Behringer SRC2496 24-Bit/96 kHz A/D-D/A & Sample Rate Converter

by Behringer

Product Features

• High-end 24-bit/96 kHz A/D and D/A converters for ultimate signal purity
• Converts any sample rate between 31 and 100 kHz into 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz sample rates
• Flexible format conversion between AES/EBU and S/PDIF (coaxial or optical)
• Ultra high-quality signal output with 16-, 20- or 24-bit resolution
• Allows parallel A/D and D/A conversion at identical sample rate

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 20.9 x 4.2 x 12 inches ; 7.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002E50J0
• Item model number: SRC2496
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,544 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #81 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Computer Recording > Audio Interfaces

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

BEHRINGER ULTRAMATCH PRO SRC2496

Audiophile 24-Bit/96 kHz A/D-D/A Sample Rate Converter

• High-end 24-bit/96 kHz A/D and D/A converter for ultimate signal integrity
• Converts any sample rate between 31 and 100 kHz into 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz sample rates
• Flexible format conversion between AES/EBU and S/PDIF (coaxial or optical)
• Universal sample rate synchronization via wordclock or digital input
• Allows parallel A/D and D/A conversion at identical sample rate
• Precise metering for input/output signal and headphone monitoring
• Allows direct manipulation of emphasis bits and other significant, digitally transmitted information in order to record virtually any audio signal
• High-precision quartz clock generator removes jitter and corrects off-tune, incorrect sample rates
• Extremely fast tracking supports varispeed applications
• Self-adjusting anti-aliasing filter with exceptionally steep edge
• All 3 outputs (XLR, RCA, Optical) simultaneously operational (splitter)
• Inputs separately selectable (patchbay functionality)
• High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
• Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

The ULTRAMATCH PRO SRC2496 is the successor of the renowned SRC2000, and enables you to transfer digital audio signals between devices with different sample rates, formats or interfaces and remove dropouts or jitter from digital media. Simultaneously operable outputs offer splitter functionality. The 24-bit/96 kHz compatible SRC2496 now offers high-quality 24-bit/96 kHz A/D and D/A conversion. The ULTRAMATCH PRO SRC2496 is as such perfectly suitable for studio work. Format conversion between AES/EBU and S/PDIF (coaxial or optical) is provided for, with high-quality signal output with 16-, 20- or 24-bit resolution. Universal sample rate synchronization is done via wordclock or digital input. XLR, RCA and optical outputs are simultaneously operational with separately selectable inputs, turning this unit into a digital patch bay.

Product Description

Ultra High-Resolution 24-Bit/96 kHz A/D & D/A and Sample Rate Converter

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars And you call yourself and audiophile??, November 16, 2008

By 

Corey340 (NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behringer SRC2496 24-Bit/96 kHz A/D-D/A & Sample Rate Converter (Electronics)

For many years, I hung on to my Sumo Theorem DAC for it's ability to render high quality sound. Despite my collection of HT receivers with built-in DACs and sample rates up to 96khz (Sony, Panasonic, JVC), the Sumo beat them all soundly... until the SRC2496 took center stage.

I've been both a musician (retired) and audioholic for over 30 years so I think I have a good grasp of what musical instruments actually sound like. The SRC2496 has the ability to reproduce musical instruments with incredible accuracy and is by far one of the best DACs I have ever listened through (not listened to) regardless of price. It takes itself out of the equation and with it's upsampling and reclocking features, the improvement is immediate and striking. It also allows you to compare the straight through digital signal to the reclocked signal with a couple of button presses.

If your original recording is of poor quality, the SRC2496 isn't going to make it sound better but you WILL hear the flaws with greater clarity. Conversely, on a great recording, you will hear things that you didn't know were there before. Audiophiles would say that the 2496 is more analytical than musical in it's presentation but I'm not into the personification of equipment so I'll just say it's accurate and for some of you it might be accurate to a fault.

Pro equipment generally gets a bad rap from Audiophiles but this is equipment for people who make music, not critique it. As for the reputation that Behringer equipment has in some circles, (I don't know how it got started), This is my second piece of Behringer electronics and so far, they have been among the finest pieces of technology I have ever owned (I just ordered a third Behringer product). The price is a bargain, the quality has been superb (yes, I opened them to take a look) and the performance is stellar.

This review isn't aimed at the pros, it's aimed at the home user that wants a big upgrade without the big $$$. The 2496 is the price of dinner and a movie with your partner and brings digital quality almost to the level of top end vinyl (32-bit/192khz would put it on-par IMHO). If you're smart, stop reading my review and buy this thing if you don't mind having an chintzy (yeah, it has too many lights) box on the rack (I hid mine behind the rack) your ears will thank you.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't beat that price, May 26, 2011

By 

Agim Perolli - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Behringer SRC2496 24-Bit/96 kHz A/D-D/A & Sample Rate Converter (Electronics)

Like a swiss army knife of digital audio, the Behringer SRC2496 does a bunch of things, making it a handy addition to the component stack. Personally, I use it to upsample the digital output of a Logitech Squeezebox, sending the upsampled audio to the digital input of a Denon receiver. After noting the more-open, clear and easy-on-the-ears sound, I set about actually measuring the jitter in the final analog signal (not easy to do), and demonstrated to myself that the Behringer upsampling was, in fact, reducing the jitter, as claimed. And this was happening even when the output signal was set to the same sample rate as the input -- i.e., even with the added smoothness brought about by upsampling 16bit/44KHz to 24bit/96KHz. I think this function alone makes the Behringer a great value for the money.

It also will convert analog to digital, which it does reasonably well (normal, non-audiophile types would say it does it *very* well). And it will convert digital to analog, which it also does reasonably well (good enough to act as the analog stage to feed the amp of a second zone system with satisfying results). It also will serve as a headphone amp, but probably no one will use it for this. I should mention that I am extremely picky about audio, and I am listening to all my digital music thru my Squeezebox/Behringer/Denon chain, ultimately hearing the results thru *very* resolving speakers driven by a quite high quality power amplifier.

You will also find people who've modified the unit to produce better sound -- which is not something you'd want to take on -- but at least speaks to the quality of the core component that the unit is built around, which is the chip that implements the D/A (digital/analog) and A/D conversions.

A good value.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It sounds pretty good once I get it to work, August 25, 2011

By 

NH - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behringer SRC2496 24-Bit/96 kHz A/D-D/A & Sample Rate Converter (Electronics)

Well...the product did not work out of box. Thought I have to do a RMA but gave Behringer Tech support online a try. Turned out the problem was solved by a simple reset of the system which the provided manual does not cover. Credit the Behringer online Tech support for their promptness in replying my inquiry. This is quite a versatile piece of equipment...especially if one needs A/D as well as sample rate conversion between sources. The analog output sound is surprisingly good...considering its price as well as its purpose as a professional product.