Unveiled at PLASA was Ashly’s latest digital processor, the Protea 24.24M Matrix, the newest addition to the Protea System II Series. The modular unit provides up to 24 channels of audio matrix and processing and begins shipping in the fall.
The Protea 24.24M Matrix processor uses modular expansion cards to provide up to 24 channels of audio matrixing and processing. The base unit offers a 4-input/4-output configuration. Each input and output expansion card has an individual DSP processor, allowing the user to expand the base unit’s total inputs or outputs four channels at a time. These cards can be installed in the field without reprograming the device. The unit’s fixed-path architecture and extensive processing power per channel reduces the amount of time it takes to set up a system. All programming can be accomplished using Ashly’s Protea system software on a PC. The unit doesn’t include front panel controls, and multilevel software security ensures that the user has a tamper-proof audio system.
The 24.24M Matrix processor’s firmware is supported by Flash, making the device capable of field upgrades using Ashly Audio’s Protea system software.
Input channel processing blocks include mic preamp with phantom power, gain, delay, 15 EQ filters, gate, auto-leveler and ducker. Inputs may be configured as either mic or line-level. Output channel processing blocks comprise cross-point mixer, HPF/LPF, delay, 15 EQ filters, gain and limiter. The cross-point mixer allows the user to route any input to any output at any level and mute any input at any output without affecting the true input configuration. The HPF/LPF block offers Bessel, Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley filters with 12, 18, 24 and 48dB octave slopes.
Factory presets for distributed or conventional sound applications are provided and may be overwritten, copied and saved to separate preset locations. For more information on this product, please visit www.ashly.com/product/d_matrix.htm . For more new sound reinforcement products, visit mixonline.com/livesound/products.
