120A (discontinued)

Subharmonic Synthesizer

120A
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Why just rock the house when you can rattle the foundation loose. The wildy popular beat of “House Music” is likely to be driven by the throbbing, low-end bass of dbx Subharmonic
Synthesizers in clubs around the world. For decades, the patented dbx Subharmonic Synthesis has been the secret weapon used by mobile DJ’s and film and sound professionals to produce an impact unavailable from any other device—unique because the dbx process actually produces a new, Waveform Modeled™ bass note, exactly an octave below the bass in the original audio. 

The dbx 120A Subharmonic Synthesizer with Modeled Waveform Synthesis has been specially optimized by dbx engineers for the needs of audio professionals. Its two separate bands of bass synthesis provide the best combination of smoothness and control, and the independent Low Frequency Boost circuit is designed to get the most out of high-performance low frequency speaker systems.

Flexible system interfacing is achieved by providing both 1/4î and RCA input connectors, along with main outputs which can be full range (including synthesis) or high frequency only, along with a separate subwoofer output with its own level control. 

The 120A's patented subharmonic synthesis process actually builds the synthesized waveform using the waveshape of the original bass material. Unlike other attempts at bass synthesis, the dbx process produces smooth, musical low frequencies that don't interfere with mid and high-band information, even when maximum synthesis and boost are applied. The result is a low-end punch that people really feel, even at system levels that won't destroy sound equipment or damage hearing.

Recommended for: Portable, Tour.

Features

  • Individual control for two ranges of subharmonic frequencies
  • Separate Low Frequency Boost Circuit
  • Separate Subwoofer Output
  • 1/4" Balanced inputs and outputs
  • RCA Input Connectors
  • Front panel LEDs that show crossover status and synthesis activity
  • Patented circuitry ensures that mid and high frequencies are not affected
  • Built-in crossover with choice of 80Hz or 120Hz crossover point
  • Enhance bass audio material for use in a veriety of professional applications such as:
  • Nightclub and dance mixing
  • DJ Mixing
  • Theater and Film Sound
  • Music Recording
  • Live Music Performance
  • Broadcasting

Downloads

  Version Language Size Uploaded
file type icon 120A CAD drawing front
en updated: Mar 2024
  en  109 KB Mar 2024
file type icon 120A CAD drawing rear
en updated: Mar 2024
  en  166 KB Mar 2024
file type icon 120A Cut Sheet-English
en updated: Mar 2024
  en  165 KB Mar 2024
file type icon 120A Owner's Manual-English
en updated: Mar 2024
  en  1.27 MB Mar 2024

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Specifications

Connector 1/4" TRS jacks (inputs and outputs) RCA inputs
Input Impedance >= 40k ohm Bal or 20k ohm unbal. (1/4") 20k ohm (RCA)
Max Input +22dBu (1/4") +8.5dBV (RCA)
Output Impedance 100 ohm, Impedance balanced
Max Output +22 dBu into 600 ohm
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB, (no synthesis, full-range mode) 15Hz-90kHz +0, -3dB
THD 0.05% (no synthesis, either output)
Noise -88dBu, controls@max., 22Hz > 22kHz unweighted (full range output)
Dynamic Range 112dB
Synthesis Frequency Range 26-56Hz (from 54-110Hz input signal)
Crossover 12dB/octave high pass (-3dB @ 80 Hz or 120Hz); 6dB/octave derived low pass. Phase-coherent (unity-sum)
Indicators Power, Crossover, Bypass
Metering Synthesis activity (3 LEDs per band)
Controls 26-36Hz and 36-56Hz Band Synthesis Level, Subharmonics, Low Frequency Boost, Subwoofer Output Crossover Frequency, Select, Crossover in/out
Power Supply 1.75"x19"x6.2" (4.5cm x 48.3cm x 15.75cm)
Rack Space 1 Rack Unit
Unit Weight 4.75 lbs/2.2kg
Shipping Weight 8 lbs./3.7kg

Support/FAQs

120A (discontinued)

Subharmonic Synthesizer