the t.racks DSP 204

The last couple of processors I used prior to trying the t.racks DSPs were EV and dbx products. The EV is a great but a lot more expensive. the dbx driverack PA2 does a good job in a way but has very limited routing options, presumably to tempt you to spend more on the 360. No such limitations with the t.racks unit, so it's potentially a lot more useful if you have quite specific routing needs. The Windows software is powerful and intuitive, but equally it's pretty easy to use with the front panel controls (which isn't true of all processors!). I'm a fan and have bought a few now, with no complaints after a few years of use.

As others have said, this is excellent value given the facilities you get for the price and in most respects it handles audio signals well. Much better to set up using the PC software (I have a MS PC just for this sort of job - it is not Mac compatible). Everything sounds good, except - I need to use long delays for 40m and 125m speaker arrays and this unit struggled, especially with 125. Sure, that is within its range, but with such a long delay, it adds an extra echo, about 40dB lower, but audible. I also noticed the output limiters activate at -6dB on the VU when set at +18dB, even with long attack times (not sure why). I can live with these weaknesses, but I thought they were worth mentioning. It is not ideal for my present application (to get long delays in a fixed installation at a sports stadium), but I found no affordable alternatives left since Sabine etc. stopped making dedicated long delays. I would be very happy with this as a digital crossover, which I guess is its main application.