dbx 530 Parametric EQ - 500 Series
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 compact 500 Series parametric EQ that delivers surgical tone-shaping with three independent frequency bands, each offering ±15 dB of cut or boost plus adjustable Q and multiple filter modes. Built for performers and sound engineers who run their own rigs or manage live/broadcast sound, it provides transparent, clean EQ control with rock-solid specs (−90 dBu noise floor, 112 dB dynamic range, <0.006% THD) that won't degrade your signal or stage reliability. Choose it for its intuitive knob feel, problem-frequency elimination via Infinite Notch mode, and seamless 500 Series integration into any pro audio chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What frequency ranges does each EQ band cover?
The low band spans 20–500 Hz, the mid band covers 200 Hz–5 kHz, and the high band reaches 800 Hz–20 kHz. All three bands support ±15 dB of boost or cut with adjustable Q.
What does Infinite Notch mode do?
Infinite Notch mode eliminates problem frequencies (feedback, hum, resonances) with a very tight, surgical cut without affecting the surrounding frequency content. All three bands support this mode.
Can I use shelving EQ with this module?
Yes—the high and low bands are switchable to shelving mode for gentler, broader boosts or cuts. The mid band operates as a peak/dip filter only.
Will this work with hot/line-level sources?
Yes. The 530 accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs up to +22 dBu with RF filtering, making it compatible with both standard line-level and hot sources without signal degradation.
What are the noise and distortion specs?
The module delivers a −90 dBu noise floor (unweighted), 112 dB dynamic range, and less than 0.006% THD+Noise across the audio band, ensuring your source material stays pristine.