dbx ZonePRO 1261M - Digital Zone Processor

dbx ZonePRO 1261m - 12x6 Digital Zone Processor with 6 Mic Preamps, ANC, and AutoWarmth

The dbx ZonePRO 1261m is a 12-input, 6-output commercial installation audio processor designed for reliably distributing, mixing, and processing multiple sources across multiple areas. It includes six balanced inputs with a mic/line preamp (hardware-adjustable gain per channel), four unbalanced RCA pairs (mono summed per pair), and up to two channels of S/PDIF input . Its architecture is preconfigured (input processing → matrix → output processing), with two inserts per input and one insert per output, allowing you to customize the DSP for your project.

The DSP includes parametric EQ , compressor , gate , AGC , de-esser , limiter , band-pass/crossover filters , delay , Advanced Feedback Suppression for paging microphones, and AutoWarmth® for each zone. The m series adds ANC (Ambient Noise Compensation) , which automatically adjusts the level of each zone based on the ambient noise measured by a microphone, maintaining intelligibility and the sound experience throughout the day.

For easy expansion, the Link Bus allows you to duplicate the first six audio channels to another ZonePRO unit, expanding outputs without reconfiguring from scratch. Control is via Ethernet or RS-232 using ZonePRO Designer (with a step-by-step wizard) and can be complemented with ZC wall controllers (volume, source selection, presets) or integration with third-party systems. The front panel features Power and Network LEDs and an RS-232 port for maintenance.

Main features

• 12×6 I/O : 6 × balanced mic/line (Euroblock), 4 × unbalanced RCA pairs (mono-sum) and 1 × S/PDIF (2 ch); 6 balanced outputs (Euroblock).
• Microphone preamps with 30–60 dB gain per channel, +15 V DC phantom power and EIN < −118 dBu (150 Ω).
• Integrated DSP : EQ, compression, gate, AGC, de-esser, limiter, band/crossover filters, AFS , delay , polarity inversion and AutoWarmth® per output.
• ANC (Ambient Noise Compensation) on m models for automatic level tracking based on ambient noise.
• Preconfigured architecture with 2 inserts per input and 1 insert per output for channel-specific processing.
• Link Bus to duplicate channels 1–6 on another unit and expand zones.
• Ethernet / RS-232 control , compatibility with ZC controllers and third-party systems; ZonePRO Designer with wizards, scenes, and schedules.
• 48 kHz conversion with dbx Type IV™ , dynamic range > 110 dB and typical THD+N 0.003 % .
• 1U format (45 × 483 × 197 mm), 27 W consumption and +20 dBu maximum output level.

Benefits for installation

• Real flexibility : mix multiple sources to any area without external tables.
• Consistent Experience : ANC and AutoWarmth® maintain intelligibility and tonal balance at all times.
• Scalability : Add zones with Link Bus and local control with ZC panels without complexity.
• Open Integration : IP/Serial control and compatibility with AMX/Crestron ecosystems.

Use cases

• Retail and catering : ambient music by zone, priority announcements and ducking , scenes by time slot.
• Sports and leisure centers : DJ mixing, streaming, and microphones to independent venues with local volume.
• Corporate and education : Font distribution to lobbies, hallways, and conference rooms with selective pagination.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the 1261m include ANC? Yes, the m models (1260m/1261m/640m/641m) feature Ambient Noise Compensation .
• What is AutoWarmth®? A zone-based psychoacoustic processing that maintains broadband at low listening levels.
• Can I expand outputs later? Yes, with Link Bus you duplicate the first six channels to another ZonePRO unit.
• How do I configure it? Via Ethernet or RS-232 using ZonePRO Designer , which includes wizards, scenes, and schedules.

Description for projects

dbx ZonePRO 1261m Zone Processor ; 12 Inputs / 6 Outputs : 6 × Mic/Line (Euroblock, >50 kΩ bal. / >25 kΩ unbal.; max. +20 dBu), 4 × Unbal. RCA Pairs (mono-sum; >25 kΩ; max. +12 dBu), 1 × S/PDIF (2 ch); Mic Preamps 30–60 dB Gain , EIN < −118 dBu (22 Hz–22 kHz, 150 Ω) and +15 VDC Phantom Power ; 6 × Electronically Balanced Euroblock Outputs (120 Ω bal. / 60 Ω unbal.; +20 dBu max); dbx Type IV™ converters, 48 ​​kHz , A/D line DR >113 dB (Aw), D/A 112 dB (Aw), system DR >110 dB (Aw), THD+N 0.003% typical at +4 dBu/1 kHz; 20 Hz–20 kHz response ±0.5 dB ; crosstalk >80 dB; 0.8 ms propagation delay; DSP with EQ, compression, gate, AGC, de-esser, limiter, filters, AFS , delay , AutoWarmth® and ANC (m model); Link Bus for mirroring channels 1–6; Ethernet/RS-232 control, ZC and third-party compatible; power 100–240 V~ , 27 W ; dimensions 45 × 483 × 197 mm (1.8 × 19.1 × 7.7 in) ; weight 2.81 kg (shipping 3.78 kg) UL 60065 , IEC 60065 , EN 55013 certifications.