Tame the harshness of sibilance in your recordings with the dbx 520 de-esser, a trusted companion for any serious audio engineer. Drawing inspiration from the legendary dbx 902, this 500 Series module offers seamless integration into your rack, providing effective control over those pesky high-frequency sounds that can mar an otherwise perfect track. Whether you're in a live sound scenario or fine-tuning vocals in the studio, the dbx 520 ensures your audio remains smooth and balanced.

The dbx 520 shines with its intuitive interface and versatile functionality. Its sweepable frequency range from 800Hz to 8kHz allows you to pinpoint and reduce sibilant peaks meticulously, while the gain reduction meter ensures precision with every adjustment. Designed not just for vocalists, this de-esser is equally adept at softening the sharpness of cymbals and other high-frequency instruments, making it a versatile addition to your signal processing arsenal.

This module's ease of use makes it a reliable "set-and-forget" solution, adapting gracefully to varying signal levels without requiring constant tweaking. Perfect your sound and eliminate unwanted sibilance with the dbx 520, a must-have for musicians and producers aiming for clarity and professionalism in their audio projects.

Key Features:

• De-esser module for 500 series racks, inspired by the renowned dbx 902
• Ideal for reducing harsh sibilants in vocals, cymbals, and more
• Adjustable de-essing range from 800Hz to 8kHz
• Up to 20dB of gain reduction for effective sibilance control
• Gain Reduction metering for precise operation and setup

Owner's manual

Product specs

FAQs

What is the primary function of the dbx 520 500 Series De-Esser?

The dbx 520 is designed to reduce sibilance in vocal recordings, effectively controlling harsh "s" sounds without compromising overall audio quality.

Is the dbx 520 500 Series De-Esser compatible with all 500 series racks?

Yes, the dbx 520 is a single-slot module that fits standard 500 series racks, making it versatile for various studio setups.

Does the dbx 520 De-Esser require external power?

No, the dbx 520 operates on ±16V DC power supplied by the 500 series rack, drawing 76mA per power rail.

How does the dbx 520 De-Esser handle different vocal frequencies?

The dbx 520 features a frequency control that allows users to target specific sibilant frequencies, ensuring precise de-essing tailored to the vocal performance.

Can the dbx 520 De-Esser be used on instruments?

While primarily designed for vocals, the dbx 520 can also be used on instruments to control high-frequency harshness, enhancing overall mix clarity.