Another five buttons on the panel handle menu editing, tap tempo for delays, bypass/compare, saving new presets and an exit button. However, the most impressive feature about the interface is a very smooth rotary knob. This acts as a value control for selecting presets or choosing parameter settings.

The back of the box has the standard input and output connectors, a couple of footswitch inputs and a connector for a wall-wart power supply. The footswitch connectors can handle an increment/decrement pedal and a bypass/tap pedal. It should be noted that the FXP does not support MIDI. Hence, there are no real-time continuous controllers available or the ability to dump system exclusive data. This may or may not be a concern depending upon the setup of your studio and approach to signal processing.

The FXP has a 100 memory locations - 50 permanent factory presets and 50 user defined presets. Depending upon the complexity of the preset, there can be one of 3 different sampling rates. For example, simple chorusing or flanging presets have rates of 48 kHz. More intensive DSP effects like reverbs clock in at 32 kHz. And multi-effects with chorus, delay and reverbs get knocked down to 27 kHz.

All things being equal, the higher the sampling rate, the better the sound quality and the lower the noise ratio. At 48 kHz, the signal to noise is 80 dB; and at a rate of 27.4 kHz, the signal to noise ratio is 76 dB. There is a fairly even split between these 3 sampling rates within the 50 presets.

Each of the three effects includes five editable parameters. These cover most of the basic editing needs. Up to a maximum of 15 effects can be present in a single multi-effect patch. Effects can also be configured as stereo in, stereo outs; dual mono and mono in, stereo out. It should be noted that some users might find concern with an audible click or pop when new presets are loaded into memory.

In all fairness, I have to admit a bit of prejudice against audio gear without an on/off switch. The FXP is one such unit. Yes, I know it saves money and is not uncommon for this price class - and it makes the product more affordable to starving musicians. We can all relate to that. But still, a power switch can come in handy.

Audio Centron’s manual is easy to use and all the basic information is covered. Also available in the manual is a listing of the ROM preset parameter settings. This is a very useful reference. Unfortunately, not all of the parameter settings on the list match up to the FXP’s internal settings!

In the last several years, there has been a trend toward inexpensive and easy to use audio effects processors. And from the looks of things, it has been a wise decision for many manufacturers. The Audio Centron FXP fits into this category. So for musicians looking to build a modest gig rack or small demo studio, the FXP might be a good the way to go. Just make sure you plug into a power strip if you want to shut it off with a switch. Or else you will have to pull out the plug.

Price: $285