User guide

6
OPERATION MANUAL
operation and appliCation notes
Thedbx20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 environment -- from the studio to the
concerthall--tostopringing,increaseclarity,andflatten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.Thelongthrowfad-
ers of the EQs allow very precise settings of the equalization for accurate equalization curves.
Foroptimumsignal-to-noiseresponse,thegainstructureofthesoundsystemmustbeproperlysetup.Eachcompo-
nentofthesoundsystemshouldbesetatitsnominaloperating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.
Allactiveequalizers,bynatureofdesign,addnoisewhenboostingorcuttingthatcaneasilydegradetheotherwise
acceptablesignal-to-noiseratioofasoundsystem.Drasticequalizationcanresultinalossof20dBormoresignal-
to-noise.dbxTypeIII™NoiseReductionwasengineeredspecificallyforapplicationssuchasthis.Itprovidesupto
20dBofnoisereduction,thusrestoringthedynamicrangenecessaryforeventhemostdemandingprofessional
soundsystems.Thecombinationofproperwiring,propergainstructureandTYPEIII™NoiseReductionshould
render your sound system virtually noise free.
teChniCal support / FaCtory serviCe
The dbx 20 Series EQs are all solid-state products with components chosen for high performance and excellent reli-
ability.Eachunithasbeentestedandburned-inatthefactory.Noadjustmentofanytypeshouldberequired
throughout the life of the unit.
Ifcircumstancesarisewhichnecessitaterepair,werecommendthatyourEQbereturnedtothefactory.Thiscan
onlybedonebyreceivingaRETURNAUTHORIZATIONnumberfromdbxcustomerservice.
IfyourequiretechnicalsupportcontactCustomerService.Bepreparedtoaccuratelydescribetheproblem.Know
the serial number of your unit (printed on a sticker attached to the chassis of the unit).
Contact information is printed on the back cover of this manual.