1204USB as front end to DCX2496 (+ double duty for speaker measurement preamp)?

[critofur]

1204USB as front end to DCX2496 (+ double duty for speaker measurement preamp)?



Rear view:



I've got a DCX2496 that's been sitting in my garage for months - haven't had the time/energy/etc. to research/buy all the nesc. cables and whatnot to go from my PC to it, then from it to my amp.

Rear of the DCX:



Seems like the Xenyx 1204 should be great for volume control of the DCX? I also need a mic preamp for my Dayton EMM6 measurement mic.

Guess I'll want four 15db? XLR attenuators to go from the DCX to this amp?:

[technofreak]

Hi,

Do you mean volume control after DCX (attenuating DCX outputs, that is)? If so, it won't work out very convenient - you need to make some odd signal routing on that mixer and then operate multiple faders/knobs to change volume of all 6 outputs. Besides, I'm a bit skeptical about Behringer mixer's sound quality and reliability. And if you're planning to use it before DCX you'd be better off with a good semi-pro sound card with phantom powered mic in and balanced outs.

[critofur]

Originally Posted by technofreak

...I'm a bit skeptical about Behringer mixer's sound quality and reliability. And if you're planning to use it before DCX you'd be better off with a good semi-pro sound card with phantom powered mic in and balanced outs.

I had an M-Audio USB sound interface, it never worked right, then it died.

What makes you skeptical of the sound quality? It should come with a warranty, I would guess? And, I'm buying mine from Parts Express, so I've got a 45 day return window, if it's deficient for some reason

1204USB before the DCX, yes. They claim 130db S/N ratio - unless their claim is pure marketing **, it seems that it must be excellent, if it is anywhere close to that?

They list features like "long life" faders and gold plated XLR jacks.

Having the USB sound option allows me to switch between using the 1204 as an external DAC, or, just not using the USB sound and using an alternate PC sound card / other source.

Having just ONE cable running from the PC, to the rest of the speaker test/measurement gear seems like a nice option.

I'm guessing it has a nice sounding headphone amp built in? That's another plus for me. Whether I use the integrated USB sound, or, a different sound source to listen to music through the DCX2496 crossover I can connect from the 1204USB -> DCX via balanced XLR cables. That's much simpler than connecting from my existing Audigy 4 soundcard w/ 1/8" mini stereo outs - and - not having a physical volume knob/slider seems disturbing - not that uncommon for my PC's volume to get unintentionally adjusted :/

[technofreak]

Well, I've heard some real horror stories about Behringer mixers developing unexplainable faults just after warranty ends, or just falling apart on the road. And I've auditioned some other cheap small Behringer mixer in a shop (connected to some M-Audio monitors) and it hissed quite loudly. I personally would go for Soundcraft or Mackie (IIRC Behringer Xenyx is a Mackie Onyx ripoff).

[Gustav1982]

Hello, there.
I'm playing with the DCX2496(I say just 'DCX' below.) for some years and I've come up with some tips to use it correctly.

To maximize the performance of DCX, you have to control the volume after the DCX.

All signals will be processed digitally and the depth given is only 24bit (at best).
Therefore, regardless of the S/N before DCX, less volume leads less accurate process; defect in the sound quality.
Digital input with some equipment like SRC2496 is desired.

Sadly, methods to control volume after DCX is hard to find...
I built WM8816-based 8 ch volume controler myself.