EQ help

[monsterman]

The most powerful/versatile solution would be to use a Behringer DCX2496. It is a powerful DSP EQ (it is going to shame the EQ plug-ins for WinAmp, etc.) and is going to be far more useful than the models I have seen mentioned so far, that also offers powerful dynamic EQ functions and a sophisticated crossover system. It has a superb GUI so you can link it to your computer - and this GUI is about the best I have ever used - it's so easy and well layed out - you will love it. The DCX is like a swiss army knife for audio. It will let you do things that would otherwise be difficult to do/accomplish, and it will do them flawlessly. It also has 6 isolated outputs. You could even have dedicated F/X and EQ different on each output if you so desired. For example, you could simultaneously have two pairs of outputs - one set optimized for your speakers - and the other set optimized/EQed for your headphones - or for two separate speaker systems AND a headphone system. It's abilities are fairly unlimited - it is one of the best investments you can make for a serious audio system, and it is absolutely useful for a stand alone system or a computer based system.

-Chris

This is by far the best advice I have heard to date on my EQ situation. Isn't there a EQ for about $300 or so that does everything automatic? I forget the model and have been trying to remember. I would rather get something that I will never have to replace or fool with.... But considering the price Behringer DCX2496 seems to be completely legit. I am just concerned it will be too difficult to setup and learn REW. Most likely I will go the cheaper more efficient route and just learn it but if I can find the automatic one used for $100 more with a high resale value I will choose that route in a second.

 

[monsterman]

So I asked my Motherboard company what the output voltage is on the audio out ports of the motherboard... they replied "Only 0.16amp per port"

What does that mean?
I'm guessing that not enough for my EP2500 necessary 1.4V.

That, I'm guessing leaves me with a few options
1: Get an upgraded sound card with up to 2.0V out... Creative makes a few $150+
2: Use the subwoofer output on my Audioengine A5's with an unknown output voltage
3: Get some sort of voltage amplifier???? What is this?

If I do end up getting an EQ is there a voltage requirement for the input?

 

[TLS Guy]

So I asked my Motherboard company what the output voltage is on the audio out ports of the motherboard... they replied "Only 0.16amp per port"

What does that mean?
I'm guessing that not enough for my EP2500 necessary 1.4V.

That, I'm guessing leaves me with a few options
1: Get an upgraded sound card with up to 2.0V out... Creative makes a few $150+
2: Use the subwoofer output on my Audioengine A5's with an unknown output voltage
3: Get some sort of voltage amplifier???? What is this?

If I do end up getting an EQ is there a voltage requirement for the input?

You need to ask them the impedance that the card will deliver 0.16 amps into. Then you can work out the voltage by ohms law. For instance if it can deliver 0.16 amp into 10 ohms the voltage is 1.6 volts. If it can deliver it into 100 ohms it would be 16 volts. They gave you really dumb information.

 

[WmAx]

Monsterman, when feeding a consumer unbalanced signal to a pro amp with only XLR or TRS balanced inputs, you must use a line driver to get proper functionality with low noise.

The Samson S-Convert is an optimal unit. It does conversions of pro balanced to consumer unbalanced, including the proper voltage conversions, and the other way around, has variable trim, and a very flat response into the bass range(where the Art Cleanbox rolls off deep bass).

If you use the Behringer DCX2496 DSP EQ/Xover that I recommended, you will not need the S-Convert box. The DCX has built in suitable pre-amplification to feed a consumer line to it's inputs. You will then simply connect the DCX outputs to your pro amp(s).

-Chris

 

[WmAx]

This is by far the best advice I have heard to date on my EQ situation. Isn't there a EQ for about $300 or so that does everything automatic? I forget the model and have been trying to remember. I would rather get something that I will never have to replace or fool with.... But considering the price Behringer DCX2496 seems to be completely legit. I am just concerned it will be too difficult to setup and learn REW. Most likely I will go the cheaper more efficient route and just learn it but if I can find the automatic one used for $100 more with a high resale value I will choose that route in a second.

I have two DCX units that I use in two different systems. It is a fine quality device. It is manual. No automatic features. The only thing you may need to do is buy a decent measurement mic. Dayton has a great value one available now that comes with individual calibration response curves for each one. I recommend one of these plus say a Behringer Xenyx 802 mini-mixer to act as the mic preamp for the mic. Connect to your computer and use the REW freeware to set up your system. You will learn a lot and end up getting best results learning to use this software and basic measurement system. When not using the 802 mixer for a mic pre, it is a fantastic headphone amplifier that will give you distortion free, practically unlimited amplification to drive any conventional headphone on the market, exotic or not, regardless of impedance or sensitivity.

-Chris

 

[monsterman]

Behringer ULTRACURVE PRO DEQ2496 -$140
http://www.behringer.de/EN/Products/DEQ2496.aspx

Could I use this one instead? It says it has parametric.
Perhaps someone knows of a DCX2496 DSP for sale used.
I really want to avoid going over my 1k budget and I'm at $733 now

 

[TLS Guy]

Behringer ULTRACURVE PRO DEQ2496 -$140
http://www.behringer.de/EN/Products/DEQ2496.aspx

Could I use this one instead? It says it has parametric.
Perhaps someone knows of a DCX2496 DSP for sale used.
I really want to avoid going over my 1k budget and I'm at $733 now

I don't see why that one should not work. However before doing anything see how your sub sounds. You have a small room, and you may find there is enough room gain, you don't feel the need to Eq.

 

[monsterman]

I don't see why that one should not work. However before doing anything see how your sub sounds. You have a small room, and you may find there is enough room gain, you don't feel the need to Eq.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[WmAx]

Behringer ULTRACURVE PRO DEQ2496 -$140
http://www.behringer.de/EN/Products/DEQ2496.aspx

Could I use this one instead? It says it has parametric.
Perhaps someone knows of a DCX2496 DSP for sale used.
I really want to avoid going over my 1k budget and I'm at $733 now

The DCX is a far more useful/powerful unit. In addition to being a DSP EQ, the DCX also has extensive crossover capabilities. This will, for example, allow the best possible integration of main speakers to subwoofer(s). In addition, it still allows full precision EQ control over all speakers connected to it, in an individual way(you can apply different EQ/crossover to each separate out put). The DCX also has the very well done GUI to control it via your computer. The DEQ is a straight up EQ, though a powerful one. It simply does EQ functions and has two inputs and two outputs. The DCX can do 3 inputs and 6 outputs.

-Chris

 

[monsterman]

The DCX is a far more useful/powerful unit. In addition to being a DSP EQ, the DCX also has extensive crossover capabilities. This will, for example, allow the best possible integration of main speakers to subwoofer(s). In addition, it still allows full precision EQ control over all speakers connected to it, in an individual way(you can apply different EQ/crossover to each separate out put). The DCX also has the very well done GUI to control it via your computer. The DEQ is a straight up EQ, though a powerful one. It simply does EQ functions and has two inputs and two outputs. The DCX can do 3 inputs and 6 outputs.

-Chris

The only issues;
I can find the DEQ for $140
I cant find a DCX for cheap anywhere.... Lowest I found was $250 (not cheap)