The dual, full-featured parametric EQ section has two frequency cut/boost controls. Since parametric EQs are typically used to notch out offending frequencies, the iPRO I features a deep 24 dB cut/12 dB boost; the IPRO II has +15/-15 dB cut and boost, which is more appropriate for stereo uses. With a bandwidth adjustment of 1/6 to two octaves, gentle or extreme alterations can be made. Each parametric equalizer has its own on/off switch to re-route the signal if it is unused. The second parametric equalizer can be moved from the main signal path into the dynamics section's side-chain path, where it is in series with the side-chain insert jack of the RMS detector. This allows the user to define the frequencies that control the dynamics circuitry (expander, compressor and limiter).

The compand/limit (dynamics) section is also on/off switchable and adjusts dynamics via an expander and compressor, both with ratio and threshold controls, as well as a limiter with threshold. Its state-of-the-art integrated circuits in the voltage-controlled amplifier and true RMS detector result in very low distortion and noise. The soft-knee topology expander can be used as a gentle-slope noise reduction circuit (low ratio) or a gate (high ratio). A threshold LED illuminates when the expander is active. The compressor is also soft knee, but has a more gradual knee action for even smoother transitions. It can be adjusted from no compression (1:1) to limit (infinite:1). The limiter is a compressor with a fixed infinite:1 ratio, a faster knee transition and an LED to show when it is functioning. All have preset (program-dependent) attack and release times. A side-chain insert in the detector path can be enabled from the front panel.

An adjustable SmarTube™ solid state processor compensates for the definition commonly lost when compressing signals, and adds tunable upper-frequency harmonics to signals that have little high frequency content. This circuitry is level dependent and responds like real tubes.

Each model has two balanced inputs, a low impedance XLR and high impedance 1/4" phono, which can be used simultaneously. Phantom power (+48V), a +6 dB to +56 dB gain adjustment control, polarity reverse switch and 20 dB pad are available to match and power any low impedance microphone connected to it. A tunable (10 to 350 Hz, 12 dB per octave) low-cut filter is online to remove or control troublesome low frequency rumble and proximity effects that are most noticeable using microphones. The mic preamp is enabled with a switch so it can be turned off if the XLR input is not in use.

Both models include switchable I/O metering, independent headphone output (with track input on IPRO II), multi-color LED meters, balanced and unbalanced I/O and internal power supply. Front and rear XLR input connectors allow the unit to be used on the fly or as part of a permanent installation. The IPRO II features dual microphone inputs and stereo line inputs with pan control.

The iPRO I (U.S. MSRP $499.99) and iPRO II (U.S. MSRP $679.99) will be available in Q3 2005 from authorized Crest Performance retailers.