dbx 1215 - 15-band dual-channel equalizer

dbx 1215 - 15-band (2/3 octave) dual graphic equalizer with 40 Hz and ±6/±15 dB low-cut filter

The dbx 1215 is a professional, dual-channel, 15-band graphic equalizer ( 2/3 octave step, ISO centers 25 Hz to 16 kHz) designed for live sound, monitor, studio, and installation applications. It features switchable ±6 dB / ±15 dB boost/cut range , ±12 dB input gain , a 40 Hz Low Cut (Bessel, 18 dB/oct ), and front-mounted switchable bypass . 45 mm center-positioned 0 dB faders allow precise curve drawing, while 4-LED output meters (-10/0/+10/+18 dBu) and status indicators facilitate quick operation.

For reliable integration, the 1215 incorporates electronically balanced inputs and impedance-balanced (servo) outputs on XLR , 1/4" TRS and terminal blocks (barrier strip) , with RF filter on I/O and chassis/signal ground decoupling option (internal jumper) to resolve loops. The architecture includes a “hard-wire” bypass relay at power off (with a 2 s power-up delay), guaranteeing signal passage even without power. In terms of performance, it delivers <10 Hz–>50 kHz (+0.5/−3 dB), THD+N < 0.005% , dynamic range 109/115 dB (±15/±6 dB) and crosstalk < −80 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, all in a 2U chassis.

Main features

• Dual 15 bands per channel (2/3 octave, ISO centers 25 Hz–16 kHz).
• Switchable band range : ±6 dB or ±15 dB (status LED), and input gain ±12 dB .
• Low Cut at 40 Hz (Bessel, 18 dB/oct) per channel to eliminate infra-bass and handling noise.
• Channel bypass and hard-wire relay on power off (2 s delay on power on) for maximum signal security.
• Measurement : 4-LED output VU meters (−10/0/+10/+18 dBu), Clip, Low Cut and ±6/±15 dB range status.
• Complete connectivity : XLR , TRS 6.35 mm and terminal block on inputs and outputs.
• Professional I/O : electronically balanced inputs (40 kΩ bal./20 kΩ unbal.; max. > +21 dBu) and impedance-balanced (servo) outputs (200 Ω bal./100 Ω unbal.; max. > +21 dBu at ≥ 2 kΩ; > +18 dBm at 600 Ω).
• Protections : RF-filtered inputs/outputs and chassis/signal ground decoupling by jumper.
• Hi-Fi Audio : <10 Hz–>50 kHz (+0.5/−3 dB), THD+N < 0.005 % , DR 109/115 dB (±15/±6 dB), S/N 90/97 dB .
• 2U construction for 19" rack with internal transformer and magnetic shielding.

Product benefits

• Fast, visual correction for PA, monitors, or installation thanks to its 15 bands/CH and 45mm faders.
• Musical and predictable control : The ±6/±15 dB range allows for fine retouching to extensive correction.
• Professional integration : multiple connection formats, wide output head and guaranteed signal pass-through when switched off.
• Very low noise and distortion to maintain system character at any level.

Use cases

• Live PA : room equalization, resonance control, and improved headroom.
• Stage monitors : dedicated wedge or side-fill adjustment per channel.
• Commercial installation : tonal optimization by zones in auditoriums, temples, gyms or retail.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it digital or analog? The 1215 is a two-channel analog equalizer with fixed ISO bands.
• Does it have a high-pass filter? Yes, 40 Hz Bessel 18 dB/oct with status LED.
• What connectors does it include? Inputs and outputs in XLR , 6.35 mm TRS , and terminal blocks for installation.

Description for projects

dbx 1215 15-band/CH dual graphic EQ (2/3 octave; ISO centers 25 Hz–16 kHz); ±6/±15 dB switchable range ; ±12 dB input gain ; 40 Hz low cut (Bessel 18 dB/oct) per channel; per-channel bypass and hard-wire relay on power-off (2 s power-up delay); output metering (−10/0/+10/+18 dBu) and status LEDs (Clip, Low Cut, Range). Inputs: Female XLR , 1/4" TRS and terminal block , electronically balanced , RF-filtered, 40 kΩ bal. / 20 kΩ unbal., max. > +21 dBu , CMRR > 40 dB (typ. > 55 dB at 1 kHz). Outputs: XLR male , 6.35 mm TRS and terminal block , impedance balanced (servo) , RF filtered, 200 Ω bal. / 100 Ω unbal.; max. level > +21 dBu (≥ 2 kΩ) or > +18 dBm (600 Ω). Performance: usable band 20 Hz–20 kHz +0.5/−1 dB , resp. <10 Hz–>50 kHz +0.5/−3 dB ; THD+N < 0.005 % (@ +4 dBu/1 kHz); DR 109 dB (±15 dB) / 115 dB (±6 dB); S/N 90/97 dB ; crosstalk < −80 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz). Power supply: 100/120/230 V~ 50/60 Hz; Power consumption 24 W. Rack format 2U ; dimensions 8.9 × 48.3 × 20.1 cm (H × W × D); weight approx. 3.86 kg .