zZounds' Take on dbx DriveRack PA
So you've been running your band's compact PA system for quite so time now. You've gotten to know its ins and outs, you can get it setup pretty quickly, and when feedback occurs, you're usually pretty good at finding it and getting rid of it. You've spent enough time with your mixer's limited EQ to know how to get a decent sound out of almost any source. You may think you're getting the best possible sound out of your live system. . . but unless you're using a dbx Driverack PA Loudspeaker Control System, there's plenty of room for improvement.
What Is A Loudspeaker Control System?Huge, multi-speaker public address systems rely on sophisticated, computerized loudspeaker management gear to quickly tame complex audio problems. Issues like time-delaying speakers at different locations, instant feedback detection and suppression, and labyrinthine crossover networks are all made manageable with automated digital algorithms. In fact, loudspeaker control systems are considered an indispensable part of stadium and arena sound systems. . . so why don't more smaller PA operators use them? Thanks to the dbx Driverack series, they can, and countless numbers of sound professionals and hobbyists are now benefitting from dbx's experience with large-format PAs.
Instantly Improves The Sound Of Any PAEven the smallest, two-speaker PA systems will benefit from the many features the dbx Driverack PA brings to the table. In fact, the Driverack PA fits many of the most-used live sound signal processes into a single rack-space unit. A dual-28 band equalizer is capable of far more detailed sound-sculpting than most mixers' standard EQ. Create graphic EQ presets, and then use the additional stereo, multi-band parametric EQ for quicker, broader tonal adjustments on the fly. The Driverack PA also gives you stereo master limiters, a necessary live-sound utility that protects both your listeners' ears and your equipment from sudden volume spikes. Mobile DJs will love the inclusion of the dbx 120A Subharmonic Synthesizer, a bass enhancement tool that can turn a thumpin' low-end into foundation-rattling one. Of course, you also get classic dbx Compression, a smooth, musical, dynamics process that adds punch and definition to any mix. The dbx Driverack PA employs 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion resolution with a greater than 110db dynamic range, so you can rest assured that none of your performance details will be lost, only improved.
Easy System ExpansionIf you've been thinking about adding subwoofers or extra fill speakers to your basic PA, the dbx Driverack makes system expansion as simple as plug-and-play. The crossover function on the Driverack PA supports 2x3 (add a sub), 2x4 (add two subs or two fill speakers), 2x5 (two fill and one sub) and 2x6 (two fills, two subs) configurations, and makes calibrating all those speakers' crossover thresholds a piece of cake, even for those of us who didn't go to school for live audio! Also simplified: ever-important speaker time-alignment. Multiple speaker systems project audio from different locations, so the same soundwaves hit audience members at different times, producing phasing problems at least and artificial echo at worst. The Driverack PA makes it easy to time-delay the forward speakers so that the listener hears only clear, clean audio. Factory and user-definable presets let you use the same Driverack system in different configurations for different situations, keeping your rig flexible and your setup time minimal--it makes the dbx Driverack PA a must-have for sound engineers who use the same system with multiple clients.
Kill Feedback DeadWe bet you're going to be most excited, however, about the Driverack's built-in, automatic feedback eliminator. Never again experience the panic of scrambling to locate that one offensive frequency, all while suffering slights from your musicians and accusatory stares from your audience. The dbx Stereo Feedback Elimination algorithm finds feedback quickly, and automatically configures its twelve notch-filters to suppress recursive feedback across the entire audible spectrum. Seriously, you're gonna want to marry that Feedback Elimination algorithm.
Quickly tune any room with RTAM Reference Microphone (optional)
The dbx Driverack PA sports a large LCD screen that makes accessing the system's various speaker control functions easy, but you can make your job easier still by choosing the "New, With dbx RTAM Reference Microphone" option. The dbx RTAM is a flat-response measuring microphone designed to plug directly into the front panel of products in the the Driverack series. With the reference mic connected, your Driverack system will send a test-signal through your speakers, listen to how the room is responding, and adjust the 28-band master EQ accordingly. It's really that easy.
Your PA might already sound good, but it's just not complete without loudspeaker management from dbx. Add a dbx Driverack PA Loudspeaker Control System and make your audio life easier, your clients happier, and finally experience what your PA system was meant to sound like.
Manufacturer's Description for dbx DriveRack PA 24-Bit EQ Loudspeaker Control System
DBX DriveRack PADrive your PA to a whole new level of performance with the DriveRack PA Complete Equalization & Loudspeaker Control System. The DriveRack PA from dbx Professional Products represents a complete integration of the key elements that help ensure optimal loudspeaker system management in PA-specific applications. Capitalizing on the legendary 480 DriveRack technology, the DriveRack PA is able to provide its user with top-tier, pro-level loudspeaker management specifications, yet still remain appealing to the budget-conscious audiophile who requires a tried and true utilitarian workhorse. With its all-inclusive, no-compromise design, the DriveRack PA has been systematically developed and designed to grow with your system needs for years to come.
The DriveRack PA continues the legacy of DriveRack series, which has been created by the company that has been redefining the standard of signal processing for more than 30 years. The DriveRack PA was designed with the purpose and vision of providing state-of-the-art signal processing, while utilizing a simple and intuitive user interface. This goal has been achieved by offering 2 independent channels of processing power with a linkable 28-Band Graphic equalizer, industry-standard dbx stereo compressor module, feedback eliminator and the 120A Subharmonic Synthesizer on the input, with a six channel output system that includes parametric EQs, and Peak Plus limiters (which are used to provide protection against speaker blowouts) and alignment delay. These features combined with the Wizard setup system, represent a methodical design that is guaranteed to deliver optimal, all-inclusive processing in a completely scalable system.
Features:Stereo Feedback Elimination with 12 feedback notch filters
Dual 28-band Graphic EQ
Classic dbx Compressor
120A Sub-harmonic Synthesizer
2x3, 2x4, 2x5, 2x6 Crossover Configurations
Stereo Multi-band Parametric EQ
Stereo Output Limiters
Alignment Delay
Pink Noise Generator
Auto-EQ with 28-Band RTA
JBL Speaker and Crown Power Amp Tunings with Setup Wizard
25 User Programs / 25 Factory Programs
2 Channel XLR Input and 6 Channel XLR Output
Front panel RTA-M XLR input with
phantom power
24-Bit ADC/24-Bit DAC, >110 dB Dynamic Range
TypeIV(TM) Conversion System
Full Graphic LCD Display
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