Behringer ULTRATWIN GX212 User's Manual
Version 1.0, May 2001
Website: www.americanmusical.com CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. The symbol ⚠️ (risk of electric shock) alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. The symbol ⚠️ (warning) alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Read the manual. Dear Customer, Welcome to the team of ULTRATWIN users. This manual marks the culmination of months of hard work by the BEHRINGER engineering team to deliver an out-of-the-ordinary guitar workstation. The GX212 offers superior sound quality, easy operation, and advanced technical specifications at an affordable price for musicians. BEHRINGER is committed to providing high-grade devices at low prices, made possible by customer feedback and large sales volumes. This philosophy ensures uncompromising quality and excellent technical/audio properties, enabling musicians to unfold their creativity without budget constraints. Special thanks are extended to the users of BEHRINGER equipment, Jan, Thorsten, Volker, and all others who contributed to the "Project ULTRATWIN GX212". Sincerely, Uli Behringer ULTRATWIN®: Ultra-flexible 2 x 60 Watt Guitar Workstation with Digital Multi-Effects Processor Thank you for purchasing the BEHRINGER ULTRATWIN GX212. This guitar workstation sets new standards in amp engineering, combining authentic classic guitar amp sound with advanced DSP technology and an intuitive user interface. BEHRINGER has a long history of developing audio products for studio and live applications, including microphones, 19" rack devices, and speakers. The BEHRINGER name signifies no-compromise quality, feature-rich products, and excellent service at affordable prices. Flexibility is key for modern guitarists. The ULTRATWIN GX212 offers a comprehensive set of functions for various applications like home recording, studio, and live concerts, ensuring intuitive and quick operation. Unlike many conventional guitar amps, the ULTRATWIN is packed with advanced features. It offers significantly more functions than a typical 2-channel amp with spring reverb, while still being able to emulate a classic 2-channel combo amp sound. Familiarize yourself with all functions to fully exploit the amp's capabilities. BEHRINGER continuously improves its products based on user feedback. The GX212's effects modules use EPROMs that can be updated, ensuring the amp remains current with new algorithms and user suggestions. Software updates are available for free online. This project involved many contributors, including studio musicians, vintage amp collectors, and guitar enthusiasts. The goal was to create an amplifier offering the best of all worlds: sophisticated analog technology, perfect tube simulation, latest DSP effects, rugged construction, and intuitive operation. This manual provides detailed information on the ULTRATWIN's terminology and functions. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. BEHRINGER's philosophy emphasizes no-compromise circuit design and the use of high-quality components. The ULTRATWIN utilizes exceptional operational amplifiers for extreme linearity and low distortion. Low-tolerance resistors, capacitors, and high-quality potentiometers are also employed. The unit uses SMD technology for compact design and improved reliability. Its super-robust steel-plate enclosure, with a generously dimensioned power supply, ensures durability. The enclosure is made of high-grade, non-polluting E1-MDF wood. VIRTUBE technology simulates the characteristics of tube preamps, including distortion, dynamic compression, and frequency response modification. It uses filter circuits and specially selected diodes to accurately replicate the complex interactions found in classic tube amps, resulting in a pronounced tube character. The ULTRATWIN features a special morphing circuit for the overdrive channel, offering enhanced flexibility. It includes a tunable filter, a 3-band EQ, and a presence control, allowing for creative sound shaping and unique nuances not possible with traditional EQs. Your ULTRATWIN was carefully packed to protect it during transit. Inspect the packaging and unit for any signs of physical damage. If damaged, notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately; do not return it to BEHRINGER. Shipping claims must be made by the consignee. Ensure adequate space around the unit for cooling and avoid placing it on high-temperature devices. Before connecting to mains power, verify that your local voltage matches the unit's required voltage. The ULTRATWIN GX212 features a comprehensive set of controls on its front and rear panels. The front panel includes 16 controls, six push-buttons, a 2-digit LED display, and two 1/4" jacks. Note on MIDI: When MIDI functions are inactive, one effect can be stored per channel. When MIDI is active, this assignment is disabled, allowing separate channel and effect selection. Preset Saving: The decimal point in the display flashes when editing. Press and hold ENTER to save changes. To restore factory presets, hold ENTER while powering on. 19. DOWN BUTTON: Decrements the program number. 20. UP BUTTON: Increments the program number. Hold to scroll through programs. 21. EFFECT A CONTROL: Determines the mix of original and effect signals (left channel/first effect). Can also edit a second, effect-specific parameter. 22. EFFECTS BUTTON: Activates or deactivates the selected effect. 23. EFFECT B CONTROL: Determines the mix of original and effect signals (right channel/second effect). Can also edit a third, effect-specific parameter. 24. AUX IN CONTROL: Adjusts the volume of the AUX signal input. 25. POWER LED: Indicates when the unit is powered on. 26. MASTER CONTROL: Adjusts the overall volume level of the ULTRATWIN. 27. POWER SWITCH: Turns the ULTRATWIN on or off. The rear panel provides various input and output connectors: For rehearsals or stage use, connect your guitar, footswitch, and external effects device as shown in the diagram. The ULTRATWIN's internal effects can be used without the insert path. Connecting headphones mutes the built-in speaker. Diagram Description: A guitar connects to the ULTRATWIN's input. An optional external effects device connects via the INSERT SEND and INSERT RETURN jacks. A footswitch connects to the FOOTSWITCH jack. Headphones can be connected to the HEADPHONES jack. For advanced applications, connect a MIDI foot controller, playback source, and mixing console. Use the MIDI foot controller to manage presets, channels, and effects. The line out can feed a PA or recording console, and the AUX input can be used for playback sources. Diagram Description: A mixer receives input from the ULTRATWIN's LINE OUT. A tape deck connects to the ULTRATWIN's TAPE IN and OUT. A MIDI Foot Controller connects to the ULTRATWIN's MIDI IN. The ULTRATWIN's guitar input and footswitch connection are also shown. 2.3.1 ULTRATWIN GX212 as Master: Use the SLAVE IN jacks to amplify the ULTRATWIN's signal with an external power amp. Connect the ULTRATWIN's SLAVE IN jacks to the external power amp's input jacks using appropriate cables. Diagram Description: An external power amp's LINE IN is connected to the ULTRATWIN GX212's SLAVE IN jacks. The connection shows the TIP and RING bridged on the stereo plug. 2.3.2 ULTRATWIN GX212 as Slave: Drive the ULTRATWIN's power stage from an external amplifier or preamp. Connect the external amp's line outputs to the GX212's SLAVE IN jacks. If using a mono preamp, split the signal to both SLAVE IN inputs. The ULTRATWIN features a built-in effects processor offering the same audio quality and algorithms as BEHRINGER's VIRTUALIZER PRO and MODULIZER PRO devices. It provides 31 effect groups with 99 presets, editable via three parameters each. Effects include reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter, compressor, expander, wah-wah, and speaker/tube emulation. Preset Selection and Editing: Use the UP and DOWN buttons to select presets. Press ENTER to activate. Edit presets using PARAMETER, EFFECT A, and EFFECT B controls. The display shows parameter values. Save edited presets by holding ENTER for two seconds. Restore factory presets by holding ENTER during power-on. EFFECT A/B Controls: These controls typically manage the mix of original and effect signals, often controlling left/right channels or primary/secondary effects. The ULTRATWIN GX212 integrates into any MIDI setup, allowing control via program change and MIDI controller information. Connect the ULTRATWIN's MIDI IN to a MIDI controller's MIDI OUT. Enable MIDI functions by pressing UP and DOWN for two seconds, then select a MIDI channel (1-16, Omni, or Omni + decimal for Store Enable mode). When MIDI functions are active, automatic effect-to-channel assignment is disabled. Presets can be selected via MIDI program change messages (0-127 corresponds to presets 1-128). Real-time control of PARAMETER, EFFECT A, and EFFECT B is possible using MIDI controllers 12, 13, and 14 respectively. Channel changes can be made with controller #10 (0=CLEAN, 1=OVERDRIVE), or via program changes #123/124. Effects can be disabled with controller #11 (0=OFF, 1=ON) or program change #127. MIDI controller #7 adjusts input sensitivity (volume controller). MIDI controller #15 controls the wah effect range. Additional MIDI control options include deactivating the LFO with controller #15 and controlling the ULTRATWIN via computer-based sequencer software. This mode allows direct storage of parameter changes from a MIDI sequencer. Activate by pressing UP and DOWN for two seconds, select a channel, and confirm with ENTER. Sending MIDI controller #18 while in this mode stores parameter changes. This section features an essay by Neville Marten (Guitarist Magazine) discussing the evolution of guitar amplifiers from the 1940s to the present day. It highlights the contributions of pioneering brands like Fender, Ampeg, Gibson, Vox, Marshall, and Mesa Boogie, and the development of multi-channel designs and digital effects. Ensure the ULTRATWIN is set to the correct supply voltage before connecting. The voltage setting is indicated by triangular markings on the fuse holder. The unit connects via a standard IEC receptacle and enclosed mains cable. Always ensure a proper ground connection. The ULTRATWIN uses unbalanced 1/4" jacks for audio connections. The headphones output is a stereo 1/4" jack. Installation and operation should be performed by qualified persons with sufficient electrical contact to earth. Diagram Description: A mono 1/4" plug wiring shows Tip (Signal) and Sleeve (Ground/Shield). A stereo 1/4" plug wiring shows Tip (Left Signal), Ring (Right Signal), and Sleeve (Ground/Shield). Two speaker jacks are available for connecting supplementary speakers. 8Ω loudspeakers are recommended for optimal adaptation. Use the INTERNAL OFF switch to activate external speakers. Connecting speakers with less than 4Ω impedance may trigger protective circuitry. Power output decreases proportionally with increased impedance. The ULTRATWIN utilizes a standard 5-pin DIN jack for MIDI communication. MIDI cables should not exceed 15 meters. Ensure correct pin connections (pin 4 to 4, pin 5 to 5). The MIDI IN connector receives controller information, with the receiving channel configurable via UP/DOWN buttons (On = Omni mode). Table 6.1 provides detailed information on effect numbers, names, parameter types, ranges, and factory default settings for all presets. The MIDI Implementation Chart (Table 6.2) details the functions, transmitted/recognized messages, and remarks for MIDI communication. Table 6.3 lists MIDI control changes for parameters like Volume, Channel, Effect, Parameter, Effect A, Effect B, Wah/Modulation, and Store Enable. Audio Inputs: 1/4" mono jack (Guitar input, Insert return, Aux input, Slave input), RCA (Tape input). Impedances range from 1 kΩ to 1 MΩ. Audio Outputs: 1/4" mono jack (Insert send, Line output), RCA (Tape output). Line output max level +12 dBu. Loudspeaker Outputs: 1/4" mono jack, 8Ω load impedance nominal. System Specifications: Power amplifier output is 2 x 60 Watts RMS into 8Ω. MIDI Interface: 5-pin-DIN-socket, MIDI IN. Digital Processing: 24-bit sigma-delta converters, 46.875 kHz sampling rate. Display: 2-digit numeric LED-display. Loudspeaker: 2 x 12" SHARK 12G100A, 8Ω impedance, 100 Watts power handling. Power Supply: Various mains voltages supported (100-240V~, 50-60Hz). Power consumption approx. 30W min / 200W max. Fuse ratings provided. Physical: Dimensions approx. 18.5" x 26.68" x 9.84". Weight approx. 21.0 kg. BEHRINGER offers a one (1) year warranty on mechanical and electronic components against defects in material and workmanship. To obtain warranty service, buyers must complete and return the warranty card or register online within 14 days of purchase. Shipments must include a return authorization number and be freight prepaid. Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper handling, or unauthorized modifications. Statutory rights are not affected.Safety Instructions
Detailed Safety Instructions:
Foreword
Product Features
Introduction
1.1 Design Concept
1.1.1 VIRTUBE Technology
1.1.2 Morphing
1.2 Before You Begin
Control Elements
1.3.1 Front Panel
1.3.2 Rear Panel
Wiring Examples
2.1 Standard Setup
2.2 Expanded Setup
2.3 Master/Slave Setup
Effects Processor
3.1 Description of Effects
3.2 Controlling the ULTRATWIN via MIDI
3.2.1 Store Enable Mode
4. Historical Background
Installation
5.1 Mains Connection
5.2 Audio Connections
5.2.1 Loudspeaker Connection
5.3 MIDI Connection
Appendix
6.1 Preset List
6.2 MIDI Implementation
Specifications
Warranty