DEQX Beginner seeking advice


Hello DEQX Users,

I have a demo PreMate on loan for 2 weeks. That is not much time, given the complexity of setup. For now, I am skipping speaker calibration and trying to get room EQ running well. It is the bass in my sealed basement room that's the problem most in need.

1. Is there an online tutorial on this?  I looked at Nyal Mellor's YouTube entry, but I'm looking for something a little more detailed (but less than the manual).

2. Is it true that DEQX room EQ (unlike the TacT 2.2X I own) is applied to both channels, and can't be used to equalize each channel independently?

3. Is it also true that (unlike the TacT), a DEQX main/sub configuration does not automatically set time delays and levels relative to the mains? If so, how do most users accomplish this?

I will appreciate for any tips/help. At first impression, the DEQX DAC and xover sound considerably cleaner than the old TacT, but the complexity of setup is rather daunting.

Thanks!
Mike

P.S. I trust that starting a new thread is the right thing here, rather than hijacking the long, interesting, existing one.
mike_in_nc
Hi Mike,

Q1)I’m not aware of any such tutorial. But I think that if you read through the sections of the manual on room measurements and room corrections a couple of times you’ll find them to be a good deal less formidable than they may initially appear.

Q2)Yes, that’s true as far as I’ve been able to determine (for room corrections; speaker calibrations are of course done individually for each speaker). In my case, though, it didn’t seem to be a significant issue.

Q3)I don’t use subwoofers, and I haven’t taken the time to familiarize myself with the sub integration process, so I can’t help on this question.

Keep in mind that in contrast to speaker calibrations, room corrections are done instantaneously, in real time, when you make the adjustments in the cal software running on a connected computer. But while the resulting adjustments are then immediately stored in the DEQX, they are not stored in the computer until and unless you download them from the DEQX into a configuration profile you have previously created, and then perform a "save."

Also, as a starting point, at least, it may be helpful to use the auto-EQ feature for the room corrections. Although I would suggest some changes to the default settings for the auto-EQ function that are in the latest version of the software. If I recall correctly it defaults to 3 parametric "control points," which I would suggest changing to 7 (that being the maximum number that can be used while retaining the ability to subsequently introduce equalizations with the remote control). And if I recall correctly it defaults to zero maximum boost (i.e., to only reducing selected frequency ranges, rather than boosting any). Provided that you believe the power capability of your amplifier and the power handling capability of your speakers to have ample margin relative to your requirements, I would suggest raising that default limit from 0 to perhaps as much as +6 db (which would result in up to a four-fold increase in power delivery at the boosted frequencies).

As with any sophisticated software program, during the initial familiarization process it can seem daunting, but once you get the hang of it after some hands-on experience I don’t think you’ll find it to be nearly as complex as it may first seem.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

Al,

Thanks very much for the hints. They will be useful.

I have no doubt that I could master the DEQX software; however, I am less sure I can master it in two weeks -- two weeks of life filled with other activities as well. But I'll sure give it a try.

Again, I appreciate the tips and encouragement.

Regards,
--Mike

Hi Mike
In addition to Als' excellent advice, I can help you with point 3), it's actually quite easy if you are methodical...

A) Take a room measurement from the listening chair.

B) Then use the 'viewer' to display this & go full screen - it will default to the frequency response.

Now click on the 'step response' option (from the little row of buttons on the right edge of the second toolbar) which will show both the mains (spiky response) and the sub (longer wavy response). Normally the first peak of the sub will be further to the right than the mains, ie 'slower' because the wavelengths are longer and often the sub is further away from the listener as well.

Enlarge this view using the + view button (also on the second toolbar), so you can still see both the top of the sub plot and the first main speaker spike.

As you move the cursor over the tip of the sub response, make a note of the delay time which displays in real time in the bottom RH corner of your screen.

Now move to the first peak of the mains and again note the time.

Subtract the time of the mains from the sub and this then gives you the delay to add to the main speakers, ie 35.4-25.2 = 10.2 as an example.

C) Go to your speaker configuration setup view and select one of the main speakers. Double click & go to the time/level tab. Then add the delay from above into the appropriate box (it defaults dark blue ready for you to enter anyway)

Repeat for the other speaker.

D) Save to the DEQX and then repeat the process again, naming your next measurement something like 'verification xx.x' (xx.x being the time delay you added ie 10.2ms etc).

E) The verification window should now show the two peaks aligned together.

Your sub is time aligned!

Good Luck...

If you need any other help in the brief time you have available, drop me a PM - I can give my email address / you can mail me your .mzd file & I could do some of the basic setup for you. It will get you going


Thanks, drewan77, for the tips. Though I decided not to keep the DEQX (the relay clicks and dropouts when changing sample rate proved too distracting), the general principles you outlined are useful to know. I can use them for adjusting subs, whatever gear I wind up with.

BTW, I'm currently evaluating the Classé CP-800, which has much less DSP than the DEQX, but enough for my needs, and is delightfully simple to operate.

Mike