the t.racks DSP 408

Sometimes we need something to do simple things as like precise delay, room correction, simple mix, routing and so on. In this area DSP 408 is almost perfect. Configuration is simple and you do not need special software to obtain correct results. You can always use quite nice software for windows but DSP 408 do not need this if you know what to do. The only problem with DSP 408 is poor quality of fan. Original fan is noisy. Really noisy. This is not a big problem when DSP is used in rack outside studio but I really do not understand why this fan is installed. Fan replacement is easy and cost of silent fan is low - 5€ or something like this. So, if you have to use this equipment in environment where fan noise can be disturbing - buy silent fan. There are plenty of place inside so any silent 40x40 fan is applicable. You need standard 2 pole connector to replace original. Connectors inside are secured by hot glue but this is not a problem.;) One very important remark - cables have to go over or near main power supply - correct isolation is important. If you do not have connectors and proper equipment to do this, ask your friends for help. And to the end - even if you will change fan there is another small problem: this still can be a little bit noisy. Thin mesh on air intake will help. You have to remember that proper air flow inside DSP is important. It means that fan have to be efficient enough to keep temperature under control.

No soldering is required, you do not have to change anything in DSP - you have to change only fan and add thin mesh on air intake. Total cost is 20 minutes of work and couple of € for components.

Why so noisy fan is used in DSP? I am using modified DSP for couple of months without any problem. It is working for many hours every day and there is no problem with temperature after modification. Average noise is below 7dB(A) now, so yo can hear this if you are very close to rack where DSP is installed.

Very good piece of gear - but why so poor fan was installed when everything else is with quality above average? I do not understand - additional 5€ of cost?

By the way - sound quality is perfect. Really. You have to remember where we are using this equipment and why. In my studio I have a lot of „noisy” equipment but this one was really annoying. On a stage - who cares.

If you are looking for DSP with digital connectors - this is not DSP you are looking for. You have to go for different model. By the way - DCX2496 from Berhinger is very good alternative. I am using both. DCX2496 can measure delays and can be driven digitally on 2 channels but this is another story.

What is really important - this equipment is not extreakly cheep but will not burn your bdget.

Small remark - output max is 20dBu so you have to take this in to consideration when you are working with output max 18/22/24 dBu from another equipment. You have no choice - not a big problem though. By the way, I hate this differences in outputs - proper gain staging can be real nightmare and do not tell me that I have to „upgrade” or „switch”. I prefer 22dBu as max but who cares.

The DSP408 is an amazing piece if equipment.
I used this primarily in my amp rack for signal splitting and crossovers.
The front panel is very easy to navigate and adjust settings.

I used this mainly over the network cable and linked up with the windows software. on most processors the software always Let down the unit. not this one, its worked every time, looks great and is very easy to use. The Eq sections is more than what most people will need, the matrix mixer is fantastic and allows flexible routing.
The delay section is great to use and easy to enter numbers into each channel.
I don't have any problems with any of the other features included in the free software. ( I would recommend using the software for setup for ease of use.)

pros
4 Inputs and 8 outputs make for a very versatile DSP Processor
Networkable makes this very powerful. (connecting it to a wireless router for portable adjusting round venues. )
A vast amount of DSP and your disposal.

Cons
No AES on this unit. but there is another unit with AES and FIR Filters.
Controle software is only windows based

Over all this unit is very powerful and will mean all of your needs for a crossover for speaker management.