Ensoniq DP/4+ Parallel Effects Processor

Following on from the huge success Ensoniq enjoyed with the DP/4, the Ensoniq DP/4+ took a successful recipe and added subtle updates to the interface. The Ensoniq DP/4+ creates 24-bit digital effects using four independent processors and features four independent inputs and outputs with full internal mixing capabilities.

Ensoniq DP/4+ Parallel Effects Processor Details

The Ensoniq DP/4+ is equally at home in a professional recording studio, home studio, guitar rig, MIDI setup, or PA system.

The Ensoniq DP/4+ Parallel Effects Processor has over 50 high fidelity fully programmable digital effect algorithms. Reverb, chorusing, flanging, delay, distortion, pitch shifting, and an assortment of other programs are provided with dynamic control over most of the settings. There are 400 effect presets; 200 ROM (Read Only Memory) and 200 additional RAM (Random Access Memory) presets for you to edit or store your own creations.

While other multi-effects processors only allow one input signal to be “effected,” the Ensoniq DP/4+’s four-in, four-out design permits stereo processing of four parallel channels (multi-processing). There is only one user interface, but up to four different input signals can each go to a separate internal signal processor. Multiple inputs and outputs also allow for special types of effects, like vocoding and ducking.

The Ensoniq DP/4+ can be used as one huge effects box, two stereo-in effects boxes, three effects boxes, or four separate effects boxes. The routing between the four processing units is completely programmable, allowing for any combination of serial and parallel effects.

The Ensoniq DP/4+ also offers paths to feedback the signal, and side-chain capability. The variable architecture and rich assortment of algorithms provide for unusual effect structures not found in fixed routing systems. The unique output mixing capability can also save you mixer effect return channels by mixing the stereo outputs of the four effects units down to a single stereo pair (outputs 1 and 2).

The Ensoniq DP/4+ is equipped with an advanced digital signal processing system based on the Ensoniq Signal Processor (ESP) chip. The ESP chip is designed specifically for digital audio signal processing, and in the Ensoniq DP/4+, four ESP chips work in conjunction with 16-bit analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters to provide a studio-quality output signal.

The digital effects processing capability has been designed to complement any input source (balanced/unbalanced; +4dBu to-10dBV), and all of the algorithms (except the Guitar Tuner) can have specific parameters modulated by various MIDI and non-MIDI controllers such as a keyboard’s pitch wheel, a CV Pedal, etc.

Features

  • Professional multi-effects processor suitable for studio, live, and PA applications
  • Over 50 high-fidelity, fully programmable digital effect algorithms
  • Includes reverb, chorus, flanging, delay, distortion, pitch shifting, and many other effects
  • Dynamic control available over most parameters for expressive sound design
  • 400 total presets: 200 factory (ROM) and 200 user-editable (RAM) presets
  • Four-input, four-output design enables true stereo processing of four independent channels
  • Supports parallel and serial effect routing configurations for flexible signal flow
  • Can operate as one large effects processor, two stereo processors, three processors, or four independent processors
  • Programmable routing between the four processing units for creative effect combinations
  • Side-chain and feedback routing capability for advanced modulation and signal interaction
  • Output mixing allows reduction of return channels by summing four stereo outputs into one stereo pair
  • Powered by four Ensoniq Signal Processor (ESP) chips designed for professional digital audio
  • 16-bit A/D and D/A converters deliver high-quality, low-noise performance
  • Compatible with both balanced and unbalanced signals (+4 dBu to -10 dBV)
  • Supports modulation of parameters by MIDI and non-MIDI controllers, including pitch wheel and CV pedals
  • Capable of producing complex and unique effect structures beyond fixed-routing systems
  • Comprehensive MIDI implementation for program changes and control assignments
  • Ideal for guitarists, producers, and sound designers seeking a versatile multi-effects processor

Specifications

Released in: 1995
Made in: U.S.A.
  • A/D – D/A conversion: 16 bit linear
  • Input Level: -34.6 dBV to +22 dBu
  • Maximum output level:
    • into >10.K = +19.2 dBu
    • into 600. = +15.7 dBu
  • Input impedance:
    • Rear Input = 18.6 K
    • Front Input (1/4″) = 910.K
    • Front Input (XLR) = 1.K
  • Output impedance: 300
  • Frequency Response: 2 Hz-18 kHz
  • Dynamic Range: 96 dB
  • Signal to Noise ratio: -90 dB “A” weighted
  • THD+Noise: >.0032% (90 dB) “A” weighted
  • Crosstalk between channels: better than -80 dB (1 KHz)
  • IM distortion (SMPTE): 0.05%
  • Dimensions: 482mm x 88.7mm x 330mm
  • Weight: 4.3kg
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Ensoniq DP/4+
User Reviews

Ensoniq DP/4+ Parallel Effects Processor User Reviews

Brilliant FX hub for my old Studio

By Kirke

Sound Quality 90%
Build Quality 100%
Usefullness 100%
Mojo/Funk 100%
Reliability 100%

Some Killer presets and as the main effects unit for my old studio was used constantly for both processing and also as a main Verb delay etc. Just wished it had had SPDIF I/O.

Good solid effects unit

By Anonymous

Sound Quality 85%
Build Quality 90%
Usefullness 90%
Mojo/Funk 90%
Reliability 90%

I had one of these way back in the day, bit of a complex beast to get around, but it offered some great effect presets, many not found in other devices. Like many things form back in the day, I should have kept it instead of selling it to buy the next flavour of the month. Build quality was good too, and the design outstanding I thought.

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