Behringer DEQ 2496 help

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.

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.

Cwlondon-
I was in the same situation. I always thought the shortest signal path was the best and that if at all possible, you shouldn't mess with the signal. But I had read several reviews saying what a bargain the Behringer was and how you couldn't believe the difference until you heard it. So I figured I'd buy one, play with it for a while, but ultimately sell it and go back to my simple, cd player to pre to amp set-up.

You probably know where this is heading. My DEQ isn't going anywhere! I really couldn't believe the difference "room correction" made, more detail, more life, less congested, etc.

My brother-in-law owns a studio and an A/V conference support company, when I told him about the difference it made, he said "heck ya, you've got to correct for the room. I don't know why you audiophiles don't get that".

Every once in a while I think about removing it, then I hit "bypass" and can't believe how crappy my system sounds without it.

Anyone who asks, I say "you have to try it". But I've found most audiophiles don't want to put an "equaliser" in their system. But I'll keep spreading the gospel.

Your systems are probably not crappy, but your rooms probably are. Most fun you can have with your clothes on! Certainly the "bargain of the century".
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