dbx 223XL – Stereo 2-Way, Mono 3-Way Crossover with Balanced XLR Connectors

The 223XL is a stereo 2-way or mono 3-way crossover. It features Linkwitz-Riley 24dB per octave filters, while the inputs and outputs are balanced XLR jacks that are bolted down to the chassis. This insures that even if someone steps on a cable plugged into the unit, the resulting tension will not tear up the internal circuit boards.

Using a switch on the back panel, the user is able to select whether the system will operate in stereo 2-way or mono 3-way. Also on the back panel is where one can set whether or not to mono sum the LF (subwoofer) out. Most systems that use a subwoofer are mono subbed to take advantage of amplifier power, and because low frequencies are non-directional. More back panel switches select the range of the crossover frequencies individually for both channels of the 223XL. The crossover frequency controls have a green LED on the front panel, that indicates when the x10 switch on the back panel is activated. All these switches are on the back panel because it could be disastrous if they were to be changed accidentally during mid-program.

On the front panel, LED’s indicate whether the unit is in mono or stereo mode, and each channel has an input gain control for proper level setting. There’s a recessed 40Hz high pass filter on each channel to remove unwanted low frequencies. Both the low and high outputs on each channel of the 223XL have a gain control ranging from off to +6 dB to allow muting of individual outputs, and for level matching. Also, each output has a phase reverse switch, which can be internally reconfigured as a mute switch.