ULTRACURVE PRO DEQ2496
Ultra High-Precision Digital 24-Bit/96 kHz EQ/RTA Mastering Processor

First and foremost, let me thank John (NU9N), for the valuable information contained on his web site, not only with regard to the DEQ 2496, but everything else you'll need to get you up and running. Next, thanks to Don (K4QKY), and to Jay (N2MGA), for their help with regard to the DEQ 2496, and everything else, all help has been greatly appreciated !

The DEQ 2496 Menu's are initially a little intimidating, however, after a little playing they become quite easy to master

Thanks to Jay (N2MGA), I have expanded the functionality of the DEQ 2496 by "linking" the left and right channels

The DEQ 2496, only allows you to use, either the Compressor, or the Downward Expander, not both at the same time. The Compressor, and Downward Expander are set in the DYN Menu

The "linking" of the left and right channels is pretty simple, this is effected via the Utility Menu which must be set to "Channel Mode Dual Mono" and a short XLR jumper that takes the output of the left channel to the input of the right channel (output to the Rig is now from the right channel, mic input via pre-amp is on the left channel)

Doing this allows you to use the Downward Expander on one channel (input from mic preamp) and the Compressor on the other channel (output to the rig)

With the DEQ 2496, I'm currently using the DEQ, PEQ and DYN functions, the GEQ is Bypassed. I run about -10db of Compression, and about -10db of Downward Expansion, just enough to reduce the fan noise from my amplifier. Note: the Downward Expander is not set as radical as it would, if it were set as a Gate

Note: Please refer to NU9N's Web site for the DEQ Settings

Linking Left and Right Channels "WITHOUT" EX3200

Thanks to Jay (N2MGA), I have expanded the functionality of the DEQ 2496 by "linking" the left and right channels. The DEQ 2496, only allows you to use, either the Compressor, or the Downward Expander, not both at the same time. The Compressor, and Downward Expander are set in the DYN Menu

The "linking" of the left and right channels is pretty simple, this is effected via the Utility Menu which must be set to "Channel Mode Dual Mono" and a short XLR jumper that takes the output of the left channel to the input of the right channel (output to the Rig is now from the right channel, mic input via pre-amp is on the left channel). Doing this allows you to use the Downward Expander on one channel (input from mic preamp) and the Compressor on the other channel (output to the rig)

Inserting EX3200 between Left and Right Channels of DEQ2496

Remove the above link cable, which you used to connect the Left and Right Channels
All that you need to do is make up a short Mono cable (two wires - shield and inner core)
Connect a Mono phono (TR) to each end of the cable
Connect this cable between the Right Output and the Left Input Jacks on the EX3200 (these are phono jacks) - NB - Do not use the XLR connectors - only the Phono Jacks

Connecting EX3200 between Left and Right Channels of the DEQ2496

You need two cables with a Male and Female XLR Connector on each end (same wiring as you used for your other cables)
From your DEQ2496 Left Channel Output connect one cable to the Left Input of the EX3200 (XLR connector)
From the Right Channel Input of the DEQ2496 connect the other XLR which you made to the Right Channel Output of the EX3200
The Right Channel Output of your DEQ2496 then goes through your Ibox to your Rig

Note: The DEQ Left Channel Input is the cable from the Output of your Pre-Amp, and Input to the Pre-Amp is obviously from your Mic

PEQ SETTINGS - Flex Radio Systems SDR-1000

Left and Right Channels Linked – PEQ Left Channel, Compressor Right Channel, Expander Left Channel

PEQ SETTINGS - Kenwood TS870

DYN Menu Settings

* Threshold values will vary according to amount of Compression require d.......... the amount of Downward Expansion required, will be determined by ambient noise level, and mic sensitivity

I'm using the Behringer B2 Pro Condenser Microphone, which does a reasonably good job, and has a pretty flat response. As such not much is required in terms of gain at the lower frequencies