OK so I got my entire kit complete this week! But you know how a guy feels when he has bought lots of toys and cannot get them to work - they normally keep trying until either it breaks or after 6 hours they get it to work!! Well I'm giving up before things go wrong!
I have the Behringer CX3400 crossover, 2 Behringer EP2500 amps and obviosly the cd & mixer.
This is how I have connected it together: http://jay.fireflyinternet.co.uk/kit2.GIF
However I'm finding that if I turn the gain up on the amp (1 channel at a time) can hear a different type of sound from each speaker. For example, if I turn up channel 1 on the Sub amp, I get a nice punchy bass sound. Turn up channel 2 though and it's a lot less punchy. Simularly with the tops, 1 channel is very trebbly and the other is not.
I would be EXTREMLY overcome with joy on this evening of atomic blasts in the sky if someone could help me resolve this!!
Full Version: Can Someone Please Help Me Connect My Kit Together?
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Okay, Looks to me like you have got it set up as I would have done it.
Now, how about a picture of the controls on the front of the X-over. You have both frequency adjustment and gain controls on the front of the x-over, as well as high and low cut switches and we really need to see how they are set.
Now, how about a picture of the controls on the front of the X-over. You have both frequency adjustment and gain controls on the front of the x-over, as well as high and low cut switches and we really need to see how they are set.
Is your mixer a stereo mixer, of so check that it hasn't got a mono button pressed in.
Are you speakers working OK without the croosover in place, test your speakers with one amp to start, then check them with the other amp.
On the rear panel of the Behringer there is a stereo/3 way switch, make sure this is in the correct posititon too.
Let us know how you get on.
Are you speakers working OK without the croosover in place, test your speakers with one amp to start, then check them with the other amp.
On the rear panel of the Behringer there is a stereo/3 way switch, make sure this is in the correct posititon too.
Let us know how you get on.
First of all try putting the sub amp into parallel mode, and only use the summed sub output of the crossover into input ch1 on the amp. This will give a consistent and uniform sound to your bass, and minimise any imbalance in the stereo feed.
I suspect that if you've got different sounds coming from the mid/tops then its because you've got the crossover set up to supply more 'ways' than needed and its sending a diff set of signals to the 2 channels on the top amp.
I suspect that if you've got different sounds coming from the mid/tops then its because you've got the crossover set up to supply more 'ways' than needed and its sending a diff set of signals to the 2 channels on the top amp.
Sounds to me like the the crossover is set to 3 way, and it should be set to 2 way for your setup.
Hi,
I checked the swith on the back of the Xover. The picture shows that if you want '2 way stereo' you must press down the first switch and leave the other switch up. This is how I have set the unit up. Having said that, I'm not sure where the other 3 switches should be. They are labeld as follows:
Xover Freq
LF Sum
Xover Freq
(as per diagram: http://jay.fireflyinternet.co.uk/kit2.gif)
There is no mono/stereo switch on the mixer.
I'm itching to get this working!!!
I checked the swith on the back of the Xover. The picture shows that if you want '2 way stereo' you must press down the first switch and leave the other switch up. This is how I have set the unit up. Having said that, I'm not sure where the other 3 switches should be. They are labeld as follows:
Xover Freq
LF Sum
Xover Freq
(as per diagram: http://jay.fireflyinternet.co.uk/kit2.gif)
There is no mono/stereo switch on the mixer.
I'm itching to get this working!!!
QUOTE(DJay @ Nov 5 2006, 10:26 AM) 
Linky don't work for me!
Slightly confused by your comments about not knowing where the other switches should be.
You have read the manual, right?
It does give pretty clear instructions on front and back panel settings for most common configs.
And have you done that parallel thing yet?
You have read the manual, right?
It does give pretty clear instructions on front and back panel settings for most common configs.
And have you done that parallel thing yet?
I am about to go and try this (which has been suggested):
Initial settings
On the back of the crossover, the mode button and LF sum buttons should not be depressed.
On the front, controls numbered as per the manual fig 2.3:
1) db input set at 12 O'clock - this controls the overall input level (like an overall volume control)
These controls are for the left channel
2) Low cut 25hz depressed
3) Xover frequency set to 120hz
5) mSec delay set to 0
6) db gain set to 0 (this controls the volume of the top speakers)
7) & 8) buttons not depressed
12) db gain set to 0 (this controls the volume to the subs)
13) & 14) buttons not depressed
15) CD horn not depressed
The next set of controls are a mirror of the above but control the right channel so should be at the same settings as above if you want the same sound from both sides.
The db gains can be adjusted while the crossover is switched on to balance the sound between tops and subs.
OK, so I tried those suggestions and it is much better now - but still needs tweaking for which I need help.
I set the dials to the following:
Dial 1 = Input - 12 o'clock
Dial 2 = Xover Freq - 120
Dial 3 = Xover Freq - 440, 7 o'clock (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 4 = Delay = 0 (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 5 = Gain - -2, 11 o'clock
Dial 6 = Gain - -6, 7 o'clock
Dial 7 = Gain - -2
On the font of the CX3400, the only buttons I have pressed are:
1. Both of the Low Cut buttons
2. The Limiter Button (with dial set to +9, 12 o'clock)
On the rear I have only depressed 1 button - the first Mode button to make the setting 2-way-stereo. Without this pressed, I do not seem to get any mid on the tops, it just becomes all trebble.
I also took the advice and disconnected one of the cables going to the amp with the subs. So now I have 1 cable from the Xover to the sub Ep2500. I have set that EP2500 to run in Parallel mode.
With the above settings, and the mixer on Stereo, as well as the eq's on the mixer set to 12 o'clock, I find the following issues:
1. The pass sounds a lot less tight than without the x over
2. The bass is lacking. Without the Xover the bass is amazing and chest thumping
3. The top speakers sounds crystal clear and there is no punch in them at all. Without the x over they have some punch
4. The Mid output dial is not lit
OK, so I tried those suggestions and it is much better now - but still needs tweaking for which I need help.
I set the dials to the following:
Dial 1 = Input - 12 o'clock
Dial 2 = Xover Freq - 120
Dial 3 = Xover Freq - 440, 7 o'clock (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 4 = Delay = 0 (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 5 = Gain - -2, 11 o'clock
Dial 6 = Gain - -6, 7 o'clock
Dial 7 = Gain - -2
On the font of the CX3400, the only buttons I have pressed are:
1. Both of the Low Cut buttons
2. The Limiter Button (with dial set to +9, 12 o'clock)
On the rear I have only depressed 1 button - the first Mode button to make the setting 2-way-stereo. Without this pressed, I do not seem to get any mid on the tops, it just becomes all trebble.
I also took the advice and disconnected one of the cables going to the amp with the subs. So now I have 1 cable from the Xover to the sub Ep2500. I have set that EP2500 to run in Parallel mode.
With the above settings, and the mixer on Stereo, as well as the eq's on the mixer set to 12 o'clock, I find the following issues:
1. The pass sounds a lot less tight than without the x over
2. The bass is lacking. Without the Xover the bass is amazing and chest thumping
3. The top speakers sounds crystal clear and there is no punch in them at all. Without the x over they have some punch
4. The Mid output dial is not lit
OK, so I tried those suggestions and it is much better now - but still needs tweaking for which I need help.
I set the dials to the following:
Dial 1 = Input - 12 o'clock
Dial 2 = Xover Freq - 120
Dial 3 = Xover Freq - 440, 7 o'clock (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 4 = Delay = 0 (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 5 = Gain - -2, 11 o'clock
Dial 6 = Gain - -6, 7 o'clock
Dial 7 = Gain - -2
On the font of the CX3400, the only buttons I have pressed are:
1. Both of the Low Cut buttons
2. The Limiter Button (with dial set to +9, 12 o'clock)
On the rear I have only depressed 1 button - the first Mode button to make the setting 2-way-stereo. Without this pressed, I do not seem to get any mid on the tops, it just becomes all trebble.
I also took the advice and disconnected one of the cables going to the amp with the subs. So now I have 1 cable from the Xover to the sub Ep2500. I have set that EP2500 to run in Parallel mode.
With the above settings, and the mixer on Stereo, as well as the eq's on the mixer set to 12 o'clock, I find the following issues:
1. The pass sounds a lot less tight than without the x over
2. The bass is lacking. Without the Xover the bass is amazing and chest thumping
3. The top speakers sounds crystal clear and there is no punch in them at all. Without the x over they have some punch
4. The Mid output dial is not lit
Initial settings
On the back of the crossover, the mode button and LF sum buttons should not be depressed.
On the front, controls numbered as per the manual fig 2.3:
1) db input set at 12 O'clock - this controls the overall input level (like an overall volume control)
These controls are for the left channel
2) Low cut 25hz depressed
3) Xover frequency set to 120hz
5) mSec delay set to 0
6) db gain set to 0 (this controls the volume of the top speakers)
7) & 8) buttons not depressed
12) db gain set to 0 (this controls the volume to the subs)
13) & 14) buttons not depressed
15) CD horn not depressed
The next set of controls are a mirror of the above but control the right channel so should be at the same settings as above if you want the same sound from both sides.
The db gains can be adjusted while the crossover is switched on to balance the sound between tops and subs.
OK, so I tried those suggestions and it is much better now - but still needs tweaking for which I need help.
I set the dials to the following:
Dial 1 = Input - 12 o'clock
Dial 2 = Xover Freq - 120
Dial 3 = Xover Freq - 440, 7 o'clock (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 4 = Delay = 0 (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 5 = Gain - -2, 11 o'clock
Dial 6 = Gain - -6, 7 o'clock
Dial 7 = Gain - -2
On the font of the CX3400, the only buttons I have pressed are:
1. Both of the Low Cut buttons
2. The Limiter Button (with dial set to +9, 12 o'clock)
On the rear I have only depressed 1 button - the first Mode button to make the setting 2-way-stereo. Without this pressed, I do not seem to get any mid on the tops, it just becomes all trebble.
I also took the advice and disconnected one of the cables going to the amp with the subs. So now I have 1 cable from the Xover to the sub Ep2500. I have set that EP2500 to run in Parallel mode.
With the above settings, and the mixer on Stereo, as well as the eq's on the mixer set to 12 o'clock, I find the following issues:
1. The pass sounds a lot less tight than without the x over
2. The bass is lacking. Without the Xover the bass is amazing and chest thumping
3. The top speakers sounds crystal clear and there is no punch in them at all. Without the x over they have some punch
4. The Mid output dial is not lit
OK, so I tried those suggestions and it is much better now - but still needs tweaking for which I need help.
I set the dials to the following:
Dial 1 = Input - 12 o'clock
Dial 2 = Xover Freq - 120
Dial 3 = Xover Freq - 440, 7 o'clock (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 4 = Delay = 0 (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 5 = Gain - -2, 11 o'clock
Dial 6 = Gain - -6, 7 o'clock
Dial 7 = Gain - -2
On the font of the CX3400, the only buttons I have pressed are:
1. Both of the Low Cut buttons
2. The Limiter Button (with dial set to +9, 12 o'clock)
On the rear I have only depressed 1 button - the first Mode button to make the setting 2-way-stereo. Without this pressed, I do not seem to get any mid on the tops, it just becomes all trebble.
I also took the advice and disconnected one of the cables going to the amp with the subs. So now I have 1 cable from the Xover to the sub Ep2500. I have set that EP2500 to run in Parallel mode.
With the above settings, and the mixer on Stereo, as well as the eq's on the mixer set to 12 o'clock, I find the following issues:
1. The pass sounds a lot less tight than without the x over
2. The bass is lacking. Without the Xover the bass is amazing and chest thumping
3. The top speakers sounds crystal clear and there is no punch in them at all. Without the x over they have some punch
4. The Mid output dial is not lit
OK, so I tried those suggestions and it is much better now - but still needs tweaking for which I need help.
I set the dials to the following:
Dial 1 = Input - 12 o'clock
Dial 2 = Xover Freq - 120
Dial 3 = Xover Freq - 440, 7 o'clock (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 4 = Delay = 0 (not touched this dial, it is all the way to the left)
Dial 5 = Gain - -2, 11 o'clock
Dial 6 = Gain - -6, 7 o'clock
Dial 7 = Gain - -2
On the font of the CX3400, the only buttons I have pressed are:
1. Both of the Low Cut buttons
2. The Limiter Button (with dial set to +9, 12 o'clock)
On the rear I have only depressed 1 button - the first Mode button to make the setting 2-way-stereo. Without this pressed, I do not seem to get any mid on the tops, it just becomes all trebble.
I also took the advice and disconnected one of the cables going to the amp with the subs. So now I have 1 cable from the Xover to the sub Ep2500. I have set that EP2500 to run in Parallel mode.
With the above settings, and the mixer on Stereo, as well as the eq's on the mixer set to 12 o'clock, I find the following issues:
1. The pass sounds a lot less tight than without the x over
2. The bass is lacking. Without the Xover the bass is amazing and chest thumping
3. The top speakers sounds crystal clear and there is no punch in them at all. Without the x over they have some punch
4. The Mid output dial is not lit
Ok, if you are going to use the single bass output you need to have the summed LF switched on, otherwise you're getting only one side of the signal and it'll be at least 3db down on power.
Next try turning the crossover down to 80hz. You might start to hear some punch from the mids then and just sub from the bass bins.
You'll also probably find that you'll need to increase the bass output level on the crossover to balance up the respective outputs.
You will more than likely need to EQ the system to get it sounding right.
Adding some boost around 100-150hz should give you a punchier sound.
Given the trouble you seem to be having getting it setup initially, and the need for EQing i still think the DCX2496 would have been a better and more intuitive buy. The analogue interface is far more confusing than the digital one.
Next try turning the crossover down to 80hz. You might start to hear some punch from the mids then and just sub from the bass bins.
You'll also probably find that you'll need to increase the bass output level on the crossover to balance up the respective outputs.
You will more than likely need to EQ the system to get it sounding right.
Adding some boost around 100-150hz should give you a punchier sound.
Given the trouble you seem to be having getting it setup initially, and the need for EQing i still think the DCX2496 would have been a better and more intuitive buy. The analogue interface is far more confusing than the digital one.
OK so I switched the LF Sum on (to summed mode) and I tried to move the Xover from 120 towards the 60 and it started sounding a little tighter. But I have to say that it still does not sound as amazing as when I ran all 4 speakers of 1 amp (without the CX3400 crossover).
There are two buttons on the rear of the CX3400 with Xover Freq X1/X10. Not sure weather it should be pressed in for x10 or left out for X1.
I have to say that so far I am not happy with the bass via the CX3400. The tops and mids sound very clear though.
There are two buttons on the rear of the CX3400 with Xover Freq X1/X10. Not sure weather it should be pressed in for x10 or left out for X1.
I have to say that so far I am not happy with the bass via the CX3400. The tops and mids sound very clear though.
QUOTE
The analogue interface is far more confusing than the digital one.
And more easily knocked in the dark.
QUOTE(DJay @ Nov 5 2006, 10:03 PM)
There are two buttons on the rear of the CX3400 with Xover Freq X1/X10. Not sure weather it should be pressed in for x10 or left out for X1.
So, Why haven't you tried it both ways and see which one is the best?
If you set the freqency to 80 before you try it you will either have 80 or 800, neither will do any damage. When you hear which is the bassiest, that's 1x. Then you can adjust the frequency up or down to suit your taste and speakers.
Just out of interest, have you told us what make and model your Bass Bins are? I am sure I have read that some Bass Bins require the internal passive crossovers to be removed if they are to be used with an external active x-over, maybe this might have a bearing on your problems.
I recently found with my system, taking the x-over frequency down to about 80hz and taking a bit of treble down on the EQ my system sounded a lot better and much more rich and full.
Sorry i hadn't realised that the bass bins might have passives in them. these should definately be bypassed or removed otherwise you'll be getting some weird crossover curves going on. Passives also soak up power so less actually makes it to the drivers.
The best way to find out what sounds best is to get it running and sweep the crossover point betwen subs and mids around until it sounds nicest. It could be anything between 60hz and 250hz but if you've got a passive crossover that cuts off at 150hz this will always dictate how high they'll play.
If you've got 2 sockets on the back of the bass bins then you could always wire one through the passive xover and one direct to the driver but you would lose the ability to daisy chain the speakers in parallel.
You 'should' notice a deeper and richer bass running active with the ability to go louder, and the mids should also sound cleaner and again, be able to go louder.
The best way to find out what sounds best is to get it running and sweep the crossover point betwen subs and mids around until it sounds nicest. It could be anything between 60hz and 250hz but if you've got a passive crossover that cuts off at 150hz this will always dictate how high they'll play.
If you've got 2 sockets on the back of the bass bins then you could always wire one through the passive xover and one direct to the driver but you would lose the ability to daisy chain the speakers in parallel.
You 'should' notice a deeper and richer bass running active with the ability to go louder, and the mids should also sound cleaner and again, be able to go louder.
Hi Folks,
I think the subs do have a built in crossover.
The kit I have is as follows:
2 x Wharfedale LX15 tops
2 x Wharfedale LX15B subs
2 x Behringer EP2500 Amps
1 x Behringer CX3400 Xover
1 x Numark 200FX mixer
I will try the x1 and x10 buttons this evening. The reason I haven't tried it is that I do not want any settings to damage my speakers (especially when I do not know what the button does!).
If you go this this page, it has the manual for my speakers: http://www.wharfedalepro.com/frames/loudspeaker.lx.html
All your help is apprecaited!
I think the subs do have a built in crossover.
The kit I have is as follows:
2 x Wharfedale LX15 tops
2 x Wharfedale LX15B subs
2 x Behringer EP2500 Amps
1 x Behringer CX3400 Xover
1 x Numark 200FX mixer
I will try the x1 and x10 buttons this evening. The reason I haven't tried it is that I do not want any settings to damage my speakers (especially when I do not know what the button does!).
If you go this this page, it has the manual for my speakers: http://www.wharfedalepro.com/frames/loudspeaker.lx.html
All your help is apprecaited!
OK, so it's getting better. I now have the connections as per the diagram in the book. But every diagram shows the use of only 1 cable from my mixer to the Xover. Surely that cannot be great?
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