DBX DriveRack PA2 Complete Loudspeaker Management System

Product Information

dbx designed the DriveRack PA2 to be a complete, easy-to-use loudspeaker management system for all types of musicians. Its exceptional range of features and user-friendly operation make it the preferred choice for experienced sound engineers and performers alike. One of the Harman support techs told me the 360 was a fresh hardware design (same UI software, it would appear, though), but didn't ask 'from what' (presumably from the 260? The new Dbx AFS2 updates and replaces the well–established and successful AFS224, which has been around for a few years now.

The DriveRack PA2 takes a two‑channel input and processes it into a one-, two- or three‑way stereo output (ie. The two horizontal rows of red filter indication LEDs are large and bright, and easily visible from several meters away. The next step is to choose how many fixed and how many live filters will be used, and to make things simple the wizard asks if it should set the default number of 12 fixed filters. it's post‑crossover), so it's possible to apply different settings to each band as dictated by the power amps and speakers.Distortion seems to skyrocket right after that, and it looks like your measurement doesn't quite reach -0dbFS either? Sometimes the larger corrections need to be dialed back a little by hand, but that's never been much of a hassle compared to doing the whole EQ setup from scratch. Even though the DriveRack PA2 is a somewhat simplified version of its upmarket siblings, it is still a powerful machine with many functions, including the ability to control many parameters from the front panel, and this new model has various updates and improvements to both its processing algorithms and to the user interface. The box has a reasonably easy, pro-looking interface but the ability to control all its functions from a mobile phone, a tablet, or a Mac or a PC makes it really easy to use.

The connectivity, display and control capability is therefore fairly uncomplicated and the AFS2 has a simple, focused appeal, which — like the very best managers — provides everything you need and nothing you don’t. Much has been, and will continue to be, written about the reasons for and against using feedback processors, but I have always regarded them simply as automatic outboard EQ designed with a particular task — the control of feedback — in mind.It’s good to know that not only have the essential filters been set and will remain set, but the AFS2 is ready to deal with anything that might crop up during rehearsal or performance. Updated Wizards make initial set up easy, while ensuring speaker tunings and other settings are up-to-date. Yesterday a friend helped me take the system with the new DBX digital crossover and equaliser to his warehouse for testing (pictures below).

Digital is clean and transparent (which is how I used it), but analog is pretty noisy and with high levels of IMD and HD. I also have a couple of Onkyo receivers, one has Audyssey XT 32, and the other has the latest AccuEQ. When the fixed filters have been set and confirmed as all done, the AFS2 switches on the live filters, which will swing into action when feedback is detected from that point on.With the PA2 app you can control all aspects of the hardware through a network (WiFi) connection allowing you to setup system from any location. I crossed my fingers and cut power to the unit whilst it was still connected to my monitors, and there was no pop or noise of any kind — a big improvement over the original. Capitalizing on the legendary 480 DriveRack technology, the DriveRack PA is able to provide its user with top-tier, pro-level loudspeaker management specifications, yet still remain appealing to the budget-conscious audiophile who requires a tried and true utilitarian workhorse. The DriveRack PA continues the legacy of DriveRack series, which has been created by the company that has been redefining the standard of signal processing for more than 30 years.