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To make it easier for us to get started, we start with an old acquaintance, the Behringer DCX-2496 "Ultradrive". The device is already years in the program and no successor in sight. Looking at the features, one can see that during the development at that time a lot of importance was attached to a large range of functions and interfaces. But the wheel of time spins at least twice as fast with digital equipment. So the PCMCIA memory slot looks almost like a relic from another time. The same applies to the editor software. Visually a child of his time and quite small, but she convinces through logical structure and clear signal flow. Looking at the rear RJ45 sockets, one might think that the "Ultradrive" could be controlled via Ethernet. Too early pleased, the RJ45 sockets manage only the good old RS232-/RS485 format. Alternatively, there is also a well-known 9-pin RS232 socket available for the connection. RS232/RS485 has proven over the years to be a reliable interface for transferring controller data, which is why it is still quite common to find it on other current loudspeaker controllers. But the days for RS232/R485 are numbered. There are hardly any notebooks with such an interface left on the market. A detour would be a USB to RS232 adapter, which work from own experience sometimes more and sometimes less well. Another point of criticism is the power switch on the front of the case. All other controllers in the test field have a mains switch-free user interface. The unintentional operation of the mains switch can have adventurous consequences, which is why it is now quite common to do without it altogether. The "Ultradrive" user does not have to do without a digital input. Here we can congratulate the Behringer developers on their far-sightedness. The changing of the guard in the form of the digital mixing consoles at the FoH station often results in the sum signal being sent to the controller in digital form. "No signal loss, no interferences and above all no additional conversion of the sum signal" are the clear advantages in combination with a digital console.
Back to the operation of the DCX-2496. The graphic display and numerous selection buttons make navigation much easier. However, the user is initially not spared one or the other look at the manual, as the possibilities are extensive. Three inputs, six outputs, all major filter types and ample parametric EQs (PEQs) are an effective tool. In addition, there are delay settings for loudspeaker delay compensation and additional delays per output that allow a delay of up to 200 meters (e.g. for delay lines). The device is rounded off by generous LED level displays and individual mute buttons for all inputs and outputs. The DCX-2496 shows a solid performance in the measurement laboratory of his colleague Kosmalla. In the good midfield, the device holds its own against the technical values, although it occupies a special position in the test field when choosing its limiter threshold. Read more about this in the "Limiter" info box.
Features:
Behringer DCX2496 Ultradrive Pro B-Stock
