FRANKFURT, Germany – HARMAN’s dbx is introducing its 500 Series processors, five compact yet powerful half-rack-space recording studio signal processors. The new 500 Series models include the 560A Compressor/Limiter, 530 Parametric EQ, 580 Mic Pre, 520 De-Esser and 510 Sub Harmonic Synth.
The dbx 560A Compressor/Limiter provides flexible control of dynamics including threshold, compression ratio and output gain. It offers selectable classic hard-knee compression or exclusive OverEasy® mode incorporating dbx’s highly musical program-dependent attack and release times. The compression ratio is variable from 1:1 through infinity:1 to -1:1 and the 560A also has a unique Infinity+ compression mode using negative ratios. Adjustment is easy thanks to the 560A’s ladder-style LED RMS gain-reduction and input/output meter displays with true RMS level detection.
Based on the classic dbx 905, the dbx 530 Parametric EQ is a 3-band parametric equalizer with selectable bell or shelf-type filters on the low- and high-frequency bands, and adjustable Q on each band. The dbx 530 allows adjustment of level and bandwidth at frequencies that have been carefully chosen for maximum musical effectiveness.
Great studio sound starts with a great mic preamp – and the dbx 580 Mic Pre is designed to deliver pristine audio quality with exceptional clarity, nuance and presence. Its custom-designed, premium ultra-low-noise mic preamp circuitry provides up to 60dB of gain and can accommodate mic or line-level signals. Controls for Gain, Low Cut, High Detail, Low Detail and Polarity Invert allow precise sonic tailoring and the large analog VU meter combines old school visual appeal with accurate level indication.
The dbx 520 De-Esser is remarkably effective at removing sibilance from vocals for smooth, professional-quality recordings. Taking its heritage from the acclaimed dbx 902, the 520 has a frequency control range from 800Hz to 8kHz and provides de-essing ranging from 0dB to 20dB. Its gain reduction metering provides at-a-glance indication of the amount of de-essing applied.
The dbx 510 Sub Harmonic Synth enhances any recording with deep, powerful bass an octave lower than the original signal. Whether it’s used for adding low-frequency impact to an entire track or beefing up an electric bass, synthesizer, bass drum or other instrument, the dbx 510 adds the subterranean punch today’s producers, musicians and listeners demand. The 510 includes a low-frequency boost, subharmonic level and frequency range controls.
“Our 500 Series processors bring renowned dbx signal processing to a smaller footprint than ever before while delivering the signature sound quality engineers, producers and musicians know they can rely on from dbx,” said Jason Kunz, Market Manager, Portable PA and Recording & Broadcast at HARMAN Signal Processing. “In addition to taking up little real estate, they’re extremely simple to use yet provide the sound-tailoring flexibility needed to create the perfect track or final mix.”
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® , Mark Levinson ® and Revel®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 17,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.9 billion during the last 12 months ended December 31, 2014.
