dbx 1215 Dual Channel 15-Band Equalizer

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 equally at home in 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.

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 minimal noise 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%—imperceptible to the ear. Interchannel crosstalk is minimized to less than −80 dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, guaranteeing clean stereo separation.

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 clean 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 flexibility in wiring schemes.

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 rock-solid package that has earned its reputation in demanding professional installations worldwide.