DBX 580 Mic Preamp - 500 Series - DBX580

Product Overview

The DBX 580 is a high-performance 500-series microphone preamp that delivers sonically transparent gain for recording studio and broadcast studio applications, fitting into any standard 500-series compatible power frame in a single module slot. With up to 60 dB of gain, an equivalent input noise of better than -128 dBu, and THD+N below 0.006%, the 580 reveals the true character of any microphone without coloring the signal. Variable-frequency low-cut filter, Low and High Detail EQ controls, and a front-panel instrument input make the 580 a versatile single-slot channel tool for engineers working in 500-series rigs.

Product Description

The DBX 580 500-series mic preamp occupies a single slot in any standard 500-series power frame and delivers up to 60 dB of gain with a 1.7 kOhm balanced input impedance and a maximum input level of +35 dBu with the 20 dB pad engaged. The electronically balanced, RF-filtered input and output provide common-mode rejection greater than 60 dB, typically better than 70 dB, ensuring clean signal capture in environments with high RF interference such as broadcast studios and live sound racks.

The 580's Low and High Detail Equalization controls go beyond a conventional high-pass filter by allowing the engineer to shape the tonal character of the source at both frequency extremes, adding or removing energy to complement the microphone's natural response. The variable-frequency low-cut filter provides additional control over low-frequency content independent of the Detail EQ. A VU meter and peak indicator LED on the front panel allow accurate gain staging without external metering.

The front panel 1/4-inch instrument input presents a 500 kOhm unbalanced impedance, making the 580 equally capable as a direct box for guitar and bass. The 580 operates on +/-16V DC from the 500-series frame and draws only 80 mA per rail at 2.56 watts total, making it thermally efficient in fully loaded frames. Available at Creation Networks for recording studio, broadcast studio, and professional production applications.

Key Features

• Up to 60 dB of Gain — Accommodates ribbon, dynamic, and low-output condenser microphones without an external preamp or inline booster.
• EIN Better Than -128 dBu — Ultra-low noise floor captures the full dynamic range of any microphone source.
• Variable-Frequency Low-Cut Filter — Continuously adjustable high-pass filter removes low-frequency content at the most effective frequency for the source.
• Low and High Detail EQ — Unique EQ controls shape the tonal character of the microphone signal at both frequency extremes.
• 20 dB Pad — Extends maximum input level to +35 dBu for use with high-SPL sources and high-output microphones.
• +48V Phantom Power — Powers condenser and active ribbon microphones directly from the 580 front panel.
• Front Panel Instrument Input — 500 kOhm impedance unbalanced 1/4-inch input for direct instrument recording.
• VU Meter and Peak Indicator — Analog VU metering with peak LED for accurate gain staging in any environment.
• Polarity Invert — Phase reversal switch for multi-microphone recording scenarios.
• 500-Series Single-Slot Format — Fits any standard 500-series compatible power frame; draws only 2.56 watts.

Typical Applications

• Recording studio
• Broadcast studio
• House of worship
• Auditorium

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What 500-series frames are compatible with the DBX 580?

The 580 is compatible with any standard 500-series compatible power frame that provides +/-16V DC rails. It draws 80 mA per rail, which is within the budget of virtually all standard 500-series frames.

Q: Can the 580 be used as a direct box for guitar and bass?

Yes. The front panel instrument input presents a 500 kOhm unbalanced impedance and handles up to +21 dBu, making it suitable for direct recording of guitar, bass, and keyboard instruments.

Q: What is the Low and High Detail EQ on the 580?

The Low and High Detail EQ controls are unique to the 580 and allow the engineer to shape the tonal character at both the low and high frequency extremes of the microphone signal, going beyond a simple high-pass filter to influence the overall spectral balance.

Q: Does the 580 have phantom power?

Yes. The +48V phantom power switch on the front panel powers condenser and active ribbon microphones directly.

Q: How does the 20 dB pad on the 580 work?

The pad switch attenuates the microphone input by 20 dB, extending the maximum input level from +15 dBu to +35 dBu for use with high-SPL sources and high-output microphones that would otherwise clip the input stage.