dbx 530 Parametric EQ – 500 Series

The dbx 530 delivers surgical parametric control with tactile, responsive knobs that provide real-time feedback as you shape tone across the full frequency spectrum. This compact 500 Series module excels at sculpting vocals, drums, instruments, and complete mixes with transparent, clean EQ characteristics that enhance rather than color your sound. Trusted by professionals across studio tracking, live sound, and broadcast applications, the 530 rewards both your ears and hands with intuitive, musical results.

Signal Path & Audio Performance

The 530 maintains exceptional clarity throughout your signal chain, with -90dBu noise floor (unweighted), 112dB dynamic range, and THD+Noise under 0.006% typical, ensuring your source material remains pristine. Electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs and outputs with RF filtering accept levels up to +22dBu, making the module compatible with both line-level and hot sources while delivering the same maximum output without degradation.

Parametric EQ & Frequency Control

Three independent EQ bands give you surgical control: low band (20–500 Hz), mid band (200 Hz–5 kHz), and high band (800 Hz–20 kHz), each offering ±15 dB of cut or boost with adjustable Q and switchable modes. Each band operates as a symmetrical peak/dip filter, with high and low bands also switchable to shelving mode and all three capable of Infinite Notch mode for eliminating problem frequencies without affecting surrounding content.

Key Features

• 500 Series compliant format; 1.7 lbs shipping weight
• Electronically balanced/unbalanced inputs with RF filtering; 40k Ohms balanced, 20k Ohms unbalanced impedance
• Electronically balanced/unbalanced outputs with RF filtering; 30 Ohms balanced, 15 Ohms unbalanced impedance
• Maximum input and output levels: +22dBu
• Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/−1 dB; extended to 10 Hz–30 kHz at +0/−3 dB
• Noise floor: −90dBu unweighted (22 Hz–22 kHz)
• Dynamic range: 112 dB
• THD+Noise: <0.006% typical, 20 Hz–20 kHz at 0dBu output
• Three parametric EQ bands with adjustable Q on each band
• Each band switchable between symmetrical peak/dip, shelving (high and low bands), and Infinite Notch modes
• Low band center frequencies: 20–500 Hz
• Mid band center frequencies: 200 Hz–5 kHz
• High band center frequencies: 800 Hz–20 kHz
• ±15 dB boost or cut per band

The 530 integrates seamlessly into any 500 Series rack, delivering the transparency and precision required for professional tone-shaping in studio, live, and broadcast environments.