Anybody used the Behringer CX3400

[nastyford77]

I need a cheap crossover for my mains. I use the DSP in my XTI2000 for my T48, and had been running full range through a second amp for the mains. It worked ok like this, except for a phasing issue, but I had some funky eq settings on the mixer to keep phasing minimal. After doing research on this forum, I have started on the road to a better sounding system. So I started running the mains on 1 channel of the xti, with the t48 on the other, using 48db/oct lr slopes, sub low passed at 100 hz, high passed at 45 hz. Then mains I have high passed at 120 hz (I think) and low passed at 16K hz. The CX3400 has 2 24 db/oct lr filters per channel, so I assume I can high and low pass on the same channel, as well as IGC limiters ( which I don't need). I would continue to run the mains off of the xti, but its not keeping up as well as the other amp, I have been hitting the clip lights once or twice later in the night. I like to have the headroom the other amp gives me. This crossover would only be used for the mains. The dcx and deq are a little out of my price range at the moment. Will this crossover function for my needs?

[DJPhatman]

I can't see an XTi2000 not being enough for any set of mains. What are you using for mains? Are you trying to put too much bass into the mains, causing clip lights? Or, maybe you are hitting the XTi's built-in limiters. At 800 WRMS@4 Ohms, the XTI should handle 2 8 Ohm main speakers with impunity! Lower the mains high-pass to 100Hz, or even 95Hz, and see if it sounds better. BTW, band passing does not prevent clipping the inputs, which will light your red lights.

[nastyford77]

Honestly, I can't even remember the name brand of the mains, but they have 2 15's, 1 horn, and 4 tweeters per box. Don't get me wrong, it gets loud, just without the headroom I am used to. The other amp I have is a tech hifi pa3000 (cheap, but has served me well over the years). I run the eq's flat at unity, occasionally pulling a little bit of low freq out, depending on the song. I will try dropping the high pass down, to see if it helps.

[Greg Plouvier]

Will this crossover function for my needs?

Sounds like you could get by with the cx2310 which would be a little less coin.
Just be sure to use the DSP in the XTI for the subs. The tops you're using are most likely 4 ohm which would put your load at 2 ohms on a single amp channel - not ideal. Probably better to use the other amp one on each channel.

[DJPhatman]

Honestly, I can't even remember the name brand of the mains, but they have 2 15's, 1 horn, and 4 tweeters per box.

Dual 15 cabinets and subs. I'll bet they are very lacking in the mids. That explains the 1/4 octave gap at the crossover.

The 2 cabs make a 2 Ohm load on the amp channel. This is why you are getting red lights on the XTi. So, +1 to Greg.

I would strongly urge you to build a pair of OT12s, and lose those old double 15ers, post haste!

[nastyford77]

I would strongly urge you to build a pair of OT12s, and lose those old double 15ers, post haste!

I agree 100%. They are heavy, pain in the ass speakers. They don't have much of a midrange. But they sound ok for now. I do plan on building some OT12's as soon as my 6 club weekends in a row are done. I also want to build another T48.
I remember the mains are 8 ohm, so the xti is only seeing a 4 ohm load. I have only hit the clip light once or twice, as soon as I saw it, I turned it down a bit. I want to say the mains are Gemsound I bought them against all recommendations, saying they wouldn't last. I have been using them hard for 3 years, without a hiccup. But like I said, now I am on the path of better sound, starting with the bass. Got that under control, now for the mids and highs. Thanks for your input guys, keep it coming. I love to learn.

[DJPhatman]

In my experience, spend the money now for a good quality crossover and EQ. This is what makes the DCX/DEQ combo such a bargain! You get so much, in 2U, for so little. Save your pennies and Buy Once, Cry Once.