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EX-3200 Super Silky Secret Mods




Voodoo-Labs has FINALY done it!
The Super Silky Secret Mods (Triple-S Mods)
for the Behringer EX3200 Ultrafex Pro are finished!
These Mods will increase the VooDoo Silkyness
of the Low End Frequencies an Unbelievable amount.
It makes the Low Frequencies sound like....

Liquid VoooooDooooo!!





Disclaimer Notice
These modifications should be accomplished by qualified personnel who
have had enough knowledge and practice in SMD soldering techniques, at the owners risk.

WARNING - YOU DO THE MODIFICATIONS AT YOUR OWN RISK!

We are not responsible for any personal injury incurred while performing these mods.
We are not responsible for any damage to, or illegal operations of the equipment as a result of the
mods, mod errors, or possible mod misinformation via these pages.

The modifications shown here are provided for properly licensed operators only.
The user is solely responsible for making sure that any modifications made to the equipment must meet all
Federal and State Regulations for the Country of use.
Liability of damages to any equipment is the sole responsibility of the user.
Downloading , viewing, or using any information provided on these pages automatically accepts the user to the terms of this agreement.
Modifications are provided for information purposes only.
Although the greatest care has been taken while compiling these documents,
we cannot guarantee that the instructions will work on every piece of equipment.

Copyright Notice
All contents on this site, including text, graphics, and MP3 audio recordings are considered property of Voodoo-Labs and are
protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced or distributed in any way or form, without express written consent or permission by Voodoo-Labs.
Failure to comply with copyright law may result in legal action.



No Foolin!!
The Low Frequencies are so Liquid and Smooth, they just FLOW from
the receiver speakers like warm Jack Daniel's on a hot summers day.
We have applied some of these modifications to the
Bellari Equipment with phenomenal results.




Triple-S Mods

Some EX3200 Discussion:

Behringer EX-3200 vs Aphex 204:
We here at the Voodoo-LABS feel that the EX3200 has more to offer because of the
way you can manipulate the unit to give that little something special that no others can.

First off...
You must have the Low Frequencies in your Voice Fundamental in order for this unit to work.
If you don't have them, then the unit cannot develop the sub-harmonix and harmonix of these base fundamental low frequencies.
It is then, a waste of money.

Second...
Most of us that use this unit, use it only for the Low Frequency Sub-Harmonix and Harmonix generation along
with the Surround Processor to generate a Spatial Separation of these Harmonix (ie... Hamonix in-between Harmonix).
This is of course done by using the W5UDX Mod, which is an unbalanced cable used to tie the
two channels together which causes the input to the Channel 2 to be inverted by the input buffer (more on this later).
The Multiband Processor section of this unit is NOT used by us.
It causes allot of noise in the final mix, and also has a tendency to induce tearing.

We like the EX3200 because of the fact that it has the Surround Processor option.
The Aphex units do not have this.
The Aphex makes some very nice and clean harmonix, but it doesn't have the Spatial Enhancement that the EX3200 does.
It just doesn't have the Depth and Extension that the EX3200 has.
This fact alone makes the EX3200 the Winner.

Some EX-3200 Voodoo Theory:
Well here's the Voodoo-LABS theory on why the EX3200 works the way it does...

The Channel 1 input is injected into the unit using a Balanced XLR input.
This symmetricaly balanced signal goes thru a differential op amp servo-buffer that
sends the waveform to the rest of the Channel 1 circuitry.
This is where the sub-harmonix and harmonix are added to the mix,
and the Surround Processor takes a sample of this Channel 1 signal for processing.
The signal then comes out of Channel 1 and is injected into Channel 2 using an unbalanced cable.
Using an unbalanced cable literally grounds the Non-inverting input of the differential op amp servo-buffer,
and the signal goes to the Inverting Input of the op amp.
This configuration now makes the Servo-Buffer an Inverting Amplifier which actually inverts the
incoming signals harmonix 180 degrees out of phase.
The Surround Processor circuit then takes a sample of this Channel 2 signal for processing.
The Surround Processor Spectral Enhancement circuitry tries to widen this effect as its designed to do (see below).
But being that the Channel 2 sample is 180 degrees out of phase with the Channel 1 signal,
the Processor actually adds or subtracts the harmonix together.
You can adjust this harmonix 'spacing' by turning the 'Surround' control and actually hear the
mix thickin and thin out as the harmonix phase in and out with each other.
So this actually puts harmonix in-between harmonix!
This signal then goes thru the Channel 2 Bass Processor which gets even more sub-harmonix and harmonix added to the mix.

The Surround Processor was actually designed to give an adjustably 'wider' sound to a STEREO signal.
This is done by differentiating between the common mode signals (where the phase and amplitude are identical in each channel)
and the Different signals (Left and Right) in each channel.
The common mode signals are canceled out as they are not amplified,
the Different signals (extreme Left and Right) are amplified by the Difference amplifier op amp circuit.
This signal is then sent to an inverting circuit and then back to the
2ea channels each being out of phase set by the 'Surround' control.
So, in one direction of this control there is no center sound at all (extreme stereo separation),
and the other direction is like a mono sound.
We are actually using this effect in a mono type situation and "tricking" the
Surround Processor to give us fuller, thicker, more resonant Harmonix.

Well that is our Theory and We're stickin to it.
Hope that answered some of Ya'lls questions.

The EX-3200 Audio Modifications:
We here at Voodoo-LABS have done some other modifications to the EX3200 to get the best resonance and clarity out of it.
This has to do with changing out the Op Amps to a better chips with higher bandwidth, higher slew rate, and lower noise.
That would be the Analog Devices AD823ARZ.
The ARZ is the case designator for a No Lead,Surface Mount SOIC case designation.
That's right....Surface Mount, and its rather difficult to do.
There are 16 of them that need to be changed out.
There are also allot of coupling caps that need to be changed out to
higher quality Panasonic FC series, Low ESR caps for improved audio transfer and sonic signature.
And the last mod is Power Supply improvements that help to calm the transients,
the rectifier over/under shoot during regulation, and improved filtration.
These improvements all help to give the Op Amps the best DC Voltage for Audio Processing.
All these mods transform this Behringer EX3200 into a Super Silky Machine.
It just oozes with Liquid Voodoo.
The result is utterly amazing.
Well We hope you enjoyed our rant, now we need to go and commit MODification MADness....
MOOOO HOOOO HAAA Haaa haaaa!!!


Gotta have PARTS!!!

Triple-S Mod Parts
Parts
Part Numbers
11ea - 100uF @ 25v Electrolytic
Digikey - P10269-ND ---- EEU-FC1E106
2ea - 4.7uF @ 50v Electrolytic
Digikey - P10315-ND ---- EEU-FC1H4R7
4ea - 2.2uF @ 50v Electrolytic
Digikey - P10313-ND ---- EEU-FC1H2R2
10ea - 47uF @ 50v Electrolytic
Digikey - P10321-ND ---- EEU-FC1H470
6ea - 10uF @ 50v Electrolytic
Digikey - P10316-ND ---- EEU-FC1H100L
1000uF changed to 1800uF @ 35v
2ea - Electrolytic
Digikey - P11246-ND ---- EEU-FC1V182S
16ea - AD823ARZ SMD Op Amp IC
Digikey -AD823ARZ-ND ---- AD823ARZ
4ea - 600V 4A Hexfred Diode Rectifier
Digikey - HFA04TB60PBF-ND ---- HFA04TB60PBF




Soldering TIPS:

They're a few tricks to unsoldering SMD Op Amps that we'd like to share with you.

Tip #1:
There's a conformal coating on the surface of the PC Board to keep moisture and such from getting to the components and solder pads.
This must be removed before heat is applied.
If it isn't, then you run the risk of it flowing in with the solder and contaminating an otherwise good solder joint.
They're expensive chemicals made just for this application,
But we've been using Acetone on a Q-Tip for years with no adverse consequences.
It also works great for cleaning the Flux up after the soldering is finished.

Tip #2:
Un-Soldering can be a real pain in the butt, especially with SMD devices.
They're many special devices just for this.
The best way to remove the old Op Amps, is to take some small sharp nippers and cut each and
every one of the leads on the surface mount chip while it is still soldered to the PC board.
Make SURE all the leads are clipped, then pop the old Op Amp off the PC board.
If you leave even one of the leads connected, you will rip the circuit trace up from the board.
Then take some Fluxed Solder Braid to remove the old solder and the cut leads still on the PC Board.
Be Careful to get all the cut leads off of the board.
Then clean up the area with some acetone and a Q-tip.
Presto...the Op Amp is removed and the solder pads are clean.

If the Solder Pump gives you problems, the Solder Braid also works great on the Plated Thru holes in the circuit board.
Like were the Electrolytics are mounted.
Take a small bit of solder and "reflow" the old solder joint.
Then make the "V" with the braid, and apply the soldering iron tip. It will suck all the solder out of the hole.
Most of the time...;)

Tip #3:
For soldering we use an ultra fine tip and a thin solder.
This allows us to get in some very congested areas with the minimum of heat and solder to get the job done.
The size of the solder we use is .025" diameter flux core.





Stock Op Amp Eradication!!

There are 16ea Op amps that were changed in this unit.
The difference was utterly just amazing.
We've listed the ones that need to be changed below,
You will see the IC identification numbers on the circuit boards.
There are 2 very hard ones to change on the Input/Output board, because they are very close to the relays.
You have to be very careful not to hit the relays with the soldering iron. It won't hurt them too badly,
but it makes for a very ugly and unprofessional looking 'Hack Job' of a mod!

Another thing is the epoxy residue that is left on the circuit board after the Op Amp is popped off.
This must be CAREFULLY scrapped off before the new AD823 can be laid down and soldered.
If your not careful, you run the risk of damaging the traces underneath the epoxy.
Clean up the traces with some Acetone, and your ready to install the AD823's.
Be SURE to install the Op Amps with the correct Pin #1 Orientation to the Circuit Board!!
The Op Amps will have a little 'Dimple' on top of it indicating Pin #1.
The Circuit Board will usually show a 'Dip' at one end of the PC Board Silkscreen for the IC Pin #1 indication.
Just match the two up.

Here is the list of IC's that need to be changed:

IC3, IC4, IC5, IC6, IC7, IC8, IC9, IC17, IC18, IC19, IC20, IC21, IC22, IC23, IC24, IC25


Its best to remove the boards completely from the unit.
This is not hard. Just go slow and be aware of what needs to happen before you do it.
Remove all the knobs, and the Metal Shield just 'pops' off.
The Front Circuit Board is held in place by two rubber strips. Note how they are oriented before you pull them out.
When you reinstall them, just use some RTV Clear Silicone to hold them in place.

You will more than likely need to Re-EQ after this mod, because it changes the Sonic Characteristics that much.
Also the Rack Gear Gain structure will more then likely have to be re-adjusted.


Here's the EX3200 before any mods.
Here's the EX3200 before any mods.


Here's a view of the Front Circuit Board before the Op Amps were Removed.
Here's a view of the Front Circuit Board before the Op Amps were Removed.


Here's a view of the Front Circuit Board After the Op Amps were Removed.
Here's a view of the Front Circuit Board After the Op Amps were Removed.
Notice the epoxy is still on the Circuit Boards. This needs to be scraped off...GENTLY!
If your too rough, you'll destroy or damage the circuit traces underneath it.


Here you see the epoxy removed and the traces are still ok.
Here you see the epoxy removed and the traces are still ok. Its ready for some Op Amps.


Here's the AD823 installed on the Front Circuit Board.
Here's the AD823 installed on the Front Circuit Board.
Be SURE to install the Op Amps with the correct Pin #1 Orientation to the Circuit Board!!
The Op Amps will have a little 'Dimple' on top of it indicating Pin #1.
The Circuit Board will usually show a 'Dip' at one end of the PC Board Silkscreen for the IC.
Just match the two up.


Here's the EX3200 Input/Output Circuit Board, unmodified.
Here's the EX3200 Input/Output Circuit Board, unmodified.


The old Op Amps were removed, the epoxy CAREFULLY scrapped off, and the Traces cleaned.
The old Op Amps were removed, the epoxy CAREFULLY scrapped off, and the Traces cleaned.


The new AD823's are installed.
The new AD823's are installed.
Be SURE to install the Op Amps with the correct Pin #1 Orientation to the Circuit Board!!
The Op Amps will have a little 'Dimple' on top of it indicating Pin #1.
The Circuit Board will usually show a 'Dip' at one end of the PC Board Silkscreen for the IC.
Just match the two up.


A close up of the AD823.
A close up of the AD823. Notice the close proximity of the Relay.



Electrolytic Caps:

We didn't get elaborate with the info and Capacitor #'s here because you will be changing all but 2 of them.
Just be sure to note the Polarity of the ones you are removing.

DO NOT CHANGE the .22uf 50V caps as there is no substitute in the Panasonic FC series.
These capacitors are identified as C93 and C100 located on the Front Circuit Board.

It's best to do just one Capacitor Value Range at a time, that way you don't have to remember where and what.
It's really just a matter of unsoldering and removing the old capacitors, and installing the new ones.
The sizes are close to the same so they should fit with no problems.
No surprises here.
But Be sure to install the Capacitors with the correct Polarity!!



Power Supply Smoothing!!

The secret here is to get the DC voltage as clean and smooth as possible.
The cleaner the DC is, the better the Op Amp can do its job.
This Mod along with the Capacitor Mod, give about half of the 'Sonic Impact' of just changing the Op Amps out alone.

The 1n4007 Rectifiers are going to be changed out with HexFred Diodes.
These things are so fast on the rectifying, that they don't have any overshoot/undershoot past the 0v level.
This in turn makes the DC cleaner and less HF noise in it, which of course makes the op amps quieter.
The difference is just utterly amazing.
You need to bend the Leads as shown in the Pics for them all to fit correctly.
You also need to be sure to add the Heat Shrink Tubing over them to keep them insulted from one another.
BE SURE to install the Diodes with the correct Polarity!!
Reference the Pics for this, and here is a link to the HexFred Data Sheet.

The Filter Caps will be changed out to Panasonic FC series, low ESR Capacitors.
The Cap Values were raised up a little to give a little extra reserve for the Op Amps when they are amplifying the Low Frequencies.
This also helps to smooth out the DC a little more.
There are Three things to watch out for on these.

1 - Be SURE to install the Capacitors with the correct Polarity!!

2 - The caps need to be as close to the Circuit Board as possible for clearance between the top of the caps and the metal rear wall.

3 - Because these caps are bigger around then the originals, the leads need to be bent in order for them to fit in the Circuit Board Holes.
We used some small Heat Shrink Tubing on them to prevent them from touching any adjacent circuit traces under the capacitor.

The last thing to be sure to do is to gloop some Silicon Thermal Grease on the
2ea Regulators when you put the I/O Board back in the unit.
If you forget, The Regulators will eventually burn themselves up.

Here's view of the Power Supply on the I/O Board before the mods.
Here's view of the Power Supply on the I/O Board before the mods.
Notice the clearance between the Electrolytic Caps and the rear wall.
Keep this in mind when soldering the new Caps to the board.


Here all the old Rectifier Diodes and Filter Caps are removed.
Here all the old Rectifier Diodes and Filter Caps are removed.


These are the HEX FRED Rectifier Diodes.
These are the HEX FRED Rectifier Diodes. Below them are the original Rectifier Diodes.
Notice the way the leads are bent to allow proper installation into the Circuit Board.
Also notice the Heat Shrink tubing required to insulate them from one and other.


Here's the HEX FRED Diodes installed in the Circuit Board.
Here's the HEX FRED Diodes installed in the Circuit Board.
Be SURE to install the Diodes with the correct Polarity!!


Here are the Larger Filter Caps installed on the Circuit Board.
Here are the Larger Filter Caps installed on the Circuit Board.
You'll have to bend the leads slightly underneath the caps to get them to line up in the mounting holes.
Be sure to install the Capacitors with the correct Polarity!!
We used a small piece of heat shrink tubing to insulate the leads from the adjoining traces.
These caps MUST be installed as close to the board as possible to have clearance to the rear wall.
The Tops of the caps must not touch the metal wall.


Another view of the installed Panasonic FC series Filter Capacitors.
Another view of the installed Panasonic FC series Filter Capacitors.


Here the Circuit Board is installed back in the unit.
Here the Circuit Board is installed back in the unit.
Notice the clearance between the Top of the Filter Caps and the Rear Wall.
Be sure to gloop some more Silicone Thermal Grease on the 2ea Regulators before reinstallation!! .




Yer Done!!

Now Ya got that Super Silky Secret Smooooooth Audio!!
There's nothing like it!

Ya'll Take Care now....Hear!


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