Ok doh...now I get it?
The EQ and room correction is also digital, and only taking place in the digital domain?
Therefore, the only way to bypass the converters in the Behringer is to bypass or go straight through the device altogether? |
Nuguy and Eldartford
You guys are smarter than I am because this is exactly my problem and despite reading the manual at least twice, I still cant figure it out.
I am using a cheapo Creative Labs USB interface which then goes optical out into the Behringer.
For a bit of fun and experimentation, I am using the same cheapo box to go simultaneously RCA out into a Musical Fidelity tube buffer, which then goes into the analogue inputs of the Behringer.
I don't yet understand how to fix the following:
1) I can switch the inputs from the optical to the RCA using the I/O switch, but their levels are very different with the optical input being at least a few DB louder
2) In both cases, I am pegging the clipping lights on the meters
Any suggestions on how to adjust the input (or output?) levels for
a) best sound and to
b) avoid maxing out the meters
would be a big help. Don't know if optical in is a bad idea, but for now, I dont have another DAC to use my Hagerman USB to coaxial SPDIF device, so I am hoping to get some decent sound out of the Behringer.
Thanks for this or any other tips with this fun toy.
Best
cwlondon |
Jayboard
Thanks - I have just played with a bit as well....
....and for me, it seems that cranking it up into the red clipping zone definitely increases distortion.
So maybe this is the solution to my problems here.
Still, I cant seem to get the LEDs very far below the clipping zone.
I also dont understand why optical out to optical in would introduce "clipping". I thought power amplifiers "clipped", not source devices?
Any additional detail or menu navigation tips greatly appreciated. |
Jayboard
I wanted you to also know that I can relate to the existential angst which results from any sightings of the red clipping light.
But I am determined to fix my levels before any hi fi savvy guests visit my house, as I really don't think I could otherwise live with myself as an audiophile.
Will report back with any additional findings. |
Eldartford
Thanks for all your help on this device as usual.
I am working my way through the various features and menus and getting more comfortable with it.
What is more interesting is the following:
I tried the RTA function on a couple of occasions, but my audiophile roots weren't quite comfortable using the EQ - I suppose my natural aversion to "tone controls".
Also, I really liked the sound of my ATC SCM7s for my desktop setup and tended to use the parametric EQ only as more of a loudness contour for lower level listening.
Recently, however, I ran the RTA, and then tinkered with the results a bit, in general rolling off the highs just a bit more, and increasing the bass just a bit to help these small monitors out a bit.
With these settings which were probably 75-80% RTA derived and 20-25% tweaking by me, I have been listening to the same ATCs for a few days.
Last night, I pushed the bypass button I was floored ?!?! by the results.
Suddenly, the speakers sounded very lifeless, less detailed, unsatisfyingly rolled off in the bass and very congested and nasally sounding in the midrange.
Only a few days ago, I couldnt imagine describing these speakers in this way.
So I am starting to wonder:
Either 1) we audiophiles are all completely insane re "straight wire with gain" nonsense and 2) this Behringer EQ is not only a revolutionary device but also the bargain of the century
or
Tweaking tone controls 1) can create euphonic coloration and 2) one's ears adjust very quickly to this, and listen through to the speaker.
In this argument, if someone secretly bypassed the EQ I would still enjoy my monitors and not necessarily miss the EQ.
Whatever the case, this continues to be some of the most fun I have ever had for $299 bucks. And I have had a lot of fun in my life. |
In my case, "correcting for the room" is curious:
* I just made significant changes to the room with acoustic panels (I suppose it used to be even worse?)
* In this system, I am listening to small monitors in a "nearfield" configuration
Is it possible that my EQ curve is adjusting the curve of my speakers more than the curve of my room?
In any case, it really is a surprisingly big difference.
Mark Levinson could put the chip in a big heavy case with red LEDs and sell it for $30,000. |
Where is the "max" switch? |
Eldartford
I may have to give you my CC details for the ongoing tech support.
I had tweaked an EQ curve from the RTA which sounded really good, but unfortunately lost it when I couldnt quite figure out the memory function.
In the meantime, I think I also screwed up some other settings.
So back to the drawing board -- is there a quick procedure for a full factory reset?
Thank you. |
I may finally get a new DAC for my desktop system, either a Bel Canto, Lavry or Benchmark.
If I go from the DAC into the balanced inputs (instead of the optical I have been using) will this therefore bypass the internal DAC of the Behringer?
Thank you |
Thanks Eldartford.
As usual, I defer to you on the complexity of this device.
Re your humble opinion, if I am trying to stream bits out of a PC using WAV files and USB, you think the D/A converter inside the Behringer will hold its own against a Bel Canto/Benchmark/Lavry?
Now that might stir up some controversy around here.
Another interesting effect of this permutation - I therefore dont need to worry about paying up for the USB interface on the outboard DAC?
In the end, I would like the purest, least jittery, least "digital" signal coming from PC based WAV files, exported through USB (?) converted (I thought) through an audiophile DAC, and then have the option of tinkering and/or room correction with the Behringer.
From there, I would continue to use the pair of A500's as monoblocks for the time being, but consider an upgrade of the amps at some point in the future.
Thanks for your expert advice. |
Hi Eldartford
My reservations regarding the build quality and long term reliability aside, I think the Behringer stuff is surprisingly good and certainly amazing for the price.
As described in other threads, I also think the DEQ is versatile, useful and a lot of fun.
So I have no problem accepting that I dont need an outboard DAC. In fact, I would be delighted to discover that in addition to all the EQing and processing power of the DEC2496, it is also a giant killer as a DAC?
Does this mean you would nominate the device for the myriad best DAC under $________ threads?
As usual, thanks for all help and opinions. |
Sorry I am a slow learner here....
* So if I go SPDIF into the Behringer and then SPDIF out into an external DAC....
I would have the option of leaving the EQ set to flat, thereby passing straight through the Behringer?
* Or I could use the EQ features but the signal would not go to analogue until it was output from the exteral DAC into my preamp or amplifiers?
* It seems the only argument in this scenario is that USB to optical out of the computer, and then optical in AND optical out of the Behringer is not "best practice" according to some? Here I was wondering about some of the new DACs which have USB inputs.
Eldartford, don't get me wrong - I am a fan of the Behringer components.
But as I continue to tinker with PC based music, I want to experiment with just how good I can get it to sound.
So although I see the DEQ 2496 as an invaluable tool for the EQ, I can't imagine its DAC for straight 2 channel would equal a Levinson # 30, ARC tube DAC, new Bel Canto or Lavry etc?
Maybe there is another solution to use both the 2496 and a high end DAC in various configurations with and without the digital EQ feature?
Oh....and Eldartford, excellent point on the cost of repairs.
Yes, I think I spent more on UPS, insurance, and packing alone getting my Levinson amp repaired than I did on the price of an A500?!?!?
I now have 2 with 2 more on order, havent turned them off and have used them every day with no problems.
Best
Cwlondon |
As an update to this thread, I have just discovered how to RESET the DEQ 2496.
It is a very simple procedure:
1) Turn off the unit using the power switch
2) With the unit off, press and HOLD "COMPARE" and "MEMORY", located just to the right of the VU meters.
3) Holding COMPARE and MEMORY, turn the power back on....
4) You will be prompted to accept the factory reset, which you can accept by pressing the "B" button, which is just to the right of the MEMORY button.
Many people have discussed the steep and intimidating learning curve for this device.
At times, I have been resisted experimentation, while fearing that I would get lost within the multiple menus and not know how to fix a mistake.
I hope this quick and easy reset will help others learn more about the device and look forward to further discussion.
Cheers, |
