dbx 223xs - 2-Way Stereo/3-Way Mono Crossover with XLR Connectors

dbx 223xs - 2-way stereo/3-way mono crossover with XLR and 24 dB/oct Linkwitz–Riley filters

The dbx 223xs is a high-performance analog crossover for PA, monitor, and fixed installation applications. It offers 2-way stereo or 3-way mono operation with 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley filters for flat summing and clean transitions between channels. It features balanced XLR inputs and outputs , a 40 Hz high-pass filter per channel for system protection, phase inversion on each output, independent level control per band, and a x10 switch for extended crossover frequency range. For subwoofer systems, it features a mono low-frequency output (LF SUM) that sums the left and right channels.

With a bandwidth of <3 Hz–>90 kHz (+0/−3 dB) , THD+N < 0.004 % (@ +4 dBu, 1 kHz), and a dynamic range of >106 dB , the 223xs delivers clean sound and plenty of headroom for demanding venues and touring applications. Its 1U construction and universal power supply make it suitable for mobile or permanent racks.

Main features

• Modes : 2-way stereo or 3-way mono switchable.
• Crossover filters : Linkwitz–Riley, 24 dB/oct (state variable) for flat acoustic summing.
• Frequency ranges :
  Stereo — Low/High: 45–960 Hz (or 450 Hz–9.6 kHz with x10 ).
  Mono — Low/Mid and Mid/High: 45–960 Hz (or 450 Hz–9.6 kHz with x10 ).
• Low Cut : 40 Hz Butterworth high-pass 12 dB/oct per channel.
• LF SUM : optional summed mono subwoofer output.
• Output controls : level and phase inversion (with indicators).
• Connectivity : Balanced XLR inputs and outputs (RF filtered).
• Performance : 20 Hz–20 kHz +0/−0.5 dB ; <3 Hz–>90 kHz +0/−3 dB ; THD+N <0.004% ; DR >106 dB ; crosstalk < −80 dB.
• Construction : 1U rack (44.5 × 482.6 × 175 mm); 1.7 kg ; consumption 15 W.

Product benefits

• More useful pressure and less distortion : each stage works only its band, with precise LR24 transitions.
• Quick and safe adjustment : Low Cut at 40 Hz, phase inversion and independent level per channel.
• Real versatility : stereo bi-amping, mono tri-amping and sub mono with LF SUM .
• Professional integration : Balanced XLR I/O, wide level range and low noise.

Use cases

• Portable PA : tops + subs in 2-way stereo or 3-way mono high SPL systems.
• Stage monitors : clean band separation and phase control between tracks.
• Fixed installations : auditoriums, temples, clubs and multipurpose rooms with band distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it have a mono subwoofer output? Yes, using the LF SUM function on the rear panel.
• What's the difference from the 223s? The 223xs uses XLR connectors for I/O; the 223s uses 1/4" TRS jacks . The functions are equivalent.
• Does the Low Cut affect all outputs? The 40 Hz high-pass is activated per channel before the crossover, protecting the sub-bass system.

Description for projects

dbx 223xs active crossover ; 2-way stereo / 3-way mono operation; 24 dB/oct Linkwitz–Riley filters. Crossover ranges: 45–960 Hz ( x10 : 450 Hz–9.6 kHz ) stereo and mono (Low/Mid, Mid/High). 40 Hz Butterworth Low Cut 12 dB/oct per channel; LF SUM (sub mono) switchable; phase invertible and level per output. Inputs : XLR female, electronically balanced/unbalanced (RF filtered), >50 kΩ bal. / >25 kΩ unbal. , max. > +22 dBu . Outputs : XLR male, electronically balanced/unbalanced (RF filtered), 60 Ω bal. / 30 Ω unbal. , max. > +20 dBu into ≥ 600 Ω . Performance: 20 Hz–20 kHz +0/−0.5 dB ; <3 Hz–>90 kHz +0/−3 dB ; THD+N <0.004 % (@ +4 dBu/1 kHz); DR >106 dB ; crosstalk < −80 dB; CMRR > 40 dB (typ. >55 dB @1 kHz). Indicators : Stereo/Mono, Low Cut, x10 and phase LEDs per output. Power supply 100/120/230 V~ 50/60 Hz ; consumption 15 W . Dimensions 44.5 × 482.6 × 175 mm (H × W × D), weight 1.7 kg (shipping 2.5 kg ).