EAW UX48 Crossover / Loudspeaker

EAW UX48 — Greybox-Enabled Networked DSP for Professional Loudspeaker Systems

The EAW UX48 is a next-generation Greybox-enabled networked digital signal processor designed to drive professional EAW loudspeaker systems with maximum precision. Built around a 4th-generation Analog Devices SHARC DSP running at 48 kHz sampling, the unit delivers a nominally flat response beyond 40 kHz and pairs that processing muscle with EAW's proprietary Focusing and DynO algorithms. Dante, analog, and AES3 I/O are all on board, with Dante providing automatic failover to analog or AES3 if the network drops — a critical safeguard on tour and in installed venues where downtime is not an option.

What Sets the UX48 Apart in the Processor Category

What separates this model from generic DSP units is the deep Greybox integration: engineers load loudspeaker-specific Greybox presets through EAW Resolution software, then assign inputs, outputs, and listening distance per leg, with output channels color-coded to match the assigned input. The Drive Module abstraction moves control from device-centric channels to speaker-based operation, while Component Presets let individual outputs be routed to selected drivers within a loudspeaker system. Twelve layers of Parameter Overlays make grouping across large rigs straightforward without losing per-channel granularity.

Processing Power & Signal Path — Why It Matters On Stage

EAW's minimal signal-path design keeps the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog chain as short as possible, preserving transient detail and reducing converter-induced coloration. State-of-the-art converters and highly advanced DSP algorithms deliver class-leading sonic performance, while the in-house universal-mains switch-mode power supply keeps the unit stable on any mains voltage worldwide.

• DSP Engine: 4th-generation Analog Devices SHARC — handles complex Greybox processing and multiple simultaneous limiters without running out of headroom
• Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz — nominally flat response beyond 40 kHz for accurate HF reproduction
• Signal Path: EAW minimal signal-path design — preserves transient detail and reduces coloration
• Power Supply: Universal-mains switch-mode PSU, designed in-house — stable operation on any worldwide mains voltage

Crossovers, Limiters & EQ — Loudspeaker Protection That Sounds Musical

The processor ships with a full toolkit of EAW-developed processing blocks designed to protect transducers while keeping the program material musical. Unique LIR linear-phase crossover shapes deliver FIR-like performance without the drawbacks of true FIR filters, and linear-phase HF system EQ profiling ensures seamless integration between enclosures in an array. A suite of limiters — VX for passive 2-way enclosures, an excursion limiter with sliding high-pass filter, transducer thermal modeling with regulation limiters, and an overshoot limiter — keeps drivers safe without choking dynamics.

• Crossover: LIR linear-phase shapes — FIR-like performance without FIR-related drawbacks
• Limiter Suite: VX, excursion, thermal regulation, and overshoot limiters — protect drivers while preserving dynamics
• HF EQ: Linear-phase HF system EQ profiling — seamless integration between enclosures in an array

Connectivity, Networking & Control — Built for Modern System Workflows

Three front-panel rotary encoders, illuminated buttons, and a graphical display provide rapid, intuitive access to setup functions without a computer. For deeper work, high-speed Ethernet supports DHCP, static-IP, and auto-IP, and can connect directly to a computer without a router or switch. AES3 inputs and outputs are switchable in pairs, and Dante audio networking adds redundant signal paths with automatic failover.

• Audio I/O: Dante, analog, and AES3 (switchable in pairs) — flexible routing for any system topology
• Networking: Dante with automatic failover to analog or AES3 — keeps audio running if the network drops
• Control Interface: 3 rotary encoders, illuminated buttons, graphical display — fast front-panel access to setup functions
• Software: EAW Resolution — integrates prediction, control, and monitoring in one platform
• Chassis: 1U, 44 mm H × 483 mm W × 254 mm D, 2.7 kg — fits standard rack rails and touring racks