DCX 2496 Questions

[GO-NAD!]

For those of you who may have had a look at my Undercouch/in-wall/in-ceiling subwoofer thread, you know that I want to incorporate a DCX 2496 into my 2.1 system in the living room. I haven't bought it yet, but I have a few preliminary questions before I pull the trigger.

1) Cables - Have I got this right?

2 x RCA/male XLR cables, from amp L/R pre-outs to DCX A/B inputs.
3 x RCA/female XLR cables, from DCX 1/2/3 outputs to amp L/R main ins and sub in.

2) Do I need anything to boost or attenuate the signal between components, due to different gains?

3) Is this unit "set and forget"? In other words, when I have the settings I want, can I pretty much ignore it?

4)Is the power cord grounded, or just two-prong?

5)If it's two-prong, is it safe to plug this unit into the receptacle on my amplifier and leave it switched to "on", so that it will power up when I turn on the amplifier?

I recall reading somewhere that you should turn it on first and turn it off last, to prevent spikes going to the speakers. Did I dream that, or is there substance to that statement?

I plan to build the sub later this winter, but in the meantime, I thought I'd get the DCX and use it with my present sub. It will all depend on the amount of "interaction" required after initial setup. It's not an issue for me, but if the wife has to do any more than simply switch it on, it's going to be a problem! I'm not even sure she'd be happy to have to walk over to the component stand.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[lsiberian]

For those of you who may have had a look at my Undercouch/in-wall/in-ceiling subwoofer thread, you know that I want to incorporate a DCX 2496 into my 2.1 system in the living room. I haven't bought it yet, but I have a few preliminary questions before I pull the trigger.

1) Cables - Have I got this right?

2 x RCA/male XLR cables, from amp L/R pre-outs to DCX A/B inputs.
3 x RCA/female XLR cables, from DCX 1/2/3 outputs to amp L/R main ins and sub in.

2) Do I need anything to boost or attenuate the signal between components, due to different gains?

3) Is this unit "set and forget"? In other words, when I have the settings I want, can I pretty much ignore it?

4)Is the power cord grounded, or just two-prong?

5)If it's two-prong, is it safe to plug this unit into the receptacle on my amplifier and leave it switched to "on", so that it will power up when I turn on the amplifier?

I recall reading somewhere that you should turn it on first and turn it off last, to prevent spikes going to the speakers. Did I dream that, or is there substance to that statement?

I plan to build the sub later this winter, but in the meantime, I thought I'd get the DCX and use it with my present sub. It will all depend on the amount of "interaction" required after initial setup. It's not an issue for me, but if the wife has to do any more than simply switch it on, it's going to be a problem! I'm not even sure she'd be happy to have to walk over to the component stand.

Any info would be appreciated.

This is a pro-audio component so it will require some special work to incorporate it into your rack. It does save setting and is capable of doing almost anything to a signal.

You will only need to attenuate the signal if your are going to a consumer level device(emotiva amp or bash sub amp) You can either fabricate your own or purchase them. I suggest you at least consider fabrication if you want to make this into a hobby. Experience is everything and be prepared to have a good learning curve when messing with this device.

But you are in this hobby to play, create, and learn. If you just want to plug stuff in and have it work. I suggest you buy instead of build.

I'm currently examining possible option for fabricating amps. I've not evaluated any options due to my lack of a workshop and funds. 41hz sells a very nice kit if you are interested. It may save you some funds and add more fun to the hobby.

 

[GO-NAD!]

This is a pro-audio component so it will require some special work to incorporate it into your rack. It does save setting and is capable of doing almost anything to a signal.

You will only need to attenuate the signal if your are going to a consumer level device(emotiva amp or bash sub amp) You can either fabricate your own or purchase them. I suggest you at least consider fabrication if you want to make this into a hobby. Experience is everything and be prepared to have a good learning curve when messing with this device.

But you are in this hobby to play, create, and learn. If you just want to plug stuff in and have it work. I suggest you buy instead of build.

I'm currently examining possible option for fabricating amps. I've not evaluated any options due to my lack of a workshop and funds. 41hz sells a very nice kit if you are interested. It may save you some funds and add more fun to the hobby.

It's a NAD C372, a consumer amp, so I guess a will need signal attenuation. I didn't plan on fabricating that. I'm happy to build a sub, but if I can buy whatever else I need for a reasonable cost, that's what I'd prefer. I don't have a lot of spare time, so I have to prioritize my DIY activities.

Any input on my other questions?

 

[lsiberian]

It's a NAD C372, a consumer amp, so I guess a will need signal attenuation. I didn't plan on fabricating that. I'm happy to build a sub, but if I can buy whatever else I need for a reasonable cost, that's what I'd prefer. I don't have a lot of spare time, so I have to prioritize my DIY activities.

Any input on my other questions?

Get Harrison Labs -12dB attenuation RCA couplers and some XLR to RCA cables from monoprice.com.

That should give you noise free performance.

 

[annunaki]

It's a NAD C372, a consumer amp, so I guess a will need signal attenuation. I didn't plan on fabricating that. I'm happy to build a sub, but if I can buy whatever else I need for a reasonable cost, that's what I'd prefer. I don't have a lot of spare time, so I have to prioritize my DIY activities.

Any input on my other questions?

You can attenuate the signal by a fair margin right in the unit itself. Before buying an attenuator try it first. You may not need the attenuator.

You will need RCA to XLR males for your inputs and XLR female to XLR male or RCA male for the outputs (both for the DCX).

 

[Haoleb]

You can attenuate the signal by a fair margin right in the unit itself. Before buying an attenuator try it first. You may not need the attenuator.

You will need RCA to XLR males for your inputs and XLR female to XLR male or RCA male for the outputs (both for the DCX).

Agreed, I have not had to use any attenuators with my setup. Also havent had to use the unit to lower the signal level.

 

[just-some-guy]

You can attenuate the signal by a fair margin right in the unit itself. Before buying an attenuator try it first. You may not need the attenuator.

You will need RCA to XLR males for your inputs and XLR female to XLR male or RCA male for the outputs (both for the DCX).

ditto ...........

 

[annunaki]

By the way, once you get the DCX tweaked for your system it is a set & forget piece that simply needs to be on.

I can't imagine not having one in my system right now. It is one of the best purchases I have ever made.

 

[Warpdrv]

I may have to enlist in your help a bit annunaki when I get my DCX....

Should be in next week, I have downloaded the software and had a look at it, but I'm thinkin I will need to read the manual, is there a tutorial somewhere for using it just for subs...?

Using it to control all 4 of my sealed subs is all I need to do...

 

[annunaki]

I may have to enlist in your help a bit annunaki when I get my DCX....

Should be in next week, I have downloaded the software and had a look at it, but I'm thinkin I will need to read the manual, is there a tutorial somewhere for using it just for subs...?

Using it to control all 4 of my sealed subs is all I need to do...

The manual is very vague. I figured it out after playing with it for about 30 mins-hr. I can give you some pointers for setting it up. Once you get into it and understand how it works you will have a new found appreciation for how powerful a tool it is. It can do SO much.

I just wish that one could set a HP filter lower than 20hz. If that were the case, it would be perfect!! Other than that I have NO gripes.

Are you simply going to run 4 outputs, one to each sub (amp) an mirror each output or run one output and split it 4 ways??

 

[sawzalot]

However Warp and the others decide to set up please continue to post all the steps here in this thread. I am forever looking for all the info possible on setting up and configuration for DCX applications and this thread would surely be a great tutorial for myself as well as others I am sure of it.Thanks everyone, sawz..

 

[Haoleb]

A while back i did a little tutorial on setting it up... I believe it was someone else's kappa build thread. Anyway. Its around somewhere.

 

[Warpdrv]

The manual is very vague. I figured it out after playing with it for about 30 mins-hr. I can give you some pointers for setting it up. Once you get into it and understand how it works you will have a new found appreciation for how powerful a tool it is. It can do SO much.

I just wish that one could set a HP filter lower than 20hz. If that were the case, it would be perfect!! Other than that I have NO gripes.

Are you simply going to run 4 outputs, one to each sub (amp) an mirror each output or run one output and split it 4 ways??

I have the XLR cables on the way, so I will be utilizing 1 in and 4 out, so as to individually tweak each sub in its own location...

A while back i did a little tutorial on setting it up... I believe it was someone else's kappa build thread. Anyway. Its around somewhere.

I'll have a look around Haoleb... thanks...
I thought I read, I could only do a 20hz high pass filter... is that right...
I would like to have something in place lower - with my ridiculously oversize room so they tend not to run away, maybe I shouldn't worry about it...

It will be 3 x 18" LMS (4000w each) 24" box - 6^3 net 1 x 15" TC3K 21" box.

Thoughts

 

[just-some-guy]

A while back i did a little tutorial on setting it up... I believe it was someone else's kappa build thread. Anyway. Its around somewhere.

yep. that was in my kappa thread.

 

[Warpdrv]

got it...
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=554655&postcount=42

I will be using the software on my laptop to the RS232 cable on the DCX - wsa hoping for a guide for that...

 

[sawzalot]

A while back i did a little tutorial on setting it up... I believe it was someone else's kappa build thread. Anyway. Its around somewhere.

Yes I have that Haoleb, it is in my Kappa build thread "Two more kappas by sawz" and it was very helpful, but of course I am always looking to learn all I can about this unit as I know it has so much more to offer,like you said to me that will all be a lesson for another day, .

 

[GO-NAD!]

got it...
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=554655&postcount=42

I will be using the software on my laptop to the RS232 cable on the DCX - wsa hoping for a guide for that...

I had a look at the tutorial - I guess I'll see how easy it is for me when I get my dcx. I also downloaded the REW program and had a quick look at it - I think that will be more complicated for me to get a grip on.

 

[Warpdrv]

I had a look at the tutorial - I guess I'll see how easy it is for me when I get my dcx. I also downloaded the REW program and had a quick look at it - I think that will be more complicated for me to get a grip on.

Don't forget, its supposed to be much easier to download the sofware for the DCX and use an RS232 cable to set it up...

 

[GO-NAD!]

Don't forget, its supposed to be much easier to download the sofware for the DCX and use an RS232 cable to set it up...

You couldn't tell me which version of the DCX software to download, could you? I see "editor", "remote" and "operating system". I don't what the appropriate one is....

 

[chris357]

one of the reasons I'm taking my sweet time building my kappas is setting up the DCX looks very complicated.. I'm not real adept at playing with software and figuring it out i will most likely try to just do it at the unit itself