dbx DriveRack PA2 - Complete loudspeaker management system

dbx DriveRack PA2 - Complete 2x6 Loudspeaker Management System with AutoEQ™, AFS™, and Network Control

The dbx DriveRack PA2 is a 2-input, 6-output (2x6) loudspeaker management processor designed to optimize, protect, and standardize the performance of live and installed PA systems. It features AutoEQ™ with reference mic metering, AFS™ (Advanced Feedback Suppression) for eliminating feedback, a step-by-step setup wizard with Level Assist , and Ethernet control via a free app for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows . The front panel includes an XLR RTA microphone input with +15 V phantom power for real-time analysis and system calibration, as well as input/output meters and mute per output for quick operation from the rack.

Input processing includes a 31-band graphic EQ , AutoEQ (based on an 8-band parametric EQ ), AFS™ , a dbx compressor , Subharmonic Synth , and a pre-delay for backline alignment. Outputs include a full-range, 2-way, or 3-way crossover , parametric EQ for speaker tuning , alignment delays , and per-band PeakPlus™ limiters . 24-bit dbx Type IV™ conversion and 48 kHz / 32-bit float internal processing deliver 20 Hz–20 kHz (+0/−0.5 dB) response, up to 112 dB(A) dynamic range , 0.003% typical THD+N , and around 1.85 ms input-to-output latency , all in a 1U footprint.

Main features

• 2×6 Architecture : 2 XLR inputs + 6 balanced XLR outputs ; front XLR RTA input with +15 V phantom power .
• Wizards : Setup Wizard , Level Assist , AutoEQ and AFS Wizard for quick and consistent setup.
• AutoEQ™ with RTA measurement and updated algorithm for room equalization using 8-band parametric EQ .
• AFS™ to “ring” the system and suppress feedback in real time without affecting the timbre.
• Input : 31-band GEQ , dbx compressor, Subharmonic Synth , pre-crossover delay (alignment with backline).
• Output : crossover (full-range / 2-way / 3-way), PEQ on outputs for tuning , alignment delays and PeakPlus™ limiters .
• Network control : Ethernet for control and updates from iOS/Android/Mac/Windows apps; USB for firmware.
• Audio : 24-bit conversion, dbx Type IV™ , 48 kHz / 32-bit float , 20 Hz–20 kHz (+0/−0.5 dB), DR A/D and D/A 112 dB (A) typical.
• Front interface : LCD, shortcut buttons, mutes per output and 6-segment meters on inputs/outputs.
• Presets : Up to 75 user memories; security lock to prevent unwanted changes.

Product benefits

• Quick start : Guided wizards and a tuning library for speakers and power amps that can be updated from the app.
• More headroom before feedback : AFS™ detects and attenuates problem frequencies with narrow notches.
• Consistency between venues : AutoEQ and Level Assist normalize levels and tonality, reducing testing times.
• System protection : PeakPlus™ limiters and precise filters/crossovers for safe, high-level operation.
• Modern control : remote editing via Ethernet from a tablet or computer, without relying on the front panel.

Use cases

• Portable PA : bi/tri-amping with mono or stereo sub, room AutoEQ and per-track limiting.
• Monitors : AFS Wizard and graphic EQ for wedges/side-fills, with quick app control.
• Fixed installation : speaker tuning, zone management and centralized network updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the PA2 support mobile or PC control? Yes, via Ethernet with the free app for iOS/Android/Mac/Windows.
• What microphone do you use for AutoEQ? A measurement microphone like the dbx RTA-M connected to the front RTA input.
• Is the AFS the AFS2 version? The PA2 features AFS™ advanced feedback suppression specifically for this range.

Description for projects

dbx DriveRack PA2 ; 2x6 speaker manager. Inputs : 2 × XLR line (electronically balanced, >50 kΩ, max. > +20 dBu, CMRR > 45 dB) + 1 × XLR RTA (pre with +15 V DC phantom power ). Outputs : 6 × XLR (electronically balanced, 120 Ω, max. +20 dBu ). Input processing: 31-band GEQ , AutoEQ (based on 8-band PEQ ), AFS™ , dbx compressor, Subharmonic Synth , pre-crossover delay . Output processing: Crossover (full/2-way/3-way), PEQ on outputs (tuning), alignment delays (up to approx. 10 ms per output pair), PeakPlus™ limiters . 24-bit conversion with dbx Type IV™ ; 48 kHz DSP / 32-bit float . Performance: 20 Hz–20 kHz +0/−0.5 dB , THD+N 0.003% typical @ +4 dBu/1 kHz, A/D DR 112 dB(A) , D/A DR 112 dB(A) , inter-channel crosstalk < −110 dB , latency ≈ 1.85 ms (in→out). Control/update: Ethernet (iOS/Android/Mac/Windows app) and USB . Power: 100–120 V~ or 220–240 V~ 50/60 Hz; consumption 22 W . 1U form factor ; dimensions 44.5 × 482.6 × 146 mm (H × W × D); Weight ≈ 2.4 kg . Rear switch +4 dBu / −10 dBV ; 75 user presets; safety lock; white/pink noise generator.