It has been more than 10 years since dbx introduced the first DriveRack. To say that the DriveRack has been a success is a huge understatement. This product line has changed how many sound technicians set up and manage their sound systems. Not to mention how so many installations are designed with DriveRacks as part of the system.
I own a DriveRack PX (for powered speakers) myself and have enjoyed using it for a couple of years now. dbx has made some real improvements over my model with the introduction of the PA+. So, what is new and exciting in the latest dbx offering?
The Gear
The DriveRack PA+ is an effort to incorporate (and improve) many of the tried-and-true DriveRack features into a more-streamlined and easier-to-operate unit. Basically this device is designed for a stereo (or mono) PA sound system. In many ways, it is very similar to my DriveRack PX. One of the similarities is a less-expensive price than some of the other DriveRacks. Used properly, the PA+ will be the only outboard device you will need between your mixer and your power amps or powered speakers. dbx has offered a laundry list of features with this unit (as with all DriveRacks). I will run through some of my favorite ones.
• Auto Level balances the decibel output of your left and right speakers within 1 dB.
• Auto EQ, working with a reference microphone, tunes your system to a particular venue using a 28 band graphic EQ.
• A USB connection allows you to easily update speaker and amp settings.
• Of course, there is a new list of JBL speakers, Crown amps and other gear in the new software.
• AFS (Advanced Feedback Suppression) precisely eliminates feedback without removing large sections of frequencies.
• A classic dbx compressor smoothes out the signal prior to the power amps, and limiters protect the speakers.
• The RTA (real time analyzer) monitors frequencies all the time.
• Front panel output mutes – a great new feature that allows you to mute various speakers via the left/right low, mid and high outputs.
• 2×2, 2×3, 2×4, 2×5, 2×6 crossover configurations. More importantly, you can mix powered and passive speaker configurations – like powered subs with passive tops.
• Alignment Delay is very nice for matching up speaker components.
• Power on/off mute circuitry for softer and smoother power cycling.
There are, of course, more features than the ones I have mentioned. But I didn't want to spend the entire review listing all of them. As I said, these are my favorites.
Okay, why don't we see how well the DriveRack PA+ performed in a live setting?
The Gig
I was supplying sound for a relatively large party (about 500 to 600 people). A cover band had been hired, and they were expected to play loud rock music. The gig was in a good-sized warehouse with very poor acoustics.
Setting up the DriveRack is a very simple process. The left and right main outputs of my mixer were plugged into the left/right inputs on the dbx unit via XLR cables. Then I took the low/left/mono out from the PA+ to my powered subs and high left and right for my powered tops. Other configurations are of course available but that is what I used for my rig.
The system setup Wizard will take you step by step through the process and help you to choose all the appropriate parameters. I worked with the wizard until I got to the "Auto-Level." At that point I, set up the my reference mic 25 feet in front of my speakers, at the center point between left and right, and adjusted the pink noise until it was at my performance volume level (bloody loud). I love the new Auto-Level. You can really fine-tune your left and right speaker output levels. Also, you can adjust your subs versus tops. They can be easily adjusted to match output levels.
From there, you may not need a lot of EQ, but if you decide to get into the "Auto EQ" you just set your "target curve" (usually flat), and the reference mic will hear the pink noise and adjust the equalization for the room. This process is much faster than previous DriveRacks (at least a lot faster than my model). From there, the wizard takes you to "Advanced Feedback Suppression." I mentioned the Auto-Level and Auto-EQ because these features seem work so much better than my DriveRack PX. And I am not being critical of my DriveRack PX. I really like it. The fact of the matter is that when you are running pink noise at high decibels, it can be very annoying to anyone who happens to be in the venue during setup. So obviously the quicker you get through that process, the better.
There is one other feature that I really like. The display screen is much better. The resolution is higher and can be seen from a distance and in sunlight. Also, you can look down at the screen from a sharp angle and you will still be able to read it clearly. The unit itself has a nice fresh silver face, which I thought was visually pleasing.
Overall, the performance of the PA+ was just superb. Not only can I setup a room faster, but the unit seems to have smoother EQ – or maybe it's the crossovers. Whatever the combination, I could definitely hear the improvement in the DriveRack. There is no doubt that that research and development at dbx has not been just sitting around enjoying the success of previous DriveRack models. They really put some thought and improvements into the new PA+. The ease of use and excellent sound quality should make this a real winner for dbx – and, for that matter, make setup and live sound more fun for whoever is using the unit.
dbx DriveRack PA+
What it is: Speaker processor for small to mid-sized powered and passive sound systems
Who it's for: Anyone with a small to mid-sized powered or passive sound system
Pros: Dead-simple to use. Excellent sound. Faster setup and better front panel readout than in previous models.
Cons: None
How Much: $749.95 MSRP, $499.95 street price.
dbxpro.com.
