Behringer ULTRADYNE DSP 9024 Mastering Compressor

6-band compressor/limiter with gate and peak limiter
3-band exciter with adjustable ratio of odd to even harmonics
Tube simulation with selection of popular tube types
ULTRAMIZER function for optimal output levels and signal density
VIRTUOSO function for program-adaptive compression
"Look ahead" automatic parameter adjustment via internal 600-msec. delay
True RMS level detection
100 user memory locations
The DSP9024 offers six freely definable bands of dynamic processing plus a program-adaptive 3-band exciter, tube emulation and an integrated delay for “look-ahead” parameter adjustment. Interactive signal analysis and unique automatic functions enable you to get results fast, whether you need multiband compression, loudness maximization, de-essing or selective gating.

And the optional AES8024 adds digital inputs/outputs to your DSP9024

The basic controls use graphical displays, since you don't have knobs, it is a bit like entering names into a cell phone. Nothing tough, just pushing the right buttons at the right time. The text/numeric control pages are not so nicely laid out, I would say. That takes a bit more thought, not as intuitive. More config pages and grouping of settings would help.

The manual is thick, and seemed to give a good collection of things, maybe not as quite as friendly as it could be. With experience in the field you can find things you need in it.

The unit is relatively easy for a basic setup, including Virtuoso, auto-mode, and presets. Even novices can get somethings out of it. It is also a pro-audio device, and therefore don't expect it to do everything for you. Just like a computer, you have to learn things to use one.

To upgarde: The latest firmware according to Behringer's site is 1.3. The firmware is in an EPROM or ROM chip. You will need to have the downloaded firmware burned into and EPROM, or buy one. Then just unplug one, and put in the new.

Our setup is mixer out through patch bay to in. It does some nice band and overall compression/limiting. Bands and channels can have separate controls too (or not as default). It has done some nice things for us. I am new to it and just playing with it. I think it has great promise as it is very flexible.

The sound quality is unparreled at this price point. It sounds better than units costing twice as much. it has a ton of desireable features such as programable stereo 6 band compressor, leveler, limiter, exiter, noise reduction system,and tube emulator. Some of the functions could be better. It is great for tracking exspecially the exciter on overhead mics bass or guitar. As far as mastering goes you get what you pay for. Great for tracking better than nothing for mastering. The quality for the price is an 11. If you spend £1200 then you get a decent mastering processor.

Sound quality is great if you take the time to set thing right. You should definitely take the time to learn this unit. I notice there are people here complaining about things and they don't even have the right figures. One person was crying about the peak limiter being way too slow because of the release time and has the minimum listed at 0.5 seconds, that's wrong it's 0.05 seconds, which is much faster the 0.5! Also the upgrade with the software gives you a speedy 50ms release time. Also, another stated he can find no level controls for the seperate compressor bands, but they are there. So you have to take into consideration that a lot of the critics have not taking time to read the manual and learn the product. But if you do, you'll love it.

The attack and release times on this unit are only adjustable by time, and do NOT seem to be program dependent. It is therefore very easy to get undesirable pumping effects, even though it is multiband. Too little delay, even with the attack time set to 'zero' results in that chintzy 'slappy' attack sound that you get from cheap compressors.