DBX 530 3-BAND FULLY PARAMETRIC EQ 2024 Review and Audio Tests

A 3-Band Fully Parametric EQ for under $300 usd...but is it Good?
I tested the dbx Pro 530 to see if it holds up and found it has a lot to offer. It's not for everyone, but it may be exactly what you're looking for...
This is not a sponsored video, I supplied the 530 for this review and I am not being compensated. As always, my opinions are my own.
Features and Specifications:
Form Factor: 500 Series - Single Slot
Max. Input Level: plus 22dBu
Input Impedance: Balanced: 40kohm / Unbalanced: 20kohn | RF Filtered
Max. Output Level: plus 22dBu
Output Impedance: Balanced: 30ohm / Unbalanced: 15ohm | RF Filtered
Frequency Response: 20-20000Hz 0/-1dB | 10-30000Hz 0/-3dB
THD+N: Less than 0.006% typical 20-20000Hz at 0dB out
EQ Range: plus/minus 15dB Peak or Shelf | Infinite Notch Attenuation appx 40dB
Equivalent Noise: less than -97dBu Unweighted (22-22000Hz) at unity gain
Dynamic Range: greater than 112dB
Power Requirements: 16VDC | 85mA / 2.72w
⚙️ Used in this Video (More Information and to Purchase):
dbx 530: amzn.to/3x1tNBN
MFG Website: dbxpro.com/en/products/530
🎼 Music:
Blinders by Moon Craters
Evergreen Fields by Tape Machines
You're the Only One for Me by Gloria Tells
Links are affiliate - see notation below.
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🎞 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Audio Test - Kick
01:44 Audio Test - Snare
02:42 Audio Test - Drum Bus
04:01 Audio Test - Bass Guitar
05:35 Audio Test - Vocals
06:26 Audio Test - Mix - General Tone Shaping
08:35 Self Noise Test
09:49 Band Sweep Gain and Attenuation Tests
13:40 Notch Filter Test (3 Bands)
15:43 Build Quality
16:25 Highlighted Features and Specifications
17:11 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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[@askdrtk]

The DBX 530 has been around for a while, but it is still one of the only fully parametric EQs with 3 bands at an affordable price. I tested the 530 on a variety of sources plus noise floor and EQ range to see if it is still worth looking at in 2024... Keeping in mind this is a sub $300 USD EQ, it performed well on some sources and could have been better on others...I could say the same about other EQs I've tested at many times the price. If you need a lot of channels, this could be worth considering. Cheers!

[@ELREINODEDIOSEHACERCADO]

Awesome very well explain, great to see you again..😊👍

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, I'm glad to be back!

[@christopherJSmokeandMirrors]

Thanks for the video.

[@askdrtk]

My pleasure, glad to share...

[@waves7300]

Would this be a good choice for doing some cuts on the way in while tracking vocals and does it color the sound at all even when not boosting or cutting? Also great content here man

[@askdrtk]

I would describe it as imparting a slightly mid-forward coloration when not boosting / cutting. I prefer this EQ for cuts and it can be a good fit for tracking vocals - male vocals in particular often have improved clarity. Like many EQs, the 530 has plenty of range…a little goes a long way. Hope this helps out, glad you’re enjoying my vids. Cheers!

[@dougleydorite]

To me this is a “do it all eq” especially with that notch feature. Do you think it isn’t because you wouldn’t use it on vocals?