Behringer ULTRAGAIN DIGITAL ADA8200 User Manual

1. Introduction

The Behringer ULTRAGAIN DIGITAL ADA8200 is an ultra-high quality 8-channel A/D and D/A interface designed for virtually any digital recording or mixing environment. It serves as an excellent solution for expanding the input and output capabilities of your existing audio interface via ADAT connectivity.

Equipped with 8 Midas-designed microphone preamplifiers, the ADA8200 ensures exceptional audio quality and clarity for your recordings. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your ADA8200 unit.

2. Setup

2.1. Unpacking and Contents

Carefully unpack your Behringer ADA8200. Ensure all components are present and undamaged. The package should contain:

• 1 x Behringer ULTRAGAIN DIGITAL ADA8200 Unit
• Power Cable
• User Manual (this document)

2.2. Physical Overview

Familiarize yourself with the front and rear panels of the ADA8200.

Figure 2.1: Front Panel of the Behringer ADA8200. Features 8 Midas-designed microphone preamps with XLR/TRS combo inputs, individual gain controls, signal/clip indicators, and global phantom power.

Figure 2.2: Angled View of the Behringer ADA8200. Provides a perspective of the unit's rack-mountable design and front panel controls.

Figure 2.3: Detail of Front Panel Controls. Shows the individual gain knobs, signal/clip LEDs, and input jacks for each channel.

2.3. Connecting to an Audio Interface via ADAT

The ADA8200 is designed to expand the input/output capabilities of an audio interface that supports ADAT (Alesis Digital Audio Tape) optical connectivity. This allows you to add 8 additional microphone preamps and line outputs to your existing setup.

3. Operation

3.1. Input Controls

Each of the 8 channels on the ADA8200 features a combination XLR/TRS input jack and a dedicated gain control knob.

• MIC IN (XLR): For connecting microphones.
• LINE IN (TRS): For connecting line-level instruments or devices.
• GAIN Knob: Adjusts the input level for the corresponding channel. Turn clockwise to increase gain, counter-clockwise to decrease.
• SIG/CLIP LED: This indicator illuminates green when a signal is present and turns red when the signal is clipping (too hot). Adjust the gain knob to ensure the LED remains green, occasionally flashing amber on peaks, but avoiding constant red.

3.2. Phantom Power (+48V)

The ADA8200 provides global +48V phantom power for condenser microphones.

• Press the PHANTOM POWER +48V button to activate phantom power. The indicator LED will illuminate red.
• Important: Phantom power is applied to all 8 XLR inputs simultaneously. Ensure that any connected dynamic microphones or ribbon microphones are not damaged by phantom power before activation. It is generally safe for dynamic microphones, but always verify compatibility.
• Always connect microphones before activating phantom power, and deactivate phantom power before disconnecting microphones.

4. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Behringer ADA8200, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes. Do not use liquid cleaners near openings.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation around the unit. Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Environment: Operate the unit in a clean, dry environment away from excessive heat, humidity, and dust.
• Power: Disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet when the unit is not in use for extended periods.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your ADA8200, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

5.1. No Signal or Audio Output

• Power: Ensure the unit is powered on and the power LED is illuminated.
• Cables: Check all ADAT optical cables for secure connections at both the ADA8200 and your main audio interface. Ensure they are not bent or damaged.
• Sync: Verify that the "MASTER LOCKED" indicator on the ADA8200 is illuminated. If not, check your clock synchronization settings (Section 2.3.2).
• Gain Levels: Ensure the gain knobs for the active channels are turned up sufficiently. Check the SIG/CLIP LEDs for signal presence.
• Input Type: Confirm that you are using the correct input (XLR for microphones, TRS for line-level) and that phantom power is activated if using condenser microphones.
• DAW/Software Settings: Check your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or audio interface control panel settings to ensure the ADAT inputs are enabled and routed correctly.

5.2. Sync Issues / Audio Dropouts

• Master/Slave Configuration: Double-check that one device is set as the master clock and the other as the slave. Mismatched clocking is a common cause of sync issues.
• Sample Rate: Ensure that the sample rate set on your main audio interface matches the sample rate detected by the ADA8200 (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz).
• Word Clock Cable: If using a dedicated BNC word clock cable, ensure it is securely connected and undamaged.
• ADAT Cable Quality: Poor quality or excessively long ADAT cables can sometimes cause sync problems. Try a different cable if issues persist.

6. Technical Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and further support, please refer to the official Behringer resources:

• Official User Guide (PDF): Download PDF
• Behringer Official Store: Visit Store

For technical assistance or service, please contact Behringer customer support or an authorized service center.