dbx 1215 Dual Channel 15-Band Equalizer
Description
dbx 1215 Dual Channel 15-Band Equalizer
The dbx 1215 is a professional-grade dual-channel equalizer built into a compact 2U rack format that delivers surgical control over the frequency spectrum. Its 45 mm faders provide smooth, precise adjustment across 15 ISO-centered bands, making it a go-to tool for live sound reinforcement, studio mastering, or installed sound applications. The dual-channel design allows independent EQ shaping on two separate signals or stereo linked operation when needed—essential flexibility for gigging rigs and permanent installations alike.
Audio Performance
This unit maintains exceptional transparency with a dynamic range of 109–115 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 90–97 dB, ensuring a clean floor even during aggressive EQ work. The frequency response extends from <10Hz to >50kHz, covering the entire audible spectrum and beyond, while THD+Noise remains below 0.005%—inaudible under stage conditions. Interchannel crosstalk is minimized to less than −80 dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, guaranteeing tight stereo separation on live mixes.
Design & Connectivity
The 1215 accepts balanced or unbalanced signals via XLR, 1/4" TRS, and barrier strip connectors, with input impedance of 40 kOhm (balanced) or 20 kOhm (unbalanced) for seamless integration into any signal chain. Output impedance is 200 Ohm balanced or 100 Ohm unbalanced, delivering maximum output levels greater than +21 dBu balanced/unbalanced into 2 kΩ or higher. The magnetically isolated transformer, electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs, and servo balanced outputs ensure low-noise operation and complete wiring flexibility for tour rigs and permanent setups.
Key Features
- 15 2/3 octave bands with ISO frequency centers at 25Hz, 40Hz, 63Hz, 100Hz, 160Hz, 250Hz, 400Hz, 630Hz, 1kHz, 1.6kHz, 2.5kHz, 4kHz, 6.3kHz, 10kHz, and 16kHz
- Switchable boost/cut ranges of +/−6dB or +/−15dB for flexible gain staging
- Switchable 40Hz/18 dB per octave low-cut filters on each channel
- ±12 dB input gain range for precise level matching
- 45 mm faders with smooth, professional feel and accurate positioning
- 4-LED bar graph output level display with −10, 0, +10, and +18 dBu readings
- Additional status LEDs for EQ bypass, clip detection, low-cut activation, and boost/cut range indication
- XLR, 1/4" TRS, and barrier strip connectivity with maximum acceptable input level of +22 dBu
- Magnetically isolated transformer with RF-filtered inputs and outputs
- Power-off hard-wire relay bypass with 2 second power-up delay
- Compact 2U steel/aluminum chassis (3.5" H × 19" W × 7.9" D, 8.5 lbs)
- 24W power consumption, operates 100–230VAC via IEC receptacle
The dbx 1215 combines meticulous engineering, transparent audio quality, and comprehensive EQ control in a road-tested package trusted by touring professionals and studio players for decades. Its reliability under demanding live conditions and intuitive fader control make it an essential tool for any serious mixing rig.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The dbx 1215 is a dual-channel, 15-band equalizer in a compact 2U rack that gives you surgical frequency control for live sound, installed systems, and monitoring. Built for touring and venue reliability, it handles balanced or unbalanced signals through XLR, 1/4", and barrier strip connections, with switchable boost/cut ranges and a 40 Hz high-pass filter per channel for clean tone-shaping on stage or in a monitor mix. Choose it for transparent audio (90–97 dB signal-to-noise ratio, less than 0.005% distortion) and rock-solid build that survives the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the dbx 1215 on individual tracks and a stereo bus at the same time?
Yes. The dual-channel design allows you to run two independent mono signals or link both channels for stereo operation on a single stereo pair, giving you flexibility to EQ a vocal and a drum bus simultaneously or work on a stereo master.
What input and output connectors does it have?
The 1215 accepts XLR (balanced), 1/4" TRS (balanced), and barrier strip connectors for flexible wiring in studios, live rigs, and installed systems. Both channels can mix input connector types independently.
Is the high-pass filter on both channels?
Yes. Each channel has a switchable 40 Hz, 18 dB per octave low-cut filter to remove subsonic rumble and mud from sources like vocals, drums, or kick before they reach your main mix.
What are the boost and cut range options?
Each channel offers switchable gain ranges of +/−6 dB or +/−15 dB per band, so you can choose subtle surgical EQ for tracking or aggressive tone-shaping for problem frequencies in live sound or mastering.
What happens to audio if the power goes out?
The 1215 has a power-off hard-wire relay bypass that automatically passes audio through unchanged if power is lost, ensuring your signal chain never cuts out during a performance or session.