dbx by HARMAN unveiled seven powerful additions to its popular 500 Series signal processing modules at Winter NAMM 2016.

Recommended for studio, live sound and mobile recording applications, the 500 Series modules and PowerRack 500 Series chassis are compact, portable and highly modular, offering excellent features, control, sound quality, and the highly sought-after warmth and usability of analogue signal processing.

dbx 540

Key features of the new dbx 540 include single-slot 500 Series tube microphone preamp boasting pristine audio output and superior-quality high-end design at a value price; Class A tube preamplifier, switchable phantom power and a super-fast in-line optical compressor; and an interchangeable 12AX7 preamp tube allowing users to experiment with a variety of modern and vintage tubes for creating a customised sound.

dbx 565

The ideal 500 Series dual-channel optical compressor for the discriminating user, the new dbx 565 features a dual-channel multi-frequency-band optical compressor; Linkwitz-Riley 4th-order (24dB/octave) crossover slope; master level display with VU meter; gain reduction LED; independent compression; attack and release controls; and a circuit bypass switch.

Additionally, the new 555 5-band parametric EQ, the 570 High-Z input and the 590 phase manipulator will join the current dbx 500 Series line offering a full range of processing tools for recording and live sound.

dbx by HARMAN also released the new PowerBlock3 and PowerRack3 at Winter NAMM 2016. Key features include power sources designed to house up to three 500 Series modules; rear panel sporting three slots of balanced XLR inputs and outputs along with three slots of unbalanced ¼-inch inputs and outputs; 48V phantom power switch located on the front of the rack for easy access; and chassis fully compatible with the 500 Series format and available in two different compact orientations – horizontal and vertical.

Jands is a leading Australian distributor of professional sound, lighting and staging equipment.

Image: dbx 555 5-band parametric EQ