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March 17, 2009

Behringer T1950 Magician Tube Processor


    * Professional, flexible 8-channel tube interface for high-end studio applications
    * "Warmth" control allows precise dosage of desired tube sound
    * Selected 12AX7 tubes for outstanding, super-musical sound
    * Retains warm analog sound, even with digital recorders
    * Voices gain warmth and transparency
    * Enhances any mix with warmth and presence
    * Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors
    * Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

The MAGICIAN T1950 represents a new concept in digital audio processing. This 8-channel tube interface lends characteristic tube warmth to your "cold" digital audio signals.A universal interface with classic tube soundThe MAGICIAN can be used as a universal interface for all of your digital and analog recording applications, enabling you to add exactly the amount of tube sound you desire to up to eight tracks simultaneously. With the MAGICIAN, you don't have to give up the advantages of digital recording to enjoy the lively, transparent sound of tubes. Use the "Warmth" control to add level-independent tube sound to your tracks. Our new ULTRA-TUBE circuitry ensures that virtually no noise will be added to the signal.

SPECIFICATIONS 

Audio input 
Connectors XLR and 1/4" jack 
Type transformerless, DC-decoupled input 
Impedance 50 kOhm balanced, 25 kOhm unbalanced 
Maximum input level +23 dBu balanced and unbalanced 
CMRR typ. 40 dB, >55 dB @ 1kHz 
Audio output 
Connectors XLR and TRS 1/4" jack 
Type electronically servo-balanced output stage 
Impedance 60 Ohms balanced, 30 Ohm unbalanced 
Max. output level +21 dBu, +20 dBm balanced and unbalanced 
System specifications 
Bandwidth 10 Hz to 200 kHz, +/- 3 dB 
Signal-to-noise ratio >100 dB, unweighted, 22 Hz to 22 kHz 
THD 0.011 % typ. @ +4 dBu, 1 kHz, Gain 1 
IMD 0.01 % typ. SMPTE 
Power supply 
Mains voltages USA/Canada 120 V ~, 60 Hz 
U.K./Australia 240 V ~, 50 Hz 
Europe 230 V ~, 50 Hz 
General export model 100 - 120 V ~, 200 - 240 V ~, 50 - 60 Hz 
Power consumption max. 85 Watts 
Fuse 100 - 120 V ~: T  2.5 A  H 
200 - 240 V ~: T  1.25 A  H 
Mains connection standard IEC receptacle 
Physical 
Dimension app. 3 1/2" (89.5 mm) * 19" (482.6 mm) * 8 1/2" (217 mm) 
Net weight app. 8.0 kg 
Shipping weight app. 10.0 kg 

Retail:

Discontinued

Used:

Anywhere between $300-500 depending on condition

Verdict:

A versatile budget character box. Fill it with different valves to get different and unique sounds. Discontinued so quite hard to find. This magician regularly does a disappearing trick from ebay which has meant it's value has significantly increased.

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Filed under  //   8 Channel   Behringer   Rare   Valve  

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March 17, 2009

Behringer T1952 TUBE COMPOSER Tube Dynamic Processor

The Behringer T1952 TUBE COMPOSER Interactive Tube Dynamic Processor. Affordable, professional signal processor with tube technology.
 
The Behringer T1952 TUBE COMPOSER offers various dynamic processing functions: fully automatic as well as manual compression, expander/gate, and program limiting. It combines the advantages of hard-knee and soft-knee compression in a single processing function. The result is entirely natural and transparent, even in the case of extreme compression ratios. It also incorporates a warmth control, automatic or manually controllable attack and release times, switchable high-pass filter and monitor function for side chain, a peak-limiting circuit that combines clipper and program limiter, expander/gate circuit for gentle disturbance suppression, and displays for input and output levels and gain reduction. The T1952 also features a switchable stereo link mode and can be set to +4 dBu or -10 dBV. Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with XLR and 1/4 inch TRS connectors and a relay-controlled hard bypass function ensure trouble-free operation and prevent nasty surprises in the case of power failures.
 
The main features of the Behringer T1952 TUBE COMPOSER include:
 
  * Special Warmth control and selected 12AX7 tubes allow you to precisely add the desired amount of tube sound to your audio
  * IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) combines soft knee and hard knee characteristics
  * Automatic or manually controllable attack and release times
  * Switchable high-pass filter and monitor function for side chain
  * Compression switchable between interactive knee and hard knee operation
  * IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiting circuit combines clipper and program limiter
  * IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander/gate circuit for gentle disturbance suppression
  * Precise displays for input and output level and gain reduction
  * Stereo link function
  * Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with 1/4 inch TRS and gold-plated XLR connectors
  * Relay-controlled hard bypass switch with auto bypass function in case of power failures (safety relay)
 
Retail
 
$150
£107-129
 
Used
 
$50-100
£35-£70
 
depending on condition. missing lamps / meters / knobs / rack rash bring the price down.
 
Verdict:
 
Discontinued, mass produced, but excellent value compressor and ideal for beginners learning compression. Replace the standard Sovtek valves with different 12AX7 tubes (easily done) to experiment and get new characteristic sounds. Amps can also be replaced but can a be a little more tricky.

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Filed under  //   2U   Behringer   Budget   Stereo   Valve   VCA  

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