It has to be at least 15 years since dbx introduced the first DriveRack, and there is no doubt that since then, the DriveRack family has improved sound systems across the globe. That may sound like a huge, sweeping statement, but it’s probably true. A few years ago, I got a dbx DriveRack PA+ to go with my self-powered speaker rig. In a very short time, the DriveRack became my favorite piece of outboard gear. Mainly because dbx has skillfully crammed so many useful functions into a single rackspace package. Well, now there is the DriveRack PA2. After my experience with the PA+, I decided I had to get my hands on a PA2. However, it occurred to me that some of you may not know exactly what a DriveRack PA2 is, or what kind of magic it can do. So, here we go…
Features, Functions
In simplest terms, the DriveRack PA2 is a piece of rack outboard gear that stands (or sits) between your mixer outputs and your powered speaker inputs. The device acts as a comprehensive speaker‑management system. To carry out this role, it incorporates various functions such as input processing that includes dbx compression, AFS (Advanced Feedback Suppression), graphic EQ, 8-band parametric EQ (when using the auto EQ) and Subharmonic Synthesis. A full 2-way crossover, RTA and signal generator is also built-in.
Output processing has crossovers that support full range, 2-way and 3-way systems, 8-band parametric EQs (used for speaker tuning), dbx limiting and driver alignment delays. In other words, it processes the heck out of the main signal going to your rig (or monitors) and not individual elements within the mix. It could be used at any insert point like another piece of outboard gear, but I don’t think that is what the designers intended. Along with its lengthy list of features, the DriveRack PA2 can be controlled via an Android, iOS, Mac or Windows device. Of course, you will need the operating system appropriate PA2 app to control the unit and a wireless modem if you want to make adjustments out in the audience.
You may be thinking that the previous incarnations of the DriveRack PA did all the things that the new PA2 model does, and you would be pretty much right. The only difference is that the PA2 does, all those things better. It really does. In actuality, just offering Ethernet control using all those devices would have been enough to warrant another evolution of the DriveRack PA, but the R&D people at dbx really stepped up the performance of the features in this one.
On the Road
Are you wondering how well the Drive-Rack PA2 performs live? Here’s how my last gig with the unit went. I started by connecting my mixer’s left and right outputs into the PA2’s left and right inputs. Next, I plugged the left and right high out from the dbx into my full-range powered speakers and the left low (mono) out into my left sub. Then I pressed the “Wizard” button on the DriveRack. I just followed the prompts and got to my setup.
By the way, I have a reference mic from my last DriveRack, and I suggest you get one. I don’t see how you can really use the Wizard without one. Anyway, with the use of a reference mic, you can balance your sound system, EQ it to perfection and avoid that pesky feedback in just a few minutes. Once you have adjusted your system, you can store your unique settings by pressing the store button three times. You also can (and should) name your settings and specifically tie them to the venue you are at for later recall.
I did all of the above and saved my settings for a gig I did in Santa Clarita, CA. I have five more shows at the same venue this summer, and all of them will be balanced to the same sweet parameters. Besides the Wizard setup, you can do additional adjustments during your event. At Santa Clarita, I adjusted the subs during the show and got a deeper, tighter bass using the parameters offered by the DriveRack. In reality, you can adjust and save your changes at any time. For that matter, I can save snapshots of every venue that I frequent and rely on the dbx DriveRack PA2 to make my mixes sound equally great.
If you are someone who’s really just too cautious to mess around on your old saved settings, you can run the Wizard every time you have a new gig. The setup will still only take just a few minutes, and you will get the same great results. The reality of the DriveRack PA2 is that dbx is giving us a whole lot of pro performance in a powerful device that doesn’t carry the price tag of its upmarket siblings. You can buy a PA2 for about $500, but you will have to spend another $75 to $80 on a reference mic. All and all, the dbx DriveRack PA2 is a great investment for your sound system.
At a Glance
System Control/Processing Made Simple
The DriveRack PA2 puts dbx compression, Advanced Feedback Suppression, graphic and parametric EQ, alignment delay, Subharmonic Synthesis, speaker protection, and more into an affordable, easy to use package.
PROS: High-quality DSP, pro features, simple operations via Setup Wizard, parameter storage/recall, Android/iOS/Mac-PC control.
CONS: Small parameter screen, measurement mic not included.
MANUFACTURER: dbx Professional
MORE INFO: www.dbxpro.com
MSRP: $499.95
