dbx 231s Dual Channel 31-Band Equalizer User Manual

dbx 231s Dual Channel 31-Band Equalizer

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

• The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral tri-angle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.
• These symbols warn that there are no user ser-viceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufac-turer’s warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER CORD.

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.

The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

• GREEN and YELLOW – Earth
• BLUE – Neutral
• BROWN – Live

As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identitying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

• The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter c. or with the earth symbol, or coloured green, or  fre card welch”is coloured blue must be connected tothe termina marked or coloured black.
• The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal marked L or coloured red.

This equioment may require the use of a different line cord. attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installadon. If the attachment plug needs to be changed, refer servicing to qualified: whe should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be connected directly to the units chassis

WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth ground are touched simultaneously.

WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION READ THE FOLLOWING:

• KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

• HEED ALL WARNINGS

• FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

• THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASH-ING LIQUID AND NO OBJECT FILLED WITH LIQUID, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS
  CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH.

• DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

• DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER APPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.

• ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

• UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A ground-ing type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

• Use only with the cart stand, tripod bracket, or table specified by the manufacture, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use cau-tion when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

• POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: If the equipment has a Power switch, the Power switch used in this piece of equipment DOES NOT break the connection from the mains.

• MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug shall remain readily operable. For rack-mount or installation where plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical installation of the rack or building.

• FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse with same type and rating only.

• MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service personnel or equivalent.

If connected to 240V supply, a suitable CSA/UL certified power cord shall be used for this supply.

LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING

CAUTION! This product may contain a lithium battery. There is danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with an Eveready CR 2032 or equivalent. Make sure the battery is installed with the correct polarity. Discard used batteries according to manufacturer’s instructions.

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• this device may not cause harmful interference, and
• this device must accept any interfer-ence received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
• Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.
• use only shielded interconnecting cables.

If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.

Private household in the 25 member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one). For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for a correct method of disposal. By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING

A molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET. Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer. Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name: dbx Professional Products Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

declares that the product:

• Product name: dbx 131S, 215S, 231, 231S
• Note: Product name may be suffixed by the EU.
• Product option: None conforms to the following Product Specifications:
• Safety: IEC 60065 -01+Amd 1
• EMC:
  • EN 55022:2006
  • EN 55024:1998
  • FCC Part 15

Supplementary Information:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the:

• Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC. RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC
• With regard to Directive 2005/32/EC and EC Regulation 1275/2008 of 17 December 2008, this product is designed, produced, and classified as Professional Audio Equipment and thus is exempt from this Directive.
• Roger Johnsen Vice-President of Engineering 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA Date: August 16, 2010
• European Contact: Your local dbx Sales and Service Office or Harman Music Group 8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070 USA
• Ph: 801-566-8800
• Fax: 801-568-7583

Service Info

• If you require technical support, contact dbx Technical Support. Be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your device – this is printed on a sticker attached to the chassis. If you have not already taken the time to fill out your warranty registration card and send it in, please do so now. You may also register online at www.dbxpro.com.
• Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to the manual. Make sure you have correctly followed installation steps and operation procedures. For further technical assistance or service, please contact our Technical Support Department at 801-568-7660 or visit www.dbxpro.com. If you need to return a product to the factory for service, you MUST first contact Technical Support to obtain a Return Authorization Number.
• No returned products will be accepted at the factory without a Return Authorization Number.
• Please refer to the Warranty information on the following page, which extends to the first end-user. After expiration of the warranty, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for transportation charges to the factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.
• Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper and with these words in red: DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE! Insure the package properly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.

Warranty

This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States.

1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after purchase date to validate this warranty. You can also register online at www.dbxpro.com. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the responsibility of the consumer. A copy of the original purchase receipt must be provided for any warranty service.
2. dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.
3. dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of two years. A Return Authorization number must first be obtained from dbx. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product’s use in any circuit or assembly.
4. dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured.
5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

Section 1 – Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a dbx 2-Series Graphic Equalizer. The 2-Series rep-resents a major step forward in the performance of entry-level graphic equalizers. From their amazing 10 Hz to 50 kHz frequency response, to its 112 dB dynamic range, the 2- Series offer out of this world specifications with a down to earth price point. Sure to find a home in the studio, on tour and with installed sound venues, the 2-Series is destined to take its rightful place in the lineage of great dbx® signal processors that are the Professional’s Choice™. With such affordable quality, there’s no longer any excuse for compromising your sound. The 2-Series Equalizers include the following features:

• (131s) One 31-band, 1/3-octave Constant Q frequency bands (215s) Two 15-band, 2/3-octave Constant Q frequency bands (231s) Two 31-band, 1/3-octave Constant Q frequency bands
• Switchable boost/cut ranges of ±6 dB or ±12 dB
• 12 dB per octave 50 Hz low-cut filter
• Front-panel bypass switch
• ±12 dB input gain range
• 4-segment LED ladders for monitoring output levels
• XLR and TRS Inputs and Outputs
• Frequency Response of <10 Hz to >50 kHz
• Dynamic range of greater than 112 dB

Inspection

Verify that the equalizer’s package contains the following:

• Equalizer unit matching serial number marked on package
• AC power cord
• Operation Manual
• Registration Card
• Four rack mount screws and washers

If any of these items are missing please contact dbx customer service at the number provided on the back cover of this manual.

Section 2 – Operating Controls

Front Panels

231s- Dual Channel 31 Band Graphic EQ

• Input Gain Control
  This control sets the signal level to the equalizer. It is capable of -12 dB to +12 dB of gain. Its effect is apparent by viewing the OUTPUT LEVEL BAR GRAPH.

• EQ Bypass
  This switch removes the graphic equalizer section from the signal path. The BYPASS switch does not, however, affect the INPUT GAIN, or LOW CUT filters.

• EQ Bypass LED
  This red LED lights when the EQ is in bypass mode. Note that bypass mode only effects the graphic equalizer section of the 2 Series EQs. The input gain and and low cut con-trols remain unaffected when the EQ is bypassed.

• Boost/Cut Range Selection Switch and LEDs
  This switch selects which of the two boost/cut ranges the equalizer will use, either ±6 dB or ±12 dB. The red LED lights when the ±12 dB range is selected.

• Output Level Bar Graph
  These four LEDs indicate output level of the equalizer. The red LED is 3 dB below clip-ping and is marked as +18 dBu. It monitors the level at the output of the equalizer after all other processing.

• Clip LED
  This LED lights whenever any internal signal level reaches 3 dB below clipping which may occur when any of the following happen: 1) the input signal is “hotter” than +18 dBu, 2) excessive gain is applied by the input gain control, or 3) excessive boost is applied using the frequency sliders.

• Frequency Band Slider Controls
  Each one of these slider potentiometers will boost or cut at its noted frequency by ±6 dB or ±12 dB, depending upon the position of the BOOST/CUT RANGE switch. When all the sliders are in the center detented position the output of the equalizer is flat. The frequency band centers of the 131s and 231s are marked at 1/3rd of an octave intervals on ISO standard spacings, while the frequency band centers of the 215s are marked at 2/3rds of an octave intervals on ISO standard spacings.

• Low Cut Enable Switch
  The LOW-CUT switch inserts or removes the 12 dB per octave 50 Hz low-cut filter from the signal path. When the LOW-CUT switch is pushed in, the LOW-CUT filter is IN the audio path.

Section 3 – Connecting the EQ to Your System

The 2-Series Equalizers have balanced inputs and impedance balanced outputs that can be used with any balanced or unbalanced line-level device.

To connect the equalizer to your sound system refer to the following steps:

• Turn off all equipment before making connections.

• Mount equalizer in a standard-width rack.
  Install the EQ in a rack with the rack screws provided. It can be mounted above or below anything that does not generate excessive heat. Ambient temperatures should not exceed 113° F (45°C) when equipment is in use. Although the unit’s chassis is shielded against radio frequency and electromagnetic interference, extremely high fields of RF and EMI should be avoided.

• Make audio connections via XLR or 1/4″ TRS jacks (according to application needs).
  Both types of connectors for the inputs and outputs can be used for balanced or unbalanced connections. The use of more than one connector at a time for the inputs could unbalance balanced lines, cause phase cancellation, short a conduc-tor to ground, or cause damage to other equipment connected to the equalizer. More than one output may be used simultaneously as long as the combined paral-lel load is greater than 2 kΩ.

• Select the operating range with the Boost/Cut range selection switch.
  NOTE: Be sure to reduce audio levels at the power amplifiers when changing the setting of this switch as it may generate an audible transient.

• Apply power to the equalizer.
  Connect the AC power cord to the AC power receptacle on the back of the equal- izer. Route the AC power cord to a convenient power outlet away from audio lines. Since the 2-Series Equalizers consume a relatively small amount of power, the units may be left on continuously.

Section 4 – Rear Panel Descriptions

• Power Cord Receptacle
  Connects AC power to the equalizer.

• Output Connectors
  Two types of output connectors are provided for output connections: male XLR type connectors, and 1/4″ tip-ring-sleeve phone jack connectors.

• Input Connectors
  Two types of input connectors are provided for input connections: female locking XLR type connectors, and 1/4″ tip-ring-sleeve phone jack connectors. The maximum input level that the equalizer can accept is typically +22 dBu (ref: 0.775Vrms).

Section 5 – Installation Considerations

• Hookups and Cabling: The 2-Series Equalizers are designed for nominal +4 dBu levels. The equalizers can be used with either balanced or unbalanced sources, and the out-puts can be used with either balanced or unbalanced loads, provided the proper cabling is used.
• A balanced line is defined as two-conductor shielded cable with the two center conduc-tors carrying the same signal but of opposite polarity when referenced to ground. An unbalanced line is generally a single-conductor shielded cable with the center conductor carrying the signal and the shield at ground potential.
• Input Cable Configurations: The equalizer has an input impedance of 40 kΩ balanced and 20 kΩ unbalanced. This makes the 2-Series Equalizers’ audio inputs suitable for use with virtually any low source impedance (under 2 kΩ).
• Output Cable Configurations: The equalizer’s output is capable of driving down to a 2 kΩ load to at least +21 dBu. For maximum hum rejection with a balanced source, avoid common grounding at the equalizer’s inputs and outputs. Most balanced (3-con-ductor) cables have the shield connected at both ends. This can result in ground loops which cause hum. If hum persists try disconnecting the shield on one or more of the cables in the system, preferably at the input of a device, not at the output.

Section 6 – Operation and Application Notes

• The dbx 2-Series Graphic Equalizers are useful audio signal processing tools in situations where precise frequency control is required across the audible frequency spectrum.
• When used with an audio spectrum analyzer the EQs can tune any acoustical environ-ment — from the studio to the concert hall — to stop ringing, increase clarity, and tailor the overall frequency response of the environment. A real-time spectrum analyzer or other types of audio environment analyzers are very useful in determining the amount of equalization needed.
• Insert the graphic equalizer between the signal source (usually a mixer) and the power amplifiers (or the crossover if there is one). Adjust the level and equalization as required to yield the desired system response.
• For optimum signal-to-noise response, the gain structure of the sound system must be properly set up. Each component of the sound system should be set at its nominal oper-ating level, starting with the first element in the system, usually a mixing console. Each element should be run at its nominal operating level in order to take advantage of the maximum signal-to-noise properties of that element. Loudspeaker amplifiers, as the last element in the chain, should be set only as loud as necessary, in order to avoid inducing unnecessary noise into the system.

Specifications

Inputs

• Connectors: 1/4″ TRS, female XLR (pin 2 hot)
• Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
• Impedance: Balanced 40 kΩ, unbalanced 20 kΩ
• Max Input Level: >+21 dBu balanced or unbalanced
• CMRR: >40 dB, typically >55 dB at 1 kHz

Outputs

• Connectors: 1/4″ TRS, male XLR (pin 2 hot)
• Type: Impedance-balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
• Impedance: Balanced 100 Ω, unbalanced 50 Ω
• Max Output Level: >+21 dBu balanced/unbalanced into 2 kΩ or greater >+18 dBm balanced/unbalanced (into 600 Ω)

System Performance

• Bandwidth: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1 dB
• Frequency Response: <10 Hz to >50 kHz, +0.5/-3 dB
• Dynamic Range: Typically >112 dB
• Signal-to-Noise: Typically >95 dB
• THD+Noise: <0.003%
• Interchannel Crosstalk: <-90 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Function Switches

• EQ Bypass: Bypasses the graphic equalizer section in the signal path
• Low Cut: Activates the 50 Hz 12 dB/octave high-pass filter
• Range: Selects either +/- 6 dB or +/- 12 dB slider boost/cut range

Power Supply

• Operating Voltage: 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 15 W
• Mains Connection: IEC receptacle

Physical Dimensions

• 231s: Size: 3.5″ H x 19″ W x 6″ D
  • Product Weight: 6.2 lbs, Shipping Weight 7.9 lbs
• 215s: Size: 1.75″ H x 19″ W x 6″ D
  • Product Weight: 4.8 lbs, Shipping Weight 6.2 lbs
• 131s: Size: 1.75″ H x 19″ W x 6″ D
  • Product Weight: 4.8 lbs, Shipping Weight 6.2 lbs

Note: Specifications subject to change.

8760 South Sandy Parkway • Sandy, Utah 84070

• Phone: 801-568-7660
• Fax 801-568-7662
• Int’l Fax: 801-568-7583

E-mail us at: [email protected]  or visit us on the web at:www.dbxpro.com • www.driverack.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the dbx 231s Dual Channel 31-Band Equalizer?

The dbx 231s is a dual-channel, 31-band graphic equalizer designed for audio professionals and sound engineers.

What is the primary purpose of a graphic equalizer?

A graphic equalizer is used to adjust the tonal balance of audio signals by boosting or cutting specific frequency bands.

How many bands does the dbx 231s have per channel?

It has 31 bands per channel, providing precise control over a wide range of frequencies.

Is the dbx 231s a stereo or dual mono equalizer?

The dbx 231s can operate in both stereo and dual mono modes, offering flexibility in signal processing.

What is the frequency range of the dbx 231s?

The frequency range typically spans from 20Hz to 20kHz, covering the full audio spectrum.

Can I use the dbx 231s for live sound applications?

Yes, it is commonly used in live sound reinforcement to adjust the sound characteristics of PA systems.

Does it have balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs?

Yes, the dbx 231s provides both XLR and 1/4-inch TRS connectors for balanced and unbalanced connections.

What is the maximum boost/cut range for each band?

Each band can typically boost or cut by up to ±6dB.

Is it suitable for studio recording?

Yes, it can be used in recording studios for shaping the tonal characteristics of audio signals.

Can I use the dbx 231s with both line-level and microphone-level signals?

Yes, it can be used with both line-level and microphone-level signals, offering versatility in various audio setups.

Does it include a low-cut or high-pass filter?

The dbx 231s typically includes a low-cut filter that can remove frequencies below a selectable cutoff point.

Is there a bypass switch for A/B comparisons?

Some versions of the dbx 231s may include a bypass switch for comparing the equalized and unaltered audio.

Is there a rack-mount kit available for the dbx 231s?

Yes, a rack-mount kit is often available to mount the equalizer in a standard rack case.

Is there a version of the dbx 231s with a digital display?

The dbx 231s is typically an analog equalizer without a digital display.

Can I connect multiple dbx 231s units in a signal chain?

Yes, you can daisy-chain multiple units to process different sections of the audio signal.

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