Behringer dsp1224P -- Best Price; Great Review

Optimal sound quality is desired by any performing musician. Yet many "get-by" with the best they can make of what they're running through. It might not be ideal, but it's what you accept understanding the limitations of any processing tools you have. Fortunately, sound processing technology has come a long way in a short period of time. Now any performer has the means to better stage sound waiting for them.

German audio manufacturer Behringer is extending that gift to musicians with the DSP1124P Feedback Destroyer Parametric EQ. It acts as a watchdog of sorts once you've got your sound dialed in to where you want it to be, employing an ingenious search algorithm that locates and removes feedback frequencies. What's worth noting here is that it does so without compromising the integrity of your signal. Put the DSP1124P to work as a usable 2-channel feedback suppressor or as a 2 by 12 band parametric equalizer to creatively shape sounds.

Tri-function versatility is this EQ's claim to fame. It can function in single shot, manual and auto mode. Single shot mode automatically corrals toasted feedback signals and locks the filter until it resets manually. Manual mode enables you to use 2 x 12 fully parametric filters including frequency, bandwidth and gain. Auto mode continuously monitors the mix, resetting programmed filters automatically. It is perfect for once you know where and how you like it. Further, each mode is assignable to each filter as you see fit.

When the dsp1224P is in feedback search & destroy mode, it does so by setting extremely narrow notch filters to eliminate the selected frequencies, leaving the remainder of the signal virtually untouched. Earlier EQs would typically be designed to disallow feedback the same way but the overall signal quality would often be degraded as a result. This type of technology is standard on nearly all high-end EQs but what makes it all the more attractive with this one is that A) it has the added versatility of the parametric EQ function, and B) it doesn't carry the hefty price tags the others will.

There's no way your rack can't benefit from adding a component of this quality and multi-function identity. Two software engines allow independent or coupled functions on left and right channels and you can dig right into the deeper end of it all with the dsp1224P's extensive MIDI implementation capabilities. The sky's the limit with what you can accomplish with this EQ if you're motivated to dig deep enough.

Some consumers have remarked that the presets are sometimes a little "overly" aggressive in their removal of distorted frequencies. That maybe bothersome if your style of music can benefit from such dynamics, as some do. Others have noted a high-pitched whine that will come from the unit under certain conditions and is more negatively noticed in music or songs with varying volumes. Overall however, it seems to be the consensus that it's a great EQ for the money and one that has been very helpful for performing musicians.

Behringer says you won't take much convincing to agree that for ultra low-noise sound that's clear of feedback, the DSP1124P is an easy, effective and highly affordable audio solution. It often grows to be an invaluable tool for performers and one they'll employ for many years. Having both EQ processing and feedback extermination in one unit is a fantastic pairing. If you're in need of an affordable EQ that is well-made, versatile and is road-ready the Behringer dsp1224P is worth a second look.