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moosers
Published on 07/17/10 at 20:43
The Ensoniq DP4 is a unique multi-effects processor, capable of processing up to four stereo effects at once. It's got all sorts of different effects in this digital unit. It's got four 1/4" inputs and outputs, as well as a few others for flexibility. It also has MIDI jacks in the back and a 1/4" connection on the front panel as well. It is rackable and will take up two spaces in a traditional type of rack casing.
UTILIZATION
It isn't difficult to access the basic functions of the Ensoniq DP4, but learning it in depth will definitely take some time. I've really only scratched the surface with the DP4, but have used it enough to get a good idea of what it's capable of doing and not doing. Getting basic sounds is easy, but it takes a bit of use to understand using multiple effects at once to have complete control over the unit. I've never seen a manual for the DP4, so I can't speak about it's make up.
SOUND QUALITY
The different effects that can be found on the Ensoniq DP4 range from reverbs to delays to modulation effects and beyond. I've mostly used the DP4 for it's reverbs and delays, as it's got the most of these, but all of the effects sound pretty good and are more than useful. It's a digital effects processor, so sometimes the effects can sound a bit 'digital' and stale, but most of the time I'm able to get a pretty warm sound out of this considering that it is digital. The DP4 is a great mixing tool for effects, especially if you want multiple effects at once.
OVERALL OPINION
Overall, the Ensoniq DP4 is pretty powerful effects processor. While I generally use analog hardware or plug-ins for effects like this, having the DP4 around is great because it borrows from the best of both worlds. There is a newer version of the Ensoniq DP4, known as the DP4+, which I haven't used. While it sounds better than most plug-ins, many of the effects are easily beat with hardware effects. However, if you're looking to get a palette of sounds within a single unit, the DP4 isn't a bad way to go. It isn't as cutting edge as it was when it came out, but the DP4 is still a useful studio effect.
UTILIZATION
It isn't difficult to access the basic functions of the Ensoniq DP4, but learning it in depth will definitely take some time. I've really only scratched the surface with the DP4, but have used it enough to get a good idea of what it's capable of doing and not doing. Getting basic sounds is easy, but it takes a bit of use to understand using multiple effects at once to have complete control over the unit. I've never seen a manual for the DP4, so I can't speak about it's make up.
SOUND QUALITY
The different effects that can be found on the Ensoniq DP4 range from reverbs to delays to modulation effects and beyond. I've mostly used the DP4 for it's reverbs and delays, as it's got the most of these, but all of the effects sound pretty good and are more than useful. It's a digital effects processor, so sometimes the effects can sound a bit 'digital' and stale, but most of the time I'm able to get a pretty warm sound out of this considering that it is digital. The DP4 is a great mixing tool for effects, especially if you want multiple effects at once.
OVERALL OPINION
Overall, the Ensoniq DP4 is pretty powerful effects processor. While I generally use analog hardware or plug-ins for effects like this, having the DP4 around is great because it borrows from the best of both worlds. There is a newer version of the Ensoniq DP4, known as the DP4+, which I haven't used. While it sounds better than most plug-ins, many of the effects are easily beat with hardware effects. However, if you're looking to get a palette of sounds within a single unit, the DP4 isn't a bad way to go. It isn't as cutting edge as it was when it came out, but the DP4 is still a useful studio effect.