I can't count the number of times I have needed a simple workhorse of a processor to use on streams or HD Radio multicast channels. Recently, I was able to try the David IV from Inovonics, which received a 2012 Radio magazine Pick Hit award at the NAB Show, and thought it would be ideal for just such a use. The David IV is a five-band processor that has lots of bells and whistles, and includes composite, AES3 and analog ins and outs as well as inputs for RDS.

The unit itself is very simple to setup. All configurations can be done via two different methods: the front panel or online using the provided software. Both methods allow the user to adjust AGC, high-pass filters, stereo enhancement, the five-band processor and many more options. The five-band processor is really where most of the David IV's work is done. It allows each band to run independently or with a varying degree of coupling, which can create some very unique sounds for the station. Add that to the compression and equalization that is available to the five bands and you can get something that sounds really nice.

Limiting is also configurable in the unit. The David IV uses broadband limiting as well as "adaptive pre-emphasis." Both allow users to control the program peaks however they see fit. The broadband limiting works on any of the David IV's outputs, no matter what the audio may be; 20Hz tone, talk or music.

Take control

As stated before, all these adjustments are available using the front-panel display and dial next to it. Also on the front panel are meters displaying the input level, AGC, five-band, output level and MPX level. The bright, clear display gives a concise indication of what the unit is doing. In addition to the front panel, you have the option of accessing the unit via an Ethernet connection to configure it with the provided software.

When hooking the unit up to your network, you have the option of assigning it a static IP address or using DHCP. After the Inovonics software is installed on a computer, connect to the IP address of the DAVID IV and all the functionality of the unit is on the PC. I like this option, as I find it much simpler to configure the unit this way, as opposed to using the front-panel display. The software can also save unit settings to restore them or transfer them to another processor. The software is included on a CD with the unit. The processor can save up to 20 user presets.

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