Buying Guides
How to Choose a DSP Speaker Processor
A DSP speaker processor sits between your mixer and your amplifiers. It splits the signal, sets the crossover, the EQ, and the delay, and protects your speakers. If you are buying one for the first time, here is what to look for.
1. How many inputs and outputs do you need?
Count your system first. A common setup is 4 inputs and 8 outputs — for example, a left and right main, plus fills and subwoofers. Our TD48A is 4 in / 8 out, and the DAP0408 series is the same. If your system is smaller, a 4-in / 8-out processor still gives you room to grow.
2. Sound quality: sample rate and bit depth
Look for 96 kHz / 24-bit processing. It sounds cleaner, especially on a big system. All of our DSP processors run at 96 kHz / 24-bit, with a 4×8 matrix and dynamic EQ.
3. FIR filters and Dante
Two things worth paying for:
- FIR filters: they correct the phase as well as the frequency, so the sound stays clear and tight. Our processors have FIR filters, plus IIR.
- Dante: if your system runs on a Dante network, get a processor with Dante. The TD48A has Dante 8Tx / 8Rx and AES/EBU digital audio built in. On the DAP0408MAX and DAP0408PRO, Dante is optional — tell us if you need it.
4. Control
You should be able to control the processor from a computer, not just from the front panel. Ours work over TCP/IP and USB, with RS232/485 and GPIO as well, so you can tune the system from front of house.
5. Buy from someone who answers
A processor is a long-term part of your system. If something sounds wrong at a show, you need an answer fast. We keep the setup simple, and we answer — tell us your system (drivers, amplifiers, venue size) and we will help you choose the right model and set it up.
A quick checklist
- 4 in / 8 out, or enough channels for your system
- 96 kHz / 24-bit
- FIR filters
- Dante, if your system needs it
- Computer control over TCP/IP or USB
If you tell us your speaker models and how many amplifier channels you have, we will recommend a processor and confirm the price and lead time. Write to contact@brave-audio.com.
