Can somebody explain for this hardware fx = onboard fx?
In what context?
At first sight I would say there is a difference between a hardware implementation of FX, using for example a built in DSP chip, programmed in assembler, or even better, an analog filterbank; and on the other hand onboard FX, which is just FX which is âon boardâ of the unit, but can just be programmed in software, on non specialized hardware like the system-on-chip in the Engine series.
But, depending on context I could be dead wrongâŚ
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If onboard fx = hardware fx, I think external input audio sources should be able to apply onboard fx. However, the effects of Prime 4 and Prime 4 plus cannot do effects on external input audio sources. So in my opinion, the Prime 4âs FX are just a software effect. It is the effect by the computer which placed in Prime 4.
I think a high level gear like P4 Plus should build in a real hardware fx not a software fx.
Like Rane Four, Performer, exteranl input audio source can do fx by 29 hardware fx.
Thatâs exactly whatâs happening.
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What mixer has hardware-based effects these days? IIRC, they are all software based.
I think itâs more of a nickname than a technical description these days. Relating to internal effects on the mixer rather than being driven by a computer.
Itâs usually to do with âcan it affect vinyl recordsâ when Iâm not using the computer
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In the end yes, but using a audio DSP you add next to no latency, using a single board computer you do. Makes a big difference when processing external audioâŚ
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Yup. That is the way.
So, can this be said that is a hardware effect or an onboard effect? I think words meaning must be precise and not vague.
Well, even onboard FX is a vague term, as it doesnât really state how its implemented. Plus, I can easily come up with schematics where real hardware FX cannot work on external sources (a stage keyboard for example)⌠Really, hardware and software donât mean anything anymore, as more and more hardware music devices just run desktop grade software inside on Linux, with a kernel, userland, etc⌠(Engine OS included): thats a totally different thing than writing software specifically for a DSP (like the x1850). But see, some could say the x1850 runs software FX, and actually they arenât wrong: firmware is softwareâŚ
Anyway, Iâm still trying to grasp what exactly your point is. But the terms InMusic uses in the Prime 4+ manual though is âMain FXâ and âTouch FXâ.
I had a further look through that user manual of the Prime 4+, and couldnât find any information about the RCA inputs being routed through the FX or not. If you would call this vague: yes, I agree. There is a lot of talk on this forum that anyone should study the specs before they buy, instead of complaining here afterwards, but this impossible for a novice user to figure outâŚ
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In older versions of Engine OS the effects went through the internal DSP, because the original prime 4 was equipped with a DSP. But from a certain version (I donât remember which one), the developers decided to no longer go through the DSP and to do a complete overhaul of the effects directly in software form. The consensus was that they sounded better this way than when managed by the DSP.
I canât say if recent units, such as prime 4+, Sc Live, Mixstream Pro & pro go or even prime go+ have kept the presence of the hardware DSP. It would be quite logical that the DSP is no longer present since it doesnât seem to be used anymore.
Maybe it is still there but used for something else? Who knows.
Currently we can therefore say that the effects are integrated but managed in software.
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Itâs probably still used to mix the external sources together with the internal and send them out. Wasnât EQ and filter still useable for external sources? Unless you want do this analog youâll need some form of processing 
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Good point, that makes sense indeed
Iâm out of the loop on this. What data can you share that has this information? Canât DSPs be reprogrammed?
The Prime4 had some internals of the X18Xx mixers, but later Prime devices did not anymore (Prime2 etc.). All mixing in the newer devices is done in software with options to add/change more effects.
Because Prime4 is the flagship all-in-one and it should have effects like the smaller units, the DSP has been omitted and everything is now also software based; except for some internal routing that could not be changed, like the mic channels if Iâm not mistaken.
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I personally believe that anything supporting external hardware, should have the ability to affect that hardware with effects.
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If you connect a Bluetooth device- can you use all Beat and Sound color effects?
Thanks! Iâve not been keeping up with the AIO units much.
Moin @Gaian, @Annie_Prasetyo, and all concerned,
phps this will clarify a little bit.
and here are the roots
Enjoy the day and brgds from BeatMaster
It was only a supposition,
The point raised by @Johan seems to be valid when the usefulness of the DSP so that the filter and the EQ can affect the inputs of external devices.
However, the information provided by @Reese seems to indicate that these entries can be controlled by software as well.
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