At NAMM 2016 in Anaheim, dbx by Harman debuted seven additions to its 500 Series line of signal processing modules for studio, live sound and mobile recording applications.
The new 540 is a single-slot tube microphone preamp with a Class A tube preamplifier, switchable phantom power and a fast in-line optical compressor. The interchangeable 12AX7 preamp tube allows users to experiment with a variety of modern and vintage tubes for creating a customized sound.
The new 565 is a dual-channel multi-frequency-band optical compressor with Linkwitz-Riley 4th-order (24 dB/octave) crossover slope, master level display with VU meter, gain reduction LED, independent compression, attack and release controls, and a circuit bypass switch.
The new 555 5-band parametric EQ, the 570 High-Z input, and the 590 Phase manipulator will also join the current dbx 500 series line.
Meanwhile, the new PowerBlock3 and PowerRack3 chassis both offer power sources designed to house up to three 500 Series modules. The chassis are designed to be fully compatible with the 500 Series format, but in two different compact orientations–horizontal and vertical, respectively.
The rear panel sports three slots of balanced XLR inputs and outputs along with three slots of unbalanced 1/4-inch inputs and outputs. A 48-volt phantom power switch is located on the front of the rack for easy access.
“Our studio and live sound customers let us know they are delighted by the dbx 500 Series line,” says Peter Chaikin, Recording Solutions, HARMAN Professional. “With five new entries and two new chassis, dbx has an unparalleled stable of versatile and high-quality modules.”
