Re: BEs and System DSP
As a system engineer, the BE is welcome to run by me what he wants, and I will decide if it can be implemented within the constraints of whomever I am responsible to for the system.
As a BE, I ask for access in my rider, and expect to never have to use it. If I have to go into the DSP that means other things are already majorly wrong. I think I have told the story before about the performing arts center that had 2 way tops plus subs, and had a three way crossover in their drive rack: subs to subs, highs to the tops, mids going no where.
Part of this also comes down to the provider configuring their system in a way that is workable for a visiting tech. In the OP's example, I would have a saved scene in the dsp with no eq, but the limiters, crossovers, etc. set. Call up that scene, and then let them have a go at eq for the space. If they can't get it, you can always go back to your preset for the space that includes your eq.
As for statements about volume control, there is no way I would turn over control of both the limiters and total volume to any visitor without a clear mandate from whomever owns the rig. If it were my rig, that part of the rider would not be accepted and there would be an override statement in MY contract. Actually, on the medium club/festival circuit I tend to work, I can't think of a single booking agent actually including the rider as part of the contract. If a rider is not specifically made part of the contract, it is not a binding agreement.
