No other rack-mounted digital processor can approach the UX8800 in terms of dramatically advancing current and future EAW loudspeaker performance. With true dual-mode capability, the 4-input by 8-output unit is equally adept as a loudspeaker processor or an overall system processor.

The UX8800 brings revolutionary Gunness Focusing technology to an ever-increasing number of conventional EAW loudspeakers. Employing sophisticated, custom DSP algorithms designed specifically to correct loudspeaker response anomalies, it substantially eliminates the time smear, horn "honk" and low-frequency cone resonances that plague conventional reinforcement system designs. (New Gunness Focusing settings are developed and posted for free download on a regular basis.)

In loudspeaker processor mode, the user can establish up to four individual loudspeaker specific processing units, each with locked down product-specific settings for crossover, equalization, alignment processing, and limiting. Output channels are assigned for each of the loudspeaker's separately amplified subsystems (2-way, 3-way, etc.).

Further, by entering the gain and maximum voltage ratings of the power amplifiers being driven by each output channel, the UX8800 calculates the correct output limiter settings (such as excursion and power handling) of the individual drivers. In addition, a distance and humidity-dependent air loss pre-emphasis filter can be engaged to overcome expected air losses over longer projection distances.

Also in loudspeaker processing mode, each processing unit offers a full complement of user-adjustable DSP parameters (EQ, level, delay and polarity) that provide the critical alignment control that are normally required for overall system alignment and adjustment. The result is an unprecedented degree of consistency and interoperability between EAW systems.

Meanwhile, in system processor mode, all settings and parameters for both inputs and outputs are user-adjustable. The processor's 4 x 8 architecture is custom-configured by the user to suit the particular application.

The UX8800 is intimately linked to EAW Smaart and FChart acoustic measurement and analysis systems. This is crucial to users and engineers in that it guarantees processing that exactly matches the processor settings determined in the laboratory by EAW engineers. The front panel offers access to all operational, user-controllable parameters via buttons, encoders and a brightly back-lit LCD panel. More advanced setup and tailoring can be done via EAWPilot software (supplied with the unit) on a PC plugged in via the RJ45 port on the front panel.

The powerful UX8800 digital engine features state-of-the-art 48-bit/96-kHz efficiency. Both input and output connectors are XLR type, with digital inputs to accommodate AES/EBU and the coming EAW U-Net connectivity while eliminating A/D and D/A stages.