What is DSP?

DSP stands for "Digital Signal Processing".

A signal processor is any device that alters or modifies an audio signal from its input to its output.

Analog signal processing uses physical components like resistors, capacitors, and amplifiers to modify signals in real-time (as continuous values).

Digital signal processing uses algorithms to process and modify digitally converted signals (discrete values).

DSP is used in devices like headphones for noise cancelling, studio monitors to equalize, mixing consoles, and audio interfaces.

In this blog, we will focus on DSP in audio interfaces.

So, why would you want DSP in your audio interface?

Let’s have a look at how DSP can improve your workflow.

1. Save CPU power

If you add a plugin to your DAW, your computer's CPU handles the workload. And if you add a lot of plugins, your CPU may start to struggle.

DSP can save precious CPU power, so your session can run smoothly and without stutter.

With a DSP-powered audio interface, you can use the effects of the audio interface and its DSP to take over some of those effects instead.

2. Zero latency while monitoring

When you record vocals or instruments, you want the signal you hear on your headphones while recording without or only minimal latency.

Nothing is worse than recording with a noticeable delay in your monitoring.

Latency is the time it takes for an audio signal to travel from your input source to your speakers. If you run an effect on your computer, the signal travels from your interface into your DAW, gets processed there, and then back again to your audio interface and your headphones or studio monitors.

With a DSP-powered interface, the signal doesn’t have to travel to the DAW; it gets processed on the interface and has near-zero latency because of that - which is a big upside while recording.

3. Setups without a computer

Some audio interfaces can be used stand-alone and without a computer.

Without a computer, you rely on a DSP-powered audio interface for effects and other signal processing.

CONNECT 6 is an audio interface with game-changing flexibility.

It's a versatile interface, excellent for recording, podcasting, streaming, or content creation.

Here’s an overview of its DSP-powered features:

Autosetup

CONNECT 6 enables you to run Autosetup.

It’s a short, guided process that asks you a few questions and sets up your audio interface exactly for what you are trying to do. I

Autosetup finds the perfect settings, applies effects, and makes sure you sound great.

Equalizer

CONNECT 6 offers a flexible 4-band equalizer that includes shelves, bells, notches, and low/high cut filters so you can clean up and shape your audio. 

Equalization is the process of boosting or cutting specific frequencies to alter the tonal balance of a source.

How you can use the CONNECT 6 equalizer during tracking:

• Apply a low-cut filter. This allows you to remove any irrelevant or potentially problematic low-frequency information. For vocals, for example, it’s common to apply an 80 Hz low-cut filter. This will cut any mic stand noise, plosives, or rumble without affecting the relevant frequencies of the vocal.  
• Increase clarity. Some microphones and instruments may sound too "dark" or lacking in high frequencies. With an EQ, you can increase clarity by 
• Notch out problem frequencies. Some instruments are highly resonant in specific frequencies, which can cause issues during mixing. Performing a "sweep" of these frequencies and cutting them with a narrow Q setting is a great way to set yourself up for success in the mix.

Compressor 

A compressor reduces the dynamics of your signal to make your voice or instrument sound more uniform.

The lower-level parts get louder, and the louder parts get quieter. 

Here are some examples of common uses for a compressor:

• Controlling harsh transients: Some sound sources like percussion or vocal "plosives" can have sudden short volume peaks. Using fast-attack compression can fix these dynamic spikes.
• Taming dynamic performances: The human voice can be very dynamic, and small changes in performance can result in wildly varying input levels. With compression, you can make the recording sound more even and uniform.

Maximizer 

While a limiter prevents peaks from exceeding a certain threshold, a maximizer increases the overall loudness and then sets a ceiling to prevent clipping.

A maximizer increases the overall loudness and sets a ceiling to prevent clipping.

In CONTROL CENTER of CONNECT 6, you have two different mix buses, each with a maximizer. A maximizer allows you to increase the overall loudness of the mix without worrying about distortion from clipping.

Expander 

The expander might become your best friend if you have a noisy recording environment. These tools can be used as gates that can remove a variety of low-level noises, such as:

• Air conditioners
• Refrigerator hum
• Low-level traffic noise
• Instrument noise

Advanced signal routing

CONNECT 6 offers advanced routing options to send anything anywhere via the CONTROL CENTER. You can create two completely independent audio mixes by combining hardware and software audio sources.

• Digital control of your I/O
• 2 Independent master mixes
• Software channels
• 3 Loopback channel
• 1 Mobile device input/output

Let’s have a look at its features and how the DSP will make your recording journey a walk in the park.

Autosetup

Autosetup is a short, guided process that you can activate to let CONNECT 2 find the perfect settings for your recording session. You don’t need to be an audio pro to set up your audio interface.

Clipguard

Clipguard is a safety measure that makes it impossible for your signal to clip. You can be sure that a sudden increase in volume will not ruin your recording. This is achieved by a DSP-powered process that adds an additional 20 dB of headroom to your recording.

Denoiser

Denoiser uses DSP-powered audio expansion for a clearer signal. It removes background noise and humming while retaining natural sound, making it ideal for easy communication or recording.

Compressor

Activate the compressor for professional sound quality and a uniform sound image. With CONNECT 2, a single click is enough to get a polished sound, just like your favorite record.

CONNECT 2 also offers 3 different preamp sounds to switch up the vibe of your recording.

• Clean for unparalleled clarity and fidelity. Perfect if you want to process your signal further.
• Warm for a vintage vibe and helps to smooth the high-end of overly bright microphones.
• Vivid for added articulation, helpful when using dark-sounding microphones by boosting relevant frequencies.

We hope you find all the info you needed, if you have more questions regarding DSP or our microphones and audio interfaces in particular, feel free to contact us.