Lights and Sound: DSP repair or replacement?

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DSP repair or replacement?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Lights and Sound
Forum Discription: Technical discussion
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4408
Printed Date: 5/03/25 at 12:26pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: DSP repair or replacement?

Posted By: David McCall
Subject: DSP repair or replacement?
Date Posted: 1/08/10 at 11:39am

We have a Shure DFR22 DSP that has failed after 2 years of operation. It started by making a noise like a 747 taking off in the auditorium, but the noise faded out over a few seconds and then it worked fine. Well, it doesn't fade anymore. I sent it in for repair and they want $300 to replace a board. The list price is around $800 but they are available for about $550 and there is one on ebay for just over $300. I liked the unit, but needing a $300 repair after such a short time seems like a lot for a unit that just lives in a rack.

So, here is the question. Should we repair it or replace it? Does anybody have opinions on this DSP or opinions on other DSPs?

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David M

Replies:

Posted By: TimmyP1955
Date Posted: 1/10/10 at 10:43pm

$300 to fix an $800 piece? That's unconscionable. The trouble with getting a used one is that this could happen to you again. I'd let Shure take a hike (I'm being kind) and get something else. What are you using it for? Different DSPs may be better suited for different tasks. I'm a fan of the current Rane RPM models, but for FOH use they are a little more work than others (but I still use one). Cheap on eBay ($900 or less for the RPM88), and I've never had a problem with them.

Posted By: David McCall
Date Posted: 1/11/10 at 12:48pm

I'm using one channel for the center cluster, and the other for monitor speakers or front fill depending on what is needed.

Any suggestions as to a suitable replacement? They probably wouldn't be interested in anything over $500 unless I had really good arguments for it. After looking around this morning it $300 it seems like repair might be the best deal unless the DFR-22 is known to be crap. I have not played with it all that much, but I like the interface and the control that is available by hooking it to a PC. I don't like having to run an RS232 line from the rack backstage all of the way out to the mix position though.

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David M

Posted By: TimmyP1955
Date Posted: 2/07/10 at 3:32pm

A local provider and a few bands are happy with their BBE units. My main complaint is that of support - They don't have the control software available on their website, and two emails to them requesting the control software went unanswered - I had to post in a forum and get someone to email it to me.

The DriveRack 260 is a good unit, and you can get one for under $500 used.

You can - by way of simple adapters - run RS232 down an unused snake channel.

Posted By: skyguy
Date Posted: 4/02/10 at 7:14pm

I know that it's the dreaded "B" word, but the Behringer DCX-2496 is awesome for the price. I would say that it's got better features than the DBX Driverack 260. For the price, it really can't be beat.

However, I would suggest that you buy new. They had an issue when they were first released (2002?) because of a bad grounding problem. I own two and haven't had a single problem. It's really the only Behringer gear I'll own!

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Can I have some more talent in the monitors please?

Posted By: museav
Date Posted: 8/24/10 at 1:30am

Coming in way late but there are several things to consider. Some relate to the physical device such as the inputs and outputs involved and the processing and routing functionality the DSP provides.

However, with programmable DSPs you need to also consider the programming aspect. Might repairing a unit allow you to mantain the unit's programming or load an existing program while a new device would require new programming from scratch? Do you have the equipment and expertise required to handle any programming involved or might there be costs associated with that?

I'd hate to see someone make a decision based only on the the equipment cost to then unexpectedly find themselves with a unit that does nothing or is programmed for an entirely different system and with no way to get the DSP device programmed for their application.

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Brad W.

Posted By: David McCall
Date Posted: 8/24/10 at 10:24am

I wound up getting it fixed. Thanks for responding though. The presets were gone, but I still have them on my computer if I need them.

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David M