dbx 1215 Dual Channel 15-Band Equalizer

dbx 1215 Dual Channel 15-Band Equalizer

The dbx 1215 is a professional-grade dual-channel equalizer built into a compact 2U rack format that delivers surgical control over the frequency spectrum for mixing, mastering, and tracking applications. Its 45 mm faders provide smooth, precise adjustment across 15 ISO-centered bands, making it essential for shaping individual tracks, bus processing, or final stereo mixes. The dual-channel design allows independent EQ sculpting on two separate sources or stereo linked operation for cohesive tonal adjustments across a stereo pair.

Audio Performance

This unit maintains exceptional transparency with a dynamic range of 109–115 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 90–97 dB, ensuring a clean, inaudible noise floor even during aggressive EQ work on sensitive vocal and acoustic recordings. The frequency response extends from 50kHz, covering the entire audible spectrum and beyond, while THD+Noise remains below 0.005%—imperceptible to the ear. Interchannel crosstalk is minimized to less than −80 dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, guaranteeing pristine stereo separation in paired-channel sessions.

Studio Integration & Routing

The 1215 accepts balanced or unbalanced signals via XLR, 1/4″ TRS, and barrier strip connectors, with input impedance of 40 kOhm (balanced) or 20 kOhm (unbalanced) for seamless integration into analog or hybrid recording chains. Output impedance is 200 Ohm balanced or 100 Ohm unbalanced, delivering maximum output levels greater than +21 dBu balanced/unbalanced into 2 kΩ or higher for headroom during mastering and tracking. The magnetically isolated transformer, electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs, and servo balanced outputs ensure low-noise operation and complete flexibility in routing between preamps, summing busses, and master outputs.

Key Features

• 15 2/3 octave bands with ISO frequency centers at 25Hz, 40Hz, 63Hz, 100Hz, 160Hz, 250Hz, 400Hz, 630Hz, 1kHz, 1.6kHz, 2.5kHz, 4kHz, 6.3kHz, 10kHz, and 16kHz
• Switchable boost/cut ranges of +/−6dB or +/−15dB for flexible gain staging
• Switchable 40Hz/18 dB per octave low-cut filters on each channel
• ±12 dB input gain range for precise level matching
• 45 mm faders with smooth, professional feel and accurate positioning
• 4-LED bar graph output level display with −10, 0, +10, and +18 dBu readings
• Additional status LEDs for EQ bypass, clip detection, low-cut activation, and boost/cut range indication
• XLR, 1/4″ TRS, and barrier strip connectivity with maximum acceptable input level of +22 dBu
• Magnetically isolated transformer with RF-filtered inputs and outputs
• Power-off hard-wire relay bypass with 2 second power-up delay
• Compact 2U steel/aluminum chassis (3.5″ H × 19″ W × 7.9″ D, 8.5 lbs)
• 24W power consumption, operates 100–230VAC via IEC receptacle

The dbx 1215 combines meticulous engineering, transparent audio quality, and comprehensive EQ control in a rock-solid package that delivers reliable, musical results on drum bus, vocal chains, bass tracking, and stereo mixes in professional studio environments.