1. Introdución
Thank you for choosing the dbx 215s Dual Channel 15-Band Equalizer. This professional audio device is designed to provide precise frequency control for various sound reinforcement and recording applications. With its dual 15-band, 2/3-octave constant Q frequency bands, the 215s offers exceptional sound shaping capabilities and rugged reliability, making it an industry standard for touring, studios, and audio installations.
This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your dbx 215s equalizer. Please read it thoroughly before using the unit to ensure optimal performance and safety.
2. Información importante de seguridade
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. Always observe the following safety precautions:
- Fonte de enerxía: Conecte a unidade só á fonte de alimentación especificada do vol.tage as marked on the rear panel.
- Conexión a terra: Asegúrese de que a unidade estea debidamente conectada a terra para evitar descargas eléctricas.
- Ventilación: Non bloquee as aberturas de ventilación. Asegúrese de que haxa un fluxo de aire axeitado arredor da unidade para evitar o sobrequecemento.
- Humidade: Non expoña a unidade á choiva nin á humidade. Non coloque obxectos cheos de líquidos enriba da unidade.
- Obxectos estranxeiros: Do not insert any objects into the unit's openings.
- Servizo: Non intente realizar o mantemento desta unidade vostede mesmo. Encomende calquera mantemento a persoal de servizo cualificado.
- Substitución de fusibles: Replace fuses only with the same type and rating as specified on the unit's rear panel.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" dentro do recinto do produto que pode ser de magnitude suficiente para constituír un risco de descarga eléctrica para as persoas.
O signo de exclamación dentro dun triángulo equilátero ten como obxectivo alertar o usuario da presenza de instrucións importantes de operación e mantemento (reparación) na literatura que acompaña ao aparello.
3. Produto rematadoview
The dbx 215s is a dual-channel, 15-band graphic equalizer designed for professional audio applications. It features intuitive controls and robust construction for reliable performance.
3.1 Características principais
- Dual 15-band, 1/3-octave constant Q frequency bands.
- Switchable boost/cut ranges of ±6 dB or ±12 dB.
- Front panel bypass switch for quick A/B comparison.
- ±12 dB input gain range for level matching.
- 4-Segment LED ladders for monitoring output levels.
- Inputs: ¼” TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot).
- Outputs: ¼” TRS and male XLR (pin 2 Hot).
3.2 Controis do panel frontal
Figure 3.2.1: Front Panel of the dbx 215s Equalizer.
The front panel features two identical channels of equalization controls. Each channel includes:
- Control de ganancia de entrada: A rotary knob to adjust the input level.
- Interruptor de rango: Toggles between ±6 dB and ±12 dB boost/cut range for the frequency sliders.
- Interruptor de derivación: Engages or bypasses the equalizer processing for that channel.
- Frequency Sliders: 15 individual sliders for adjusting specific frequency bands (e.g., 20Hz, 40Hz, 63Hz, ..., 16kHz).
- Output Level Meter: A 4-segment LED ladder display indicating the output signal level.
3.3 Conexións do panel traseiro
Figure 3.3.1: Rear Panel of the dbx 215s Equalizer.
The rear panel provides all necessary audio input and output connections, along with the power inlet:
- Entrada de alimentación de CA: Standard IEC power connector for connecting the power cord.
- Channel 1 & 2 Inputs: Both XLR (female) and ¼” TRS balanced input jacks are provided for each channel.
- Channel 1 & 2 Outputs: Both XLR (male) and ¼” TRS balanced output jacks are provided for each channel.
- Portafusibles: Contén o fusible principal de alimentación.
4. Configuración e instalación
4.1 Desembalaxe
Carefully remove the dbx 215s from its packaging. Retain the original packaging materials for future transport or storage. Inspect the unit for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping. If damage is found, contact your dealer immediately.
4.2 Montaxe en rack
The dbx 215s is designed for standard 19-inch rack mounting. It occupies 1U (one rack unit) of space. Ensure adequate ventilation space around the unit, especially if mounting other heat-generating equipment nearby.
- Align the mounting holes on the equalizer with the holes on your equipment rack.
- Secure the unit using appropriate rack screws (not included).
4.3 Conexións de audio
The 215s offers both XLR and ¼” TRS balanced connections. For optimal performance and noise rejection, balanced connections are recommended.
- Conexión de entrada: Connect the output of your mixer, preamplifier, or other audio source to the INPUT of Channel 1 and/or Channel 2 on the dbx 215s using XLR or ¼” TRS cables.
- Conexión de saída: Connect the OUTPUT of Channel 1 and/or Channel 2 on the dbx 215s to the input of your amplifier, powered speakers, or next device in the signal chain using XLR or ¼” TRS cables.
- Ensure all connections are secure and correctly wired (Pin 2 Hot for XLR).
4.4 Conexión de alimentación
- Before connecting power, ensure all audio connections are made and the unit's power switch (if present, though typically on the front for dbx EQs, this model has no explicit power switch on front, it's always on when plugged in) is in the OFF position or that the unit is not yet plugged into the AC outlet.
- Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC inlet on the rear panel of the dbx 215s.
- Plug the other end of the power cord into a suitable AC power outlet. The unit operates on 100-240V~, 50/60Hz.
5. Funcionamento
5.1 Acendido/Apagado
The dbx 215s does not feature a dedicated power switch on the front panel. The unit powers on automatically when connected to an active AC power source. To power off, disconnect the AC power cord from the wall outlet or the unit's rear panel.
5.2 Basic Equalization
The 215s allows you to adjust the frequency response of your audio signal. Each of the 15 sliders corresponds to a specific frequency band. Moving a slider up boosts that frequency, while moving it down cuts that frequency.
- Ganancia de entrada: Use the Input Gain knob to set the overall input level. Aim for the green LEDs on the output meter to light consistently, with occasional yellow flashes, avoiding red clipping indicators.
- Range Switch (±6 dB / ±12 dB): Select the desired boost/cut range. The ±6 dB setting provides finer control, while ±12 dB offers a wider range of adjustment.
- Interruptor de derivación: Press this button to bypass the equalizer's processing. This allows for quick A/B comparisons between the processed and unprocessed signal. The LED above the switch indicates its status (typically lit when active, off when bypassed).
- Frequency Sliders: Adjust individual frequency bands to shape your sound.
- Low Frequencies (20Hz - 160Hz): Affect bass and sub-bass. Boosting can add warmth or punch; cutting can reduce muddiness.
- Mid Frequencies (250Hz - 4kHz): Crucial for vocals and instruments. Adjusting these can affect clarity, presence, or harshness.
- High Frequencies (6.3kHz - 16kHz): Control treble and air. Boosting can add sparkle; cutting can reduce hiss or harshness.
- Output Level Meter: Monitor the output signal level. Ensure the signal is strong enough without clipping (red LED).
When equalizing, it is generally recommended to make cuts rather than boosts to avoid introducing noise or distortion. However, the 215s is designed for high fidelity, allowing for effective boosts when necessary.
6. Mantemento
6.1 Limpeza
To clean the unit, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents. Ensure the unit is powered off and disconnected from the AC outlet before cleaning.
6.2 Substitución de fusibles
If the unit fails to power on, the fuse may need replacement. The fuse holder is located on the rear panel near the AC power inlet.
- Desconecte o cable de alimentación da toma de CA.
- Locate the fuse holder on the rear panel.
- Carefully pry open or twist the fuse holder cap (depending on type).
- Remove the old fuse and replace it with a new fuse of the exact same type and rating as specified on the unit's rear panel (e.g., T500mAL 250V). Using an incorrect fuse can damage the unit or pose a fire hazard.
- Peche ben o portafusibles.
- Volve conectar o cable de alimentación.
If the fuse blows repeatedly, there may be an internal fault. Contact qualified service personnel.
7 Solución de problemas
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your dbx 215s equalizer. If you experience a problem not listed here, or if the suggested solutions do not resolve the issue, please contact dbx customer support.
| Problema | Causa posible | Solución |
|---|---|---|
| Sen alimentación / A unidade non se acende. | Power cord not connected; AC outlet not active; Blown fuse. | Ensure power cord is securely connected. Check AC outlet with another device. Replace fuse as per Section 6.2. |
| Sen saída de audio. | Incorrect cable connections; Bypass switch engaged; Input gain too low; Source device not sending signal. | Verify all audio cables are correctly connected to inputs and outputs. Ensure bypass switch is disengaged (LED off). Increase input gain. Check if the source device is functioning and sending audio. |
| Hum or buzz in audio. | Ground loop; Unbalanced cables in a balanced system; Faulty cables. | Ensure all equipment is properly grounded. Try using balanced XLR or TRS cables. If hum persists, a ground loop isolator may be necessary. Test with different cables. |
| Audio distorsionado. | Input gain too high (clipping); Output level too high; Faulty component. | Reduce input gain until red clipping LEDs no longer illuminate. Lower the output level of the 215s or the next device in the chain. If distortion persists, contact service. |
| Sliders feel loose or unresponsive. | Normal wear; Internal issue. | The sliders on dbx units are known for their solid feel. If they feel unusually loose or do not affect the sound, contact service. |
8. Especificacións
| Característica | Especificación |
|---|---|
| Nome do modelo | DBX215SV |
| Marca | dbx |
| Canles | Canle dual |
| Bands per Channel | 15-band, 2/3-octave |
| Rango de aumento/corte | Switchable ±6 dB or ±12 dB |
| Rango de ganancia de entrada | ± 12 dB |
| Entradas | ¼” TRS and Female XLR (pin 2 Hot) |
| Saídas | ¼” TRS and Male XLR (pin 2 Hot) |
| Resposta en frecuencia | 10 Hz a 50 kHz |
| Rango dinámico | 112 dB |
| Consumo de enerxía | 15 vatios |
| Voltage | 100-240 V~, 50/60 Hz |
| Dimensións (H x W x D) | 1.75 x 19 x 6 polgadas (4.45 x 48.26 x 15.24 cm) |
| Peso do elemento | 4.8 libras (2.18 kg) |
| Cor | Prata |
9. Garantía e soporte
dbx products are manufactured to high quality standards. Your dbx 215s equalizer comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the official dbx websitio web ou na documentación da súa compra para coñecer os termos e condicións específicos da garantía.
Figura 9.1.1: Example of a warranty badge, indicating potential extended warranty options.
Some retailers may offer an extended 1-year warranty. Please check with your point of purchase for details regarding any extended warranty programs.
9.1 Atención ao cliente
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact dbx customer support. You can typically find contact information on the official dbx website or through your product's registration materials.
A comprehensive User Guide (PDF) is also available for download from the dbx websitio web ou a través da seguinte ligazón: dbx 215s User Guide PDF.