Behringer EP2500 How to use - for a novice

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

In my research I have realized that the information for this commonly used amp is all over the place.
I thought, perhaps niavely, that the experienced guys could fill this thread with the common connections/set-ups for this amp.
Discussing any mods that are commonly done, like the fan mods, filters, etc.

A novice/beginner can be easily overcome by all the information and not be able to make heads or tails of it.

Perhaps this thread can be a sort of FAQ or User Guide. One can include parts names and possibly where to find them.

Thanks to anyone in advance who is so kind as to offer their help and knowledge on this amp.

 

[Haoleb]

Step one, Read the manual

Step two, Turn off all the stuff you dont need via dip switches on the back (filters, clip limiters etc etc)

Step three, replace fan

Step four, enjoy

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

My manual doesn't exist, unfortunately.
I will try to find one to download.
Thanks for the advice on the 'dip switches' basically being the controls!

 

[jinjuku]

In my research I have realized that the information for this commonly used amp is all over the place.
I thought, perhaps niavely, that the experienced guys could fill this thread with the common connections/set-ups for this amp.
Discussing any mods that are commonly done, like the fan mods, filters, etc.

A novice/beginner can be easily overcome by all the information and not be able to make heads or tails of it.

Perhaps this thread can be a sort of FAQ or User Guide. One can include parts names and possibly where to find them.

Thanks to anyone in advance who is so kind as to offer their help and knowledge on this amp.

All right:

First off, most of the fan mods are WAY over engineered. Simply get a 12V DC computer fan that moves around 21CFM. Next get a 12V DC 1/2 amp power supply from Radio Shack (or see if you have something laying around).

Strip off the fan plug, strip off the connector on your 12V DC power supply.

Remove the screws holding the top of the EP2500. Remove the lid. Remove the stock fan. Use an xacto knife to remove the hotmelt on the fan connector.

Put the 12volt fan in its place. Thread the stripped end through both the screw hole on the frame and the matching screw hold on the lid. Close the lid. Put back all the screws minus the one.

Tie the fan end into the 12VDC adapter end and plug in to the wall/surge strip.

There you go.

 

[jinjuku]

Speakon Connector

2nd do the Speakon connector. Those things are the schnizit. Link to the male counterpart.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Thanks!

Am I right in guessing these connection steps:
AVR to eQ.2 -- RCA to RCA
eQ.2 to EP2500 -- RCA to XLR or TS adapter?
EP2500 to box -- 12 guage speaker wire

 

[jinjuku]

Thanks!

Am I right in guessing these connection steps:
AVR to eQ.2 -- RCA to RCA
eQ.2 to EP2500 -- RCA to XLR or TS adapter?
EP2500 to box -- 12 guage speaker wire

Correct. padding text to get it to post.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Awesome!
Thanks for walking me through this guys!

Off to order some parts, then learn the dip switches and REW program.

 

[jamie2112]

Nice walkthrough Jinjuku.....

 

[Haoleb]

I dont understand why you would not use the internal fan control circuitry. The replacement 24vdc fans everyone is using are already very quiet. using a computer fan with a wallwart will only disable the speed control and then you'll have to either hit a switch or plug in the power supply for it everytime you turn the amp on. Its even more complicated than just pulling out the stock fan and replacing it.

 

[jinjuku]

I dont understand why you would not use the internal fan control circuitry. The replacement 24vdc fans everyone is using are already very quiet. using a computer fan with a wallwart will only disable the speed control and then you'll have to either hit a switch or plug in the power supply for it everytime you turn the amp on. Its even more complicated than just pulling out the stock fan and replacing it.

From all reports the fan speed control circuitry really doesn't work that well. What has been your experience? I put the fan and the amp on a surge strip and just use that.

 

[Haoleb]

When I had the Ep2500 I dont remember noticing if the fan was getting louder with pushing the amp or not. Even then I still dont know why you wouldnt just hook the fan to the stock output. The only thing I can imagine is if you wanted to run it with the fan turned off at low volume's which I would not reccomend as the internal heat sink is not meant to dissapate heat without the airflow.

The QSC amps I have now definetly rev up when they get hot and even though its supposed to be just like the Behringer, they arent exact.

 

[jinjuku]

When I had the Ep2500 I dont remember noticing if the fan was getting louder with pushing the amp or not. Even then I still dont know why you wouldnt just hook the fan to the stock output. The only thing I can imagine is if you wanted to run it with the fan turned off at low volume's which I would not reccomend as the internal heat sink is not meant to dissapate heat without the airflow.

The QSC amps I have now definetly rev up when they get hot and even though its supposed to be just like the Behringer, they arent exact.

With the EP2500 there is no fan speed control it is on at full tilt from my running of it. I had a 80MM 12VDC computer case fan laying about. I am sure more posters here would more likely have one of those sitting idle than a 24v Papst/Sunon what ever fan.

If you want to go through those steps I am sure those methods will work out just fine.

How is the QSC doing for you vs the Behringer?

 

[Haoleb]

I do definetly like having the two QSC's vs the Behringer. Even though I should be getting more power which I can tell I am. Still I am unable to take full advantage as my AC voltage sags too much when under stress.

The behringer definetly doesnt run the fans full tilt, Judging by the sound of it from memory it runs them at just a little more than idle speed on the QSC, but even with my quiet fans if I am pusing the amps they heat up and the fans are then quite audible.

 

[jinjuku]

I wonder what two Behringers would be like. You think the same?

 

[Haoleb]

I wonder what two Behringers would be like. You think the same?

The QSC's I am using are the EP1500 equivalent so I would imagine so. although I do like the look and build of the QSC better.

 

[mike c]

in case you want to do the standard 24v fan exchange
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45137

 

[WmAx]

The QSC's I am using are the EP1500 equivalent so I would imagine so. although I do like the look and build of the QSC better.

Based on my comparison of the Ep2500 with it's QSC equivalent,they were nearly identical. You would have to nitpick... and you could even say the Behringer had some better design points in some areas for example, using PCBs with much closer circuit paths to reduce noise. Then you could in turn say the QSC looks to use a little bit better looking grade wire connectors internally. Then you could complain about the filter used in the Behringer that collects dust. Really, the two brands are very close in build quality, and both are much better in build quality than say, Crown XLS amps.

-Chris

 

[jinjuku]

in case you want to do the standard 24v fan exchange
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45137

I believe that they spliced the wires off of the factory fan lead. What happens if you have to do a warranty return?

 

[mike c]

I believe that they spliced the wires off of the factory fan lead. What happens if you have to do a warranty return?

i'm guessing i'm screwed.

but it sure is quiet