Episode EA-COM-DSP-16-8 Business Music 16x8 Digital Signal Processor

Control Music, Microphones, and Paging Across Multiple Audio Zones

The Episode EA-COM-DSP-16-8 is a 16x8 digital signal processor designed to manage multiple audio sources and route them independently across up to eight mono or four stereo output zones. It combines flexible analog inputs, microphone processing, MoIP network audio, matrix routing, and detailed DSP control in a single 1RU component.

This is not a power amplifier. Its outputs are line level and require separate amplifiers before connecting passive speakers.

Inputs and Outputs

• 8 balanced mic/line inputs using Euroblock connectors
• 8 unbalanced RCA line-level inputs
• 8 balanced line-level outputs
• 4 stereo MoIP receive streams
• 8 stereo MoIP transmit streams
• 1 Gigabit Ethernet connection
• User-configurable 2-pin contact closure input

The eight physical outputs can support up to eight mono zones or four stereo zones. Fully matrixed routing and multisource mixing let compatible sources be directed to the required output zones.

DSP and Microphone Processing

• 20-band parametric EQ
• High- and low-shelf filters
• Priority inputs with configurable ducking
• Noise gate and de-essing
• Feedback cancellation
• Microphone compression and dynamic processing
• Up to 50 ms adjustable audio delay
• Mono input summing
• 10 genre EQ presets plus user-saveable presets

Priority and ducking functions are useful when music needs to automatically lower for paging, announcements, or other higher-priority audio.

MoIP and Network Control

The EA-COM-DSP-16-8 is MoIP-enabled, allowing compatible network audio sources to enter the DSP and local sources to be transmitted onto a compatible MoIP network.

Ethernet also provides local web-based configuration, OvrC remote management, and Control4 SDDP support. A properly configured network and compatible MoIP equipment are required for network-audio functions.

The DSP itself is AC powered and is not powered through PoE.

Optional Wall Controls and Audio Inputs

Compatible Episode Business Music wall plates can add convenient zone control and remote audio inputs. Options include zone controllers, microphone inputs, RCA/3.5mm inputs, Bluetooth audio inputs, and SPL sensors.

Bluetooth is not built into the EA-COM-DSP-16-8. Bluetooth audio requires the separately sold compatible EBMS Bluetooth wall plate or another external Bluetooth source.

What You Need to Complete the System

• Power amplifier for each required speaker zone
• Compatible passive speakers
• Audio sources or streaming devices
• Microphones when paging or announcements are required
• Network infrastructure for MoIP and OvrC functions
• Optional Episode EBMS wall controllers and input accessories
• Required analog, network, and speaker cabling

70V, 100V, and Speaker Compatibility

The DSP does not connect directly to speakers and therefore does not itself provide 4-ohm, 8-ohm, 70V, or 100V speaker outputs. Those capabilities depend on the amplifier connected after the DSP.

Pair it with an amplifier appropriate for the speaker system and required output power.

When to Choose Another Product

Choose a power amplifier instead if you already have source routing and DSP but need speaker-level output. Choose a smaller processor when you need fewer sources and zones. For a simple single-room system, a conventional amplifier or AV receiver may be easier to configure and use.

Dimensions and Power

• Dimensions: 19 × 1.75 × 14 inches
• Rack height: 1RU
• Weight: 8 lb
• Power: 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz auto-switching
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±2 dB
• Indoor operating range: 14°F to 122°F
• Manufacturer warranty: 2 years

Install the processor indoors in a dry, ventilated equipment location. It is not designed for outdoor or wet-location use.

Complete the System

• Episode audio products
• Audio amplifiers
• Network switches
• Power management solutions

Need Help Planning Your Audio System?

Send Bear Security Shop your source count, speaker zones, amplifier models, microphones, paging requirements, and network setup. We can help confirm how the EA-COM-DSP-16-8 should fit into the complete system.

Is the EA-COM-DSP-16-8 an amplifier?

No. It is a digital signal processor with line-level outputs. Separate power amplifiers are required to drive passive speakers.

How many zones does it support?

It provides eight line-level outputs that can be configured for up to eight mono zones or four stereo zones.

How many analog inputs does it have?

It provides eight balanced mic/line inputs and eight unbalanced RCA line-level inputs.

Does it support microphones?

Yes. Its balanced inputs support mic/line sources, with processing including priority ducking, noise gating, de-essing, feedback cancellation, EQ, and other DSP controls.

Does it have Bluetooth?

No Bluetooth receiver is built into the DSP. Bluetooth can be added using a compatible Episode EBMS Bluetooth wall plate or another external Bluetooth audio source.

Does it support Wi-Fi or built-in music streaming?

No. It does not contain built-in Wi-Fi music streaming services. Music sources must come from connected analog equipment or compatible MoIP sources.

What does MoIP support provide?

The DSP can receive up to four stereo MoIP streams and transmit up to eight stereo streams. Compatible MoIP network equipment and properly configured network infrastructure are required.

Is the EA-COM-DSP-16-8 powered by PoE?

No. The DSP uses 100-240V AC power. Some separately sold Episode EBMS wall accessories use PoE, but that does not make the DSP itself PoE powered.

Can it connect directly to 70V or 100V speakers?

No. Its outputs are line level. A separate amplifier with the correct 70V, 100V, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm output capability must be used between the DSP and speakers.

Can different sources play in different zones?

Yes. Fully matrixed routing allows compatible sources to be assigned and mixed independently across the available output zones.

What should I confirm before ordering?

Confirm the number of mono or stereo zones, source types, required amplifiers, speaker system type, microphone and paging needs, network infrastructure, and whether optional EBMS wall controls or MoIP accessories are required.