The problem with processors that have native USB connections is that you are limited to the USB cable length, whereas RS232 serial can go hundreds of feet over cheap cable. But now I don't really use USB anymore except for backup and when I'm working on things at home, because I have a wireless terminal server with RS-232 output.
I use that same cable for different processors: Ashly, Behringer, Sabine and DBX and they all work. I finally broke down and paid $20 for a decent brand adapter cable and everything started working perfectly.
most of them use weird drivers or just don't work at all. Cheap-ass USB-RS232 cables off ebay tend to be a crapshoot. the compatibility issue you describe has much more to do with the choice of USB->RS-232 adapter cable than the actual processor. My processors also use RS-232 and actually it is no problem. I also heard they're very picky about the serial port, so if you have a desktop computer, it probably works for you, but for a laptop, probably not. I don't like the DR260 for the simple reason that you can only connect it to a computer via serial port and most laptops don't have them. I have the limiters on it (DR PA) set but they are very soft and if I rent the rig out, the xti can still be over driven into clipping hence I was thinkin the DR 260 would be a way to go but that's $1k for that unit.being that I would use the itech's dsp for the subs, I should turn OFF the limiting for 'lows' on the drive PA correct? Is there a such thing as tooo much limiting? Sorry if the questions sound dumb lol Thanks Gaffle, ok guess my main concern was to make sure the xti amp also has 'good' limiting as well. It's definitely a better unit over the DRPA. The DR-260 is flexible and will allow you to add delay to your setup. These 'safe' parameters will give you some leeway, especially if you plan on renting your stuff out. Peak voltage should probably be under what your subs are capable of handling. The OS is approximately 2000W RMS, so set your amp's RMS to 1000-1400W. If you're playing pre-recording music and stuff like Rap, House, Reggae, or Pop set your RMS lower than that of your sub. You won't need the DR-260 for any DSP on the subs because the I-Tech 8000 handles all of that.