XTA DP548 4x8 Dyanmic Audio Management System

The XTA DP548 is a powerful DSP based audio processor, that combines the functions of a multitude of conventional products in a compact 1 Space unit with extensive remote control capabilities. To achieve this, the unit has four inputs and eight outputs which can be configured in a selection of basic crossover modes – 4 x 2 way; 2 x 3 way + 2 Aux; 2 x 4 way; and 1 x 8 way (as applicable to I/O configurations). A “Free Assign” mode also available, which allows completely flexible routing of any output from any combination of inputs and a “matrix” mode which allows mixing of any input to output (as opposed to switching with fixed gain).

XTA Dynamic EQ

Having XTA Dynamic EQ in any engineer or contractor’s rack is like having another set of hands at the ready. Unlike traditional fixed EQ, dynamic EQ only “EQs” when you want it to, at a threshold you choose – until that point all filters are transparent. Once the threshold is reached the desired EQ (either boost or cut) is gradually introduced. As an example: problematic frequencies which only occur at high levels can be notched out when the threshold is reached, a vocal channel can be sweetened when the artist is struggling with certain notes, bass frequencies can be boosted when the system is running at low levels for example during an interval. There’s even adjustment over how much EQ you want to allow - subtle creative effects or serious corrective action with lots of control.

XTA DP548 Input Section

Just like the industry standard 4 Series processors, each input has a 28-band graphic EQ and an additional 8 bands of “traditional” parametric EQ. Adding to this comes XTA's incredibly powerful dynamic EQ. Three bands are available on each input, with all four modes of operation supported (so cut or boost either above or below the threshold). Each band can also be chosen as a “standard” parametric filter, a high or low shelving filter, or even be set to “full range” whereupon it will act as a compressor (or expander - depending on chosen mode). Dynamic EQ may be stored in its own memories, as can graphic EQ settings, all other input settings or all output settings.

XTA DP548 Output Section

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 there’s a choice of dynamics useful for protection or for creative use. Before the limiter sections is a fully featured compressor with variable knee to turn it from a safe corrective tool with hard knee to a gentler effect that only makes its presence felt gradually as the threshold is approached and exceeded. Each output 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.

XTA DP548 Matrix Mixing

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). Base delay of up to 650ms may be added, along with driver alignment delays on outputs with sub-millimeter accuracy. The XTA DP548 also supports 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.

XTA DP548 Specifications:

• Equilization Palette:
  • EQ bands - 8 per input, 9 per output
  • Each band can be switched to Bandpass, Allpass, Notch, VariQ, Shelf and Elliptical response
  • Any band may also be used as a phase filter with 2 degree accuracy
  • Additional 28-band graphic on each input with switchable response type
• Limiter:
  • Threshold +22dBu to -10dBu
  • Attack time 0.3 to 90 milliseconds
  • Release time 4, 8, 16 or 32 times the attack time
• Dynamic EQ:
  • 3 bands per input
  • Parametric (19.7Hz - 32k), High Shelf (35Hz - 32kHz), Low Shelf (19.7Hz - 16kHz), Full Range Mode
  • Individual band bypass
• Compressor:
  • One per output
  • Max ratio 16:1
  • 12 step adjustable knee
• Audio Inputs and Outputs:
  • Electronically balanced
  • Input impedance > 10k ohms
  • Input CMRR > 65dB 50Hz – 10kHz
  • AES/EBU
• Connectors:
  • Inputs 3 pin female XLR
  • Outputs 3 pin male XLR
  • RS485 In/Out XLRs
  • RS232 9 Pin (Female) D Connector
• Mix Matrix mode:
  • Input sends to each output continuously variable from -40.0dB to _15.0dB in 0.1dB steps plus OFF
• Crossover Filters:
  • Bessel/Butterworth 6/12/18/24/48dB per octave and Linkwitz-Riley 12/24/48dB per octave