Digihertz Audio DAE418 Digital Speaker Processor 4in8out with USB interface.

Review Digihertz Audio DAE418This review is not about the DAE418's performance in a professional setting, but rather from the point of view of a home 2.0 stereo setup as an active crossover to separate the hi and lo content for bi-amped speakers. This digital speaker processor replaces an inexpensive ($80) analog crossover that, for whatever reason, began to deteriorate sonically as well as physically.The 4 in 8 out design is more than needed for the current application but does allow for future expansion of the stereo system to more speakers/subwoofers or additional specialized drivers. Also, there are DSP functions I'm not using yet such as the compression/limiter function and delays.The unit appears to be well built and sturdy. It is installed into a rack so it's not going to be subject to any additional rough handling. It does have small rubber-like feet for non-rack installations.Setting configurations via the front panel is tedious and error prone (at least for me). Connecting the USB interface to a computer and using the included software is much easier. However, the Main Menu did not appear at the top of the GUI, and without those functions the computer can not find and connect to the DAE418. It turned out the Main Menu was hidden at the right edge of the menu bar (see image and note this GUI glitch does not occur on all computers). I now use the GUI exclusively for access to all DAE418 functions.The parametric equalizer function offers a wealth of options many of which are beyond my current state of knowledge. The freeware Room EQ Wizard program (not included) can be useful for determining the PEQ values to yield the best correction. Alternatively the GUI can be used to move sliders and change options while listening to the results in real time (tuning by ear).The DAE418 has 10 preset programs (configurations). The first six programs deal with various crossover configurations (1X8, 2X4, 4X2...) There are enough to use as a starting point for any 4 In 8 Out applications needed including subwoofer setups. The remaining predefined programs cover Mono Distribution, LCR-Mono-subwoofer, Mute All, and something called 4x4 processo.I used the 4X2 crossover preset as a starting point and have saved several programs to the User Memory (up to 30 user programs). My programs are mostly a history of learning and new use of the available options. Some programs are just for testing or adjustment, like swapping the left and right channels or monophonic sound. Other saved programs are variations of crossover settings.Adding the DAE418 into the signal path did not introduce any appreciable noise. Also music sounds better than the analog unit that was previously used. The analog unit had better front panel access with all of its knobs and buttons, but nowhere near the capabilities of the DAE418. Since the DAE418 has the USB interface and associated software, the front panel access is not an important factor.This is a pro unit and uses pro connections and I/O specs. If you are unfamiliar with adding pro audio gear into a consumer audio system see the following forum posts "Gain Structure for Home Theater" on [...]My only actual complaint about the DAE418 is that it now lists for at least $50.00 less than when I bought it from Amazon. I considered it a good value before but now it is an even better value.

one of the much better speaker management units compared to the other high cost units.... this is a basic unit, the build quality is very good, 4 xlr in's and 8 xlr out's... nice led display, sound quality is outstanding... i looked at many different units, i was looking for 2 in and 8 out because i would be connecting several amplifiers... other brands just did not have those input and output features and were much too expensive.... the manual could be formatted out for better understanding.... as noted, this unit is well built, manufactured in china and the price is much less than those top brands.... if you are looking for a good sound management system, that you don't want to spend a lot.... this unit will do the job just fine....