lowrider, I have a digital system but learning the 2496 is going to be the same in either domain I assume, but perhaps with somewhat different goals. Anyway, I'm still in the curve from the standpoint of learning its full capability but may not have to go much further for my purposes.
Maybe it's partly because I have such limited experience using equalizers in the first place, but learning certain aspects of its use was in no way straightforward and the instructions provided (only on the internet, btw) were not much help. There are, though, several good articles and You Tube presentations on the internet which were very helpful.
My main reasons for buying this EQ were to compensate for upper frequency hearing loss and to establish some baseline room equalization. The auto room eq was a little challenging to establish but worth every bit of time and effort to achieve. Adjusting for specific frequencies or ranges of frequencies with either the graphic or parametric functions, or both simultaneously, is much easier.
One of the really great features is that there are multiple memory slots so that any settings that you establish can be saved and retrieved at will. The bottom line is that it has nearly limitless ways to control sound to fit individual tastes and listening environments. Everybody should have one but keep your manual handy.
