ASHLY NE 4800 Network Enabled Protea DSP Audio System Processor 4-In x 8-Out

Product Overview

The Ashly NE4800 is a network-enabled Protea DSP audio system processor with 4 inputs and 8 outputs, providing a comprehensive standalone DSP audio processor for commercial AV installations that require signal processing and routing without integrated amplification. Built on the Protea DSP engine with 32-bit processing, 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion, and the full Protea DSP library, the NE4800 handles multi-band parametric and graphic EQ, crossover filtering, dynamics, auto feedback suppression, auto-mixing, priority ducking, and delay up to 1365ms per channel in a single 1U rack-mount chassis. Standard 10/100 Ethernet and RS-232 control, support for CobraNet, Dante, AES3, and microphone input option cards, and compatibility with the free Ashly Remote iPad app make the NE4800 the right central DSP processor for conference rooms, houses of worship, boardrooms, and government facilities.

Product Description

The NE4800 uses Ashly's Protea DSP engine with a 4-input by 8-output configuration well matched to the typical commercial AV system topology: a small number of audio inputs (microphones, program sources, return feeds) expanded to a larger number of output feeds for loudspeaker zones or amplifier channels. The input chain supports up to 12 DSP processing blocks per input, and the output chain supports up to 11 DSP processing blocks per output plus the matrix mixer. Available DSP blocks include multi-band parametric EQ (PEQ), 31-band graphic EQ, compressor/limiter, clip limiter, leveler, delay, high-pass and low-pass filters, crossover filters, FIR filter-capable processing, advanced auto feedback suppression, priority ducking for paging and emergency override, and auto-mixing for multi-microphone conference environments. CobraNet, Dante, AES3, and microphone input option cards install in the expansion slot to add digital audio connectivity without external converters. Ethernet and RS-232 control enable integration with Crestron, AMX, and other room control platforms, and the free Ashly Remote iOS app provides wireless tablet control. Euroblock connectors on all audio I/O, preset recall inputs, and DC remote level control support wall-panel volume management. Multi-level software security prevents unauthorized changes to system programming. Built in the United States with a 5-year limited warranty, the NE4800 is a practical central DSP processor for any commercial installation pairing 4 inputs with 8 output zones.

Key Features

• 4-Input x 8-Output Matrix — Any-to-any routing with individual level control for maximum distribution flexibility.
• Protea DSP Library — Multi-band PEQ, 31-band GEQ, compressor, clip limiter, leveler, delay, HPF/LPF, crossover, FIR filter, AFS, priority ducking, and auto-mixing.
• Up to 12 Input DSP Blocks — Comprehensive per-input processing chain for complex signal conditioning.
• Up to 11 Output DSP Blocks + Matrix Mixer — Extensive per-output processing for loudspeaker optimization.
• Advanced Auto Feedback Suppression — Automatic detection and suppression of microphone feedback.
• Priority Ducking — Paging and emergency override automatically ducks background audio.
• Auto-Mixing — Multi-microphone auto-mixing for conference and boardroom environments.
• Digital Input Options — CobraNet, Dante, AES3, and microphone input option cards.
• Ethernet and RS-232 Control — 10/100 Ethernet and RS-232 for third-party control integration.
• iPad Control — Free Ashly Remote iOS app for wireless control and monitoring.
• Euroblock I/O — All audio connections, preset recall, and DC remote level via Euroblock connectors.

Typical Applications

• Conference rooms and boardrooms requiring DSP processing and auto-mixing
• Houses of worship with 8 output zones and microphone inputs
• Government and courtroom facilities
• Multi-purpose rooms with priority paging and background music
• Training rooms and auditoriums
• Commercial meeting spaces integrated with room control systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NE4800 an amplifier?

No. The NE4800 is a standalone DSP audio system processor. It processes and routes audio signals but does not provide amplification. External power amplifiers are required to drive loudspeakers from the 8 output channels.

What is the difference between the NE4800 and the NE8800?

The NE4800 provides 4 inputs and 8 outputs, while the NE8800 provides 8 inputs and 8 outputs. The NE4800 is the right choice for systems with 4 or fewer input sources distributed to up to 8 output zones. The NE8800 is better suited for systems requiring 8 input sources.

Does the NE4800 support Dante?

The NE4800 supports optional Dante, CobraNet, AES3, and microphone input cards. The base NE4800 does not include a Dante card. For Dante pre-installed from the factory, the NE4800D model includes the Dante option card.

Can the NE4800 be used for multi-microphone conference rooms?

Yes. The auto-mixing DSP block manages multiple open microphones by automatically reducing gain on inactive microphones while keeping active microphones at full level, maintaining natural conversation without feedback or level pumping.

What control systems work with the NE4800?

Crestron, AMX, and other third-party room control platforms with RS-232 or Ethernet ASCII control are compatible. The free Ashly Protea NE software is used for full configuration and programming on Windows PCs.