dbx 520 - De-Esser with 0dB to 20dB Amount Range and 800Hz to 8kHz Frequency Control Range in Black Finish

The dbx 520 De-Esser is a highly versatile and precise audio processing tool designed to control excessive high-frequency energy in a range of audio sources, including vocals and acoustic instruments. Compliant with the 500 series format, the 520 is engineered using the same acclaimed circuit found in the dbx 902, a standard in professional audio processing.

One of the standout features of the dbx 520 is its ability to deliver consistent and transparent de-essing without the need for frequent threshold adjustments. Unlike conventional de-essers, which require manual recalibration when signal levels vary, the 520 operates efficiently across a broad dynamic range of up to 60 dB. This capability ensures that the amount of de-essing remains steady even as the source material fluctuates between high and low signal levels.

The dbx 520 employs a sophisticated two-pole, maximally-flat filter design to separate high frequencies from low frequencies. This design allows for a variable frequency control range from 800 Hz to 8 kHz, giving users the flexibility to target specific frequency ranges for de-essing. The unit also features a HF Only mode, making it suitable for a variety of special applications, such as reducing fret and string noise in guitars, managing de-essing in pre-reverb or pre-delay send signals, and minimizing cymbal and hi-hat bleed in drum mics.

The dbx 520 is equipped with an expanded scale LED gain reduction meter that provides clear visual feedback on the amount of de-essing being applied. The amount of de-essing can be adjusted within a range of 0 dB to 20 dB, ensuring precise control over the processing. Additional controls include a Frequency knob for adjusting the crossover point and a Range knob for setting the maximum attenuation. The unit also features an IN/OUT switch and a Mode switch to toggle between HF ONLY and NORMAL modes.

In terms of connectivity, the dbx 520 supports electronically balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs, both RF filtered to reduce interference. It handles a maximum input and output level of +22 dBu, making it robust enough for professional audio environments. Its performance specifications are impressive, with a frequency response of 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB) and a dynamic range exceeding 114 dB. The unit's noise floor is exceptionally low, with a measured noise level of less than -92 dBu.

Powering the dbx 520 requires a +/- 16V DC supply with a current draw of 76 mA per rail. The unit fits into a standard 1-slot 500 series power-frame, with dimensions of 6 x 5.25 x 1.5 inches and a weight of 1.3 lbs. This compact form factor ensures that the dbx 520 integrates seamlessly into any 500 series rack setup.

In summary, the dbx 520 De-Esser is a precise, reliable, and flexible tool for managing high-frequency energy in audio recordings and live sound applications. Its advanced features and intuitive controls make it an essential addition to any professional audio system, providing transparent de-essing with minimal adjustment and exceptional performance.

Features

• Utilizes the acclaimed dbx 902 circuit for industry-standard de-essing
• Operates effectively across a dynamic range of up to 60 dB without requiring threshold adjustments
• Two-pole, maximally-flat filter design with a variable frequency control range from 800 Hz to 8 kHz
• HF Only mode for specialized applications like reducing string noise and cymbal bleed
• Expanded scale LED gain reduction metering for precise visual feedback
• Adjustable de-essing amount from 0 dB to 20 dB
• IN/OUT switch and HF ONLY/NORMAL mode switch for flexible operation
• Electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs and outputs with RF filtering
• Handles maximum input and output levels of +22 dBu
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB), dynamic range >114 dB, noise level < -92 dBu
• Compact 500 series format: 1 slot, dimensions of 6 x 5.25 x 1.5 inches, weight of 1.3 lbs
• Power requirements: +/- 16V DC, 76 mA current draw per rail, 2.4 watts power draw

Specifications

Input

• Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
• Impedance: 20 kΩ balanced, 10 kΩ unbalanced
• Maximum Input Level: +22 dBu
• CMRR: >40 dB; typically >55 dB at 1 kHz

Output

• Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
• Impedance: Balanced 30 Ω, unbalanced 15 Ω
• Maximum Output Level: +22 dBu

Performance

• Frequency Response:
  • 20 Hz - 20 kHz, + 0/-0.5 dB
  • 0.5 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB
• Noise: <-92 dBu, Unweighted (22 Hz - 22 kHz)
• THD+N: <0.006% typical, No compression, 1 kHz input at 0 dBu
• Dynamic Range: >114 dB

De-Essing

• Gain: Unity
• Crossover Point: Variable 800 Hz to 8 kHz
• Crossover Filter Type: 12 dB/octave, phase coherent
• Range: Operates uniformly over input range of -40 dBu to +22 dBu without requiring adjustment
• Maximum Attenuation: Variable 0 to 20 dB
• Attack Rate: Program-dependent, 2 ms for 10 dB above threshold, 600 μs for 20 dB above threshold, to achieve 63% gain reduction
• Release Rate: 925 dB/sec
• Controls: Frequency, Range
• Switches: IN/OUT, Mode (HF ONLY/NORMAL)
• Indicators: IN/OUT, HF ONLY
• Metering: LED Column: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20 dB gain reduction

Power

• Requirements: +/- 16V DC
• Current Draw: 76 mA per power rail
• Power Draw: 2.4 watts

Physical

• Rack System: 500 Series Compatible Power-frame
• Rack Space: 1 Slot
• Dimensions: 6 x 5.25 x 1.5 inches
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 lbs