At Winter NAMM 2016, dbx was showcasing its goRack Performance Processor, an easy-to-use loudspeaker management processor that enables a portable PA system to be optimized for the best-possible sound quality. Effectively introduced at the end of last year, the goRack incorporates the best of dbx’s acclaimed DriveRack series processing simplified down to a compact unit that fits into the palm of the hand.
“The dbx goRack boils all the essentials of our industry-leading DriveRack processors into an affordable product that is incredibly simple to use,” says Noel Larson, Retail Solutions, Harman Professional (yes, remember dbx is part of Harman). “With the introduction of goRack, bands and musicians everywhere can now easily and significantly improve the sound of their PA.”
For anyone not familiar with dbx DriveRack this might not seem much, but its probably enough to say that this is all our wishes come true in terms of audio processing, “in-a-box”. The goRack offers processing including EQ, compression, AFS Automatic Feedback Suppression, Subharmonic Synthesis for enhanced low-frequency response and more. Five buttons offer access to the most commonly used processing effects, and a large data wheel lets users quickly dial in any of the goRack’s processing sound-enhancement effects including 20 musical genre-based 31-band graphic EQ settings. The goRack’s compressor is based on the design of the original and highly acclaimed dbx 163X. The goRack also includes dual dbx mic preamps, selectable mic/line input settings, and AUX input and left and right channel volume controls.
For practical use, the dbx goRack connects between a mixer and an amplifier via its stereo inputs and outputs, which accommodate both XLR and 1/4-inch connectors. It can also be used as a stand-alone performance processor/mixer for a solo artist. Sitting next to a set of powered speakers, the goRack provides powerful signal processing including Anti-Feedback (based on dbx’ AFS Advanced Feedback Suppression algorithm). This makes annoying and potentially painful audio feedback a thing of the past. We just have to press the goRack’s Anti-Feedback function button and use the Data Wheel to adjust the settings and the goRack listens for, anticipates and removes feedback automatically without altering the sound. Together with the famous dbx 163 Compressor, the goRack allows controlling precise dynamics and fine-tune any PA system, minimizing peaks and level out variances in the audio source material.
goRack’s rear panel features combination 1/4”/XLR inputs that can be connected to either mixer outputs or microphones. When using a mic, the goRack’s Mic/Line switch selects the proper input sensitivity and gain range while dual gain controls on the top provide independent level adjustment. And goRack’s 1/8” Aux input allows for direct connection of mobile music players while XLR outputs interface with powered speakers.
The dbx goRack Performance Processor fits in our hand, or back pocket, and is available now at a suggested street price of $99.95. Imagine that.
dbxpro.com/en-US/products/gorack
