Behringer DEQ2496 User Manual

Equalizers

ULTRA-CURVEPRO
DEQ2496

ULTRACURVEUltraHigh-Precision
Digital24-Bit/96kHzEQ/RTA
MasteringProcessor

Ultra-high resolution processor for all
EQ, RTA and dynamic applications,
especially for PA and
audiophile mastering

4 concurrently selectable EQ modules
(31-band graphic EQ, 10-band
parametric EQ, Feedback Destroyer
plus 3 Dynamic EQs per
stereo channel)

Flexible compressor/expander
function with peak limiter per stereo
channel as well as additional stereo
imager and stereo delay for
delay line applications

Unique VPQ (Virtual Paragraphic EQ)
option allows parametric control of
graphic EQs

Ultra-high resolution 61-band
real-time FFT analyzer with additional
auto EQ function for room and
loudspeaker equalization

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 congurations

Separate RTA mic/line input with
phantom power, professional
Wordclock input and MIDI
connections for full remote control,
preset dumps and system updates

The DEQ2496 is a high-precision
digital 24-bit/96 kHz EQ/RTA mastering
processor, ideal for sophisticated live
sound trouble-shooting or audiophile
mastering. Whether you’re putting the
nishing 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
exible equalization, dynamics and
time correction functions designed to
x problems and generally optimize
sound quality.

• Dual 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.

Continued on next page

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ULTRA-CURVEPRO
DEQ2496

Ultra-high resolution 24-bit/96 kHz
A/D- and D/A converters
(113 dB dynamic range)

Open architecture allowing future
software updates via MIDI

2 high-performance 32/40-bit
oating-point DSPs for ultimate
sonic resolution

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)

Internal switch-mode power
supply for maximum exibility
(100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio,
superior transient response and
lowest possible power consumption

High-quality components and
exceptionally rugged construction
ensure long life

Conceived and designed by
BEHRINGER Germany

Or, if you prefer the old-school
approach to variable bandwidth, we’ve
included 10-band parametrics that can be
ne-tuned in increments down to 1/60 of
an octave.

Dynamically-activatedEQ

Dynamic EQ automatically raises or
lowers a dened 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 lter 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-eective Feedback
Destroyer (FBD) feature — it’s essentially a
dynamically-activated parametric EQ that
“watches” the whole frequency spectrum
in 1/60-octave bands and then instantly
identies 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 xed
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.

DEQ2496

In Out

Insert

XENYX 2222USB

Output Left

Output Right

Continued on next page

EUROPOWER
EP4000

L

EUROLIVE
B1520 PRO

R

ULTRA-CURVEPRO
DEQ2496

Page 3 of 7

Not only can you specify time delay
in feet or meters but simultaneously
compensate for ambient temperature
which aects sound speed!

RTA/SPL/FFTAnalyzerwith
AutoEQfunction

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 eect.

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 nd 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/ne
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.

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-denable 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 inuence of
adjacent bands, or select TRUE response
to apply a specially developed algorithm
that displays the actual results of the
equalizer setting.

Graphic equalizer without frequency response

correction (UNCORRECTED)

Graphic equalizer with frequency response

correction (TRUE RESPONSE)

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. Conguration 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
oating-point digital signal processors
for incredible sonic resolution and 113 dB
dynamic range.

The internal switch-mode power
supply assures maximum exibility
(100-240V~), noise-free audio, superior
transient response, lowest possible power
consumption and freedom from power
surge damage.

Continued on next page

ULTRA-CURVEPRO
DEQ2496

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?

Page 4 of 7

METER
and CLIP
LEDs

METER
menu
key

The FUSE HOLDER
holds the mains
fuse of the
DEQ2496. Blown
fuses must be
replaced by fuses
of the same type
and rating

RTA (Real
Time
Analyzer)
selector

MEMORY
where you can
save or recall
complete presets
or individual
modules from
one preset

PAGE browses
pages within
a menu

COMPARE
either complete
presets or
individual
modules

Synchronize
to external
equipment via
BNC coaxial
WORDCLOCK
input

High­resolution
display

A and B functions
depend on the
selected menu, and
are indicated in the
display

XLR AES/EBU
or S/PDIF
I/O

DATA WHEELS
are used to
select and edit
parameters in a
selected menu

MENU
keys select
individual
menus
within
modules

RTA/MIC IN for
realtime analyzer
or SPL meter has
+15V phantom
power supply for
condenser mics

POWER
switch

Balanced
XLR input
connectors

Connect the
enclosed
power cord
to the mains
connection

MIDI IN /
OUT / THRU

AES/EBU
and S/PDIF
optical I/O

Stereo AUX
OUT taps the
audio signal
present at the
digital outputs
in analog form

Raises MAX level
present at the
MAIN inputs/
outputs from
+12 dBu to
+22 dBu

Balanced
XLR output
connectors

ULTRA-CURVEPRO

DEQ2496

Page 5 of 7

Monitor

AUX Outputs 1 to 8

XENYX 2222USB

DEQ2496

Stereo output

Left/Right

DEQ2496

Main

Main output

Left/Right

Sidell L

Sidell R

Sidell Drums

Keyboard Fill

Wedge 1

Wedge 2

Wedge 3

Wedge 4

EUROPOWER
EP4000

XENYX 2222USB

Aux Output

L/R

(Delay Line)

Main PA
Speaker

EUROLIVE B215A

ULTRA-CURVEPRO

DEQ2496

Page 6 of 7

Analog inputs

Type electronically balanced

Connector XLR

Impedance 22 kΩ

Max. input level +12 or +22 dBu, switchable

CMRR 40 dB typ.

Analog outputs (main)

Type servo-balanced

Connector XLR

Impedance 100 Ω at 1 kHz

Max. output level +12 or +22 dBu, switchable

Analog outputs (aux)

Type servo-balanced

Conector ¼" stereo jack

Impedance 100 Ω at 1 kHz

Max output level +12 dBu

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency range 10 Hz to 35 kHz (-1 dB)
@ 96 kHz sampling rate

Signal-to-noise ratio > 113 dB main input/output
> 107 dB aux output

THD 0.007 % TYP. @ +4 dBu, 1kHz, unity gain

Crosstalk < -92 dB/-95 dB

Bypass

Type Relay, hard-bypass in case of power failure

Measurement microphone input

Type electronically balanced

Input impedance 2kΩ

Max. input level variable from -14 dBu to +22 dBu
(LINE)

Max. input level variable from -42 dBV/Pa to -6 dBV/Pa
(MIC)

Phantom power +15 V, switchable

Digital input 1

Type XLR transformer-balanced

Standard AES/EBU or S/PDIF

Input impedance 110 Ω

Nom. Input level 0.2 – 5 V peak-to-peak

Digital input 2

Type TOSLINK optical

Standard AES/EBU or S/PDIF

Digital output 1

Type XLR transformer-balanced

Standard AES/EBU or S/PDIF

Impedance 110 Ω

Output 3.5 V peak-to-peak

Digital output 2

Type TOSLINK optical

Standard AES/EBU or S/PDIF

Sync input

Type BNC

Standard Wordclock (1 x sample rate)

Input impedance 50 k Ω

Nom. Level 2–6 V peak-to-peak

MIDI interface

Type 5-pole Din jacks In/Out/Thru

Implementation cf. MIDI implementation chart

Digital processing

Converter 24-bit Delta-Sigma,
64/128-oversampling (AKM®)

Sample rate 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz

Graphic equalizer (GEQ)

Type digital 1/3-oct. EQ

Frequency Range 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 31 1/3-oct. bands
according to ISO frequencies

Bandwidth 1/3-oct.

Control range +15 to -15 dB

Parametric equalizer (PEQ)

Type max. 10 independent,
fully parametric lters per channel

Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Bandwidth 1/10 to 10 oct., shelving lters
(6 and 12 dB)

Control range +15 to -15 dB

Dynamic equalizer (DEQ)

Type max. 3 independent,
fully parametric lters per channel

Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Bandwidth 1/10 to 10 oct., shelving lters
(6 and 12 dB)

Control range +15 to -15 dB

Threshold variable from 0 to -60 dB

Attack 0 to 200 msec

Release 20 to 4,000 msec

Ratio 1:2 to 1:100

Feedback Destroyer (FBD)

Type digital signal analysis for
feedback identication

Filter max. 10 digital notch lters per channel,
programmable or as automatic feedback
suppression system

Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Bandwidth 1/10 to 1/60 oct.

Control range 0 to -60 dB

Digital delay

Type digital stereo delay

Max. delay time 300 ms, independently adjustable for
each channel

Min. resolution 0.02 ms

Delay units seconds, meters or feet

Level meters

Type digital level meter with simultaneous
graphic display of Peak and RMS values
and virtual analog VU meter

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DEQ2496

Page 7 of 7

SPL meter

Weighting dB (A), dB (C) or OFF

Microphone -42 dBV/Pa to -6 dBV/Pa
calibration

Dynamics

Type Expander or compressor with digital
IGC (Interactive Gain Control)

Threshold variable from 0 to -60 dB

Attack 0 to 200 msec

Ratio 1:1.1 to 1:100 msec

Limiter

Type Peak limiter (zero attack)

Hold 0 to 1,000 msec

Threshold variable from 0 to -24 dB

Release 20 to 4,000 msec

Real-time analyzer

Type digital 61-band FFT analyzer

Frequency range 20 Hz to 20kHz, 61 bands
According to ISO frequencies

Detectors peak and average

Noise generator pink noise, levels from 0 to -60 dB

Display

Type 320 x 80 dot-matrix LC display

Backlighting LED, orange

Contrast adjustable

Memory

Presets 64 memory locations with 16-character
names, single modules can be recalled
and saved

Power supply

Mains voltage 85 to 250 V~, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption 10 W typ.

Fuse T 1 A H

Mains Connector Standard IEC receptacle

Dimensions/Weight

Dimensions 1 ¾ x 19 x 8 ½"/44.5 x 482.6 x 217 mm
(H x W x D)

Weight approx. 2.05 kg

Shipping weight approx. 3.5 kg

Please note these specications are preliminary and conceptual in nature,
and as such are subject to change as product development progresses.
This information is supplied for market research purposes only and is not
to be made public in any manner. This document is solely the property of
The MUSIC Group, or one of its subsidiaries, and must be surrendered upon
request of the owner.

For service, support or more information contact the BEHRINGER location nearest you:

Europe

MUSIC Group Services UK

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice and accuracy is not guaranteed. BEHRINGER is part of the MUSIC Group (music-group.com). All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MUSIC Group accepts no liability for any loss
which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. Colors and specifications may vary from actual product. MUSIC Group products are sold through authorized fullfillers and resellers only.
Fullfillers and resellers are not agents of MUSIC Group and have absolutely no authority to bind MUSIC Group by any express or implied undertaking or representation. This manual is copyrighted. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any purpose, without the express written permission of MUSIC Group IP Ltd. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © 2012 MUSIC Group IP Ltd. Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 146, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands. 985-10000-00284

USA/Canada
MUSIC Group Services NV Inc.

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Email: [e-mail]

Japan

MUSIC Group Services JP K.K.

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Email: [e-mail]