behringer dcx2496 use

[cptomes]

Ok, I've used a dbx234 in a three way setup. In that rig, we used dbx 1/3 octave eqs on each channel.

http://www.cptomes.com/images/system2.jpg
http://www.cptomes.com/images/topleft.jpg

We got +-1dB using pink noise barks and corrected RS spl meter at the listening position.

Now it's time for my system.

I just picked up a DCX2496, and I have Vifa D27, D75, and Peerless 8" CSX drivers on the way. Power will be Carver TFM-15 and TFM-6 amps.

I've got the crossover settings figured out (ie how to set them...) but the dynamic eq, and limiter features are a little obscure to me. The manual is not the best, I think it was written in German and translated not very well. It also looks like there are features that are not documented in the English manual. For instance, it's not really clear how to use the auto-setting delay and polarity functions of the unit.

How many other people have used this unit here?

At $250 each the various eq options make it a better deal to me than the dbx 234. I tried out the presets a dn fiddled a little last night, looks like a parametric eq to lift the low bass, dynamic eq to drop it again when excursion limits sub output, and baffle step on the mid outs is all doable. Plus a filter or two for room modes, before the dsp chip runs out of memory/processor. Neat.

I'm going to have to get the PC-based gui for this thing and play with it.

Has anyone used two or more of these together in a stereo 4-way (3-way plus subs) plus two or three way for the rest of a 5.1 (or more) system?

 

[WmAx]

I've got the crossover settings figured out (ie how to set them...) but the dynamic eq, and limiter features are a little obscure to me. The manual is not the best, I think it was written in German and translated not very well. It also looks like there are features that are not documented in the English manual. For instance, it's not really clear how to use the auto-setting delay and polarity functions of the unit.

How many other people have used this unit here?

I use this unit, however, I do not use the limiter or dynamic eq function, nor have I even tried, so I can't help in that regard.

I tried out the presets a dn fiddled a little last night, looks like a parametric eq to lift the low bass, dynamic eq to drop it again when excursion limits sub output, and baffle step on the mid outs is all doable. Plus a filter or two for room modes, before the dsp chip runs out of memory/processor. Neat.

Grab yourself a serial cable, connect to your computer, download the latest firmware update, and the unit is able to run more filters without running out of CPU capacity, if you don't already have the latest firmware.

For example, I can configure a 3 way, 4th order xover, have 6 parametric filters applied to each of the 6 channels(36 total parametric bands) plus 1 shelf filter on the each of the inputs(for bafflestep, for example) with the available CPU power. The limiter and delays do not consume CPU resources. However, the dynamic EQ will require CPU resources, at which point you would not have so many parametric bands available. This is a stress-test example, not something that should ever have to be used on a real speaker. 6 parametric bands per driver?

I'm going to have to get the PC-based gui for this thing and play with it.

The GUI interface for the PC is very nice; it makes adjustment/set up very easy.

BTW, if you open this thing up, write down the part numbers and research them, it's fascinating. This 'cheap' $250.00 device uses the same parts standard in hi quality/hi dollar recording/studio equipment.

-Chris

 

[esscue]

the dynamic eq is sweeeet.

it allows you to make eq modifications that are applied automagically at different volume levels. the volume levels respond to spl level coming in on (whatever) input you select.

its sweeet.

for example if this room was also your late-night-falling-alseep-to-stereo then assuming you listen to music at a very soft level: youd be able to boost the bass using the dynamic eq up until the spl level crossed a certain threshold (as set by you), but, as soon as you lifted the volume above the threshold (eg during the day for dvd...) that extra boost (as set by you in the dynamic eq pages) would disappear so your normal eq settings are applied

it really is a nice feature, but is only of great use if you use the system at different levels all the time, and, youd like to tweak the eq for the different levels.

the behringer deq2496 has this feature as well.

definitely get the free editor software. it is so worth it.


the limiter allows you to set a particular spl level as the "maximum" you want.. the processor will prevent further loudness being sent through on that channel if it is limited (a speaker/amp protection facility). HOWEVER, understand that if you use limiting, and you limit too early then most users will still try and turn the main volume on the reciever up, usually raising the level to one where the signal is starting to distort... so the limiter is preventing the volume, but the user is pushing the source signal higher and what you get is a distorted signal out of the speaker. because your eq and the 2496 is being fed a distorted source signal... just a tip.

for your home cinema, i would avoid the limiter feature. its more targetted at the PA market, where it is most useful.

regards
Wayne

 

[Dolby CP-200]

Received my (DCX 249) this Tuesday 22nd 2007 at 11:30am.

As far as distortion goes I haven’t even seen the levels on the inputs ABC peak or clip yet!

Fight Club chapter 9 mid air collision, is very load and without the use of this affordable item where it helps to tame harmful peaks damaging the loudspeakers, so the audio limiters for LCR are an invaluable feature.

One of matter that I tend to explore is correcting for complex Dolby film mixes, so it makes perfect sense to use all features on the DCX 2496 to its fullest.