Behringer DCX2496 Ultradrive Pro

645

Digital 24-bit / 96 kHz Loudspeaker Management System

  • 3 Analog inputs - one to use as AES / EBU digital input
  • 6 Analog outputs
  • High-end AKM 24 -bit / 96kHz A / D and D / A converter
  • Comprehensive range of EQ and delay for each input and output
  • Short delay 11.64 ms max . possible per output
  • Long delay 582.25 ms ( = 200 m) possible per output
  • "Zero" attack limiter
  • Extremely flexible output configurations
  • Individual crossover filter types
  • Configuration via interface converter available (sold under article 253016)
  • Dimensions: 44.5 x 482.6 x 217 mm
  • Format: 19 " / 1U
  • Weight: 3 kg
Available since May 2003
Item number 162451
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
2-Way Stereo Yes
3-Way Stereo Yes
Digital Yes
Delay Yes
EQ Yes
Frequency Bands 4
Channels 2
Limiter 1
Number of inputs 3
Number of outputs 6
Number of Rack Units 1
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1.234 AED 310,08 €
Plus 279 AED shipping
The price in AED is a guideline price only
Since we ship from Germany, additional costs through taxes and customs may be incurred
Available in several months
Available in several months

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Analogue signals, digital processing

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.

Feature-rich and huge processing power

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.

Control any environment

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.

About Behringer

The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.

Application examples

The last pages of the DCX2496 Ultra-Drive Pro’s user manual describe the twelve presets available, which provides a good starting point for getting acquainted with the unit. These presets include straightforward set-ups, such as stereo tri-amp operation (i.e. 2 x LMH) or stereo bi-amp with mono subwoofer operation (i.e. 2 x HL + subwoofer), but also more complex combinations (such as three bi-amped stereo pairs with delay lines), and combinations requiring two units (such as full-scale 5.1 cinema settings). Of course, these presets are just a starting point and virtually any routing combinations are possible. Overall, the DC2496 Ultra-Drive Pro is highly versatile and feature-rich. It is easy to use and its sound and sound-processing quality is top-notch. And at its price-point, it definitely constitutes a good bargain.

645 Customer ratings

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299 Reviews

P
A cheap but feature rich device
Pexu 21.11.2014
I've been running a bunch of these, both in rental and installation usage and these run great. They are able take tremendous amounts of abuse and still beat up the big boys. Spill a drink on a device that costs more than four times what this little beast does and your night is ruined. Do that on a DCX and it still runs fine, of course buttons will be a bit sticky but that's all. Outdoor events are no problem, and it performs as well on a sunny beach as during the coldest Finnish winter nights.


It's a bit shame that this device doesn't have a modern interface connection and only comes with a outdated RS-232 serial port. However, the UI is great and every option is configurable from the front panel only. There are some caveats what comes to channel naming and initial setup (especially this is extremely misleading - DCX's routings are not limited to what initial setup offers), but once one does that a couple of times the rest is simple. DCX's UI easily beats up in usability some of the higher end gear that are either software-only configurable or front panel driven.


One of the most useful feature is dynamic EQ. It may sound a bit ankward at first, but for fixed installations it's terribly useful for compensating eg. lack of bass when the night is still young and sound levels are quote low. As it may be applied as well for outputs as inputs, it doesn't eat up all DSP resources. DCX doesn't have unlimited resources, but they'll grant EQs in all inputs, steep HP/LP and limiters in all outputs. The percentage of remaining DSP resources is readily shown, which is not always the case with these kind of devices regardless the make.


Of course, the DCX and it's cheap price only gets it so far. Connectors are pretty poor, feel flimsy and are no match for brand names. Also, the third input channel is pretty useless as only two channels may be summed together. Neither input nor output sensitivity is selectable, but usually it's something that one can live with. In a prolonged installation usage internal power supply will eventually fail after a few years as the input caps dry. When that happens, usually most of the input and output channels are also destroyed thus rendering the device beyond any economical repair. Diyers take note.


While DCX gradually fades in obscurity at this pace (due to lack of modern interfaces or any real hardware upgrades within the past 10 years), it still offers a great bunch of features for a fraction of price what more modern devices cost. Unless more input channels (consider this as a two channel device) or a network connectivity is required, I'd still buy DCX and a spare unit to go along as nothing is eternal.
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Perfect for starters
PussInBoots 11.04.2020
Perfect for those, who are just starting out with audio.
I personally was in need of a crossover, but considering the price of this processor i pick'ed it because i thought i would get the most for my money. And i really think i was right. This unit has pretty much all the features you would need in a speaker processing unit, and the sound quality is very good considering the price.
One of the main things that got me pretty much addicted to this unit, was it's simple layout and easy to use functions.
5 stars from me :)
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SS
Behringer do it again
Shaun S. 05.12.2013
The Behringer DCX2496 Ultradrive is a great device, and does more than most other units.
The price is great, but dont let the cheap price put you off. This unit has more functions that some DBX units and its a 3rd of the price. It will take some time to digest every single function, but once you have had a browse through the unit is a dream to use and is very flexible.
We have used several of these on installs and they are simple to setup. You can also set a pin code so that you can effectively "lock" the unit to prevent DJ`s and the like messing around with the unit.
Great item at a great price. Behringer do it again!
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HR
Good product!
Hardy Ranks 18.10.2021
A lot of different settings, simple and intuitive interface. No audio distortion noticed, adds variability to manage your sound system. I bought it on the recommendation of a friend and did not regret it. Fully worth of the price.
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