Budget Pro-Sound Crossovers - Are the all the same?

[chad1376]

I'm just begining to dabble into pro sound equipment for my over-the-top garage stereo. I'm looking for a budget rackmount 3-way stereo crossover. A few I'm looking at:

Behringer CX3400

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/CX3400.aspx

Typical price around $150

Alto AX2304

http://altoproaudio.com/products/ax2304

Typical price around $100

Samson S3

http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/processors/s-class/s3way/

Typical price around $170

In Reviewing specs and features, they all look identical except in the layout of the controls and a little variation on price. They appear so close, I wonder if they all the same internally, with just cosmetic differences.

I know Behringer is a common budget-level brand, but does anyone have any experience with the other brands?

[jefffluker]

Re: Budget Pro-Sound Crossovers - Are the all the same?

Hi Chad,

I've used three different Behringer mixers, and had good luck with all. Seems like the x-overs would also work well.

Nice of you to provide the links. I followed the Behringer link, and compared the features of the CX-3400 with those of my high-dollar Rane AC-23.

Things I like:

built-in power supply (as opposed to Rane's "wall wart")

low frequency summing (which my Rane does not offer)

front panel switchable CD horn eq (again, absent on the Rane)

mute buttons for ALL SIX channels (Rane--only low and mid have mute buttons)

unit wired for balanced connectors (Rane AC-23B dollars are higher, still!)

affordable pricing

Things I don't like:

odd (different from Rane) control layout
the front panel is very "busy," many unneeded LEDs (classic Behringer)
IDK, the multi-band limiter is cool, I guess. Seems like this function might be accomplished by another device at another juncture in the audio chain.

Hey--if it does all it claims to do, sounds decent and reliably powers up, it's a steal at $150.00.

My two cents.

Jeff
[email protected]

[Paul O]

Re: Budget Pro-Sound Crossovers - Are the all the same?

In Reviewing specs and features, they all look identical except in the layout of the controls and a little variation on price. They appear so close, I wonder if they all the same internally, with just cosmetic differences.

That'll be a no.. Behringer has their own manufacturing facility(campus) in China and as a result they get better quality control and consistency with their products.

That said.. assuming the unit you buy functions to spec there should be no audible difference between any of these. But I'm gonna try and steer you in a different direction anyway, I suggest you try to find a Behringer DCX on the used market, I remember seeing one recently going for $75 which is a fraction of the new list of $350. This box is far more capable and flexable than any of these analog units and will eliminate the need for any other processing in your rack.

[chad1376]

Re: Budget Pro-Sound Crossovers - Are the all the same?

Thank you both.

I have been lusting over the Ultradrive, but new, it's out of my price range. I just got bitten by a bad ebay transaction, so I'm a little leary of looking for another used processor there. I actually had purchased a Samson S3, but the seller took 3-weeks to ship, and the unit was DOA. I've also been looking through the used items at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, etc., but haven't seen any super fantastic deals.

The CX3400 seems to be the most obvious choice for an economical analog X-over. Your second opinions put me at more ease in buying one. FWIW, I do have a 2x4 MiniDSP in my system, so I'll have a little of the PEQ functionality that the Ultradrive would offer.

Actually, I'm kind of looking forward a bunch of gawdy lights and over-abundance of knobs and switches - I guess I'm a geek that way.

[zhillsguy]

Re: Budget Pro-Sound Crossovers - Are the all the same?

I have a Berry CX2310, and it does what I need, had it for over a year, stays fired up 24/7. However, I don't do gigs or anything, just listen in my own room or on the lanai, or an occasional outing at the neighbor's house, no rough handling.

For <$100 it is a bargain, I chose it for the summing sub out feature, a must have for me.

[chad1376]

Re: Budget Pro-Sound Crossovers - Are the all the same?

My setup isn't going anywhere, so mechanical durability isn't really an issue. I did take a second look at the CX2310 after your post. With the subwoofer out, it comes so close to doing what I want, but I think I'd regret not having a high pass on my midwoofers.

FWIW, I'm really having fun learning about pro gear and rackmount stuff. It seems their is so much more value and flexibility to be had when compared to consumer grade equipment.

My current rack. Mostly consumer stuff with ears added, but I gave myself a little room to expand.

[kblackmore]

Re: Budget Pro-Sound Crossovers - Are the all the same?

I have used a Behringer CX3400 crossover for a couple of years now, and I am extremely satisfied. It started out in my home stereo in the 2 way mode (the switches are on the back) and has been reconfigured to my current semi-pro 3 way system. I would have no reservations whatsoever in suggesting the purchase one of their crossovers. I would, however try to steer a person away from the DEQ2496 EQ if the person did not understand room acoustics. That is a lesson that took a long time for me to learn, though I believe I learned it much better by having gone through it firsthand, the hard way.