DBX Subharmonic Processor

dbx 120A Subharmonic Synthesizer

 — Why just rock the house when you can rattle the foundation loose. The wildy popular beat of "House Music" is likely to be driven by the throbbing, low-end bass of dbx Subharmonic Synthesizers in clubs around the world. For decades, the patented dbx Subharmonic Synthesis has been the secret weapon used by mobile DJ's and film and sound professionals to produce an impact unavailable from any other device unique because the dbx process actually produces a new, Waveform Modeled bass note, exactly an octave below the bass in the original audio.

The dbx 120A Subharmonic Synthesizer with Modeled Waveform Synthesis has been specially optimized by dbx engineers for the needs of audio professionals. Its two separate bands of bass synthesis provide the best combination of smoothness and control, and the independent Low Frequency Boost circuit is designed to get the most out of high-performance low frequency speaker systems.

Flexible system interfacing is achieved by providing both ¼" and RCA input connectors, along with main outputs which can be full range (including synthesis) or high frequency only, along with a separate subwoofer output with its own level control.

The 120A's patented subharmonic synthesis process actually builds the synthesized waveform using the waveshape of the original bass material. Unlike other attempts at bass synthesis, the dbx process produces smooth, musical low frequencies that don't interfere with mid and high-band information, even when maximum synthesis and boost are applied. The result is a low-end punch that people really feel, even at system levels that won't destroy sound equipment or damage hearing.

Specs

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB, (no synthesis, full-range mode) 15Hz-90kHz +0, -3dB

Input Impedance: >= 40k ohm Bal or 20k ohm unbal. (1/4") 20k ohm (RCA)

Maximum Input Level: +22dBu (1/4") +8.5dBV (RCA)

Output Impedance: 100 ohm, Impedance balanced

Maximum Output Level: +22 dBu into 600 ohm

Connector Type: 1/4" TRS jacks (inputs and outputs) RCA inputs

THD: 0.05% (no synthesis, either output)

Output Noise: -88dBu, controls@max., 22Hz > 22kHz unweighted (full range output)

Front Panel Controls: 26-36Hz and 36-56Hz Band Synthesis Level, Subharmonics, Low Frequency Boost, Subwoofer Output Crossover Frequency, Select, Crossover in/out

Indicators: Power, Crossover, Bypass

Metering: Synthesis activity (3 LEDs per band)

Dynamic Range: 112dB

Synthesis Frequency Range: 26-56Hz (from 54-110Hz input signal)

Crossover: 12dB/octave high pass (-3dB @ 80 Hz or 120Hz); 6dB/octave derived low pass. Phase-coherent (unity-sum)