ASHLY 3.6SP Digital Crossover, 3x6

Product Overview

The Ashly 3.6SP is a three-input by six-output Protea DSP loudspeaker processor designed for live sound reinforcement and fixed installation applications including houses of worship, schools, and performance venues. It provides the full Protea DSP toolset — crossover, equalization, compressor/limiter, and delay — in a single 1RU rack-mount unit with front-panel controls for real-time access to all parameters without a laptop. The 3.6SP's three-input configuration provides greater source routing flexibility than typical two-input processors, and its 682ms of delay per stage makes it suitable as a front-end processor for delay stacks in large systems.

Product Description

The Ashly 3.6SP combines hands-on front-panel control with the depth of the Protea DSP software platform. Its backlit 2x20-character LCD displays channel and function settings directly on the unit without requiring a connected computer. Dedicated function buttons provide immediate access to crossover frequency, EQ, delay, and limiter settings on each channel, supporting the fast adjustments required during live sound events. A four-level password security system prevents unauthorized changes once the system is configured for fixed installation use.

The DSP engine provides Linkwitz-Riley, Bessel, and Butterworth crossover filters with slopes of 12, 18, 24, and 48dB per octave — the full range needed to properly cross over any combination of subwoofers, mid-range enclosures, and high-frequency drivers. Parametric EQ filters cover from 1/64th to 4-octave bandwidth on each band. Input and output delay can be set to 682ms per stage (1,364ms total), making the 3.6SP suitable as a primary system processor or as the delay management unit for delay speaker rings and near-field fill systems in large venues.

All three inputs are assignable to any output, allowing flexible routing configurations without additional infrastructure. Front and rear USB ports connect to the Ashly Protea software suite for PC-based configuration, preset management, and system backup, with RS-232 available as an alternative control interface. Output limiter protection is provided independently on each of the six outputs. Individual input and output metering is available from the front panel. Safety certifications include CE, FCC, and RoHS. The 3.6SP carries a 5-year Ashly limited warranty.

Key Features

• 3 Inputs x 6 Outputs — Three independently assignable inputs provide greater source routing flexibility than typical two-input processor designs.
• Front Panel Parameter Control — Dedicated function buttons and 2x20-character backlit LCD provide direct access to all DSP parameters without a connected computer.
• Linkwitz-Riley, Bessel, and Butterworth Crossovers — All three filter types with 12, 18, 24, and 48dB/octave slopes for accurate loudspeaker crossover design.
• Parametric EQ (1/64th to 4-Octave Range) — Fully parametric filters on all inputs and outputs for precise frequency correction and feedback control.
• 682ms Delay Per Stage (1,364ms Total) — Extended delay range supports delay stack management and speaker alignment in large venue systems.
• Output Limiter Per Channel — Individual protection limiter on each of the six output channels.
• 4-Level Password Security — Front-panel and software security lockout prevents unauthorized parameter changes in fixed installation environments.
• Front and Rear USB + RS-232 — Multiple interface options for PC configuration with Ashly Protea software; 6-foot USB-A to USB-B cable included.
• Balanced XLR I/O — All inputs and outputs use balanced XLR connectors for professional installation environments.
• Input Metering Per Channel — Individual signal level metering on all inputs and outputs directly from the front panel.
• Third-Party Control Friendly — RS-232 port supports integration with AMX, Crestron, and other third-party control systems.
• 1RU, Single Rack Space — Compact form factor for tight rack installations.
• 5-Year Limited Warranty — Full Ashly Audio warranty coverage.

Typical Applications

• House of worship main PA system crossover and speaker processing
• School auditorium and gymnasium 2-way or 3-way speaker system processing
• Live sound reinforcement front-end loudspeaker processor
• Performance venue subwoofer management and delay stack processing
• Theater and auditorium fixed installation speaker system alignment
• Conference center and multipurpose room DSP processing
• Mobile live sound system processor for touring or event production

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of three inputs on the 3.6SP versus a two-input processor?

Having three inputs allows more source routing flexibility in systems where three independent signal paths need to be processed and distributed to different output groupings, without requiring an upstream matrix router. A typical use case is having a stereo pair plus a separate mono low-frequency subwoofer signal, each on their own input.

What crossover filter types does the 3.6SP support?

The 3.6SP provides Linkwitz-Riley, Bessel, and Butterworth crossover filters at slopes of 12, 18, 24, and 48dB per octave on all output channels, covering the full range needed for 2-way, 3-way, and subwoofer crossover designs.

Can the 3.6SP be configured without a connected computer?

Yes. The front panel includes dedicated function buttons and a backlit 2x20-character LCD that provide direct access to all DSP parameters. A computer running the Protea software adds preset management, visual routing displays, and expanded preset library storage.

How does the 3.6SP's delay range support delay stack systems?

The 3.6SP provides up to 682ms of delay on both the input and output stages, for a combined total of 1,364ms. This is sufficient to time-align delay speakers positioned at long distances from the main system in large venues, auditoriums, and outdoor events.

Is the 3.6SP compatible with third-party control systems?

Yes. The RS-232 port supports integration with AMX, Crestron, and other third-party control systems. The Ashly website provides control drivers for multiple popular platforms.