Re: BEs and System DSP
I will make changes at the BE's request, which is seldom needed.
In the 1800 seat theater I occasionally system tech at, the "dsp" is a network of multiple DME boxes, running to (among other things) three powered Vertec arrays with on-board dsp. I am running factory presets on the Vertecs, and the only processing we are doing there is limiting at clipping points. There is no room eq preset in either the Vertecs or the DME network (It's a damn fine room, luckily). FOH console is PM5D, and there is some room eq there if needed.
Most touring acts we are seeing either don't care or are carrying Galileo rigs and can tune to their heart's content. The "must have DSP access" line in the rider is a safeguard against really really bad systems or systems where the design didn't include guest-adjustable EQ. If you have the right equipment, the right firmware, the right presets, and it is properly tuned to the room, then lock it down. Any decent BE can take it from their with his own gear or with whatever EQ you provide them at FOH.
As far as output reduction goes, if you've got the right amount of PA and you have it protected from blatant stupidity you'll never have to ask that it be turned down.
