dbx 234XS - Digital Zone Processor

dbx 234xs - Active 2/3-way stereo and 4-way mono crossover with 24 dB/oct Linkwitz-Riley filters

The dbx 234xs is an analog crossover for PA systems requiring bi-, tri-, or 4-way amplification. It employs 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley filters to precisely separate the spectrum, sending each power amp/speaker only the band it can reproduce most efficiently, reducing distortion and improving clarity. It offers switchable 2-way stereo , 3-way stereo , or 4-way mono modes, a summed mono subwoofer output (LF SUM), a 40 Hz low-cut filter , and a x10 switch for extended crossover ranges. All connectivity is via XLR (inputs and outputs), ideal for professional environments.

Each output features independent level control and phase inversion with indicator, making it easy to align between channels. With a dynamic range of >106 dB , THD+N <0.004% (at +4 dBu, 1 kHz), and a response of <3 Hz–>90 kHz , the dbx 234xs is a robust, quiet solution for touring, fixed installations, and studios that require reliable system splitting between subs, bass, midrange, and treble.

Main features

• Modes : 2-way stereo , 3-way stereo or 4-way mono (switchable; stereo/mono status LEDs).
• Crossover filters : Linkwitz-Riley 24 dB/oct ( professional standard ) for flat acoustic summing.
• Frequency ranges :
  Stereo — Low/High: 45–960 Hz (or 450 Hz–9.6 kHz with x10 ); Low/Mid: 45–960 Hz (or ×10); Mid/High: 450Hz–9.6kHz.
  Mono 4-way — Low/Low-Mid: 45–960 Hz (or ×10); Low-Mid/High-Mid: 450 Hz–9.6 kHz; High-Mid/High: 450Hz–9.6kHz.
• Low Cut 40 Hz (Butterworth 12 dB/oct) per channel to protect the system and eliminate infra-bass.
• LF SUM (sub mono) switchable.
• Phase inversion on all outputs (LED per output) and independent level control per band.
• Professional connectivity : electronically balanced XLR inputs and outputs .
• x10 switch per channel to multiply the crossover frequency adjustment range by 10.
• Performance : DR >106 dB , THD+N <0.004% (@ +4 dBu, 1 kHz), <3 Hz–>90 kHz (+0/−3 dB), crosstalk < −80 dB.
• Lightweight and reliable 1U rack-mount construction (H × W × D: 44.5 × 482.6 × 175 mm; 1.8 kg).

Product benefits

• More usable pressure and less distortion : each stage works only in its own band; the system gains clarity and headroom .
• Simple alignment : phase and level inversion per channel to match polarities and sensitivities of the stages/boxes.
• True versatility : bi-amp, tri-amp or 4-way from the same unit, with integrated sub mono and Low Cut.
• Professional integration : XLR connectors, wide crossover ranges ( x10 ) and low signal noise.

Use cases

• Tri-amplified PA (3-way stereo) for 3-way tops + subs.
• Bi-amplification of 2-way speakers switched to active (2-way stereo).
• 4-way mono systems for large-format sound reinforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does it differ from the 234s? The 234xs uses XLR connectors for inputs/outputs; the 234s uses 1/4" TRS jacks . The functions and filters are equivalent.
• Can I use a mono subwoofer? Yes. Activate LF SUM to sum the bass from both channels and feed a mono subwoofer.
• Is the 234xs digital? No. It's analog , with 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley filters.
• What is the x10 switch for? It multiplies the crossover potentiometer range by 10, useful for high frequencies (e.g., 2–6 kHz).

Description for projects

dbx 234xs active crossover ; 2/3-way stereo or 4-way mono modes; 24 dB/oct Linkwitz-Riley filters; crossover ranges: 45–960 Hz (Low) and 450 Hz–9.6 kHz (with x10 ); Low Cut 40 Hz (Butterworth 12 dB/oct) per channel; switchable LF SUM (sub mono); independent level and phase reverse on each output; XLR inputs (balanced >50 kΩ; max. > +22 dBu); XLR outputs (balanced 60 Ω / unbalanced 30 Ω; max. > +20 dBu at ≥ 600 Ω); Performance: bandwidth 20 Hz–20 kHz +0/−0.5 dB , response <3 Hz–>90 kHz +0/−3 dB , DR >106 dB , THD+N <0.004 % (@ +4 dBu, 1 kHz), crosstalk < −80 dB; power supply 100/120/230 V~ , 15 W ; dimensions 44.5 × 482.6 × 175 mm (H × W × D); weight 1.8 kg (shipping 2.6 kg ).