DBX Driverack PX

With active PA systems, the speakers, subwoofers and room acoustics need to be matched to one another. The dbx DriveRack PX combines speaker management, equalisation and dynamics processing in one device with Auto-EQ and measurement microphone. It is designed for stereo setups with active speakers and optional subwoofers.

The setup wizard guides you through selecting supported speakers and subwoofers, as well as level matching and preset selection. Factory programmes are available for popular active speakers, including models from JBL. You can also make settings manually, allowing you to use the device with suitable parameters for two-way passive speakers.

For room measurement, the integrated pink-noise generator produces noise captured by the supplied dbx M2 microphone. The Auto-EQ with 28-band RTA adjusts the graphic equaliser to a selected target curve. You can repeat the measurement when changing rooms or setups.

To prevent feedback, Advanced Feedback Suppression (AFS) uses a total of twelve notch filters. You can configure filters in the setup wizard and choose between fixed filters for frequencies already detected and live filters for operation. The narrow-band filtering reaches down to 1/80 octave. A dual 28-band graphic EQ and parametric EQs are available for manual sound shaping.

Signal processing also includes dbx compression with OverEasy behaviour, a PeakPlus limiter for limiting high levels, and the 120A Subharmonic Synthesizer for processing low frequencies. The integrated crossover allows the signal to be split between the main and subwoofer outputs. You can edit presets using the display and front-panel controls; 25 user programmes can be saved, and 25 factory programmes are also available.

Connections include two balanced XLR line inputs, two XLR main outputs and two XLR subwoofer outputs, which can be operated in mono or stereo. A dedicated XLR input on the front accepts the RTA microphone and provides +15 V phantom power. A/D conversion uses dbx Type IV; digital processing uses 24-bit converters.

The DriveRack PX is suitable for mobile PA and installation setups where active speakers are to be measured automatically or tuned using your own parameters. Four XLR outputs for main and sub signals provide connection options for stereo and subwoofer configurations; manual setup also allows use with two-way passive speakers and suitable power amplifiers.