An ultimate combination of preamp and compressor

Extended information

"Vacuum Tube Preamp/Compressor
For more than 25 years dbx has been a leader in the audio industry with its outstanding compressors, mic preamps and signal processing technology. The ""Silver Series"" serves to strengthen that reputation. With innovative, state-of-the-art engineering, the 576 Vacuum Tube Preamp/Compressor carries the dbx heritage into the vacuum tube arena. The 576 is generously appointed with all the features one could possibly want in a preamp/compresssor combinaton. Features that include custom designed analog VU meters that monitor tube level, insert path (or gain reduction, in the case of the compressor) or output levels. The compressor side also has full sidechain functionality, including sidechain monitor, and our unique Contour function, which allows low frequency material to pass through the threshold without triggering unmusical compression effects. Also included are the dbx OverEasy« threshold characteristic, and Auto attack and release. The preamp features +48V Phantom Power, 20dB pad, phase invert, and low cut filter. Add to this impressive list of standard features extras like a three band EQ with sweepable mid and selectable mid Q (with EQ hardwire bypass) on the preamp, available insert loop, the ability to send the preamp signal directly to the compressor, and the new patent-pending PeakPlus limiting topology, and you've got a winner.

The premium 12AU7 vacuum tubes are hand selected for ideal triode gain matching, distortion, microphonics and drive characteristics. You get the best tube sound with the most versatility available today. And with the optional dbx TYPE IV Conversion System output, you can translate the essence of tube processing directly to the digital world, without leaving the box. The digital output offers the ability to communicate in either AES/EBU or S/PDIF at 16, 20, or 24 bit word lengths. In addition, TYPE IV offers the ability to select noise shape algorithms and dither types that best suit your music and your medium. The 576 has all the rear panel versatility and connectivity that make it easy to setup and patch into any system. Gold plated Neutrik« connectors for the audio ins and outs ensure solid connections and pristine sound every time. Separate 1/4"" connectors for the insert sends and returns, as well as +4/-10 operating level switching make it a snap to use

Features
¸ Hand selected Premium 12AU7 vacuum tubes in path
¸ Mic or line/instrument inputs on the preamp. +4/-10 operation
¸ Drive control for a wide variety of great tube effects
¸ PeakPlus limiting control on both preamp and compressor
¸ 3-Band EQ with sweepable mid-frequency, wide / narrow Q and hardwire bypass on the preamp
¸ Complete sidechain, OverEasy«, Auto, and Contour functions on the compressor
¸ Optional TYPE IV Conversion System outputs
¸ Separate 1/4"" insert send and return on the preamp
¸ Custom designed analog VU meters monitor tube drive, insert level, gain reduction, or output levels
"

Technical specifications

"dbx 576 Specifications MICROPHONE INPUTS
Connectors: Female XLR Pin 2 hot
Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced
Impedance: 1.70 kOhm
Optimum Microphone Impedance: 150 - 200 ohm
Maximum Input Level: > +13 dBu, or +33 dBu with 20 dB pad engaged
CMRR: > 115 dB at 60 Hz, > 110 dB at 1 kHz, > 75dB at 10 kHz
LINE INPUTS
Connectors: Female XLR Pin 2 hot and TRS 1/4""
Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced
Impedance: 20.1 kOhm nominal, or 470 kOhm with rear-panel INST switch engaged
Maximum Input Level: > +30 dBu, or +22 dBu with rear-panel INST switch engaged
OUTPUTS
Connectors: Male XLR Pin 2 hot and TRS 1/4""
Type: Servo-balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
Impedance: Balanced 120 Ohm, unbalanced 60 Ohm
Maximum Output Level: +21.5 dBu, balanced or unbalanced
INSERT
Connectors: TRS 1/4""
Type: Impedance balanced/unbalanced (SEND), electronically balanced/unbalanced (RETURN)
Impedance: 100 Ohm bal./50 Ohm unbal. (SEND), 20k (RETURN)
Nominal Send Level: +4 dBu
Nominal Return Level: +4 dBu
EQUALIZER
LOW Frequency: 80 Hz, shelving filter
HIGH Frequency: 12 kHz, shelving filter
MID Frequency: Sweepable from 100 Hz to 8 kHz, bandwidth 1.5 octaves (WIDE) or 0.5 octaves (NARROW)
Gain (all bands): Sweepable from -15 to +15 dB.
COMPRESSOR
Threshold range: -40dBu to +20dBu
Ratio: 1:1 to inf:1
Threshold Characteristic: Selectable OverEasy« or hard knee curves
Attack/Release Characteristic: AutoDynamic
Attack/Release Modes: Selectable Manual or Auto
Manual Attack Time: Scalable program-dependent. Typically 3dB/ms to .04dB/sec
Manual Release Time: Scalable program-dependent. Typically 250dB/sec to 5dB/sec
Auto Attack Time: Program-dependent. Typically 15ms for 10dB, 5ms for 20dB, and 3ms for 30dB
Auto Release Time: Program-dependent. Typically 125dB/sec
Output Gain: -15 to +15dB
PeakPlus LIMITER
Type: Two-stage proprietary
Threshold Range: +4 dBu to >+ 22 dBu (off)
Ratio: inf:1
Stage 1 Attack and Release Time: Zero
Stage 2 Attack Time: Program-dependent, typically < 5ms
Stage 2 Release Time: Program-dependent, typically 22db/sec
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
DRIVE Control Range: +10 dB to +60 dB
LEVEL Control Range: -15 dB to +15 dB
0.5 dB Bandwidth: 15 Hz to > 90 kHz +0/-0.5 dB
Frequency Response: <10 Hz to >200 kHz +0/-3.0 dB
EIN: Typically -126 dBu, 150 source impedance, unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz measurement bandwidth
THD + Noise: 0.04% typical at +0 dBu out, 1kHz, 33 dB gain, 3.5% typical at +21 dBu out, 1kHz, 35 dB gain
Deviation From Linear Phase: < 20 degrees, 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Interchannel Crosstalk: Typically -98 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
POWER SUPPLY
Operating Voltage: 100V, 120V, or 220-240VAC 50/60 Hz.
Power Consumption: 30 Watts maximum.
Fuse: 100V: 315mA 250V Slow Blow 5mm X 20mm
120V: 315mA 250V Slow Blow 5mm X 20mm
220-240V: T160 mA 250V 5mm X 20mm
Mains Connection: IEC 320 Receptacle
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