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"For DEQXpert remote services we’ll need a stable and reasonably fast >512Kb/sec Internet connection, a free]Skype account for voice and optional video communications and a small software app that we supply which enables an encrypted connection between our computers. That remote access client generates a unique serial number each time you open it and you must give that number to us in order to enable the connection each time we link up so you’re in total control of access for absolutely no unauthorized activity. The app requires no installation and can be fully removed by simply deleting the file. When connected this way we can both drive the DEQX CAL software together. You’re able to choose how much of what we do is tutorial or simple observation. We're happy to show our customers the program's abilities to whatever level they feel most comfortable, from shoulder surfing to apprenticeship! Of course there are limits to what can be accomplished online and we still need your hands, eyes and... your ears.


"DEQXPERT services are flexible, tailored to your needs and purchased in blocks of time. An initial session of up to 4 hours is $399, with additional time at $85/hr as needed. A full-day remote session is $695 for up to 9 hours. Typically a minimum of 2 to 3 hours is required but in our experience more complex systems or in-depth tutorials require more time. Onsite DEQXpert services require a full-day minimum plus travel expenses. Please contact us for a customized quote to meet your needs. If your schedule doesn’t permit a single contiguous session your DEQXpert agent can divide the work into several 2+ hourly sessions. Unused time remains on your account as credit for future work anytime in the following year. Terms are prepaid in USD via PayPal (credit card or bank transfer), wire transfer or international money order deposited and cleared. Some DEQX owners take advantage of DEQXpert services in two sessions about a week apart. There are others who begin with an onsite installation and then go remote for a tune-up when there’s been a change in equipment, speakers or positioning.”


Our first remote session with Larry lasted about nine hours. The tri-amped Po’ Lil Things make for a complicated system. Pete and I were quite active for the first two hours, making cable connections and moving the microphone. Then Larry took over while we had a snack and tried to follow-along. The man is inexhaustible! We’ll let him tell you about his process.

Larry Owens. When I first approach an 'active' system (multiple driver, multi amp'd with the DEQX performing crossover duties in addition to the speaker driver correction and room compensation) my first order of business is to understand the physical topology of the loudspeakers, the room they reside in, whatever constraints may exist and the history of how the system has evolved. I also like to know what the customer's goals are and if there are any known issues to be addressed. From there I begin a survey of the system basics: what devices are in use; how are the components connected together; and how does each driver respond to its assigned electrical channel on amplitude (gain) and absolute phase (polarity). This all provides a foundation for the rest of the work and if anything needs correction now is the best time to discover that and address it.
Remember the earlier mentioned 29-foot bass horn? Here is a 1:10 scale model of it.
From there we discuss the possible system topologies (in DEQX terms: single amp, biamp, triamp, single amp aka. 1-way with sub(s), bi-amp'd aka 2-way with sub(s) or some other 'creative' solution) that could be employed. The customer is advised about the pros/cons for each possible option. Once the physical gear is qualified and the system's topology laid out the work of taking the necessary measurements begins. I find that time spent at this point in the process always pays dividends because no matter how sophisticated the computational software is, when fed bad or incorrect information the results are inevitably sub-standard.

The generalized approach from there forward is to compute the speaker driver's correction filter(s) and then combine those elements with the other system parameters to configure a complete loudspeaker array which is eventually loaded into the DEQX processor box for listening. Of course there are many details which accompany that process. For example, which are the best-sounding crossover characteristics; have we achieved proper top-to-bottom time alignment for all frequencies; are the relative levels of the drivers properly balanced; and is the acoustic phase of especially the bass true and correct? Once we have our 'virtually perfect' loudspeaker, we re-measure the system's response from the most important place, the listening position. Should the room be unusually well behaved, we may be done. However more often than not the room wants to impress its own sonic signature upon our well-performing loudspeakers so the next order of business is to compensate for that and have the process 'nudge' the overall acoustic response back in the direction of being well behaved. Rather than wrench out all observed imperfections and shoe-horn the natural room response into some artificially flat vision, the goal is to gently coax the system and room to play together nicely for mutual enhancement. As you experienced, this is often an amazingly effective part of the whole process.