dbx 1215 Dual Channel 15-Band Equalizer
Description
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 <10Hz to >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.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The dbx 1215 delivers 15-band ISO-centered EQ in a compact 2U format, ideal for tracking, mixing, and mastering sessions where you need precise frequency control without coloration. Each of its dual channels offers independent or linked stereo operation, 45 mm faders for tactile mixing, switchable +/−6 dB or +/−15 dB ranges, and a 40 Hz high-pass filter to tighten low-end mud during recording or submix shaping. Exceptional specs—109–115 dB dynamic range, less than 0.005% THD+Noise, and −80 dB interchannel crosstalk—ensure your EQ work sits cleanly in any mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the dbx 1215 on individual tracks and a stereo bus at the same time?
Yes. The dual-channel design allows you to run two independent mono signals or link both channels for stereo operation on a single stereo pair, giving you flexibility to EQ a vocal and a drum bus simultaneously or work on a stereo master.
What input and output connectors does it have?
The 1215 accepts XLR (balanced), 1/4" TRS (balanced), and barrier strip connectors for flexible wiring in studios, live rigs, and installed systems. Both channels can mix input connector types independently.
Is the high-pass filter on both channels?
Yes. Each channel has a switchable 40 Hz, 18 dB per octave low-cut filter to remove subsonic rumble and mud from sources like vocals, drums, or kick before they reach your main mix.
What are the boost and cut range options?
Each channel offers switchable gain ranges of +/−6 dB or +/−15 dB per band, so you can choose subtle surgical EQ for tracking or aggressive tone-shaping for problem frequencies in live sound or mastering.
What happens to audio if the power goes out?
The 1215 has a power-off hard-wire relay bypass that automatically passes audio through unchanged if power is lost, ensuring your signal chain never cuts out during a performance or session.