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The weak points in a multiple loudspeaker system are :
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• the passive crossover
• the time delay alignment of the speakers.
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The ideal solution is very difficult not to say impossible to reach for an audiophile DIYer, until today where digital tools can easily transform your system radically, if correctly used. The solution we will consider hereafter is the easy to use ULTRADRIVE PRO DCX2496.
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So, in a nutshell :
A DCX-2496 is THE affordable high performance audio DAC coupled with a powerful loudspeaker management processor. It’s the ultimate tool for those seeking audio perfection.
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It is an Ultra High-Precision Digital 24-Bit/96 kHz Loudspeaker Management System from BEHRINGER, german company.
For less than US$300, the DCX2496 is an outstanding digital loudspeaker management system with an unheard-of audio quality and feature list. It is an indispensable tool for the precise set-up of a multiple loudspeaker system proposed at a bargain price due to mass production in China.
Signals can be split in various ways to assure precise sound by using the optimal frequency range of each loudspeaker.
Start with its 3 analog inputs (one suitable as a digital stereo AES/EBU input) and 6 analog outputs. You get maximum flexibility in just one rack space. Superb high-end AKM® 24-bit/96 kHz A/D and D/A converters give you ultimate signal integrity and an extreme dynamic range of 113 dB.
Easy connection of external digital signals with sampling rates from 32 to 96 kHz is a breeze with the integrated sample rate converter. There are precise dynamic EQs for level-dependent equalization and extremely musical parametric EQs, selectable for all inputs and outputs, and “Zero“-attack limiters on all output channels guarantee optimal signal and loudspeaker protection.
You also get four different mono and stereo output operating modes, all with individual crossover filter types (Butterworth, Bessel and Linkwitz-Riley) with selectable roll-off characteristics from 6 to 48 dB/octave.
The delays for all inputs and outputs are adjustable. This allows you to manually or automatically correct for room temperature, phase and arrival time differences. An additional sum signal is easily derived from the A/B/C inputs.
Now that remote control is such a hot topic, you’ll be glad that the future-proof ULTRADRIVE PRO software enables single or multi remote control via PC through RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces. And the link option via RS-485 network interface enables cascading of several DCX2496s.
A Windows®-based editing software is available for download free of charge. No matter what the future brings, its open architecture assures easy software updates. A PCMCIA slot allows you to store all your settings and recall them anytime you change the location—virtually taking your ULTRADRIVE PRO with you.
Its high-power 32-bit SHARC®-DSP and ultra-high resolution CRYSTAL®/AKM® A/D & D/A converter provide outstanding audio performance
DCX2496 Specifications
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• 3 analog inputs (one suitable as digital stereo AES/EBU input) and 6 analog outputs for maximum flexibility
• High-end AKM® 24-bit/96 kHz A/D and D/A converters for ultimate signal integrity and wide dynamic range (113 dB)
• Integrated sample rate converter for easy connection of external digital signals with sampling rates from 32 to 96 kHz
• Precise dynamic EQs for level-dependent equalization and extremely musical parametric EQs, selectable for all inputs and outputs
• Several types of EQs (LP/BP/HP) for each input and output
• "Zero"-attack limiters on all output channels for optimal speaker protection
• Four different mono and stereo output operating modes Individual crossover filter types (Butterworth, Bessel and Linkwitz-Riley) with selectable roll-off characteristics from 6 to 48 dB/octave
• Adjustable delays for all inputs and outputs-allow manual or automatic correction for room temperature, phase and arrival time differences
• High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction for long life and durability
• Internal switch-mode power supply for maximum flexibility, noise-free audio, superior transient response plus lowest possible power consumption
More info : www.behringer.com
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What is the side effect of the DCX2496 ?
The DCX uses the ultimate technology in digital signal processing and thus we will take profit of its extraordinary powerful digital to analog converter.
In other words we will process the signal fully digitally and convert it to analog at the really end, just before the amplifiers. So we spare a useless and costly conversion in terms of details in music :
the conversion in the CD player. This means that any good quality CD player with a digital output will be sufficient enough to get high end audio performances usually obtained with highly costly ones.
So it is the ultimate ideal tool we all are looking for ?
Not exactly.
The engineers who designed the DCX are extremely smart when it comes to digital, but the analog output circuits needs to be much improved sonically speaking. In fact the DCX2496 is clearly a professional product for stage sound. Thus they didn’t pay much attention to use top of the range audio grade op amps and capacitors.
Furthermore, we found that an ordinary quartz oscillator was used when it is most important for the DSP to work with an ultra low jitter clock.
What is the deal with SELECTRONIC ?
With our 25-year experience in high quality audio products (ProFet system, GRANDMOS amplifier, etc) we have designed a complete line of superb kits which will shift your multi amped system to an exquisite crystal clear sounding system with the tweaked DCX2496 at its heart.
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Many of the components inside your DCX, mostly on the DSP board, are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge (also known as ESD or static electricity).
As we walk about we generate thousands of volts static electricity on our bodies through friction (most of this as a result of our clothing rubbing together and our feet rubbing against the floor).
The danger comes when this surplus electrical power zaps into the delicate electrical components.
Such electrostatic discharges can quickly and invisibly damage components and without warning and more than likely you won't know it has happened - that is, until your system doesn't work any more!
The trick is to discharge ourselves in a controlled way rather than into the sensitive components.
One of the easiest ways to eliminate the issues surrounding ESD is to buy, and then wear, an ESD wrist strap.
This is a simple bit of kit - one end is a wrist strap that, well, goes around your wrist, and on the other end is usually a crocodile clip.
This clip attaches to a good grounding point. So the risk of ESD is eliminated.
We recommend the use of an antistatic rubber mat on your work table like this :
Safe handling of components
• If installing new components, leave it in the anti-static bag until you are ready to use it.
• Don't lay components on top of anti-static bags as this provides no protection.
• Never slide cards or other components over any surface.
• Avoid static-inducing materials such as plastic and polystyrene (Styrofoam) in the work area.
• Always hold PCBs by the edges and the metal mounting bracket.
• Avoid touching the components on the cards and the edge connectors that connect to expansion slots.
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To improve on the audio performance of the DCX, Selectronic offers a range of high end kits for the DIYer.
Very easy to assemble (no SMD) and minimally invasive on your DCX.
The results are outstanding!
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• I/O BOARD kit
Upgrade your DCX-2496 with this I/O board. Completely transparent, just plug & play.
Uses top of the line circuitry.
A & B inputs included.
I/O BOARD kit
Reference:
10.3013-10US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 173.90 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 145,40 euros
OPTION : set of 6pcs BlackGate output capacitors
Référence: 10.3013-14US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 9,60 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 8,03 euros
I/O BOARD fully assembled and tested (option reference:
10.3013-14 include)
Reference:
10.3013-15EM
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 399,00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 336,61 euros
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• NEW DIGITAL INPUT / CLOCK MODULE
for DCX-2496
This new module is a major step forward for the DCX2496 because :
• Definitely fixes the famous bug with the CS8420 input stage (the "frying egg issue") which is due to an unpredictable and erratic behaviour of the Sample Rate Converter in the phased out CS8420 chip.
• Optimises signal path to the ADC and the DACs.
• Allows smart reclocking of the DCX by embarking a high-precision / low jitter clock on the new add-on card (no need to perform delicate surgery on the DCX's mainboard anymore).
• Manages both SP/DIF and AES/EBU input formats by the means of a Dual Impedance transformer from Scientific Conversion.
• Allows DVD's signal decoding by the DCX246 thanks to the new Cirrus Logic CS8416 chip which features this onboard functionnality.
Beside, we took profit of this new design to integrate the 24.576MHz CLOCK for the DSP board. So those who already purchased our former 24.576MHz CLOCK module just have to recover the TCXO and solder it in place onto this new module.
Of course, the gain in terms of audio quality is quite noticeable.
This module is available as ready to use unit only (SMD components) with its prepared flat cable. It is very easy to implement onto the DSP board of your DCX.
Digital input module CS8416
Reference:
10.3013-17
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 135,00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 112,88 euros
Availability:1st December 2007
Digital input module + 24.576MHz clock
Reference:
10.3013-16
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 152,00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 127,09 euros
Availability:1st December 2007
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• PRECISION ANALOG POWER SUPPLY kit
Decrease noise and improve stability with this supply designed for DSP circuits.
ANALOG PSU kit / 120VAC
Reference:
10.3013-1US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 49.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 40,97 euros
ANALOG PSU / 120VAC fully assembled and tested
Reference:
10.3013-1USM
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 79.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 66,05 euros
ANALOG PSU kit / 230VAC
Reference:
10.3013-1GB
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 49.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 40,97 euros
ANALOG PSU / 230VAC fully assembled and tested
Reference:
10.3013-1GBM
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 79.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 66,05 euros
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• ULTRA-LOW JITTER CLOCK kit
This clock circuit uses a high performance TCXO with less than 10ps jitter resulting in extremely detailed sound.
Includes a high performance voltage regulation with 150dB noise rejection.
ONLY FOR 3.3V DEVICES
24.5760MHz kit (for DCX-2496)
Reference:
10.3013-4US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 49.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 40,97 euros
24.5760MHz kit (for DCX-2496) fully assembled and tested
Reference:
10.3013-4EM
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 79.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 66,05 euros
Other available frequencies (CD players, etc.)
(Warning : for 3.3VDC equipment only)
8.4672MHz kit
Reference:
10.3013-2US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT):> 49.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 40,97 euros
16.9344MHz kit
Reference:
10.3013-3US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 49.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 40,97 euros
33.8688MHz kit
Reference:
10.3013-5US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 49.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 40,97 euros
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• 6-CHANNEL R/C VOLUME CONTROL kit
The volume control of the DCX must be locked to 0dB to take profit of the 24-bit resolution.
So we have developped this specific volume control.
• Highly transparent technology uses pure “Class A” I/O audio J-FET buffers and special ALPS motorized pot.
• ± 3dB level adjustment on each channel
• Infrared R/C
• Zin: 47kohm - Zout: 600ohm
• Easy assembly
• Compatible with any DSP or 5.1 system
• BLACKGATE output capacitors
6-CH VOLUME CONTROL kit / 120VAC
Reference:
10.4310-4US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 299.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 250,00 euros
6-CH VOLUME CONTROL kit / 120VAC fully assembled and tested
Reference:
10.4310-7USM
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 499.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 417,22 euros
6-CH VOLUME CONTROL kit / 230VAC
Reference:
10.4310-4GB
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 299.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 250,00 euros
6-CH VOLUME CONTROL kit / 230VAC fully assembled and tested
Reference:
10.4310-7GBM
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 499.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 417,22 euros
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• SET OF 6 RCA CABLES
Ideal for connecting the DCX to our 6 Channel R/C Volume Control unit.
28cm from pin to pin. Silver plated cable and connectors
set of 6
Reference:
10.3013-6US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 59.00 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 49,33 euros
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• SEQUENTIAL MAINS SWITCH kit
Switch your audio installation on or off without noise, thumps, or spikes.
Turns on the various parts of your system in a safe order.
Avoids dangerous transients in your speakers.
Our kit includes a mains filter and an inrush current limiter.
SEQUENTIAL MAINS SWITCH kit / 120VAC
Reference:
10.2750-5US
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 211.50 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 176,84 euros
SEQUENTIAL MAINS SWITCH kit / 120VAC fully assembled and tested
Reference:
10.2750-5USM
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 365.50 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 305,60 euros
SEQUENTIAL MAINS SWITCH kit / 230VAC
Reference:
10.2750-5GB
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 211.50 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 176,84 euros
SEQUENTIAL MAINS SWITCH kit / 230VAC fully assembled and tested
Reference:
10.2750-5GBM
EEC customers (inc. 19.6% VAT): 365.50 euros
Rest of the world (ex VAT): 305,60 euros
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| This price list is Valid as of January 1, 2007. Subject to change without notice. |
SHIPMENT COST
• International Air Mail (8-day delivery)
• EEC: 15,00 €
• Rest of the world: 25,00 €
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DCX2496
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