ASHLY NE8800 Network Enabled Protea DSP Audio System Processor 8-In x 8-Out

Product Overview

The Ashly NE8800 is a network-enabled Protea DSP audio system processor with 8 inputs and 8 outputs, providing a comprehensive signal processing and routing solution for commercial AV installations that require a standalone DSP processor without an integrated amplifier. Built on multiple SHARC processors with 32-bit DSP and 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion at 48kHz or 96kHz, the NE8800 delivers the full Protea DSP processing library including advanced automatic feedback suppression, FIR filtering, high-order crossovers, dynamics processing, and 1365ms delay per channel. Standard 10/100 Ethernet and RS-232 control, support for CobraNet, Dante, AES3, and microphone input option cards, Word Clock I/O, and compatibility with the free Ashly Remote iPad app make the NE8800 a capable and flexible Protea DSP audio processor for conference rooms, houses of worship, auditoriums, and multi-zone commercial facilities.

Product Description

The NE8800 uses multiple SHARC processors to deliver extensive DSP processing capacity across all 8 input and 8 output channels simultaneously. The 8x8 matrix mixer routes any input to any output, and the full Protea DSP library provides per-channel processing blocks including variable-Q graphic and parametric EQ, up to 8th-order Butterworth, Bessel, Linkwitz-Riley, and Notched-Linkwitz-Riley crossover filters, advanced automatic feedback suppressor, autolevelers, compressors, matrix duckers, limiters, frequency-keyed noise gates, and time delay up to 1365ms for loudspeaker time alignment. The unit accepts CobraNet, Dante, AES3, and microphone input option cards for flexible digital and analog source connectivity. Word Clock input and output support synchronization with other digital audio devices in professional AV systems. Hot-plug software control allows adding or modifying any processing function in any channel block while audio is live, without latency or recompiling. Automatic DHCP network IP configuration reduces network setup time, and the no-front-panel-controls design with multi-level software security ensures tamper-proof operation in commercial installations. The free Ashly Remote iPad app provides wireless control and monitoring. RS-232 and Ethernet interfaces support third-party control system integration with Crestron, AMX, and similar platforms. The NE8800 is suitable for the 4-channel version's complement in an 8x8 configuration without amplifiers, serving as the central DSP backbone for larger commercial audio systems.

Key Features

• 8-Input x 8-Output Matrix — Full any-to-any routing with individual level control at each routing point.
• 32-Bit SHARC DSP — Multiple SHARC processors for extensive per-channel processing; 24-bit A/D and D/A at 48kHz or 96kHz.
• FIR Filter Capability — Linear-phase FIR filtering for loudspeaker alignment and correction.
• High-Order Crossover Filters — Up to 8th-order Butterworth, Bessel, Linkwitz-Riley, and Notched-Linkwitz-Riley.
• Advanced Auto Feedback Suppressor — Automatic feedback detection and suppression.
• Delay Up to 1365ms — Per-channel time delay for loudspeaker time alignment in large spaces.
• Word Clock I/O — Synchronization with other digital audio devices in professional AV systems.
• Digital Input Options — CobraNet, Dante, AES3, and microphone input option cards supported.
• Hot-Plug DSP — Insert or modify processing functions without interrupting live audio.
• iPad Control — Free Ashly Remote iPad app for wireless control and monitoring.
• Third-Party Control — RS-232 and Ethernet integration with Crestron, AMX, and other systems.
• Tamper-Proof Design — No front panel controls; multi-level software security with password access.

Typical Applications

• Boardrooms and conference rooms requiring standalone DSP processing
• Houses of worship with complex multi-zone audio distribution
• Auditoriums and large multi-purpose spaces
• Government and institutional facilities with advanced routing requirements
• Commercial meeting spaces integrated with room control systems
• All-hands rooms and training facilities

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the NE8800 and the NE4800?

The NE8800 provides 8 inputs and 8 outputs, while the NE4800 provides 4 inputs and 8 outputs. Both are standalone Protea DSP audio system processors. Choose the NE8800 when more input channels are required, such as in systems with multiple microphone, source, or return feed inputs.

Is the NE8800 an amplifier?

No. The NE8800 is a DSP audio system processor only and does not include amplification. External power amplifiers are required to drive loudspeakers.

What digital audio input cards are supported?

The NE8800 accepts CobraNet, Dante, AES3, and microphone input option cards in the expansion slot, allowing digital audio sources to be connected directly without an analog interface.

Does the NE8800 support Word Clock synchronization?

Yes. The NE8800 includes Word Clock input and output for synchronization with other professional digital audio devices.

Can the NE8800 be controlled from an iPad?

Yes. The free Ashly Remote iOS app provides wireless control and monitoring of the NE8800 from an iPad on the same network.

How is the NE8800 programmed?

All programming is performed using Ashly Protea NE software on a Windows PC connected via Ethernet or RS-232. Hot-plug DSP control allows modifications to the processing chain without stopping live audio.