The ne8800mm Network Enabled Digital Signal Processor from Ashly is a network-enabled DSP processor that offers easy setup and control using standard 10/100 Ethernet protocol and Protea ne software. The unit features 8 analog inputs, 8 analog outputs, and 8 microphone inputs (two 4-channel mic input cards). In addition, the DSP processor uses fixed-path architecture with hot-pluggable audio functions anywhere in the signal path to reduce the setup time.

The DSP signal-processing library is extensive and utilizes multiple SHARC 32-bit processors with sample rates of either 48 or 96 kHz. Processing blocks include an 8 x 8 matrix mixer, a full array of graphic, parametric and all-pass equalization, crossover filters including 8th-order Butterworth, Bessel, Linkwitz-Riley, and notched Linkwitz-Riley. In addition, input / output channel-processing blocks include a full array of variable-Q graphic and parametric equalization.

The Protea Software Suite also includes an automatic feedback suppressor, FIR filter capability, gain-sharing automatic microphone mixing, ambient-noise sensing and level adjustment, autolevelers, compressors, matrix duckers, limiters, frequency-keyed noise gates, signal delay up to 1365 ms on every channel, and sinewave, pink-, and white-noise generators.

All programming is accomplished using standard 10/100 Ethernet or RS-232 protocol and Protea ne software on a Windows platform. Hot-plug software control allows for plugging any function into any channel block, even when running live audio with no recompiling necessary. Automatic DHCP network IP configuration reduces network setup time. Multi-level software security with password access provides a tamper-proof audio system.

The signal processor features a gain-sharing automixer on any input signal of any output mixer. Rear-panel Euroblock connectors include 8 logic input or output connections, plus 8 remote-potentiometer level controls. It also comes with Word clock input and output BNC connections for digital audio frame locking to house sync. In addition, the DSP processor can be mounted on a standard 19” rack using 2 spaces (3.5” high).