Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $70

Budget/Beginner

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unlock the full potential of your studio or live setup with the DBX 231 Dual Channel 31 Band Equalizer. A staple in the world of signal processing, this equalizer is designed to deliver precision and versatility at an unbeatable price. Whether you're fine-tuning your home studio, optimizing sound for a live venue, or enhancing your pro audio rig, the DBX 231 ensures you have the tools you need to achieve the perfect sound.

With dual 31-band channels, this equalizer offers 1/3-octave control for finely-tuned precision across the frequency spectrum. The DBX 231 stands out with its intuitive design, featuring smooth 20mm faders and nonconductive nylon sliders that make adjustments a breeze. It also comes with switchable boost/cut ranges of ±6dB or ±12dB, giving you the flexibility to adapt to any audio environment.

The unit's robust connectivity options include XLR and TRS inputs and outputs, ensuring seamless integration into your current setup. A unique feature of the DBX 231 is its ultra-quiet toroidal transformer, which helps maintain a dynamic range of over 108dB for crystal-clear sound. Equipped with a selectable 12dB-per-octave low-cut filter, it effectively reduces unwanted low-end rumble, enhancing the clarity of your mix.

Key Features:

  • Dual 31-band, 1/3-octave EQ with Constant Q frequency bands
  • Switchable boost/cut ranges of ±6dB or ±12dB
  • 12dB per octave low-cut filter at 50Hz
  • Front panel bypass switch
  • ±12dB input gain range
  • 4-segment LED ladders for output level monitoring
  • XLR and TRS inputs and outputs
  • Internal toroidal transformer for quiet operation
  • Frequency response from under 10Hz to over 50kHz
  • Dynamic range greater than 108dB

Product specs

Brand dbx
Model 231 Dual Channel 31-Band EQ
Finish Gray
Year 2000s
Categories Equalizers

FAQs

What type of connections does the DBX 231 Dual Channel 31 Band Equalizer offer?

The DBX 231 Equalizer features both XLR and TRS inputs and outputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment setups.

Can the DBX 231 Equalizer be used for live sound applications?

Yes, the DBX 231 is well-suited for live sound environments, offering dual 31-band equalization for precise frequency adjustments and a dynamic range of over 108dB.

What is the purpose of the low-cut filter on the DBX 231 Equalizer?

The 12dB per octave 40Hz Bessel low-cut filter helps remove unwanted low-frequency rumble, enhancing clarity in both live and studio settings.

How does the boost/cut range switch on the DBX 231 Equalizer work?

The switchable boost/cut ranges allow you to choose between ±6dB or ±12dB, providing flexibility for subtle or more pronounced frequency adjustments.

Does the DBX 231 Equalizer have any monitoring features?

Yes, the DBX 231 includes 4-segment LED ladders for monitoring output levels, helping ensure your audio signals remain within optimal ranges.

Gene Thorpe's Little Red Rooster TV

Gene Thorpe's Little Red Rooster TV

DBX 231 Dual Channel 31-Band Equalizer

Video thumbnail for DBX 231 Dual Channel 31-Band Equalizer by Gene Thorpe's Little Red Rooster TV

DBX 231 Dual Channel 31-Band Equalizer

Gene Thorpe's Little Red Rooster TV

Gene Thorpe's Little Red Rooster TV

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DBX 231 Dual Channel 31 Band Equalizer.

Features and functionality

  • The DBX 231 Dual Channel 31 Band Equalizer has a bypass feature, allowing users to instantly test sound improvements by comparing EQ and non-EQ settings.

    Source
  • The EQ's band Q is fixed at approximately 4.3, which is not ideal for micro-peak corrections but sufficient for broad room corrections.

    Source
  • The DBX 231 is often used to "tune" rooms with standing wave issues, but users note it may only improve sound at specific listening positions, not throughout the entire space.

    Source
  • The DBX 231 is noted for its suitability in budget analog setups where graphic EQs are the only realistic option for EQ adjustments.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users recommend limiting frequency boosts to avoid signal overloads, suggesting gentle adjustments like 2dB boosts and cuts to maintain sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EQ is suitable for addressing room acoustics issues in spaces where physical adjustments are not possible, such as narrow rooms with speakers against long walls.

    Source
  • The EQ is praised for addressing inconsistent recording quality across different albums, allowing users to apply tonal corrections tailored to each unique mix.

    Source
  • The DBX 231 is recommended for basic feedback control in small-budget setups rather than high-end audio correction needs.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that using a graphic EQ can be a practical alternative to digital solutions like Dirac or miniDSP for those who prefer a less sterile sound.

    Source
  • Some owners suggest using a calibrated microphone and software like REW to measure room acoustics before applying EQ adjustments to ensure precision and effectiveness.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the DBX 231 over digital alternatives, citing dissatisfaction with the sterile sound from Dirac despite its superior correction capabilities.

    Source
  • While some users advocate for digital solutions like MiniDSP for room correction, others appreciate the DBX 231 for not introducing the "sterile" sound sometimes associated with digital processing.

    Source
  • Users suggest the Klark Teknik DN370, Ashly GQX-3102, and XTA GQ600 as higher-end alternatives to the DBX 231, though they are significantly more expensive.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users note that older graphic EQ designs can introduce noise and distortion, but the DBX 231 is considered more transparent with less degradation of sound quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • When considering a budget mixer, the Mackie ProFX series and Allen & Heath ZED series are preferred for their reliability over brands like Behringer or Samson.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DBX 231 Dual Channel 31 Band Equalizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Orange Crush Bass 50 1x12
Orange Crush Bass 50 1x12 Bass Combo Amplifiers
1
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
1

Community setups

Show yours
leonlundqvist

leonlundqvist

Gear IQ 108

More dbx Effects Processors

DBX DDP

 

 
Autechre
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jamesonrd
    jamesonrd

    Gear IQ 199