Shure Ships P4800 System Processor

(Click for a close-up)

Shure Incorporated announced the immediate availability of the new P4800 System Processor with Soundplex Digital Signal Processing in the United States and Canada. So easy to use that most will have it up-and-running in under five minutes, the versatile device employs an intuitive, drag-and-drop graphical user interface (GUI) offering control over just about any processing function imaginable between the mixers and amplifiers within installed systems.

"The Shure P4800 System Processor should have a good following from users that need the ability to custom configure their signal processing chain at a lower cost than the other user-configurable DSPs in the marketplace, " said Pat Brown, President of Syn-Aud-Con and one of the P4800s beta testers. "It strikes a nice balance between power, customization, and ease-of-use. The intuitive user interface combines the feel of analog control with informative graphical representations of control settings, allowing the user to have the best of both worlds."

Among the powerful features found on the P4800 System Processor is a 4x8 matrix mixing section which enables users to quickly assign any of the unit's four inputs to any or all of the eight outputs, with provisions for adjusting levels and signal polarity along the way. With a simple click of the mouse, processing blocks including: Shure's acclaimed automatic DFR feedback reducer; a number of EQ options (GEQ and PEQ); and dynamics processing (gates, expander, compression, limiting, and automatic gain control) can be added to the signal path. All functions are monitored through a standard personal computer via its RS232 port.

Capable of being dragged and dropped in any order to inputs and outputs, each processing block can also be copied and pasted to duplicate processing across multiple channels. To better meet the demands of eleventh-hour design changes and other unexpected revisions to the sound system or architecture, adjustments can be made on the fly, with all changes heard in real time.

"The true test of good software is that you don't need to spend a lot of time getting up to speed, " said Jim Brown, a consultant for Audio Systems Group Inc. "Even the beta product met this test with flying colors, and the Shure engineers were looking over my shoulder to think of ways to make it even better. It was a snap to configure, and just as easy to tune. Some competing products burn labor hours for setup which more than offset the lower hardware cost. Not this one! I'll be specifying the P4800 for a lot of projects."

"We believe this product will be a huge breakthrough for system contractors, since it brings much of the power and flexibility of high-end DSP units to installations with more limited budgets," said Bob Rieder, Shure Category Director of Audio Processing Products.

Visual indicators provided with the system include LED signal metering on the unit's front panel which allows signals passing through the device to be monitored without the use of a PC. Onscreen, full input and output metering is supplied when the software is in live mode. Resource meters at the bottom of the main window keep tabs on available DSP power and delay memory.

Compatible with both Panja/AMX and Crestron control systems, the unit is equipped with RS232 and RS422 ports, and additionally supports simple controls such as potentiometers and switches.

The P4800 System Processor with Soundplex Digital Processing has a suggested retail price of $2,665.00 (U.S.) and is currently shipping in North America only. The product is anticipated to be available internationally this fall.