DBX 120A User Guide

8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.

Sandy, Utah 84070

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Int’l Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

http://www.dbxpro.com

A Harman International Company

18-0050-A 11/01

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 1/4” 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.

• Individual control for two ranges of
subharmonic frequencies

• Separate Low Frequency Boost
circuit

• Separate Subwoofer Output

• 1/4” Balanced Inputs and Outputs

• RCA Input Connectors

• Front panel LEDs that show
crossover status and synthesis
activity

• Patented circuitry ensures that mid
and high frequencies are not
affected

• Built-in crossover with 80Hz or
120Hz crossover points

Enhance bass audio material for use in
a variety of professional applications
such as:

• Nightclub and dance mixing

• DJ mixing

• Theater and Film sound

• Music Recording

• Live Music Performance

• Broadcasting

Subharmonic Synthesizer

120A

dbx engineers are constantly working to improve the quality of our products. Specifications are, therefore subject to change without notice.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

dbx Professional Products

8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.

Sandy, Utah 84070

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

http://www.dbxpro.com

A Harman International Company

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB, (no synthesis, full-range mode)

15Hz-90kHz +0, -3dB

Input Impedance: ≥40kΩ Balanced or 20kΩ unbalanced (1/4”) 20kΩ (RCA)
Maximum Input Level: +22dBu (1/4”) +8.5dBV (RCA)
Output Impedance: 100Ω, Impedance balanced
Maximum Output Level: +22dBu into 600Ω

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)

Power Requirements: 100-120VAC; 50/60Hz DO Version, 220-240VAC; 50/60Hz

EU Version

Dimensions: 1.75"x19"x6.2" (4.5cm x 48.3cm x 15.75cm)
Rack Space: 1 Rack Unit
Weight: Net/Shipping: 4.75 lbs/8 lbs, 2.2kg/3.7kg