dbx® Introduces new S Series Graphic Equalizers, Compressors and Crossovers

dbx® Introduces new S Series Graphic Equalizers, Compressors and Crossovers

January 12, 2011

dbx® has enhanced its product line with new versions of its industry leading high-performance graphic equalizers, compressors and crossovers. The dbx S Series products are the next generation of the industry's most successful signal processors. All products in the dbx S Series build upon 40 years of cutting-edge signal processing heritage. The new dbx S Series products feature a platinum front panel, and four color packaging with informative application suggestions for each product. 

The dbx S Series products making their debut include the following:

  • 231s dual 31-band graphic equalizer
  • 215s dual 15-band graphic equalizer
  • 131s single 31-band graphic equalizer
  • 266xs compressor/gate
  • 166xs compressor/limiter/gate
  • 234s/234xs stereo 2-way/mono 3-way/mono 4-way crossover
  • 223s/223xs stereo 2-way/mono 3-way crossover


"Our new S Series EQs, compressors and crossovers demonstrate that even industry-standard workhorse products can be improved as technology evolves," said Rob Urry, President, Harman Music Group. "These dbx components provide the highest levels of performance and reliability for live sound, installed sound and recording studios."

dbx Graphic Equalizers 

The dbx 231s dual 31-band, 215s dual 15-band and 131s single 31-band graphic equalizers are designed for exceptional sound and rugged reliability, to meet the needs of the most demanding sound reinforcement and studio environments. Each offers 1/3-octave constant Q equalization with switchable boost/cut ranges of ±6 or ±12dB, with a ±12dB input gain range.

The 231s, 215s and 131s all feature 4-segment LED ladder meters that provide ready indication of output levels, and their 20mm nonconductive sliders enable smooth, quiet operation. All models have XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs, and offer a frequency response of <10Hz to >50kHz with greater than 108dB dynamic range.

dbx Compressors 

dbx invented the compressor, and the 266xs compressor/gate and 166xs compressor/limiter/gate continue the dbx heritage of sonic excellence. Both feature patented Overeasy® compression technology that transparently smooths out fluctuating vocal and instrumental levels. Both models offer exclusive dbx AutoDynamic™ scalable program-dependent attack and release controls that continually adjust the actual attack and release times to match the program material, rather than standard compressors that only provide pre-set attack and release functionality.

The 266xs and 166xs also enable classic "hard-knee" compression, and allow users to manually and precisely adjust threshold, ratio, attack, release and output gain. New gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics available. The 266xs and 166xs can be used in stereo or dual-mono mode, and include balanced inputs and outputs with XLR and 1/4-inch TRS connectors, along with a TRS sidechain insert.

dbx Crossovers 

A multi-way speaker system can only sound as good as its crossover - and the dbx 234s/234xs stereo 2/way/mono 3-way/mono 4/way crossover and 223s/223xs stereo 2-way/mono 3-way crossover ensure that multi-way speaker systems will perform at their best. Both models utilize precision, industry-standard Linkwitz-Riley filters to separate the audio signal and direct the correct frequencies to the loudspeaker drivers, enabling a system's amplifiers to operate more efficiently with lower distortion. The result is cleaner, clearer and better sound.

The dual-channel 234s/234xs and 223s/223xs offer independent output gain controls for precise level matching, output phase inversion, a 40Hz low-cut filter, selectable stereo/mono operation and low-frequency summing for the subwoofer output and many additional useful features. The 234s and 223s feature 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs, while the 234xs and 223xs provide XLR connections.

dbx is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). 
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets - supported by 15 leading brands including AK®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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