[JeffB]

I said something so stupid earlier I can't believe it.  1/4 volume would only cost 2 significant bits, not 3/4 of all bits as I stated earlier.  Also volume is probably adjusted between say 70db and 100db and such scaling may have even less effect on the bits.  Perhaps the volume control before the unit is not as bad as I was thinking.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Only with a +/-15db range.....which might not all be usable considering which input is used (digital or analog) and the applied voltage levels.
It's a long way from being a usable master volume control.

Well..... I don't know how to reply to that. It worked for me. 

[Bob2]

Thanks for all of the input everyone.

My thoughts about using this unit is to use for a pair of speakers I'm going to build. Not right away but I do want to finish them before I retire in a couple of years.

I know nothing about passive crossovers. I look at all of the info but designing the right crossover looks to be some black magic for sure..

Using an adjustable unit like this should, if I understand it's use correctly, allow me to make any cabinet shape and size work. Please enlighten me if I am wrong.
I'm thinking 3 way with a built in powered sub. Might try adjustable segmented cabinets similar to these:


Possibly all aluminum cabinets or composite materials..
As a toolmaker for 40 years I have lots of experience with most metals and have made molds and produced composite aircraft parts on the side for many years.

As is obvious this is my first venture into a serious speaker build. Any thoughts on my project would be appreciated..

[Davey]

Well..... I don't know how to reply to that. It worked for me. 

If the nominal level of much of your program material is recorded within an approximate 15db range, then it might work okay.  For most folks that would not be the case.

A multi-channel analog volume control post-DCX is the optimum way to introduce a proper volume control to a DCX system.  This allows maximum signal levels and a better gain structure.

Also, a remote volume control (so I don't have to put my beer down) is the only acceptable setup I could live with at this point.  Jan Didden's setup checks all of the boxes for an optimally configured DCX-based system.

There are numerous other issues with the (stock) DCX2496 as well, but I don't mean to jack this thread any further.

Cheers,

Dave.

[this_is_vv]

Thanks for all of the input everyone.

My thoughts about using this unit is to use for a pair of speakers I'm going to build. Not right away but I do want to finish them before I retire in a couple of years.

I know nothing about passive crossovers. I look at all of the info but designing the right crossover looks to be some black magic for sure..

Using an adjustable unit like this should, if I understand it's use correctly, allow me to make any cabinet shape and size work. Please enlighten me if I am wrong.
I'm thinking 3 way with a built in powered sub. Might try adjustable segmented cabinets similar to these:


Possibly all aluminum cabinets or composite materials..
As a toolmaker for 40 years I have lots of experience with most metals and have made molds and produced composite aircraft parts on the side for many years.

As is obvious this is my first venture into a serious speaker build. Any thoughts on my project would be appreciated..

Here is a commercial speaker using active crossover and using Marantz 8 channel amp...it uses DEQX and heard its the best of the bread...

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue57/deqx.htm


V

[Bob2]

V
the DEQX looks to be just what I'm looking for....that said it's a bit spendy for me. That's why I was interested in the Behringer. I do appreciate the info!
Maybe I should get a paper route.

[JeffB]

Bob2, there is also minidsp, just in case you weren't aware.
http://www.minidsp.com/
I can't speak to the pros/cons though.

[Bob2]

JeffB,
Hey thanks for that linkage. I will look into that some more.
Very nice!!

[JohnR]

Using an adjustable unit like this should, if I understand it's use correctly, allow me to make any cabinet shape and size work. Please enlighten me if I am wrong.

Hi Bob, within reason. It's still important to consider cabinet shape (diffraction etc), driver bandwidth (crossover integration) and other parameters (distortion, dispersion), box type and tuning etc. DSP is an awesome tool to add to those.

I'm thinking 3 way with a built in powered sub. Might try adjustable segmented cabinets similar to these:

FWIW I'd put the subs separate. But what speakers are those? I was just thinking about segmented cabinets the other day...

HTH, thanks

[*Scotty*]

John, That's a pair of Focal Grand Utopias


Scotty

[JohnR]

Thanks Scotty. Articulated might be a bit complicated for me! I was thinking of segmenting a box to make it easier to build (large speaker).

Anyway, bock to digital crossovers...

[Bob2]

still important to consider cabinet shape (diffraction etc), driver bandwidth (crossover integration) and other parameters (distortion, dispersion), box type and tuning etc.

That kind of info is why I'm here! I do very much appreciate all of this since I'm looking at all of the issues with this project.
I will be looking at related threads before starting the project.

Johnr, why have the subs separate? Sorry for the novice questions...

Segmented cabs would allow for many adjustments. The active crossover to make everything play nice together.
I have liked the Focal's look since I first ran across them. The ability to aim for the sweet spot makes sense to me.They have dandy looking 2 way speaker. Smaller but pricey. I'm sure they are worth it.
Time to start a thread on this type of cabinet.

[mboxler]

Bob2, there is also minidsp, just in case you weren't aware.
http://www.minidsp.com/
I can't speak to the pros/cons though.

And a DIY speaker plan (NaO Note II RS ) designed for the MiniDSP. 

http://www.musicanddesign.com/naomain.html

[JohnR]

Johnr, why have the subs separate? Sorry for the novice questions...

No worries. It's not a right-or-wrong question or anything. For me, and from the perspective of someone building their own speakers, having the subs separate has a couple of advantages. One is that you will have a lot more flexibility with a separate "sub sub-system". Another is that the mains become a lot easier to build if you're not trying to get the (air) volume into them needed for the subs.