XTA DP548 4-in 8-out Signal Processor
 
Much more than a sum of its parts, the 5 Series dynamic management takes the features of the 4 Series products and adds the equivalent of four D2 dynamic equalisers across the inputs and a channel of C2 compression on each output, along with a new matrix mixing mode.
 
With two units available (DP548 – 4 inputs/8 outputs, and DP544 – 4 inputs/4 outputs), all the original features and sound quality of the 4 Series are preserved and expanded upon using a newer DSP platform, and with some never before seen ground breaking features in AudioCore, it all makes for a new dynamic combination…
 
It’s a long list to cover, but for those who have never used a 4 Series unit, there is a formidable array of tools available to cater for your creative as well as your control/corrective needs.
 
There are two 5 Series units available:
 
DP548 – 4 inputs – 8 outputs
 
DP544 – 4 inputs – 4 outputs
 
Each input has a 28 band graphic EQ that can be configured to model either our own GQ600, or older inductor based designs such as the DN27.
 
There are an additional 8 bands of “traditional” parametric EQ on each input.
 
All parametric sections can be reconfigured to many alternate filter behaviours, including the familiar high and low shelves and notch filters, but along with bandpass, elliptic and variable ‘Q’ shapes, and phase adjustment, in 2 degree steps. 
 
On top of all this EQ that you might be used to comes the incredibly powerful dynamic EQ. Three bands of SiDD’s dynamic EQ are available on each input, with all four modes of operation supported (so, cut/boost either above or below the threshold). Each band will cover the full 20-20k range and has controls for envelope (attack/release) as well as setting the maximum allowable amount of gain adjustment and choosing the “strength” of the effect (the ratio in dynamics terms).
 
Dynamic EQ may be stored in its own memories, as can graphic EQ settings, all other input settings or all output settings, and every combination of these if necessary.
 
Considering how daunting this could be, and it is all still editable via the front panel, AudioCore opens up the dynamic EQ ediitng in an incredibly intuitive manner.
 
Routing inputs to outputs is as flexible as ever with any input or combination of inputs being switchable to any output, and there are various useful templates to get you started (along with default crossover points to help).
 
The 5 Series also support a full matrix mixing mode where inputs may be mixed in any ratio to any outputs with four “sends” being available on each output channel instead of just switching on/off.
 
Looking at output sections, the requisite crossover filters offer slopes from 6dB/Octave up to 48dB/Octave. Nine more bands of parametric EQ follow and then we have a a choice of dynamics useful for protection or for creative use.
 
Before the limiter sections there is now a fully featured compressor with variable knee to turn it from a safe corrective tool with hard knee to a gentler (but still with a high ratio if required) effect that only makes its presence felt gradually as the threshold is approached and exceeded.
 
Each output also features a combination of limiters – a limiter designed to protect individual drivers from over-heating, and an additional look-ahead “D-Max” limiter for added safety and to prevent driver over-excursion.
 
Add to this sub-millimetre accuracy when introducing time alignment with completely flexible ganging of all channels, and it can be seen that the 5 Series will fit the bill in any situation.