Behringer DEQ 2496 help

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.

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?

Many modern pop CD's are recorded at -3 to -6 db from maximum. [Read about CD Loudness Wars or got to Bob Katz digi domain for an explanation why engineers do this]

Therefore you will often be close to clipping...try reducing the OVERALL GAIN so that signal levels in the digital software are well below clipping. There is NO loss of signal by staying well clear of clipping. You will not be underutilizing your DAC. You have a 24 bit DAC - this is way more dynamic range than you need or your speakers are capable of....just turn down the gain there will be abolutely NO detrimental affect on the signal!

Note: Make sure the Max switch is in the correct position for analog signals.

Cwlondon..."Line level" (analog) for pro equipment is higher than the usual for home audio equipment, not lower. The potential problem is that home audio equipment will provide a less than optimal signal input to the pro gear (for example: the DEQ2496). Clipping is not an issue here.

In the digital world clipping just means that all the bits are used up. Sixteen bits set is the largest value that a CD can represent, and if the analog signal goes above that the digital signal stays "stuck" at 16 bits. (Actually it's one "sign" bit (+/-) and fifteen bits of value).
Obviously the CD has a 16 bit clipping level, and if the digital input scaling is bit-for-bit you will not clip in the DEQ2496 no matter how close you come. I do remember that the DEQ2496 "CLIP" indicators light up a bit below clipping (3dB or so) and it is possible that a CD may have been made right up to clipping. The DEQ2496 would only be affectes by actual clipping, not a close call. Unlike analog equipment performance of digital does not deteriorate neat to clipping.