dbx 530 Parametric EQ - 500 Series
In stock
- SKU
- DBX530
Description
dbx 530 Parametric EQ – 500 Series
The dbx 530 puts surgical parametric control directly under your hands with tactile, responsive knobs that give instant feedback as you sculpt tone across the full frequency spectrum. This compact 500 Series module excels at carving character into vocals, drums, instruments, and complete mixes with transparent, clean EQ that enhances your sound without coloring it. Relied upon by professionals tracking in the studio, mixing live sound, and managing broadcast feeds, the 530 rewards both your ears and hands with intuitive, musical results that translate from the control room to the stage.
Signal Path & Audio Performance
The 530 maintains exceptional clarity throughout your signal chain, with -90dBu noise floor (unweighted), 112dB dynamic range, and THD+Noise under 0.006% typical, ensuring your source material remains pristine. Electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs and outputs with RF filtering accept levels up to +22dBu, making the module compatible with both line-level and hot sources while delivering the same maximum output without degradation.
Parametric EQ & Frequency Control
Three independent EQ bands give you surgical control: low band (20–500 Hz), mid band (200 Hz–5 kHz), and high band (800 Hz–20 kHz), each offering ±15 dB of cut or boost with adjustable Q and switchable modes. Each band operates as a symmetrical peak/dip filter, with high and low bands also switchable to shelving mode and all three capable of Infinite Notch mode for eliminating problem frequencies without affecting surrounding content.
Key Features
- 500 Series compliant format; 1.7 lbs shipping weight
- Electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs with RF filtering; 40k Ohms balanced, 20k Ohms unbalanced impedance
- Electronically balanced/unbalanced outputs with RF filtering; 30 Ohms balanced, 15 Ohms unbalanced impedance
- Maximum input and output levels: +22dBu
- Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/−1 dB; extended to 10 Hz–30 kHz at +0/−3 dB
- Noise floor: −90dBu unweighted (22 Hz–22 kHz)
- Dynamic range: 112 dB
- THD+Noise: <0.006% typical, 20 Hz–20 kHz at 0dBu output
- Three parametric EQ bands with adjustable Q on each band
- Each band switchable between symmetrical peak/dip, shelving (high and low bands), and Infinite Notch modes
- Low band center frequencies: 20–500 Hz
- Mid band center frequencies: 200 Hz–5 kHz
- High band center frequencies: 800 Hz–20 kHz
- ±15 dB boost or cut per band
The 530 integrates seamlessly into any 500 Series rack, delivering the transparency and precision required to shape tone with confidence in the studio, on the gig, and in broadcast environments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The dbx 530 is a three-band parametric EQ in 500 Series format that delivers surgical frequency control with transparent, clean character across vocals, drums, instruments, and full mixes. Live performers and sound engineers value its intuitive knob control, real-time feedback, and surgical Infinite Notch mode for removing problematic frequencies without coloring surrounding content. Its low noise floor (−90 dBu), tight THD+Noise spec (under 0.006%), and ability to handle hot sources up to +22 dBu make it dependable for stage work, broadcast, and studio tracking alike.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Live Performance, Home Recording, Broadcast |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Transparent, surgical precision, clean eq character, low noise floor, full-spectrum control |
| Less specialized for | Practice (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to use the dbx 530 effectively?
The 530 is designed for intermediate to advanced and professional users. Its parametric control with adjustable Q and multiple filter modes (peak/dip, shelving, Infinite Notch) rewards experience and trained ears, though its tactile knobs and real-time feedback make it intuitive to learn for those with basic EQ knowledge.
What are the frequency ranges for each EQ band?
The low band covers 20–500 Hz, the mid band spans 200 Hz–5 kHz, and the high band reaches 800 Hz–20 kHz. Each band offers ±15 dB of cut or boost with adjustable Q, and the high and low bands can switch to shelving mode for broader tone shaping.
Can the dbx 530 handle both line-level and hot sources?
Yes. The 530 features electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs and outputs with RF filtering, and accepts levels up to +22 dBu, making it compatible with both standard line-level and hot sources while maintaining transparent gain staging.
What is the Infinite Notch mode and when would I use it?
Infinite Notch mode is a narrow, deep filter available on all three bands that eliminates problematic frequencies (like hum, feedback, or resonances) without affecting surrounding content. It's essential for surgical problem-solving in live sound, broadcast, and tracking sessions.
What are the noise and distortion specifications?
The 530 delivers a −90 dBu noise floor (unweighted), 112 dB dynamic range, and THD+Noise under 0.006% typical across 20 Hz–20 kHz, ensuring your source material remains pristine through the signal chain.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $24 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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