Behringer DEQ 2496 help

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

CW, Push the Utility menu button and look for the Gain Offset control.

I am thinking that the Gain Offset value would be saved in different memory presets, so you could use memory presets to associate different gain settings with different sources.

I've played with different gain settings, but now I just let the red lights flash. They tug at my conscience a little bit, and I am concerned that hifi-savvy visitors will think I'm a loser, but I simply do not hear any distortion.

In a thread many months ago where this topic came up, someone said that the signal that most pro gear would send into the equalizer is of lower amplitude than that of consumer gear. Beats me.

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.

For gain, push the "DYN" buttom on the far right. The use the top small knob to turn it up or down.