Electro Voice DX 38

In active PA systems, crossovers, levels and delay times must be matched to the speaker paths. The Electro-Voice DX 38 handles these tasks as a digital speaker management system with two inputs and four outputs. The input signals can also be summed internally and routed to the outputs.

Seven preconfigured operating modes cover stereo and dual two-way systems, three-way configurations with a full-range output, systems with a mono subwoofer, as well as four-way and 2-In-4 operation. In Full Edit mode, you can freely define the signal paths and output functions. This allows the processor to be adapted to different speaker setups; two DX 38 units are required for stereo operation in certain three- and four-way configurations.

For frequency division, Linkwitz-Riley, Butterworth and Bessel filters are available with slopes of 6, 12, 18 or 24 dB per octave. On the input side, each channel has five filter sections, which you can use as parametric EQs, shelving filters, or high- or low-pass filters, among other options. Each output has four additional filter sections, including all-pass filters. A total of 26 parametric EQs are available, complemented by Low-Pass-Notch and B-6 filter options.

Master delays on the inputs and separate channel delays on the outputs help align the system in time. The outputs also feature level control, polarity switching and a digital compressor or limiter each, with adjustable parameters. This lets you adjust signal levels and dynamics for individual speaker paths.

The unit is operated using the backlit graphic display, function keys and rotary controls. Input and output level meters, as well as clip and compressor LEDs, make monitoring easier, while Output Mute switches silence the outputs. For a quick start, there are 50 factory programmes; a further 30 memory slots are provided for your own settings. The PC software is designed for Windows 95 and Windows 98.

Electronically balanced XLR inputs and outputs provide the audio connections. There are also two Direct-Out connections for passing through an unchanged input signal. MIDI and RS-232 are included as standard; RS-485 and an interface for switching contacts are optional. Transformer balancing of the inputs is also available as an option. RS-485 and switching contacts require optional interfaces.

The DX 38 is suitable for PA racks where multiple speaker paths need to be digitally split and individually processed. Its freely configurable signal routing, XLR connections and memory slots make it particularly useful for setups where recurring system configurations need to be recalled.