I have a Rane GE-60 and a dbx 2231. I want the "better" one to be in my B rig and the other EQ to be in my C rig. The EQ will have the main L & R going through them. thanks
The GE 60 spec sheet, http://www.rane.com/pdf/old/ge60dat.pdf, very clearly identifies a maximum input level of +21dBu and a maximum output level of +22dBu while the 2231 spec sheet actually indicates +21dBu for both. The 2231 does have integrated Type III noise reduction and PeakStop limiting along with a fixed 40Hz, 18dB/octave low cut/high pass filter available on each channel while the GE 60 has variable 10-250Hz, 12dB/octave low cut/high pass and 3kHz-40kHz, 12dB/octave high cut/low pass filters for each channel. Both have bypass switches for each channel, the bypass on the GE 60 is passive such that if the unit power fails it still passes audio, I don't know about the 2231. I don't understand the 'calibration' comment.If YOU can't tell a difference audibly speaking- which one is the easier of the two to use functionality-wise? The dimensions seem to be about the same so it comes down to a few features. First, I have always found the Rane unit a little awkward in their input knobs... 0 to 10... 10 what? You also get a limiter in the DBX and Noise Reduction. I can't say that I have ever used these two features, but if it's on your B/C rig than you might not have limiting some where else. The other thing that is unclear about the Rane unit is the max input and min output gain- I couldn't find it anywhere in the spec sheet... The DBX clearly tells you that it works in the +22dB area on both ends so you have plenty of headroom. The Rane seems like a DBX160 in the sense that you have to feel your way through it because they are very rarely ever calibrated.
I feel like RANE is a slightly better name, but I am probably not your typical customer. The audio path in both should be adequately clean. Contrary to perception, all 1/3 octave GEQs are not the same Q or bandwidth. Rane has an article on their website explaining their EQ design philosophy. I'm not sure which Q/BW approach DBX used.
JR
I don't understand the 'calibration' comment..