BEHRINGER ULTRACURVE PRO DEQ2496
Ultra-High Precision 24-Bit/96 kHz Equalizer, Analyzer, Feedback Destroyer and Mastering Processor
- Ultra-high resolution 24-bit/96 kHz mastering processor featuring 32/40-bit floating-point DSP technology
- Audiophile 24-bit/96 kHz A/D- and D/A converters offering 113 dB dynamic range
- 4 concurrently selectable EQ modules (31-band graphic EQ, 10-band parametric EQ, Feedback Destroyer plus 3 Dynamic EQs per stereo channel)
- Ultra-high resolution 61-band real-time FFT analyzer with additional auto EQ function for room and loudspeaker equalization
- Unique VPQ (Virtual Paragraphic EQ) option allows parametric control of graphic EQs
- State-of-the-art compressor/expander with peak limiter per stereo channel, additional stereo imager and stereo delay for delay line applications
- Multi-functional level meters (peak/RMS, VU and SPL meter with dBA/dBC weighting via RTA/Mic input)
- 64 user memories for complete setups and/or individual module configurations
- Separate mic/line input with phantom power for RTA and Auto-EQ applications
- Balanced inputs and servo-balanced outputs with gold-plated XLR connectors, stereo aux output, AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs and outputs (XLR and optical)
- Professional Wordclock input and MIDI connections for full remote control, preset dumps and system updates
- Open architecture allowing future software updates via MIDI
- "Planet Earth" switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving
- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
- Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany
The DEQ2496 is a highprecision digital 24-bit/ 96 kHz EQ/RTA mastering processor, ideal for sophisticated live sound trouble-shooting or audiophile mastering. Whether you're putting the finishing touches on recorded material or creating an optimal live sound for a multi-way PA, the DEQ2496 is built to provide meticulous control.
Equalization? Dynamics? Feedback correction? Yes, yes, yes. You can have it all with the DEQ2496. Automatic FFT analysis with Auto EQ? We added that too.
The DEQ2496 is a whole rack of flexible equalization, dynamics and time correction functions designed to fix problems and generally optimize sound quality.
- ual 31-band Graphic Equalizers (stereo linkable)
- Dual 31-band Virtual Paragraphic Equalizers (stereo linkable)
- Dual 10-band Parametric EQ's per stereo side
- Dynamically-activated EQ
- Feedback Destroyer with Learning Mode
- Stereo Imager
- Compressor/Expander
- Limiter
- Digital Delay
- RTA/SPL/FFT Analyzer with Auto EQ function
Dual 31-band Graphic Equalizers, 31-band Virtual Paragraphic Equalizers and 10-band Parametric
Naturally the DEQ2496 has phase-neutral digital graphic EQ...but in addition we've added a function that allows you to change the bandwidth of each frequency from standard 1/3 to as much as 59/3. Or, if you prefer the old-school approach to variable bandwidth, we've included 10-band parametrics that can be fine-tuned in increments down to 1/60 of an octave.
Dynamically-activated EQ
Dynamic EQ automatically raises or lowers a defined frequency range based on volume level. It's literally a combination of an equalizer (with frequency center and bandwidth controls) and a dynamics processor (with ATTACK, RELEASE, THRESHOLD and RATIO parameters). DEQ opens up a world of both creative mastering and PA problem solving possibilities. We've given you total control with multiple filter types including bandpass mode. And of course you can store DEQ settings for recall at any time manually or via MIDI.
Feedback Destroyer with Learning Mode
With the digital capabilities we've just listed, it's easy to see why we were able to include a highly-effective Feedback Destroyer (FBD) feature - it's essentially a dynamicallyactivated parametric EQ that "watches" the whole frequency spectrum in 1/60-octave bands and then instantly identifies and notches out feedback. FBD can be run in AUTO mode to compensate for movements of performers on stage, or in SNGLE mode that locks onto individual frequencies and then varies the amount of attenuation and bandwidth depending on feedback stimulus - more suited to fixed microphone installations. We also included a LEARN mode that generates short audio pulses, raises their gain until feedback occurs and then locks into potential trouble-causing band centers.
Stereo Imager (WIDTH)
While usually considered a mastering technique, the ability to widen the stereo image can be useful in live sound work, too. When you hear it in action, we think you and your audience will be impressed. The DEQ2496 WIDTH processor provides control over STEREOWIDTH (how clearly the two sides of the stereo image are separated from each other), ASYMMETRY (relative volume of left/right stereo signal), ROTATION (panning of stereo + mono in the stereo image), and a multipart SHUFFLE function than can generate an additional low-frequency Stereowidth effect.
Compressor/Expander and Limiter
The DEQ2496 has a comprehensive set of dynamics processing tools that can be used as two independent channels or stereo linked. Everything you'd find on a dedicated compressor/ expander is here including variable rations from 1:1.1 to 1:100, ATTACK times from 0 to 200ms, 0-3dB variable knee and 20 to 4000ms RELEASE, all adjustable from a coarse/fine adjustment scale. The built-in separate LIMITER has Threshold, Hold and Release functions.
Digital Delay
You can delay either the DEQ2496's Main or AUX outputs anywhere from 0 to 300ms and can process left and right channels independently. Not only can you specify time delay in feet or meters but simultaneously compensate for ambient temperature which affects sound speed!
RTA/SPL/FFT Analyzer with Auto EQ function
The DEQ2496 features an FFT real time analyzer for precise graphic display of 61 frequency bands. You can monitor main or digital inputs and outputs, AUX/ digital out or a feed from an RTA microphone and display the results in a multitude of ways including funky retro VU meters. You get all of the usual peak/hold, display rate and scale features you would expect from a professional measurement tool, plus our user-definable AEQ (Auto EQ function), which allows you to analyze and adjust your system's frequency response automatically (perfect for "roughing out" initial room adjustments). In Graphic EQ mode, you can choose between UNCORRECTED response, which shows the mutual influence of adjacent bands, or select TRUE response to apply a specially developed algorithm that displays the actual results of the equalizer setting.
Easy to set up and use
The DEQ2496 has balanced inputs and servo balanced outputs with gold-plated XLR connectors, stereo aux output, AES/EBU and S/ PDIF inputs and XLR and optical output. Configuration is intuitive, with on-screen block diagram displays and you get a separate RTA mic/line input with phantom power, a professional wordclock input and MIDI connections for full remote control, as well as preset dumps and system updates. You can maintain up to 64 comprehensive user presets at a time and of course dump and load as needed. You can also save and recall individual modules such as DEQ, PEQ, WIDTH or DYN. These subsets of complete presets let you maintain most of a preset's settings but vary a few (such as graphic EQ) without having to generate a whole new preset.
Built tough for the road, precise for the studio
The DEQ2496 features high-quality 24-bit/96 kHz A/D and D/A converters and two high-performance 32/40-bit floating-point digital signal processors for incredible sonic resolution and 113 dB dynamic range. The internal switch-mode power supply assures maximum flexibility (100-240V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response, lowest possible power consumption and freedom from power surge damage.
Compare features. Compare prices. Own ULTRACURVE
Quite frankly, we believe that the DEQ2496 is the best multi-function processor value in the pro audio industry. Why pay much more for a status name?
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful.
Great for studio and home stereo/High-End use!
By E. Holm
I bought this many years ago, maybe around 2005.. It came pre-installed with the v1.4. I had heard that earlier versions had some reliability problems, like simply shutting down permanently even after short term use, or after some time.I have used mine many times a week (often for many hours pd.), and it still works like new. I started using it in my home "pro"studio as a EQ (and even compressor and width) along with some other equipment when mastering, with great results. It really lifted the final mix so that it could be used as a presentable demo. After a while I decided to slow down my non-profit studio work (I mainly used it as a hobby to help friends release demos). Almost $40.000 (US) in gear, the studio got too expensive to maintain... I now mainly use it for different smaller projects, but have started to use the DEQ2496 with my High-End stereo (with some Snell B-Minor, tube pre-amps and Norwegian amps etc.).OK, the Behringer DEQ2496: I bought it for around $700 (US) new about 6 years ago, and even then I thought I got a LOT for the money. Now I see it for sale under $300 (US), making it a real bargain. WHY?...:MY USEIt's a 100% PRO-model, with balanced XLR ins and outs, digital XLR AES/EBU and optical ins and out, XLR MIC-in (12/22 Dbu), balanced monitor jacks (TRS), Wordclock and midi in, out and thru (you can use your computer to select presets etc). But, if you want to use it with your home stereo, you may need some XLR to RCA (phono) adapters (not that expensive) or use the optical in- and outs (often found on many stereo/TV products today.WHAT IT DOESNot that much at first glance, but when you go into it, it can do some really great stuff. It has a Graphic, Parametric and Dynamic Equalizer (that sounds really good), Width-function (widens the stereo-image), Feedback-destroyer, Dynamic-processor and a Sound-limiter (found in the Dynamic-processor menu). Of course there are programmable presets (memory) which you can name, bypass etc. Most of these functions can be edited in great detail. Everything you need in a PRO-environment, not to mention in a live setting (where limiters etc. are crucial). Also, if you buy an external Behringer Mic, you can calibrate the Graphic EQ so that you're loudspeakers get a near flat frequency in the room.- The Graphic EQ is maybe the type of EQ most people know about. It has 31 freq-bands which you can add or gain. Even though it is the "simplest" of the EQ's, it may be the best choice for home stereo use.- The Parametric EQ has 10 EQ settings, but is much more advanced then the Graphic EQ. Mostly used in the studio to trim certain instrument sounds. But it can be used in a home stereo setting too if there is a certain frequency that you have problems with.- The Width feature is great for mixing, mastering and home stereo (if you want to "open" the sound a bit. When used carefully, it can really give life (and give space for the instruments) to a song.- In the version 1.4, Behringer added a few new features, like high/low-pass filter, but they call it something else (very useful).The Graphic EQ and Width is the "easiest" to newbies. But all of them are of very high quality, and can configured in detail.THE SOUNDThe AD (analog to digital converter) and DA (digital to analog converter) is of good quality. Good for most uses. But, if you want to really go High-End, you can use your own AD or DA converter, using the DEQ2496 in pure digital mode. I use it (in my home stereo-system) with digital in from CD-player, computer and TV, but analog out (RCA via XLR adapter) to my analog pre-amp, amp and speakers.The DEQ2496 has a relatively "flat"/neutral sound in analog mode, in my opinion.BUILD QUALITYBehringer is known for building solid products, and this is no exception. I own many Behringer rack products (even some inexpensive ones), and all looks and works solid (I have never broken, or had any problem with any of them). Can't say the same about other (and even more expensive) brands, like Digitech...SIMPLE TIPSIf used with a home stereo-system, it is great to control the loudspeaker sound. If you got much to big speakers for the room (with way to much bass for example), you can easily reduce the bass by using the high-pass filter (they use another name for it, reat the instructions). This cuts the bottom end softly at a frequency set by you.This was a basic intro to the Behringer DEQ2496, hope it was a little useful. Personally I simply love it.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful.
Amazing & Unreliable -- Behringer Could Care Less
By AudiophileHeadCase
I've owned a Behringer DEQ2496 for my HiFi setup and love the features. Had it now for about 4 years. Digital equilization done with a proper measurement mic and Real Time Analysis (RTA) software like on the DEQ2496 is the only way to get proper sound from your HiFi. You'll have to buy a special measurement mic separately -- Behringer sells a decent one for about $50. I don't care how good your speakers are, the room will modify the spectrum so you must equalize and digital is the *only* way to go! The features you get in this piece of kit are unreal given its low price.Now, on to the bad parts. It overheats! Behringer knows this but steadfastly refuses to redesign it to make it reliable. I can almost guarantee you that after you own this unit for a year or two, the reliability problems will start. Usually it's the power supply capacitors that slowly go bad and get "cooked" due to their poor heat specs and the PSU overheating. You'll see the unit suddenly shut off. Worse, sometimes it will go into a wild shut-off/turn-on mode which is probably very hard on the digital board due to the voltage spikes it causes on the digital chips. There are also some heat problems on the two SHARC DSP chips on the digital board but the single greatest generator of heat appears to be the switch-mode power supply. In addition to the PSU heat, it also emits a high amount of RFI noise. Just put an AM radio close to the unit to see what I mean. RFI/EM shielding was poorly designed on this PSU. If the PSU goes bad during your warranty, lucky you! Behringer will replace your poorly designed PSU with the same over-heating PSU and you can then expect to again see problems at some point down the road. Sigh!I've tried various methods to fix the poorly design PSU. First fix was to carefully replace some of the key capacitors on the PSU board with some much higher spec caps. This helped for awhile, but alas, the huge amount of heat the PSU generates eventually cooked even the higher spec caps. Please note, too, that there appears to be no safety thermal "shutoff" circuit on the Behringer PSU so it will dutifully continue to heat up nice and hot until your capacitors eventually "cook" and fail some day.My current solution to the heat problem is to get rid of the over-heating, RFI noisy Behringer designed PSU and replace it with a 3rd party PSU. The DEQ2496 uses a very complicated multi-voltage PSU so finding a 3rd party replacement is no easy task. I'm currently using a PSU from Envision Electronics (DSPower!). It's a beautifully designed PSU board with almost no RFI noise and high quality parts. However, this PSU board is designed for running the Behringer in your auto off the car's battery. I solved this for home use by supply the PSU with DC voltage from a Pyramid PS-8KX power supply (6A, 13.8 V). Still having some thermal problems even with this setup, but at least the Envision PSU has the sense to supply a thermal safety circuit which shuts the PSU down when temperatures get too high (say, after 2 hours of use). I'm now experimenting with some heat sinks on the power transistors of the Envision PSU along with some ventilation holes in the top of the chasis in the hopes this will cure the overheating. If not, then I'll have to resort to eventually placing a small PC type fan on top of the unit to help suck out the hot air.Owning a Behringer DEQ2496 results in a type of love/hate feeling. You love what it does to your HiFi sound (and at such an amazing price!) but hate the reliability issues. Is it worth the hassle? You'll have to figure that one out, but before buying it be sure you are ready and technically qualified to open it up and modify it to solve the heat problems if you decide to buy one. If you aren't qualified to do these mods safely, then don't attempt them. Heck, I've even heard of some people that buy this unit as a "disposable" item. When it inevitable goes bad after a few years, they simple go out and buy another one!It would be nice if Behringer would listen to their customers and fix these issues but they are so myopically focused on keeping the price low that they don't seem to care about the all too common reliability problems with the DEQ2496.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful.
Could be an excellent device but has heat problems
By Wade E. Novin
After using this unit about four times, it started crashing with a message that a "fatal error 11" had occured and to reset the device. I could no longer use the device in my live sound PA system due to its unreliability.I put some heatsinks on the SHARC digital processor chips which were running too hot to touch with your finger. Once the heatsinks were in place, the unit did not crash even after sitting in my garage in 95 degree heat.If not for this problem, this unit could be an excellent processor unit, superior in fact to units costing far more. The display gives extremely useful information in a clear way. The multi function EQs and compressors are excellent.Too bad Behringer did not put 50 cent heatsinks in the unit.
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