What is an audio processor? Should the processor be omitted in small venues? Novice system configuration scheme

Many novices who have just entered the business of audio rental and meeting room installation often struggle: the mixer has its own balance and effect, is it necessary to add an audio processor? Can small-scale venues, store stereos and roadshows directly save money by eliminating processors? In this paper, the principle, selection criteria and three sets of landing configuration schemes are clearly explained at one time.

1. What exactly is an audio processor?
Popular definition: a digital audio signal processing center integrating multiple peripheral functions.

The traditional analog system needs to purchase multiple devices separately: equalizer, voltage limiter, electronic frequency divider, time delay, phase adjustment and high-low pass filtering.

A digital audio processor = EQ equalizer+voltage limiter+electronic frequency divider+time delay+high-low pass filter.

It can do these key things:
1 frequency division: distinguish the full-range speaker from the subwoofer frequency band, and set the bass tangent point;
2, parameter equalization EQ: accurately suppress howling, correct room acoustic defects, and the accuracy far exceeds the built-in equalization of the mixer;
3. Compression-limiting: Set the threshold of volume protection to prevent sonic boom from burning the tweeter;
4, signal delay: when multiple groups of speakers are placed at a distance, align the sound to avoid the sound field being scattered;
5. Phase and high-low pass filtering: optimize bass connection to eliminate turbidity caused by overlapping frequency bands;
6. Signal routing distribution: one input signal is freely distributed to multiple power amplifier outputs.
Distinguish the key points:

Analog peripheral (equalization, voltage limiting and frequency division) is a single machine with single function;

Audio processor is an integrated multifunctional digital platform.

Second, the core question: small venues, can you save the audio processor?
First, give the judgment standard, and choose directly according to your own scene:

You can save the scene of the processor (no need to purchase)
1. Simple small conference room with 2 ~ 4 full-range speakers and no independent subwoofer;
2, mainly speaking, rarely singing, the volume is not big, and the requirements for sound quality are ordinary;
3. Limited budget and simplified equipment: analog mixer+power amplifier+full frequency box;
4. Fixed place, no need to change parameters frequently, and no high-power sound reinforcement.
Alternative: rely on the mixer's own balance and cooperate with simple feedback suppressor to prevent howling.

It is not recommended to save, but it is best to match the scene of audio processor.
1. The system is equipped with an independent subwoofer, which requires high and low frequency division;
2, stage performances, annual meetings, roadshows, taking into account vocal singing+background music;
3. The number of speakers is ≥4, and multiple groups of speakers are placed in different zones, which requires delay alignment;
4, high-power system, worried about customers exploding wheat, signal overload burning speakers;
5, frequent mobile leasing, need to save multiple sets of debugging presets, one-button switching mode (speech mode/singing mode).

The misunderstanding that novices are most likely to step on.
Many people think that a mixer with EQ does not need a processor. Mixer equalization belongs to input channel processing; The audio processor is that total signal proces at the output end. It is difficult to realize the self-contained function of the mixer in order to accurately protect the amplifier speakers, do a good job of frequency division and multi-channel speaker delay.

Three, three sets of novice practical system configuration scheme (directly copy and match)
Scheme 1: Minimalist scheme [omitting audio processor | small conference room, store background music]
Application: within 80㎡, only talk, less sing, 2 ~ 4 full-range speakers.

Link: microphone+sound source → analog mixer → power amplifier → full-range speaker.

Optional: feedback suppressor (to prevent howling)

Advantages: minimum investment and simple operation;

Short board: without precise speaker protection, it cannot be matched with an independent subwoofer.

Scheme 2: Cost-effective scheme [adding an introductory audio processor | annual meeting, small roadshow, training venue]
Application: 100 ~ 300m2, need to sing+background music, with full-range speakers+subwoofer.

Link: microphone+sound source → mixer → digital audio processor → power amplifier → speaker+subwoofer Advantages:

Realize frequency division, speaker limiting protection and howling correction;

Debugging parameters can be preset, and the mobile performance is very convenient.

Scheme 3: One-step solution 【 Digital Mixer+Processor | Medium-and-large-scale activities, cleaning bar 】
Application: Shang Yan, band performances, bar fixed sound are often undertaken.

Link: microphone sound source → digital mixer → audio processor → power amplifier/active speaker.

Highlights: Double-layer signal processing, great room for sound field adjustment and full system stability.

Supplement: If you choose an active speaker with built-in DSP, with frequency divider, limiter and EQ, you don't need to buy an independent audio processor as appropriate.

Fourth, practical purchase and debugging tips
1. How to choose the channel?
2 in and 4 out: suitable for 2 full frequency+1 subwoofer, preferred for small activities;
4 in and 8 out: multi-channel speaker partition, multi-group full frequency+bass, commercial venue is preferred.
2. Keep in mind the debugging sequence: the mixer completes the input equalization → the signal enters the processor → the frequency division point, the voltage limit threshold and the output EQ are set in the processor.
3, mobile rental key: be sure to set the output limiter in the processor! It is the most important protective measure in the leasing industry to prevent customers from shouting wheat and directly burning the tweeter unit.