TEST: Behringer Ultracurve Pro

 Oh, this will be an exciting test! Why? Well, with the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 we have a product in the test that is used in three different audio areas and which, depending on the user's foresight, can make real improvements to the sound or cause massive damage. Oh Jemine, such a martial foreword? Don't worry, even with a knife you can cut off a piece of bread or cause other damage, depending on the user's foresight. Let's get into the fray!


Conception

First of all, what does the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 actually do? The 1U high processor is a combination of an equalizer, analyzer, feedback destroyer and mastering tool, housed in a solid metal housing. Roughly speaking, the entire frequency range of a playback system can be analyzed and, if necessary, bent, which puts us in the middle of the above-mentioned mode of operation. Bending frequency responses has to be learned and requires a very subtle and experienced approach, which is why the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 also relies on a lot of automation to support the user. Experienced users can still intervene manually in the individual parameters and work specifically on the audio material.


Area of application

OK, the above processing steps allow the experienced technician to quickly open two drawers.

1.) Studio

The most sensitive topic at the beginning. The time of acoustically complex recording studios is largely over due to the financial collapse of the music industry and the associated advance payments, which means that more and more producers are putting together their productions in different rooms of the home or in other regularly used areas.

Unfortunately, you rarely come across acoustically optimized rooms here, which manifests itself in an unbalanced sound, standing waves and resonance areas, which make a neutral assessment of the audio material virtually impossible. Here, the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 can use various tools to analyze the frequency response and, if necessary, adjust or compensate for it.

To put it bluntly, even the best processor cannot get to grips with inferior monitor boxes and massive acoustic deficiencies; the design must first be addressed with structural measures.


2.) Live technology

The problem described under “Studio” can of course also be encountered in live sound reinforcement. Roaring concrete cubes, misused multi-purpose halls or even resonating wooden stages make every FOH shudder when it comes to saving the live sound. In addition to these problems, you also have to contend with the ever-popular feedback of all kinds on stage. Fortunately, the ever-increasing popularity of in-ear monitor systems has caused the feedback problem on stages to collapse massively in recent years, whenever there is When a microphone and a wedge/drum fill come together, a whistling orgy threatens. Steep side notch filters can prevent worse things from happening here.


3.) HiFi

What? Oh yes, that still exists too. Don't be so condescending, gentlemen, after all there are still massive sales in the personal hi-fi sector. In principle, the same requirements apply here as in the studio area, but here you are sometimes fighting against a much bigger problem than all the problems mentioned above combined: the female partner in life. Who hasn't removed a vase from their luxury monitor, laboriously dug a box out from behind the curtain or had to accept the suggestion that one box should be pushed onto the shelf at the top right, while the other should stand upright behind the desk at the bottom left?

Of course, the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 cannot solve problems of this kind, but in an emergency it can bend the stereo triangle or adjust the frequency absorptions depending on the location.


In/Out

For a product under 300 euros, the rear connection panel is very comprehensive. All important connections are available, both analogue (XLR left/right in/out) and digital (AES/EBU + S/PDIF). In addition, the digital signal can be transmitted again via a stereo AUX OUT. The device also has an RTA / MIC IN, which can be switched in level, a word clock connection and a triple MIDI port. All in all, all connections that need to be made in the studio and live, unfortunately the HiFi group has to resort to a soldering iron.


Conception

Let's list the individual tools:

1.) Equalizer: a 31-band equalizer from 20 - 20,000 Hz, the bandwidth can be changed. There is also a 10-fold parametric equalizer, switchable to shelving and bandpass.

2.) Multiband compressor

3.) Feedback Destroyer: can be operated either manually or in auto mode, continuously analyzes the frequency response and regulates the frequency band to a narrow band when the level rises.

4.) Stereo width modulation: changes the width and depth of the stereo triangle if necessary.

5.) Compressor / Limiter Function: Protection circuits or power limiters for the connected components.

6.) Delay Tower: A time-delayed playback of the music signal up to 90 meters

7.) Analyzer

8.) Metering: Both in bar and VU form

The individual menus are controlled and visually displayed using a total of 16 pressure switches and endless controllers with an additional push function.


Practice

Due to the features mentioned above, the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 actually has a very wide range of uses. I would like to focus primarily on the live sector, as the product can probably use its individual tools in their entirety here.

You will probably find the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 primarily in the signal path of the stereo sum, but its use in the monitor path also makes a lot of sense. After having a small P.A. When I was listening to it in the rehearsal room, there was a noticeable improvement in the sound behavior, especially in the bass and midrange. The usual graphic equalizers in power mixers, with their limited bands and their fixed slope, do not have nearly as targeted an effect as the Behringer product's equalizer program.

The Feedback Destroyer also does a great job. Have the frequency range analyzed briefly and the culprit is exposed. In the rehearsal room or when the individual musicians are firmly positioned with their instruments on the stage, you can actually stay in SINGL mode. With an agile frontman, however, you should use AUTO mode, as the microphone level is constantly changing and is only constantly updated in this mode.

So far, so good, now we come to the dangers. Normally, manufacturers of sound systems try to design their individual components so that they generate a balanced sound across the entire frequency range. Many components these days are processor-controlled anyway and try to nip as many problems in the bud as possible right from the factory. If you now measure the system and let the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 carry out small frequency corrections depending on the room used, this is usually very beneficial to the end result.

The Feedback Destroyer function can also limit many problems that can arise from inferior microphones or incorrect positioning, especially in the low budget range. But if you go and try to use massive compressor and EQ technology to tickle frequencies out of your system that simply cannot be generated physically, you will completely miss the result. The Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496 is like the final coat of paint on a high-quality car. He can only improve what is good, but he cannot conjure up a new car from a rusty building.

Conclusion

With the Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ 2496, the former German manufacturer has a very comprehensive mastering tool in its range at a low price. All parameters are designed to be very practical and enable a comprehensive processing of the most important parameters in the signal flow.

Unfortunately, the product does not come with any operating instructions, but studying them is very important. However, you can download them online.

———————

Additional Informations:

Behringer, founded by Uli Behringer in 1989, has made a significant mark on the music and audio equipment industry through its wide range of products that cater to musicians, audio engineers, and sound enthusiasts. The brand is known for offering affordable, reliable, and feature-rich equipment that spans from audio interfaces and mixers to synthesizers, digital pianos, and loudspeakers. This comprehensive review delves into the diverse product lineup of Behringer, showcasing how the company has evolved and continues to impact the audio world.

### Audio Interfaces

Behringer's audio interfaces, such as the U-PHORIA series, have become staples in home studios worldwide. These interfaces are celebrated for their affordability, robust build quality, and excellent sound fidelity. The U-PHORIA UMC404HD, for example, offers four inputs and outputs, MIDAS-designed preamps, and 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, presenting an ideal solution for multi-track recording in a compact and budget-friendly package. Behringer interfaces typically come with comprehensive software bundles, including DAWs and plugin suites, making them attractive for beginners and seasoned producers alike.

### Mixers

Behringer mixers are among the company's most recognized products, catering to a variety of users from beginners to professional sound engineers. The XENYX series, for instance, provides compact and affordable solutions with premium preamps and USB connectivity, suitable for podcasters, small bands, and solo performers. On the higher end, the X32 digital mixer has revolutionized live and studio sound mixing by offering 40-input channels, 25 mix buses, and integrated digital snake options at a fraction of the cost of similar consoles, making digital mixing accessible to a wider audience.

### Synthesizers

In recent years, Behringer has made a significant impact on the synthesizer market by releasing both innovative original designs and affordable recreations of classic analog synths. The DeepMind 12, an original design, offers 12-voice analog polyphony, deep modulation capabilities, and built-in effects, making it a versatile instrument for both live performance and studio work. Behringer's recreations of classic synths, such as the Model D (a nod to Moog's Minimoog) and the MS-1 (inspired by Roland's SH-101), provide musicians access to the sounds of vintage instruments without the high cost or maintenance concerns of the originals.

### Digital Pianos and Keyboards

Behringer also offers digital pianos and controller keyboards, designed with the same philosophy of affordability and functionality. Their motor keyboards, for example, are equipped with semi-weighted keys, extensive control surfaces, and deep integration with popular DAWs, catering to both performing musicians and studio producers. The digital pianos provide a range of sounds from grand pianos to electric keyboards, built-in effects, and practice features, making them suitable for learners and experienced players.

### Loudspeakers and Studio Monitors

Behringer's loudspeaker and studio monitor lines, such as the EUROLIVE and TRUTH series, respectively, offer solutions for both live sound reinforcement and precise studio mixing environments. The EUROLIVE powered speakers are known for their durability, sound quality, and versatility, fitting various settings from small venues to large outdoor events. The TRUTH studio monitors, on the other hand, are praised for their neutral sound reproduction and high-resolution performance, providing an accurate reference for mixing and mastering in home and project studios.

### Effects Units and Signal Processors

The company's range of effects units and signal processors, including stompboxes, rack-mount processors, and guitar amplifiers, demonstrates Behringer's commitment to serving musicians and audio engineers with affordable yet high-quality options. Products like the VIRTUALIZER 3D and the COMPOSER PRO-XL have become go-to solutions for adding professional-quality effects and dynamics processing without breaking the bank.

### Drum Machines and Electronic Percussion

Behringer has also ventured into the realm of drum machines and electronic percussion instruments, offering both original designs and tributes to classic machines. The RD-8, for instance, is a modern take on the legendary TR-808, providing analog drum sounds along with modern enhancements like a step sequencer, wave designer, and a live performance-oriented workflow.

### Conclusion

Behringer's extensive product range reflects a deep understanding of the needs of musicians, producers, and audio engineers, emphasizing affordability, quality, and innovation. By continuously expanding its offerings with both cutting-edge and classic-inspired equipment, Behringer has established itself as a key player in the audio equipment industry. The company's approach of making professional audio technology accessible to a broader audience not only democratizes music production but also encourages creativity and innovation among users at all levels. As Behringer continues to grow and evolve, it remains focused on its mission to provide high-quality, affordable equipment that enables users to express their musical vision without limitations.