Behringer Ultra-Drive Pro DCX2496 Loudspeaker Management System

The Behringer Ultra-Drive Pro DCX2496  is a high‑precision loudspeaker management system designed for professional live‑sound, installation, and high-end touring applications. With a 1U rack form factor, it offers flexible routing, crossover, EQ, delay, and protection features for multi‑driver speaker systems.

Electrical & Conversion Specs

• Inputs/Outputs:

  • 3 analog inputs (one doubles as an AES/EBU digital stereo input), plus 6 analog outputs via servo‑balanced, gold‑plated XLR connectors.

• Conversion Quality:

  • 24‑bit, 96 kHz AKM (Cirrus Logic) A/D and D/A converters delivering up to 113–120 dB dynamic range

• Sample‑Rate Converter:

  • Onboard converter supports digital sources from 32 to 96 kHz .

 Audio Processing

• Crossover Flexibility:

  • Independent crossover filters per output channel, selectable types (Butterworth, Bessel, Linkwitz‑Riley) and slopes from 6 to 48 dB/octave

• EQ Options:

  • Parametric EQ with multiple bands, plus level‑dependent (dynamic) EQ on all I/O

• Delay Control:

  • Precise delay adjustments per input/output—short form (up to ~11.6 ms) and long form (up to ~582 ms, ~200 m).

• Limiters:

  • “Zero‑attack” lin­ear‑phase limiters across all outputs for speaker protection.

 Connectivity & Control

• Operating Modes:

  • Four routing configurations: mono/stereo per output .

• PC Remote Control:

  • Includes ULTRADRIVE PRO software; remote via RS‑232 or RS‑485; cascade multiple units; PCMCIA slot for 60× presets.

• Build Quality:

  • Rugged DSP powered by 32‑bit SHARC processors, internal universal power supply (100–240 V), gold‑plated XLRs—designed and engineered in Germany

 Use Cases & Reputation

This unit is renowned as an industry standard, with usage in theaters, concert halls, houses of worship, and touring rigs. It remains widely respected for precise sound control at a budget-friendly price compared to boutique alternatives.

 Summary

If you’re managing multiple drivers in complex audio setups and need precise crossover control, parametric & dynamic EQ, speaker protection, and PC-based control—all in a reliable 1U unit—the Behringer DCX2496 delivers robust functionality and excellent value.