Behringer DCX2496 Ultradrive Pro

The Behringer DCX2496 Ultra-Drive Pro is an affordable, scalable and highly versatile digital loudspeaker management system which performs extremely well in all kinds of environments. It features high-spec, 24 bit/96 kHz AD/DA converters, extensive on-board processing tools and routing options, and a respectable dynamic range of 120dB. Its three inputs (one of which is AES/EBU compatible) and six outputs allow a multitude of routing configurations and each channel is equipped with dedicated processing blocks (EQs, delays and crossovers) to optimise sound depth and coverage. Effective “Zero attack” output limiters are also featured to ensure loudspeaker protection. The DCX2496 Ultra-Drives Pro’s backlit display provides clear and easy access to all these functionalities.

At its core, the DCX2496’s main stereo input channels (which are SPDIF or AES/EBU compatible) are processed and routed to any combination of its six outputs. A third input is available as an additional line or mic source (which also provides 15V phantom power for measurement mics), as is a fourth ‘internal’ bus on which any combination of the first three inputs can be summed. Each channel features high-grade 24Bit/96kHz Cirrus Logic converters, as well as a suite of DSP-powered processing tools, which include level-dependant dynamic EQs (to control annoying frequencies at high volume, for example), extremely musical parametric EQs (to optimise sound depth) and programmable delays (for coverage and phase control). The output channels also feature ‘brick wall’ limiters for loudspeaker protection, as well as a handy collection of pre-programmed crossover filters, such as the ultra-linear Bessel filter and the double Butterworth (Linkwitz-Riley filter), with roll-offs ranging from a soft-knee 6 dB/octave to a hard-hitting 48 dB/octave.

Thanks to its extensive routing and processing options, the Behringer DCX2496 Ultra-Drive Pro can be used in virtually any setup, ranging from concert venues to cinemas and anything in between. Multiple units can be daisy-chained, meaning that configurations can be scaled to any size. Bar and club owners, for example; can optimise speaker placement and sound coverage very efficiently, controlling basses and sound levels throughout their venue, including convoluted spaces. Of course, the Behringer DCX2496 Ultra-Drive Pro is also popular among live and touring engineers, who may need to regularly re-calibrate their system according to each venue. The adjustable delays on each input and output, as well as the 60 user-defined presets are particular useful in this respect – as are the optional RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces which allow you totally control the Ultra-Drive Pro from your PC. Moreover, these 1U units are rack-mountable, weigh only 3kg and can be easily taken on the road.