dbx 580 - Low-Noise Microphone Preamp with 60dB Gain and Variable Frequency Low-Cut Filter in Black Finish

The dbx 580 is a high-performance, low-noise microphone preamplifier designed for 500 series racks, offering exceptional versatility and audio quality. Engineered for both studio and live sound applications, the 580 provides up to 60 dB of gain and features a range of controls that make it suitable for a variety of recording and mixing scenarios. Its robust design ensures reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for capturing vocals, instruments, and other audio sources with clarity and precision.

One of the standout features of the dbx 580 is its ability to switch seamlessly between microphone and instrument inputs via the MIC/INSTR switch. This allows users to connect either a microphone or a direct instrument input, expanding the preamp's versatility. The inclusion of a 20 dB pad switch further enhances its flexibility, accommodating high-output signals from sources such as kick drums and miked electric guitar cabinets without distortion. Additionally, the +48V phantom power ensures compatibility with condenser microphones, making the 580 suitable for a wide range of microphone types.

The dbx 580 also incorporates a DETAIL circuit that enhances the tonal quality of the audio source. The LOW DETAIL control allows for low-frequency boost with a low-mid cut, adding depth to the low end without introducing muddiness. Meanwhile, the HIGH DETAIL control provides clarity and airiness, making it ideal for adding presence to vocals and instruments. The variable LOW CUT control is another valuable feature, enabling precise sculpting of low frequencies to reduce unwanted noise and improve mix clarity by eliminating unnecessary low-frequency buildup.

For accurate level monitoring, the dbx 580 features a vintage-style backlit VU meter and a PEAK LED. The VU meter offers a clear visual representation of output levels, while the PEAK LED lights up 3 dB below clipping, ensuring users can optimize gain settings for the best signal-to-noise performance without introducing distortion.

The preamp's design includes electronically balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs, both RF filtered to minimize interference. With an input impedance of 1.7 k? for the mic input and 500 k? for the instrument input, the 580 handles a wide range of source impedances. Its maximum input levels are +15 dBu balanced or unbalanced with the 20 dB PAD disabled, and +35 dBu with the PAD enabled. The output impedance is 30 ? balanced and 15 ? unbalanced, with a maximum output level of +22 dBu.

The dbx 580 offers precise control over gain with a range of +5 to +60 dB, and features a full suite of front-panel switches and indicators for ease of use. These include switches for phantom power, pad, polarity invert, low cut, and the DETAIL circuit, each accompanied by an LED indicator for clear operational status. The low cut filter is variable from 30 Hz to 300 Hz, allowing users to tailor the low-frequency response to their needs.

Powered by a +/- 16V DC supply, the dbx 580 draws 80 mA per rail and consumes 2.56 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 a space-efficient addition to any rack system.

In summary, the dbx 580 Low-Noise Microphone Preamp offers a comprehensive set of features and controls for professional audio recording and mixing. Its combination of high gain, detailed tonal shaping options, and precise metering make it an invaluable tool for achieving high-quality sound capture and processing.

Features

• Microphone preamp with up to 60 dB of gain
• +48V phantom power for condenser microphones
• Dedicated front-panel instrument input
• DETAIL circuit with LOW DETAIL and HIGH DETAIL controls for tonal enhancement
• Variable LOW CUT control from 30 Hz to 300 Hz for low-frequency sculpting
• 20 dB pad for handling high-output signals
• Polarity invert button for multi-miking applications
• Vintage-style backlit VU meter and signal peak LED for accurate level monitoring
• Electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs and outputs with RF filtering
• Input impedance: 1.7 k? (mic), 500 k? (instrument); output impedance: 30 ? (balanced), 15 ? (unbalanced)
• Maximum input levels: +15 dBu (PAD disabled), +35 dBu (PAD enabled); maximum output level: +22 dBu
• Frequency response: 18 Hz - 100 kHz (+0/-3 dB)
• THD+N: <0.006% typical at 0 dBu out, 1 kHz, 30 dB gain
• Power requirements: +/- 16V DC, 80 mA per rail, 2.56 watts power draw
• Physical dimensions: 6 x 5.25 x 1.5 inches; weight: 1.3 lbs

Specifications

Microphone Preamp Input

• Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
• Impedance: 1.7 kΩ
• Maximum Input Level: +15 dBu balanced or unbalanced (20dB PAD disabled), +35 dBu balanced or unbalanced (20dB PAD enabled)
• Maximum Gain: 60 dB
• CMRR: >60 dB; typically >70 dB from 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Instrument Input

• Connector: Tip-Sleeve 1/4-inch Jack
• Type: Unbalanced
• Impedance: 500 kΩ
• Maximum Input Level: +21 dBu unbalanced

Functions/Indicators

• Mic/Instrument: Switches between mic input or front-panel instrument input
• Gain Control: +5 to +60 dB gain
• Phantom Power: +48V DC, front-panel switch, on LED indicator
• Pad: 20 dB, front-panel switch, on LED indicator
• Polarity Invert: Front-panel switch, on LED indicator
• Low Cut: Variable from 30 Hz to 300 Hz, front-panel switch, on LED indicator
• Detail: Front-panel switch, on LED indicator
• Low Detail: 0 to +15 dB boost, simultaneous bell filter boost (125 Hz center frequency) and bell filter cut (400 Hz center frequency)
• High Detail: 0 to +15 dB boost, high-shelving filter (10 kHz corner frequency)
• Level Indicators: Backlit VU meter showing output level, Peak LED lights 3 dB below clipping and monitors all stages

Output

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

Performance

• Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): Typically > -128.0 dBu, 150 Ω source impedance, 22 kHz bandwidth, unweighted
• Frequency Response: 18 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB
• THD+N: <0.006% typical at 0 dBu out, 1 kHz, 30dB gain

Power

• Requirements: +/- 16V DC
• Current Draw: 80 mA per power rail
• Power Draw: 2.56 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