Walk into any modern college classroom, and the experience is vastly different than even a decade ago. Wireless mics, hybrid learning, lecture capture, and remote guest speakers are now the norm. But behind the scenes of this tech-rich environment lies a quiet hero, making everything sound just right: the digital signal processor, or DSP.
While it may not grab headlines like a video wall or AI-powered camera, a DSP is the backstage AV technician’s best friend—and the classroom’s unsung MVP. With a mission to make voices clearer, spaces quieter, and learning more immersive, DSPs are not just audio gear—they’re enablers of communication and clarity. And as we think about our “True North” in AV—our mission, purpose, and future in the simplest terms, a digital signal processor is a device that takes in sound, applies a series of algorithms or rules, and then outputs that sound in a clearer, more controlled form.
In the classroom, this could mean:
- Automatically lowering background noise from HVAC systems
- Balancing multiple microphones so every student can be heard
- Echo cancellation to keep remote students engaged
- Preventing feedback without needing manual adjustments
Instructors may never see the DSP. Students may never know it’s there. But the moment it’s not, everyone feels it.
Affordable DSPs for Smart Classrooms
One of the biggest misconceptions in AV is that high-quality audio processing is only for flagship lecture halls or multi-million-dollar builds. The truth is, there are plenty of budget-friendly DSP options that provide robust performance for small-to-medium classrooms.
When paired with quality mics, these solutions allow instructors to focus on teaching—not adjusting audio settings. And for AV teams stretched thin, centralized control via AV-over-IP makes support easier and more scalable.
Finding Your Audio Purpose: Why DSPs Align With True North
Higher ed AV professionals often find themselves stuck in the trenches—fixing, supporting, reacting. But DSPs invite us to think proactively and strategically. They allow us to craft an environment where audio serves a mission: connection, clarity, and confidence in the classroom.
This is where True North comes in.
We’re not just setting up speakers and plugging in wires. We’re helping students hear ideas that will shape their futures. We’re giving faculty tools that let them teach without shouting or repeating themselves five times. And yes, we’re making hybrid learning not just functional, but frictionless.
DSPs give us a way to manifest our “why”:
- Why we design systems that serve people, not just spaces
- Why we believe clear communication enables deeper learning
- Why we pursue excellence in AV—not because it’s glamorous, but because it matters
Getting Started: DSP Setup Tips
Even with intuitive software and pre-built templates, configuring a DSP can feel intimidating at first—especially if you’re balancing classroom installs with 50 other AV tasks. But getting good results doesn’t have to mean deep diving into FIR filters and custom matrices. Here are a few basic setup tips that can dramatically improve performance without overcomplicating your day:
1. Start With a Template
Many entry- and mid-level DSPs come with templates tailored for lecture capture, conferencing, or standard classroom use. Start with these and tweak as needed, rather than building from scratch.
2. Gain Structure Is Everything
Input gain should be set so that speech hovers around -18 to -12 dBFS (-6 dBFS for peak).
Avoid cranking mic gains too high—if you’re compensating for poor mic placement, fix the placement instead.
Always trim inputs before adding compression or EQ.
3. Use Presets to Your Advantage
If your room serves multiple purposes (lecture, video conference, student presentations), configure presets that staff or instructors can switch with a button press or control system. For example:
Preset 1: Instructor with lapel mic + confidence monitors
Preset 2: Panel discussion with multiple mics
Preset 3: Video call mode with echo cancellation enabled
4. Don’t Over-EQ
EQ is often overused. Try to:
High-pass filter mics at ~80 Hz to remove HVAC rumble.
Cut small problem frequencies with narrow Q filters rather than boosting.
Avoid boosting frequencies unless you have a specific reason.
5. Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) Tips
AEC needs a clean reference signal from the far end (Zoom/Teams audio out).
Make sure that the reference signal isn’t also being sent to the same mic channel, or you’ll get weird feedback or double cancellation.
Use AEC only on mics that might be heard remotely—not on playback channels.
6. Label Everything
Use clear, consistent naming inside your DSP software (e.g., “Instructor Mic In,” “Ceiling Speaker L,” “Zoom Audio Return”) to make remote troubleshooting easier later. This becomes critical when handing off support or revisiting systems after a semester break.
Adding DSPs to your classrooms is like teaching the room how to listen. It’s not just tech—it’s tuning the environment to match your mission. And when configured well, even an affordable DSP can turn a chaotic room into a calm, connected, and effective learning space.
Let smarter sound be one more way you lead with purpose—and follow your True North.
Looking Ahead: Smarter Sound, Stronger Purpose
As we plan our next upgrades, budget for renovations, or training new techs, it’s worth asking:
- Are we thinking about audio as an afterthought or a foundation?
- Are we leveraging DSPs to make systems simpler and more effective?
- Are we aligning our AV design choices with our long-term goals?
At the intersection of smart technology and human-centered design, DSPs are a reminder that even small boxes can carry big impact.
