dbx 560A - Compressor/Limiter with Input/Output Meter Displays and Calibration Control in Black Finish

The dbx 560A is a robust and versatile compressor/limiter designed for 500 series rack systems. Drawing on the legacy of the acclaimed dbx 160A, the 560A offers an advanced VCA design and true RMS level detection, ensuring highly musical and responsive compression characteristics. This unit is suitable for both live sound and studio applications, making it an essential tool for professionals seeking to manage dynamic range with precision and ease.

At its core, the dbx 560A provides a flexible compression and limiting solution. It features both OverEasy and hard-knee compression modes. The OverEasy mode, when engaged, allows for a smooth and gradual compression curve, ideal for more subtle and natural control. Conversely, disengaging the OverEasy switch activates the classic hard-knee compression, which delivers a more aggressive compression effect-perfect for applications requiring more pronounced dynamic control.

The 560A is particularly adept at handling a range of audio sources, including adding punch to drums, extending sustain on bass and guitar lines, and controlling vocal level fluctuations. It is equally effective in tracking and mixing scenarios, where it can manage peaks and smooth out dynamic variations to achieve a polished sound. The unit's program-dependent attack and release times are engineered to respond dynamically to the audio signal, ensuring that compression is applied musically and effectively.

Precision metering on the 560A enhances usability by providing clear visual feedback on input and output levels, as well as the amount of gain reduction being applied. This allows for precise adjustments and instant comparisons between processed and unprocessed signals. The unit's simple, intuitive controls-combined with its musical compression characteristics-make it quick and easy to dial in desired settings and achieve excellent results.

The 560A features an adjustable compression ratio ranging from 1:1 to infinity:1, as well as exclusive Infinity+ compression using negative ratios. The gain adjustment range is variable from -20 dB to +20 dB, while the threshold can be set from -40 dBu to +20 dBu. This level of control ensures that users can tailor the compression to their specific needs, whether for subtle enhancement or more pronounced dynamic manipulation.

In terms of connectivity, the dbx 560A supports electronically balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs, both RF filtered to reduce interference. It handles maximum input and output levels of +22 dBu and features a dynamic range of over 119 dB. The unit's frequency response spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB) and extends to <0.5 Hz - 100 kHz (+0/-3 dB), ensuring high-fidelity performance across the audio spectrum.

Powered by a +/- 16V DC supply, the dbx 560A draws 60 mA per rail and consumes 1.92 watts of power. Its compact design fits into a standard 1-slot 500 series rack frame, with dimensions of 6 x 5.25 x 1.5 inches and a weight of 1.3 lbs, making it an easy addition to any rack setup.

In summary, the dbx 560A Compressor/Limiter offers a blend of classic and contemporary compression technologies in a 500 series format. Its combination of OverEasy and hard-knee modes, along with precise metering and flexible control options, makes it an invaluable tool for dynamic range management in a variety of audio applications.

Features

• Based on the classic dbx 160A compressor/limiter design
• VCA design with true RMS level detection for musical compression
• OverEasy or hard-knee compression modes for versatile dynamic control
• Compression ratio adjustable from 1:1 to infinity:1, with Infinity+ compression using negative ratios
• Gain adjustment range from -20 dB to +20 dB; threshold range from -40 dBu to +20 dBu
• Program-dependent attack and release times for musical compression
• Precision input/output metering and gain reduction displays
• Hardwire bypass for easy comparison of processed and unprocessed signals
• Electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs and outputs with RF filtering
• Maximum input and output levels of +22 dBu; dynamic range over 119 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB), <0.5 Hz - 100 kHz (+0/-3 dB)
• 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, 60 mA current draw per rail, 1.92 watts power draw

Specifications

Input

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

Output

• Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
• Impedance: Balanced 30Ω, unbalanced 15Ω
• 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: <-97 dBu, Unweighted (22 Hz - 22 kHz)
• THD+N:
  • <0.005% typical, No compression, 1 kHz input at 0 dBu
  • <0.07% typical, Any Amount of Compression up to 40 dB @ 1 kHz
• Dynamic Range >119 dB

Compression

• Gain Adjustment Range: Variable from -20 dB to +20 dB
• Threshold Range: -40 dBu to +20 dBu
• Threshold Characteristic: Selectable OverEasy or Hard Knee
• Compression Ratio: Variable 1:1 to ∞:1 thru to -1:1; 60dB Maximum Compression
• Attack Time: Program-Dependent; Typically 15ms for 10dB, 5ms for 20dB, 3ms for 30dB
• Release Time: Program-Dependent; Typically 8ms for 1dB, 80ms for 10dB, 400ms for 50dB; 125dB/Sec Rate

Power

• Requirements: +/- 16VDC
• Current Draw: 60mA per power rail
• Power Draw: 1.92 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