Active Crossover to use with Dual Subs and Dual Amps

[Lizard_King]

Hello,

I have dual HSU subs , a VTF-2Mk2 and a VTF1. I use my old Counteroint Hybrid Amp and a tube preamp for music and I use an Anthem Amp and Outlaw preamp for HT.

I went to visit someone who has twin VTF2-Mk3 subs with a professional type Rane active crossover.

The crossover really makes the bass tight and defined. I use single ended IC's with Bullet plugs so I can't use the pro crossovers with XLR connections.

Can somneone recommend a good active crossover that I can use with both subs, a an anit-resonance filter and the ability to adjust what goes to my mains?

PS How is the HSU High End crossover as I can't see the rear?

[majorloser]

Some people use the Behringer "ULTRADRIVE PRO DCX2496"

http://www.behringer.com/DCX2496/index.cfm?lang=eng

[mojave]

I have the Behringer DCX2496 and love it. However, it has XLR connections. I use RCA to XLR cables, but if you want to use your existing cables you can get expensive (http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73269) or cheap (http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-GXM-133-Female-Male-Adaptor/dp/B000068O4D/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1204669877&sr=1-7) RCA to XLR adaptors. Don't forget that you need both female RCA to male XLR and female RCA to female XLR adaptors.

I have a X-Fi Elite soundcard with the analog outs to my Outlaw 7 channel amp and the digital out going to the DCX2496 for bass management (crossovers, equalization, phase, delay). I also have the sub analog out connected to the DCX2496 for use when I listen to DVD-Audios. I use the control software on my computer with a serial cable to switch between the analog or digital inputs on the DCX2496.

[Lizard_King]

Mojave,

What is the SQ like with the crossover? Please describe the ups and downs , ok?

Can you use RCA to XLR adapters cause I know you can not use those with RANE crossovers?


I have the Behringer DCX2496 and love it. However, it has XLR connections. I use RCA to XLR cables, but if you want to use your existing cables you can get expensive (http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73269) or cheap (http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-GXM-133-Female-Male-Adaptor/dp/B000068O4D/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1204669877&sr=1-7) RCA to XLR adaptors. Don't forget that you need both female RCA to male XLR and female RCA to female XLR adaptors.
*@#! [censored]
I have a X-Fi Elite soundcard with the analog outs to my Outlaw 7 channel amp and the digital out going to the DCX2496 for bass management (crossovers, equalization, phase, delay). I also have the sub analog out connected to the DCX2496 for use when I listen to DVD-Audios. I use the control software on my computer with a serial cable to switch between the analog or digital inputs on the DCX2496.
*@#! [censored]
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[mojave]

What is the SQ like with the crossover? Please describe the ups and downs , ok?
I tried to find a quote of mine from a year ago, but I couldn't locate it. However, I think I used the same phrase as you to describe the bass with the DCX2496: tight and defined. I listened to the VTF 2.3 by itself and in conjunction with the MBM-12 before using the DCX2496. I felt that the bass was tighter with just the VTF 2.3 than when I listened to the combo. Using the DCX2496 made the combo sound even better, though, than the VTF 2.3 had sounded by itself.

I didn't do any testing to see if the it was the digital crossovers, delay setting, or equalization that had the most impact in making the bass sound better.

Over at avsforum, there are several threads about mixing subs. It could be that because your subs are different, they are actually causing the bass to be less tight than if both were the same.

Can you use RCA to XLR adapters cause I know you can not use those with RANE crossovers?There is no difference in using the RCA to XLR cables vs using the RCA to XLR adaptors. An adaptor is just like a very short cable. I Googled some reviews of Rane products and one article used RCA to XLR cables in conjuction with a Rane Equalizer. Rauen Acoustics (http://rauenacoustics.com/room-treatment.html) recommends Rane products and provides a link for an RCA to XLR adaptor to use in conjuction with the Rane product.