dbx

Signal processors for live sound.

Coming Soon

Back to Home Page

About dbx

dbx has been building signal processors for professional audio since 1971. Based in Utah and now part of the Harman Professional family, they're known for making gear that solves real problems in live sound, installed audio, and broadcast. Their compressors, equalizers, and feedback suppressors are workhorses in venues, houses of worship, and corporate AV systems across North America. The DriveRack series defined what loudspeaker management systems should do, and their 266xs compressor is one of the most widely used dynamics processors in live sound. If you need reliable processing that doesn't require a manual to operate, dbx delivers.

Compressors and Channel Strips

The 266xs Compressor/Gate is a staple in live sound racks and small studios. It gives you two channels of compression and gating with simple controls and dbx's OverEasy compression curve. The 286s Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip combines a preamp, compressor, de-esser, enhancer, and expander/gate in one unit. It's designed for broadcast and podcasting, but it works just as well for live vocal processing. Both units are built to take a beating and keep working.

Graphic Equalizers and Crossovers

dbx makes graphic EQs in 15-band and 31-band configurations, from the single-channel 131s to the dual-channel 1231. These are tuning tools for live sound systems, not studio EQs. The 223xs and 234xs crossovers split your signal for multi-way speaker systems with precision. The 234xs offers stereo 2-way or 3-way operation, or mono 4-way, with XLR or TRS connectivity depending on the model. These are the kind of processors that sit in a rack for years and just work.

DriveRack Loudspeaker Management

The DriveRack series handles everything between your mixer and your speakers: EQ, crossover, limiting, time alignment, and system tuning. The DriveRack PA2 is built for portable PA systems, with auto-EQ using the included RTA-M measurement mic. The DriveRack VENU360 is a more advanced system with Ethernet control, four inputs, and eight outputs. The DriveRack 260 sits between them, offering solid processing for installed sound systems. All three include dbx's AFS (Advanced Feedback Suppression) to kill feedback before it kills your mix.

ZonePRO Digital Zone Processors

The ZonePRO line handles multi-zone audio distribution for commercial installations. The ZonePRO 640 and 641 offer six inputs and four outputs, while the ZonePRO 1260 and 1261 scale up to twelve inputs and six outputs. Models with an "m" suffix include front-panel control. You can pair them with wall-mounted zone controllers like the ZC-1, ZC-2, or ZC-8 for volume, mute, and source selection in each zone. These processors are designed for restaurants, retail spaces, and corporate environments where you need reliable audio routing without constant babysitting.

Direct Boxes and Accessories

dbx makes both passive and active DI boxes. The dB10 is a passive single-channel box, the dB12 is an active single-channel with phantom power, and the DJDI is a passive dual-channel unit for DJ setups. The DI4 is an active four-channel box with a built-in line mixer. They also offer the AFS2 for dedicated feedback suppression, the CT-2 and CT-3 cable testers, and the PB-48 patchbay for studio and live racks. These are the supporting players that make your signal chain work.

500 Series Modules

dbx offers a small but focused line of 500 series modules. The 560A is a compressor/limiter based on their classic VCA designs. The 530 is a three-band parametric EQ. The 580 is a microphone preamp with 60dB of gain. The 510 is a subharmonic synthesizer that adds low-end weight to bass and kick drums. These modules bring dbx processing into lunchbox format for studios that want their sound in a compact rack.

Shop dbx at Blackout Audio

dbx builds signal processors that handle the unglamorous but essential work of live sound and installed audio. Their compressors, EQs, and loudspeaker management systems are proven tools in venues and studios across Canada. Free shipping on orders over $199. Browse the full dbx lineup online and contact the team with any questions about compatibility or system design.