for minimal noise interference
s Designed in Germany. Manufactured under the ISO9000 certified management system
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................5
1.1 Before you begin ............................................................................................................................. 5
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS .........................................................................................................6
2.1 The front panel control elements ..................................................................................................... 6
2.2 The rear panel controls elements .................................................................................................... 7
3. APPLICATIONS .......................................................................................................................8
3.1 Using the MAIN Inputs .................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Using theAUX IN Inputs .................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 Using the DIRECT IN input .............................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Using the MONO function ............................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Using the MUTE function ................................................................................................................ 9
3.6 Connecting several headphones .................................................................................................... 10
4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS .......................................................................................................10
5. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 11
6. WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................12
1. INTRODUCTION
In purchasing the BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO HA4600 you have acquired a headphone amplifier of the
high end-class. The equipment was developed for the most demanding uses: professional recording, radio and
TV studios, CD and digital production equipment etc. Its extensive capabilities make the POWERPLAY PRO
universally applicable. It was developed for use both as a reference unit, to assess the quality of a final mix, and
as a distribution amplifier for the comfortable addition of playbacks in studio use.
The POWERPLAY PRO has a range of switching possibilities and a sound performance, which are found in
few headphone amplifiers. Besides its extremely powerful amplifiers the HA4600 also has an ingenious
signal-source distribution system.
Improving on the well-known POWERPLAY PRO unit was a big challenge. We are proud that we have been
able to develop further the innovations we introduced in the preceding models and to have developed an even
more high-value headphone amplifier, which can meet professional expectations in every type of application.
The HA4600 includes for example bass and high-EQ in each channel, making possible an even more
individualized audio setup. An 8-segment LED display gives you exact information on the performance of each
channel and makes it possible to control the level precisely, at any time.
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This manual first describes the terminology used, so that you can fully understand the
POWERPLAY PRO and its functions. Please read the manual carefully and keep it for future
reference.
1.1 Before you begin
The POWERPLAY PRO 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.
Please also take the time to complete and return the warranty card within 14 days of the date of purchase,
otherwise you will lose the right to the extended warranty. Or simply use our online registration under
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1. INTRODUCTION
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
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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 POWERPLAY PRO
on high-temperature devices such as power amplifiers, etc. to avoid overheating.
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Before connecting the POWERPLAY 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 HA4600 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 120 V!
Connection to the mains is made by means of a mains cable with an IEC receptacle which complies with the
appropriate safety regulations.
+
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
inoperative.
WARNING!
+
It should be pointed out, that extreme output volumes may damage your ears and/or your
headphones. Turn down all LEVEL controls before you switch on the unit. Always pay
attention to an appropriate volume.
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS
The BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO has four identical channels. Each channel has three illuminated
push-button switches, four rotary controls, two jacks and eight LEDs. The common main section has one
control, one jack and five LEDs.
2.1 The front panel control elements
Fig. 2.1: The POWERPLAY PRO front panel
1
2
The DIRECT IN socket is used to apply external signal sources. Use of this input automatically cuts off
the MAIN signal applied on the rear panel.
The INPUT LEVEL control adjusts the sound level of the input signal, which is fed in via the rear panel
MAIN INPUT socket.
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1. INTRODUCTION
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
3
4
The 4-digit INPUT LEVEL display shows the input level over a range from -24 to +12 dBu. The ON LED
lights up when you switch on the HA4600.
The HEADPHONE OUT socket is connected in parallel with the output sockets on the rear panel and
provides an additional means of listening to the individual channels. This function is particularly useful
when the equipment has been permanently installed in a rack.
5
6
A further input signal can be mixed in to the MAIN or the DIRECT IN-Signal via the AUX IN-input.
The L MUTE switch mutes the left input signal.
7
The R MUTE switch mutes the right input signal.
8
The MONO switch can be used to switch each of the amplifiers from stereo to mono operation.
The BASS control can be used to increase or decrease the lower frequencies (+/-15 dB).
The TREBLE control can be used to increase or decrease the higher frequencies (+/-15 dB).
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10
11
The BALANCE control sets the ratio level between the MAIN or DIRECT IN signal and the input signal,
which was applied to the AUX input.
12
13
The OUTPUT LEVEL control is used to set the sound level of each individual amplifier. At the same time
it also controls the left and right channels.
The 8-digit OUTPUT LEVEL display monitors the output level of each individual channel over the range
from -24 to +12 dBu. If the Clip-LED lights up, please reduce the gain of the current channel, otherwise
distortion may result.
2.2 The rear panel control elements
Fig. 2.2: The POWERPLAY PRO HA4600 rear panel
14
FUSE HOLDER /VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Before connecting the equipment to the mains supply, please
check that the voltage displayed on the unit conforms with your mains voltage supply. When replacing
the fuse, make sure you use another one of the same type.
15
16
17
The mains connection is made via a standard IEC RECEPTACLE. A suitable connecting cable is
supplied with the equipment.
MAIN IN. These are the POWERPLAY PRO audio inputs. They are available both as balanced 1/4" TRS
and XLR connectors.
MAIN OUT. These are the POWERPLAY PRO audio outputs. The matching 1/4" TRS and XLR connectors
are wired in parallel.
18
19
20
21
HEADPHONE OUT 1. These are the headphone outputs of channel 1.
HEADPHONE OUT 2. These are the headphone outputs of channel 2.
HEADPHONE OUT 3. These are the headphone outputs of channel 3.
HEADPHONE OUT 4. These are the headphone outputs of channel 4.
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2. CONTROL ELEMENTS
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
3. APPLICATIONS
3.1 Using the MAIN inputs
Connect a program source to the rear panel MAIN inputs and connect the headphone cable with one of the
POWERPLAY PRO outputs. Turn the INPUT LEVEL and the BALANCE controls to their central positions. The
INPUT LEVEL control is used to increase or decrease together the volume of all the headphones which are
being controlled via the MAIN inputs. The individual OUTPUT LEVEL controls are only used to adjust the
desired channel volume.
3.2 Using the AUX IN inputs
The AUX IN inputs are basically used to mix in an additional input signal with the master signal, while the
corresponding BALANCE control adjusts the volume ratio between the two signals. The Aux function replaces
the monitor mixer which was necessary up to now, and so allows for a type of use which occurs frequently in
practice.
Suppose e.g. that a singer has to add a vocal track to an existing playback. Up till now it was usual for the
singer to listen to the playback by pressing a headphone pad against one ear, while using the other ear to
control his/her own voice. With the POWERPLAY PRO this application becomes much simpler and much
more comfortable. The playback signal is played in via the MAIN IN inputs and the pre-amplified vocal signal
added via the AUX connector. The associated BALANCE control is adjusted so that the singer hears a perfect
sound volume mix of both the playback and the vocals, with the OUTPUT LEVEL control determining the
overall volume level.
The four independent channels permit the separate recording and mixing for four musicians. Should this not be
enough, you can interface and link as many POWERPLAY PRO machines as desired using the MAIN OUT
outputs.
Fig. 3.1: Example of a playback application in a studio
In addition to the joint control of all channels via the MAIN input, each of the four amplifiers can also be used
completely independently. The AUX IN inputs are used here, together with the BALANCE controls. When the
BALANCE control is set fully counterclockwise (“AUX” position) the MAIN signal is suppressed and only the
input signals set up via the AUX IN input are fed through to the appropriate power amplifier. By using each
amplifier separately you can now play in up to four independent stereo programs. This means that you can play
in different, individual mixes for four musicians at the same time. As with a stage monitoring system you then
have the advantage of being able to play a specific configuration of instruments for each musician, giving him a
musically inspiring mix; or you can (e.g.) in a conference system set up different signal paths for the interpreters.
Create sub-groups, or set up premixes using the effects and monitor facilities of your mixing console. To do
this, turn the BALANCE control fully counterclockwise and connect the AUX inputs of the BEHRINGER
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3. APPLICATIONS
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
POWERPLAY PRO with the appropriate monitor-, subgroup or single outputs from the mixing console. Please
note that the AUX inputs are set up for stereo. To play in a stereo signal you will need a stereo jack. If you use
a mono jack it is advisable to activate the MONO switch, so as to get a signal distribution over both halves of
the headphone.
Fig. 3.2: Example of a monitor recording in stage use
3.3 Using the DIRECT IN input
The DIRECT IN socket is situated on the left side of the front panel. It is often necessary e.g. to replay a piece
of music to the musicians in the studio via a DAT recorder. This can be done simply and easily using the
DIRECT IN socket. Use of this input automatically blocks the signal set up over the MAIN IN socket.
3.4 Using the MONO function
For some monitor applications, especially in live operation, a stereo program can often sound irritating. This
negative effect becomes particularly clear if the two channels show a large channel separation, i.e. they have
different information content, linked with significantly different impressions of sound volume. The MONO switch
permits mono operation, that is, the linked operation of the left and right channels without having to use a “Y”
adaptor or a special cable.
3.5 Using the MUTE function
If the MONO switch is in the depressed position, the unit works in mono operation. Pressing one of the two
MUTE switches mutes the corresponding input signal (left or right input) and the non-muted signal can then be
heard over BOTH (left and right) headphone outputs. This routing option means that you can set up two different
programs via the left and right inputs and make just the one or the other audible as desired.
The Mute function is particularly useful if playback is to be combined with the simultaneous recording of a vocal
track. Whereas before it was necessary for a singer to hold one headphone pad away from his/her ear during
a music recording in order to hear his own voice better, with the HA4600 the playback can now be switched to
stereo mode and the unused channel switched to mute. The previous normal—and uncomfortable—practice of
moving one headphone pad away from the ear is now a thing of the past.
3.6 Connecting several headphones
All four stereo amplifiers have three headphone output sockets on both the front and rear panels. This means
that several headphones can be connected via each amplifier at the same time, provided that the minimum
connection impedance of the amplifier does not drop below 100 Ohm. Since the amplifiers are resistant to
temporary short circuits, no damage will occur if the level drops below this impedance, but it can lead to a loss
of quality in the form of distortion and reduced performance.
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3. APPLICATIONS
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS
As a standard, the BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO is equipped with electronically servo-balanced inputs
and outputs. The circuit design features automatic hum suppression for balanced signals and so ensures
trouble-free operation, even at the highest operating levels. Externally induced mains hum, etc. can therefore
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
(6-dB correction).
+
Please ensure that only qualified persons install and operate the POWERPLAY PRO. During
installation and operation the user must have sufficient electrical contact to earth.
Electrostatic charges might affect the operation of the unit.
Fig. 4.1: Connector for the headphones, AUX IN and DIRECT IN
Unbalanced use of
mono 1/4" jack plugs
Balanced use of
stereo 1/4" jack plugs
Tip =
Signal
Tip =
hot (+ve)
Ring =
cold (-ve)
Sleeve =
Ground / Shield
Sleeve =
Ground / Shield
Tip
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
Sleeve
Strain relief clamp
Strain relief clamp
For connection of balanced and
unbalanced plugs, ring and sleeve have
to be bridged at the stereo plug.
Balanced use with XLR connectors
2
1
1
2
1 = Ground / Shield
2 = hot (+ve)
3 = cold (-ve)
3
3
Input
Output
For unbalanced use pin 1 and pin 3 have to be bridged
Fig. 4.2: Different plug types
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4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
5. SPECIFICATIONS
AUDIO INPUTS
MAIN Input
Connectors
Type
Impedance
Max. input level
CMRR
XLR- and 1/4" TRS
HF-filtered, servo-balanced input
40 kΩ balanced, 20 kΩ unbalanced
+21 dBu balanced and unbalanced
typically 40 dB, >55 dB @ 1 kHz
AUX IN and DIRECT IN Input
Connectors
Type
1/4" TRS (tip = left, ring = right, sleeve = ground)
unbalanced
Impedance
Max. input level
CMRR
>15 kΩ unbalanced
+21 dBu unbalanced
typically 40 dB, >50 dB @ 1 kHz
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Connectors
Type
XLR- and 1/4" TRS
balanced / unbalanced
Impedance
Max. output level
depends on the input impedance
+21 dBu balanced and unbalanced
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency response
Noise
Distortion (THD)
10 Hz to 100 kHz, +/-3 dB
>99 dBu, unweighted, 22 Hz to 22 kHz (>95 dB @ +4 dBu)
0.005 % typ. @ +4 dBu, 1 kHz, Gain 1
POWER AMPLIFIER
Max. output power
+26 dBm
Min. output impedance
100 Ω
FUNCTION CONTROLS
Input level
variable
Balance per channel
Output level per channel
Mix between Aux and Main signals
variable
FUNCTION SWITCHES
Left mute
Right mute
Mono
mutes the left signal of the respective channel
mutes the right signal of the respective channel
switches this channel to mono
DISPLAYS
Input level
4-digit LED-display: -24/-12/0/+12 dBu
Output level
8-digit LED-display: -24/-18/-12/-6/0/+6/+12 dBu/CLIP
POWER SUPPLY
Mains voltage
USA/Canada
120 V~, 60 Hz
U.K./Australia
240 V~, 50 Hz
Europe
230 V~, 50 Hz
general export model
40 W
100 - 120 V~: T 630 mA H
200 - 240 V~: T 315 mA H
standard IEC receptacle
120 / 230 V~, 50 - 60 Hz
Power consumption
Fuses
Mains connection
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Dimensions
Weight
approx. 1 ¾" (44.5 mm) x 19" (482.6 mm) x 8 ½" (217 mm)
approx. 6 lbs. (2.7 kg)
Shipping weight
approx. 7 ¾ lbs. (3.5 kg)
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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5. SPECIFICATIONS
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
6. WARRANTY
§ 1 WARRANTY CARD/ONLINE REGISTRATION
3. Free inspections and maintenance/repair work are expressly
excluded from this warranty, in particular, 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, tubes and similar
parts.
To be protected by the extended warranty, the buyer must
complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 14 days
of the date of purchase to BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik
GmbH, in accordance with the conditions stipulated in § 3. Failure
to return the card in due time (date as per postmark) will void any
extended warranty claims. Based on the conditions herein, the
buyer may also choose to use the online registration option via
4. Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are not
covered by this warranty:
§ 2 WARRANTY
s improper handling, neglect or failure to operate the unit in
compliance with the instructions given in BEHRINGER user
or service manuals.
1. BEHRINGER (BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH
including all BEHRINGER subsidiaries listed on the enclosed page,
except BEHRINGER Japan) warrants the mechanical and
electronic components of this product to be free of defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year* from the
original date of purchase, in accordance with the warranty
regulations described below. If the product shows any defects
within the specified warranty period that are not excluded from
this warranty as described under § 4, BEHRINGER shall, at its
discretion, either replace or repair the product using suitable
new or reconditioned parts. In the case that other parts are used
which constitute an improvement, BEHRINGER may, at its
discretion, charge the customer for the additional cost of these
parts.
s 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.
s damages/defects caused by force majeure or any other
condition that is beyond the control of BEHRINGER.
5. Any repair or opening of the unit carried out by unauthorized
personnel (user included) will void the warranty.
6. If an inspection of the product by BEHRINGER shows that the
defect in question is not covered by the warranty, the inspection
costs are payable by the customer.
2. If the warranty claim proves to be justified, the product will be
returned to the user freight prepaid.
7. Products which do not meet the terms of this warranty will be
repaired exclusively at the buyer’s expense. BEHRINGER will
inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer fails to
submit a written repair order within 6 weeks after notification,
BEHRINGER 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.
3. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are expressly
excluded.
§ 3 RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER
1. To obtain warranty service, the buyer (or his authorized dealer)
must call BEHRINGER (see enclosed list) during normal business
hours BEFORE returning the product. All inquiries must be
accompanied by a description of the problem. BEHRINGER will
then issue a return authorization number.
§ 5 WARRANTY TRANSFERABILITY
This warranty is extended exclusively to the original buyer
(customer of retail dealer) and is not transferable to anyone
who may subsequently purchase this product. No other person
(retail dealer, etc.) shall be entitled to give any warranty promise
on behalf of BEHRINGER.
2. Subsequently, the product must be returned in its original
shipping carton, together with the return authorization number to
the address indicated by BEHRINGER.
§ 6 CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
3. Shipments without freight prepaid will not be accepted.
Failure of BEHRINGER to provide proper warranty service shall
not entitle the buyer to claim (consequential) damages. In no
event shall the liability of BEHRINGER exceed the invoiced value
of the product.
§ 4 WARRANTY REGULATIONS
1. Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is
accompanied by a copy of the original retail dealer’s invoice.
Any product deemed eligible for repair or replacement under the
terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced.
§ 7 OTHER WARRANTY RIGHTS AND NATIONAL LAW
1. This warranty does not exclude or limit the buyer’s statutory
rights provided by national law, in particular, any such rights
against the seller that arise from a legally effective purchase
contract.
2. If the product needs to be modified or adapted in order to
comply with applicable technical or safety standards on a national
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. The warranty does not cover any
such modification/adaptation, irrespective of whether it was
carried out properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty,
BEHRINGER shall not be held responsible for any cost resulting
from such a modification/adaptation.
2. The warranty regulations mentioned herein are applicable
unless they constitute an infringement of national warranty law.
* Customers in the European Union please contact BEHRINGER
Germany Support for further details.
Technical specifications and appearance subject to change without notice. The information contained herein is correct at the time
of printing. The names of companies, institutions or publications pictured or mentioned and their respective logos are registered
trademarks of their respective owners. Their use neither constitutes a claim of the trademarks by BEHRINGER® nor affiliation of
the trademark owners with BEHRINGER®. BEHRINGER® accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person
who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. Colors and specifications
depicted may vary slightly from product. No part of this book 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 BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH. BEHRINGER® is a registered trademark.
ALLRIGHTS RESERVED. © 2004 BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH.
BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH, Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Str. 36-38,
47877 Willich-Münchheide II, Germany
Tel. +49 2154 9206 0, Fax +49 2154 9206 4903
6. WARRANTY
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