TEST: DBX Driverack

 Oh yes, there was always a brilliant sparkle from the stagehands' eyes when the truck with the P.A. Components drove up to the hall and you could smell the individual production components being unloaded. Experience has shown that there is a particularly great “joy” when loading the power amplifier racks and the associated outgear.

Who can follow me? 16 U racks with three old Peavey CS 800 plus rules on board and then please lift them onto a loading ramp! Does this perhaps ring a bell for one or the other? Worst smuggling doesn't even begin to describe what would have been appropriate here.

Recently, a lot has happened in the area of “power equals weight” due to switching power supplies and digital power amplifiers, but the necessary rules for active systems are still often split into several 19 inch components and require corresponding height units in the rack still be transported.

In order to eliminate this shortcoming, the DBX company has brought the Drive Rack PA onto the market, which, thanks to modern microprocessor technology, accommodates an immense arsenal of tools in just one height unit, which not so long ago would have filled a 20 U rack to capacity.

The Drive Rack claims to be the only device connected between the mixing console and power amplifiers, combining all the key elements needed for optimal management of loudspeaker systems and making every P.A. to help achieve a higher level of performance. A kind of Swiss army knife for the FOH.


Construction:

The Drive Rack is extremely compact in a single height unit and weighs just 2.5 kg. The device has two analog XLR line inputs on the back and an XLR RTA microphone input on the front for connecting a measuring microphone.

Up to three active stereo paths can be fed via a total of 6 XLR outputs on the rear. Internally, the signals are converted on a 24-bit basis with a dynamic range of > 110 dB. The cold appliance plug is also located on the back.


Overall, the Drive Rack has the following processing components:

Stereo feedback cancellation with 12 notch filters
double 28-band graphic EQ
DBX compressor
120A subharmonic synthesizer
2x3, 2x4, 2x5, 2x6 crossover configuration
Parametric multi-band EQ
Stereo output limiter
Alignment delay
Pink noise generator
Auto EQ with 28 band RTA
JBL and Crown Power Amp Tuning with Setup Wizard

everything distributed over a maximum of 25 storage locations.


The Drive Rack PA is the first in the DBX family to offer the AFS Feedback Elimination module. This is a very steep-edged notch filter with a high Q value, which allows the feedback frequency to be controlled much more precisely than the standard method with 1/3 octave equalizers. This suppression takes place automatically and very selectively when the AFS filter is activated.

In a fixed mode, only the fixed filters are updated during the performance. Even nicer, however, is the live mode, in which the feedback that arises during the performance is automatically recognized and regulated accordingly. Once all filters have been used up, they are replaced cyclically. Corresponding presets are available for Speech, Low Music, Medium Music and High Music.

The subharmonic synthesizer does exactly what you would expect from the opulent name, it boosts the low-frequency audio material, which is particularly used in the dance DJ sector or in film music. However, you should keep in mind that you are in the frequency range below the 60 Hertz mark, a range that is more in the area of structure-borne sound than in the audible range. In addition, this area eats up huge amounts of power reserves, so extreme caution is required here


When it comes to crossovers, you can use any form of active signal processing in three ways, be it a real three-way with separate treble, midrange and subwoofer area, two-way with woofers and satellites or even the monobass cube, somewhere in a corner where it doesn't get in the way Satellites placed centrally on the stage for stereo images.

When you think of DBX, you naturally think primarily of compressors or gates, as they used to be placed in abundance on the drum channel strips in the side rack. These empirical values benefit the internal compressor, which is installed in the signal path before the crossover module and promotes general compression of the signal. In particular, signal sources that are compressed to the limit in the studio, such as vocals or acoustic guitars, benefit from this module.

In order to compensate for the different running times of horns, speakers and subwoofers within their frequencies, the Drive Rack offers the Alignment Delay, with which you can optimize the overall signal in very fine steps.


Practice:

When you switch on the device, you are greeted by a bluish display, which, after correct adjustment, offers me a very spartan but functional interface. It is surprising how relatively clear and structured such a seemingly complex device appears in practice.

Using the quick start, you first select a speaker combination including woofer, speakers, etc. from the setup wizard. The database is quite extensive; if the systems used are not listed, select the Custom program item.

You then connect your RTA microphone and adjust its input level and the associated volume of the pink noise, which is now sent to the speakers. The EQ is now automatically adjusted to the room via Auto EQ.

Now activate the AFS module with the appropriate module, done! OK, OK, that was really a quick shot from the hip, but if you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to set up a system under severe time pressure, you will actually find yourself with this “quickie” solution to a large extent already at the final stage regarding the optimization of the system.

The presets are designed to be very practical and come very close to the final setting used. To what extent you want to give the AFS module a free hand is up to each FOH to find out for themselves, but the fact is that, especially in stressful situations, you can also leave the “autopilot” running if necessary and you can still enjoy the overall sound despite the singer's wild flailing around with the microphone Do not sink near the dome.



Conclusion:

The DBX Drive Rack is a real asset to any system. Using intelligently set presets, you can tune, optimize or simply “pimp” a fixed installation or a mobile production in a very short time ;-)

There is no system from which the Drive Rack does not get a bit more sound quality, no loudspeaker whose efficiency cannot be improved within a system.

In addition, the device also has the appropriate protective measures to protect a system not only from operational failure, which is usually already accomplished by various protective circuits within the power amplifiers, but above all from audio breakdown in the form of hidden clippings, which are usually in an active System in the different components also occur in different areas.

Assuming a sufficient excursion into sound technology, the drive rack represents a real gain for every FOH, especially since the price is once again well below a European sales price due to the production in China.

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Additional Informations:

In the vast landscape of audio technology, few names resonate with the same authority and innovation as DBX Audio. Established in 1971, DBX Audio revolutionized the way we perceive sound, shaping the industry with its pioneering audio processing and noise reduction technologies. This article delves deep into the captivating genesis of DBX Audio, tracing its humble beginnings, key milestones, and enduring legacy.

**Humble Beginnings:**
DBX Audio was founded by David E. Blackmer, an esteemed engineer with a passion for pushing the boundaries of audio technology. Blackmer's journey into the world of audio innovation began during his tenure as an engineer at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, where he worked on radar and missile guidance systems. His fascination with signal processing and noise reduction techniques laid the foundation for what would later become DBX Audio's hallmark technologies.

**Innovative Breakthroughs:**
The early 1970s marked a period of intense experimentation and innovation for DBX Audio. In 1971, the company introduced its first breakthrough product, the DBX Type I Noise Reduction System. This revolutionary technology effectively reduced tape hiss and background noise, setting a new standard for audio fidelity in recording studios worldwide.

Building on this success, DBX Audio continued to innovate with the introduction of the DBX Type II Noise Reduction System in 1973. This next-generation technology offered even greater noise reduction capabilities, further solidifying DBX Audio's position as a leader in the field of audio processing.

**Expansion and Diversification:**
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, DBX Audio expanded its product lineup to include a wide range of professional audio equipment, including graphic equalizers, compressors, and limiters. These products were widely embraced by recording engineers, musicians, and audio enthusiasts alike, earning DBX Audio a reputation for uncompromising quality and performance.

In 1989, DBX Audio was acquired by Harman International Industries, a leading name in the audio industry. This strategic partnership provided DBX Audio with the resources and expertise needed to further expand its product portfolio and reach new markets around the world.

**Legacy and Influence:**
Over the decades, DBX Audio's innovative technologies have left an indelible mark on the world of audio engineering. From recording studios and concert venues to home entertainment systems, DBX Audio's products continue to set the standard for audio quality and performance.

One of DBX Audio's most enduring legacies is its impact on the field of sound reinforcement. The company's advanced signal processing technologies have played a pivotal role in improving the clarity and intelligibility of live sound, enhancing the concert experience for audiences worldwide.

**Struggles and Triumphs:**
Despite its groundbreaking innovations, DBX Audio faced its fair share of challenges along the way. In the early years, the company grappled with the task of convincing skeptics within the audio industry of the efficacy of its noise reduction technologies. Many viewed DBX's approach as unconventional, and it took time for the company to gain widespread acceptance.

Additionally, the competitive landscape of the audio industry presented its own set of obstacles. As rival companies vied for market share, DBX Audio had to continuously innovate and differentiate itself to stay ahead of the curve. This pressure to remain at the forefront of technological advancement fueled DBX's drive for excellence and spurred the development of new and innovative products.

**Technological Advancements:**
Throughout its history, DBX Audio has been at the forefront of technological innovation in the audio industry. In addition to its pioneering noise reduction systems, the company has introduced a range of groundbreaking technologies designed to enhance audio quality and fidelity.

One such innovation is the DBX Dynamic Range Expander, which works by increasing the dynamic range of audio signals, resulting in greater clarity and detail in both recording and playback. This technology has been widely adopted in professional recording studios and has become a staple feature in many high-end audio systems.

Another notable advancement is the DBX Subharmonic Synthesizer, which generates low-frequency harmonics to enhance the perceived bass response of audio systems. By accurately reproducing low-frequency content that may be lacking in the original source material, the Subharmonic Synthesizer allows listeners to experience deep, impactful bass even from smaller speakers or headphones.

**Cultural Impact:**
Beyond its technical innovations, DBX Audio has also had a significant cultural impact on the world of music and audio production. By providing recording engineers and musicians with the tools they need to achieve optimal sound quality, DBX Audio has played a crucial role in shaping the sonic landscape of popular music and media.

Countless hit records have been mixed and mastered using DBX Audio equipment, and the company's technologies have become synonymous with professional-grade audio production. From iconic albums to blockbuster films, the influence of DBX Audio can be heard across a wide range of artistic endeavors.

**Continued Innovation:**
As we look to the future, DBX Audio remains committed to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and innovation. The company continues to invest in research and development, exploring new ways to improve the quality and fidelity of audio reproduction.

Recent advancements in digital signal processing and artificial intelligence have opened up exciting new possibilities for DBX Audio, allowing the company to develop even more sophisticated audio processing algorithms and technologies. Whether it's creating immersive surround sound experiences or enhancing the realism of virtual reality audio, DBX Audio is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of audio technology.

**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, the story of DBX Audio is one of innovation, perseverance, and enduring impact. From its humble beginnings to its status as a global leader in audio technology, DBX Audio has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sound. As we look ahead to the future, the legacy of DBX Audio serves as a testament to the power of innovation to shape the way we listen, create, and experience music and audio.