Behringer DEQ 2496 help

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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In my case, "correcting for the room" is curious:

* I just made significant changes to the room with acoustic panels (I suppose it used to be even worse?)

* In this system, I am listening to small monitors in a "nearfield" configuration

Is it possible that my EQ curve is adjusting the curve of my speakers more than the curve of my room?

In any case, it really is a surprisingly big difference.

Mark Levinson could put the chip in a big heavy case with red LEDs and sell it for $30,000.

Cwlondon...According to Rives Audio, who qualifies as something of an expert on room treatments, you can't do much that way below 350 Hz or so. This is why they developed their PARC equalizer.

Of course it may also be that you have set up a frequency response curve that you prefer over flat. This could be related to your speakers/room, your ears, or just a personal preference.

Where is the "max" switch?