dbx 580 - Microphone Preamplifier

dbx 580 - 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier with Variable Low-Cut Filter and Detail Controls

The dbx 580 is a 500 Series microphone preamplifier that combines a low-noise design with practical tools for sculpting your sound at the source. It offers up to 60 dB of gain , +48 V phantom power , a -20 dB pad , polarity inversion , and a front-facing instrument input (high impedance), plus a variable frequency Low-Cut filter and two dedicated Detail controls (Low/High) for enhanced bass and musically curved air. A backlit VU meter and Peak LED make it easy to quickly and accurately adjust gain structure.

The 580 fits into any 500 Series chassis in a single slot and delivers a high-current, line-level output for direct connection to mixers, interfaces, or other devices with analog line inputs. Its balanced electronics (I/O) architecture and excellent typical EIN of > −128 dBu deliver a clean, detailed soundstage, while the Detail and Low-Cut filters allow you to fine-tune your tone without additional processing.

Main features

• Microphone gain up to 60 dB with continuous control.
• Low-Cut filter with variable frequency from 30 to 300 Hz , slope 12 dB/oct (Bessel), switchable on the panel.
• Detail controls for shaping the tone:
  • Low Detail : Bass boost with bell at 125 Hz and simultaneous cut at 400 Hz , up to +15 dB .
  • High Detail : High shelving with corner frequency at 10 kHz , up to +15 dB .
• +48 V phantom power, −20 dB pad (post mic input), polarity inversion and MIC/INSTR switching .
• Front 500kΩ (TS 1/4”) instrument input , ideal for bass, guitar or synthesizers.
• Metering : Backlit VU and Peak LED (lit 3 dB before clipping) monitoring all stages.
• 500 Series format : 1 slot , ±16 V power supply; typical consumption 80 mA per rail (2.56 W).

Product benefits

• Clean and configurable sound : silent preamp with shaping tools (Detail and Low-Cut) to leave the signal ready from the take.
• Fast Workflow : VU + Peak LEDs and dedicated controls to adjust gain in seconds, without menus.
• True versatility : from condenser (phantom) to dynamic and ribbon microphones, and instrument DI in the same module.
• Direct Integration : Balanced line-level output, ready for mixers, interfaces and recorders.
• Universal Compatibility : Fits any standard 500 Series chassis, occupying a single slot.

Use cases

• Vocals : Control proximity with Low-Cut and add “air” with High Detail.
• Bass and guitar (INSTR input): Reinforces body with Low Detail without muddying the mids.
• Percussion and drums : Use the pad and polarity for multi-mic setups and bass cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the pad affect the instrument input? No, the −20 dB pad acts on the microphone path (post-input), not on INSTR.
• Can I use it with ribbon microphones? Yes; just make sure the +48V is off before connecting the mic.
• Which chassis do I need? Any standard 500 Series power frame with a ±16 V power supply and one free slot.

Description for projects

dbx 580 Microphone Preamplifier for 500 Series Format (1 Slot); 60 dB Max Gain; +48 V , −20 dB Pad , Polarity Reverse , MIC/INSTR Switching ; Low-Cut Filter 30–300 Hz , 12 dB/oct (Bessel); Detail Controls: Low (+15 dB at 125 Hz with simultaneous cutoff at 400 Hz) and High (+15 dB with shelf at 10 kHz); INSTR TS 1/4” 500 kΩ input; balanced output; VU metering and peak LEDs; chassis power ±16 V ( 80 mA/rail , 2.56 W ); typical performance: EIN > −128 dBu , THD+N < 0.006 % , 20 Hz–20 kHz +0/−1 dB ; dimensions 13.34 × 3.81 × 15.24 cm ; weight 0.59 kg .