DBX launches new modules for signal processing

Ideal for studio, live sound and mobile recording applications, these modules and chassis are compact, portable and highly modular.

At the last winter edition of NAMM, held in California, DBX announced the launch of seven new 500 series references (signal processing modules).

Ideal for studio, live sound and mobile recording applications, the 500 Series modules and PowerRack500 Series chassis are compact, portable and highly modular. They also offer excellent features, control, sound quality and the much appreciated quality and ease of use of analog signal processing.

The new DBX 540 is a single-slot 500 Series tube mic preamp that delivers pristine audio output, boasting a superior high-end design and exceptional value for money. The Dbx 540 features a Class A tube preamplifier, switchable phantom power, and a built-in, super-fast optical compressor. The 12Ax7 tube is interchangeable and allows users to experiment with a wide variety of modern and vintage tubes to create a custom sound.

The new DBX 565 is the 500 series dual-channel optical compressor, ideal for the most demanding users. It features a dual-channel multi-frequency band compressor, a fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley crossover slope (24db/octave), master volume display with VU meter, gain reduction LED, independent compression, attack and release controls and a switch to bypass the circuit.

Finally, the new DBX 555 5-band parametric equalizer, 570 high impedance input module and 590 phase keyer have also joined the 500 series offering a complete range of processing tools for both live and studio sound.

Also at NAMM this year, the new PowerBlock3 and PowerRack3 systems were introduced, which include power supplies to accommodate up to three 500 series modules. The rear panel features three balanced XLR input and output slots, along with three unbalanced 1/4-inch input and output slots. On the front of the rack we find an easily accessible 48V phantom power switch. The chassis are designed to be fully compatible with the 500 series form factor, but in two different compact orientations: horizontal and vertical respectively.

Peter Chaikin, head of recording solutions at Harman Professional, commented that “our studio and live customers have told us how happy they are with the Dbx 500 series. With 5 new systems and two new chassis, Dbx has an unrivaled collection of versatile modules of the highest quality.”