dbx 580 Mic Preamp - 500 Series
Description
dbx 580 Mic Preamp - 500 Series
The dbx 580 is a compact, single-slot 500 Series preamp that sits naturally in your live tracking chain, delivering the gain and headroom you need with a warm, slightly colored character that serves vocals and instruments with equal musicality. Its responsive front-panel controls and real-time metering give you immediate visual feedback on stage or in the studio, making it straightforward to dial in compelling results whether you're tracking intimate vocals, aggressive rock performances, or adding presence to digital sources.
Gain Structure & Signal Path
Up to 60dB of gain covers mic and instrument sources with headroom to spare; the 20dB pad handles hot sources without distortion, pushing your maximum input level to +35 dBu. Low input impedance on the mic input (1.7kΩ) and high impedance on the instrument input (500kΩ) ensure proper matching regardless of source, while RF filtering and CMRR >60dB keep interference and noise floor clean.
Tone & EQ Control
The Low and High Detail EQ controls let you sculpt presence and warmth, while the variable-frequency Low-Cut Filter eliminates rumble and proximity effect without fixed frequency constraints. Polarity invert simplifies phase alignment in multi-mic setups, and +48V phantom power supports condenser microphones directly from the module.
Key Features
- Up to 60dB of gain
- Variable-frequency Low-Cut Filter
- Low and High Detail Equalization Controls
- 20dB Pad
- Polarity Invert
- +48V Phantom Power
- Front Panel Instrument Input with MIC/INSTR switch
- VU Metering and Peak Indicator
- Electronically balanced/unbalanced input with RF filtering
- Maximum output level +22 dBu (balanced 30Ω, unbalanced 15Ω)
- 1-slot 500 Series format (6 × 5.25 × 1.5 inches, 1.3 lbs)
- Low power draw (80 mA per rail, 2.56 watts)
The dbx 580 combines transparent gain staging with forgiving EQ and sufficient headroom to become an instant favorite in any 500 Series chain.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The dbx 580 is a compact, single-slot 500 Series mic preamp that delivers up to 60dB of gain with warm, detailed character ideal for live tracking and studio vocals. Its intuitive front-panel controls, variable low-cut filter, and presence-focused EQ let you shape tone on the fly without overthinking—perfect for gigging engineers and studio professionals who need reliable, musical results fast. The low noise floor, 20dB pad for hot sources, and phantom power make it a workhorse that handles everything from intimate vocals to aggressive rock without breaking your budget.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live tracking
- ✓ Vocal recording
- ✓ Studio sessions
- ✓ Home recording
Not the best pick for
- – Mastering
- – Extreme gain applications
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum gain and how does the 20dB pad work?
The dbx 580 provides up to 60dB of gain for mic and instrument sources. The 20dB pad reduces input level by 20dB, pushing your maximum input level to +35 dBu—essential for handling hot sources like kicked drums or active basses without distortion.
Can I use this for condenser microphones and how do I switch between mic and instrument inputs?
Yes; the preamp includes +48V phantom power to support condenser microphones directly from the module. A front-panel MIC/INSTR switch lets you toggle between the mic input (1.7kΩ low impedance) and instrument input (500kΩ high impedance) to match your source properly.
What EQ controls does it have and can I adjust the low-cut filter frequency?
The dbx 580 features Low and High Detail EQ controls for sculpting presence and warmth, plus a variable-frequency Low-Cut Filter that eliminates rumble and proximity effect without fixed-frequency constraints. Polarity invert is also included for phase alignment in multi-mic setups.
What are the output levels and power requirements for a 500 Series rack?
Maximum output is +22 dBu on balanced outputs (30Ω) and unbalanced outputs (15Ω). The module draws only 80 mA per rail at 2.56 watts, making it extremely efficient in any 500 Series lunchbox.
How does the dbx 580 compare to more expensive 500 Series preamps?
The dbx 580 prioritizes warm, forgiving tone and intuitive controls over extreme transparency or mastering-grade precision. It excels at live tracking and vocal work where musicality matters; it is not designed for extreme gain applications or mastering use cases where competitors like the Neve 1073 may be preferred.