dbx DriveRack 260 - Dual 31-Band Graphic EQ/Limiter with Type V™ NR and AFS®

dbx DriveRack 260 - 2x6 Loudspeaker Management System with AutoEQ, AFS™, and Bessel/Butterworth/Linkwitz-Riley Crossovers

The dbx DriveRack 260 is a loudspeaker management processor that concentrates “everything you need between the desk and the power amps” in a single 2-input, 6-output unit. It incorporates 28-band graphic EQ (per channel) or 9-band parametric EQ in the input section, independent processing per output (PEQ, limiters, alignment delays), Bessel, Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley crossover topologies, AFS™ advanced feedback suppression and AutoEQ assisted by a real-time analyzer (RTA) and pink noise generator. It is controlled from the front or via PC (RS-232, DriveWare GUI) and accepts ZC wall panels via RS-485 bus (RJ-45) for volume, mute or program selection in installations.

To ensure quality and headroom, the 260 employs dbx Type IV™ conversion at 48 kHz , with dynamic range >110 dB , THD+N 0.003% typical at +4 dBu and response 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.5 dB . It supports input levels up to +30 dBu (via jumpers), electronically balanced inputs with >40 kΩ impedance and balanced 120 Ω XLR outputs . The RTA microphone input integrates +15 V phantom power for optimized AutoEQ in the room. With 2.7 s total delay (alignment/zone), a setup wizard with JBL®/Crown® libraries and PeakStopPlus® limiters for cabinet protection, the DriveRack 260 is a proven solution for portable PA and fixed installation.

Main features

• 2×6 Architecture : 2 balanced XLR inputs + 1 XLR RTA input; 6 balanced XLR outputs with independent processing.
• Input EQ : Choose between 28-band GEQ (linkable) or 9-band PEQ per channel.
• AFS™ (Advanced Feedback Suppression) and AutoEQ with RTA and real-time pink noise generator.
• Crossover with Bessel/Butterworth/Linkwitz-Riley filters and flexible routing (full-range, 2/3/4 ways, LCR, auxiliary zones, etc.).
• Output processing : PEQ, PeakStopPlus® limiters , alignment delay , polarity inversion.
• Input dynamics : classic dbx compressor, gate/AGC, and notch filters ; optional subharmonic synthesizer .
• Conversion and Performance : dbx Type IV™ , 48 kHz, DR >110 dB , THD+N 0.003% typical, 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.5 dB .
• Delays : Up to 2.7s combined for alignment and zones.
• Control : DriveWare GUI via RS-232 (DB-9), RS-485 RJ-45 input for ZC panels, security lock.
• 1U construction : 44 × 482 × 200 mm (H × W × D), 2.5 kg ; front-mounted I/O meters and individual mutes.

Product benefits

• Quick System Optimization : Wizard + AutoEQ/RTA and Cabinet/Stage Templates speed up initial setup.
• Total control and protection : PeakStopPlus® limiters, AFS™ and professional routing/crossover reduce risks and feedback.
• Consistent sonic quality : Type IV™ conversion, wide dynamic range and dbx EQ/compression preserve your mix.
• Versatility in live and installation : presets, delays, remote ZC and multiple configurations (2, 3 or 4 ways; zones).

Use cases

• Portable PA : Stereo tri-amping with AFS™ for vocals and limiters to protect the system.
• Commercial installation : zone distribution with ZC wall control (volume/mute/programs) and room AutoEQ.
• Corporate events : quick setup with the wizard and memories for recurring scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the graphic equalizer 31 bands? No; the 260's input GEQ is 28 bands per channel (or 9-band PEQ). The iEQ models (e.g., iEQ31) are 31 bands.
• Do I need a computer to use it? No; you can operate it from the front panel. DriveWare software via RS-232 makes editing and backup easy.
• Can I integrate wall panels? Yes; it supports ZC controllers (RJ-45/RS-485) for volume, mute, or program selection.

Description for projects

dbx DriveRack 260 Loudspeaker Management Processor ; 2×6 Architecture; Inputs: 2 × XLR line (electronically balanced, RF filtered, >40 kΩ , max. +30 dBu with jumpers) + 1 × XLR RTA ( +15 V phantom ); Outputs: 6 × balanced XLR (120 Ω, max. +22 dBu ); Selectable input EQ: 28-band GEQ or 9-band PEQ ; Bessel/Butterworth/Linkwitz-Riley crossover ; AFS™ , AGC , compressor/limiter, notch and subharmonic filters ; PEQ and PeakStopPlus® limiters per output; Delays up to 2.7 s ; dbx Type IV™ conversion, 48 kHz , performance: DR >110 dB (Aw), THD+N 0.003% typical at +4 dBu/1 kHz, 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.5 dB ; RS-232 control (DriveWare GUI) and RS-485 (RJ-45) input for ZC ; dimensions 44 × 482 × 200 mm , weight 2.5 kg .