Behringer Ultralink MS8000

The Behringer ULTRALINK MS8000 is an 8-channel microphone splitter designed to distribute microphone signals to multiple destinations with minimal signal loss and noise. It is an essential piece of equipment for live sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and recording applications where multiple outputs from a single microphone source are required. The MS8000 ensures high-quality signal routing and isolation, making it a reliable choice for professional audio setups.

Key Features

• 8-Channel Microphone Splitter: The MS8000 offers eight channels, each with a primary output and three auxiliary outputs, allowing for extensive signal distribution.
• Transformer Isolation: Each channel features high-quality transformers that provide electrical isolation, reducing noise and hum while preserving signal integrity.
• Ground Lift Switches: Ground lift switches on each channel help eliminate ground loop issues, ensuring clean and clear audio signals.
• Compact 1U Rack-Mount Design: The MS8000’s slim 1U rack-mountable chassis makes it easy to integrate into any standard equipment rack, saving valuable space.
• Robust Construction: Built with durability in mind, the MS8000 features a rugged metal housing that can withstand the rigors of live performances and frequent transport.
• Affordable Pricing: Behringer is known for providing high-quality audio equipment at competitive prices, making the MS8000 an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

Design and Build Quality

Chassis and Construction

The Behringer ULTRALINK MS8000 boasts a solid and durable construction, featuring a rugged metal chassis that provides excellent protection against physical damage. The robust build ensures the unit can handle the demands of live sound environments, where equipment is frequently transported and subjected to varying conditions. The front and rear panels are designed for easy access to all inputs, outputs, and controls, making setup and operation straightforward.

Rack-Mount Design

The MS8000’s 1U rack-mount design is both compact and efficient, allowing it to fit seamlessly into standard 19-inch equipment racks. This slim profile is particularly beneficial for setups with limited rack space, enabling users to maximize their available real estate. The rack ears are sturdy and well-positioned, ensuring secure mounting in any rack system.

Connectors and Controls

The front panel of the MS8000 features all the essential connectors and controls, including XLR inputs and outputs for each channel, ground lift switches, and signal routing indicators. The rear panel includes additional outputs and connections, providing flexibility in signal distribution. The layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled controls and connectors that make it easy to understand and use.

Features and Functionality

8-Channel Microphone Splitting

The primary function of the Behringer ULTRALINK MS8000 is to split microphone signals across eight channels, each with one main output and three auxiliary outputs. This capability allows for extensive signal distribution, making it possible to send a single microphone signal to multiple mixers, recording devices, or monitoring systems simultaneously.

Transformer Isolation

Each channel of the MS8000 is equipped with high-quality transformers that provide electrical isolation between the input and outputs. Transformer isolation is crucial for preventing ground loops and reducing noise and hum in audio signals. This feature ensures that the split signals maintain their integrity and clarity, even when routed to different destinations.

Ground Lift Switches

Ground loop issues can be a common problem in complex audio setups, leading to unwanted noise and hum. The MS8000 addresses this issue with ground lift switches on each channel. These switches allow users to disconnect the ground connection on the auxiliary outputs, effectively breaking ground loops and ensuring clean, noise-free audio signals.

Versatile Signal Routing

The MS8000 offers flexible signal routing options, with each channel providing one direct output and three transformer-isolated outputs. This versatility allows users to tailor their signal distribution according to their specific needs, whether for live sound reinforcement, broadcasting, or recording applications. The ability to route signals to multiple destinations with minimal signal degradation is a significant advantage for professional audio setups.

Applications

Live Sound Reinforcement

In live sound environments, the Behringer ULTRALINK MS8000 is an invaluable tool for managing multiple microphone signals. Its ability to split signals to various destinations allows for efficient signal distribution to front-of-house mixers, monitor mixers, and recording devices. The transformer isolation and ground lift features ensure clean and reliable audio signals, free from noise and hum, which is essential for delivering high-quality sound to the audience.

Broadcasting

For broadcasting applications, the MS8000 provides a reliable solution for distributing microphone signals to multiple outputs, such as broadcast mixers, recording equipment, and monitoring systems. Its compact design and robust build make it suitable for use in both studio and field settings, where space and durability are critical considerations. The high-quality transformers ensure that broadcast signals remain clear and free from interference, even in complex setups.

Recording Studios

In recording studio environments, the MS8000 facilitates the distribution of microphone signals to different recording devices, preamps, and monitoring systems. Its versatile signal routing options allow engineers to send signals to multiple tracks or recording devices simultaneously, enhancing workflow efficiency. The unit’s transformer isolation and ground lift switches help maintain signal integrity and reduce noise, ensuring high-quality recordings.

Houses of Worship

Houses of worship often require complex audio setups to manage multiple microphones for sermons, choirs, and musical performances. The MS8000 provides an efficient way to distribute these signals to various destinations, such as the main sound system, recording devices, and overflow rooms. Its ease of use and reliable performance make it an ideal choice for worship environments, where clear and consistent audio is essential.

Corporate Events and Conferences

For corporate events and conferences, the MS8000 offers a practical solution for distributing microphone signals to different destinations, such as PA systems, recording devices, and translation equipment. Its compact design and straightforward operation make it easy to integrate into event setups, ensuring clear and reliable audio for presentations, speeches, and panel discussions.

Performance and Sound Quality

Signal Integrity

The Behringer ULTRALINK MS8000 excels in maintaining signal integrity across all channels. The use of high-quality transformers ensures that split signals retain their clarity and fidelity, with minimal signal degradation. This is particularly important in professional audio environments, where maintaining the highest sound quality is a priority. The MS8000’s ability to deliver clean and accurate audio signals makes it a reliable choice for demanding applications.

Noise Reduction

The transformer isolation and ground lift features of the MS8000 play a crucial role in reducing noise and hum in audio signals. Ground loops can be a significant source of unwanted noise in complex audio setups, but the MS8000 effectively addresses this issue by providing electrical isolation and the option to disconnect ground connections. This results in cleaner audio signals, free from interference and noise, ensuring a professional-quality sound.

Versatility

The MS8000’s versatility is one of its standout features. Its ability to handle multiple microphone signals and route them to various destinations makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from live sound reinforcement and broadcasting to recording and corporate events. The unit’s flexible signal routing options and robust construction make it adaptable to different environments and use cases, providing reliable performance across the board.