DBX 223xs Stereo 2-Way / Mono 3-Way Crossover
The DBX 223xs is a professional Stereo 2-Way / Mono 3-Way Crossover with Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/octave filters, balanced XLR I/O, independent output level controls, phase inversion and a 40Hz low-cut filter — delivering ultra-low-noise, precise frequency separation for professional PA and loudspeaker systems.
The DBX 223xs is a professional dual-channel active crossover designed to separate the audio signal and direct the correct frequencies to each loudspeaker driver — allowing amplifiers to operate at their full power on only the usable signal, eliminating distortion and delivering a cleaner, better-sounding PA system. Built on four decades of DBX knowledge and expertise in professional audio processing, the 223xs combines ultra-low-noise circuitry, rugged reliability and precision controls in a straightforward and well-specified 1U rack-mount crossover that is equally at home in permanent installations, touring rigs and fixed PA systems.
Linkwitz-Riley Filters — The Professional Standard
The 223xs uses Linkwitz-Riley 24dB per octave state-variable filters — widely regarded as the professional standard for active crossover design — to provide precise, phase-coherent frequency separation between driver bands. Crossover frequencies are continuously variable from 45Hz to 960Hz in the standard range, or 450Hz to 9.6kHz with the x10 range switch engaged — providing the flexibility to configure the crossover precisely for a wide range of 2-way and 3-way loudspeaker system configurations. A mode switch selects between stereo 2-way and mono 3-way operation, with stereo and mono status LEDs clearly indicating the active mode at a glance.
Comprehensive Controls & Features
Each output features an independent level control for precise level matching between amplifier channels and driver bands, alongside a phase inversion switch for correcting phase relationships between driver sections. A 40Hz Butterworth 12dB/octave high-pass low-cut filter per channel removes unwanted subsonic content from the signal path, protecting drivers and amplifiers from unnecessary low-frequency energy. An LF sum switch selects normal stereo or mono-summed low-frequency operation for subwoofer applications — disabling channel 2's low output when in LF sum mode and clearly indicating this via the phase invert LED. All controls feature solid, precision click action for reliable and repeatable settings adjustments in professional use environments.
Professional Connectivity & Performance
Balanced XLR inputs (pin 2 hot) with RF filtering and an input impedance of over 50kΩ accept any professional balanced line-level signal, with a maximum input level of over +22dBu for compatibility with the hottest professional signal levels. Impedance-balanced XLR outputs deliver a maximum output of over +21dBu into 2kΩ or greater, with a signal-to-noise ratio of over 94dB and THD+Noise of less than 0.004% at +4dBu — providing transparent, high-performance frequency separation that lets the character of the loudspeaker system come through without colouration from the crossover itself.
DBX 223xs Key Features:
- Stereo 2-Way / Mono 3-Way Operation: Mode switch selects between stereo 2-way and mono 3-way crossover configurations with LED status indication.
- Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/Octave Filters: The professional standard for active crossover design — precise, phase-coherent frequency separation.
- Variable Crossover Frequencies: 45Hz–960Hz standard range / 450Hz–9.6kHz with x10 range switch engaged.
- x10 Range Switch: Per channel — multiplies the crossover frequency range by a factor of 10 for high-frequency crossover applications.
- Independent Output Level Controls: Per output — precise level matching between amplifier channels and driver bands.
- Phase Inversion Switch: Per output — corrects phase relationships between driver sections.
- 40Hz Low-Cut Filter: Per channel — Butterworth 12dB/octave high-pass filter removes subsonic content for driver and amplifier protection.
- LF Sum Switch: Mono-sums the low-frequency output for subwoofer applications.
- Balanced XLR Inputs & Outputs: RF filtered, electronically balanced professional connectivity throughout.
- > 94dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Ultra-low-noise circuitry for transparent frequency separation.
- < 0.004% THD+Noise: Exceptionally low distortion at +4dBu for clean, uncoloured crossover performance.
- > 106dB Dynamic Range: Professional headroom for demanding live and installation applications.
- Precision Click Controls: Solid, reliable and repeatable control action for professional use.
- LED Status Indicators: Stereo/mono mode, low cut, x10 and phase invert status all clearly indicated.
- CE Compliant: Meets European regulatory requirements.
- DBX 2-Year Parts & Labour Warranty: Standard manufacturer warranty included.
- 1U Rack Mountable: Standard 19" rack installation.
View our shipping and delivery information below. All prices include VAT.
Important notice for non-UK orders: Any order being shipping outside of the UK will incur an import tax. See below for more information.
Cut-off Times
Orders must be placed before 3:30pm to guarantee same-day dispatch. Any orders placed after this time are not guaranteed to be shipped the same day, and are more likely to be shipped the next working day.
To guarantee Saturday Delivery, orders must ideally be placed before 2pm.
We operate during office hours, Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm, and are closed during the weekend.
Orders placed over the weekend or Friday after cut-off will be processed and shipped the following Monday (or Tuesday during bank holidays).
Mainland UK Delivery Charges
Note: Next-day services are classed as working days (Mon-Fri) and do not include weekends. Please choose Saturday delivery if you require the item over the weekend.
Please also note orders with a high number of boxes may be subject to an additional charge.
All delivery options will be available at the checkout stage. Please ensure you add a mobile number to your order for tracking information.
Offshore & International
We ship to Scottish Highlands, Islands, Ireland and the EU. Please see the table below for base prices. Please note that these prices are subject to change based on the number of boxes.
The following postcodes fall under 'Highlands & Islands', and are subject to the above rates/lead time.
- Scottish Highlands: FK17-21, IV1-39, IV52-54, IV63, KW1-14, PA21-40 (excluding PA38), PH19-26, PH30-41, PH49-50
- Scottish Islands: HS1-9, IV40-51, IV55-56, KA27-28, KW15-17, PA20, PA38, PA41-49, PA60-78, PH42-44, ZE1-3
If a UK Mainland next-day service is selected at checkout, please be aware that it won't be sent on that service.
If you require a next-day service to Northern Ireland and the highlands, get in touch so we can assist further.
EU Import Tax
Any goods shipped outside of the UK, over a certain value, will incur an import tax. The cost and rate will depend on the country and the order value.
This is a legal requirement and MUST be paid prior to delivery in order to receive your goods. You will be contacted by the courier once the order is dispatched to pay the fee.
Failure to pay import tax when applicable will result in the order being shipped back to Audio Volt. Any returned goods sent back to us due to non-payment of import tax are NOT ELIGIBLE for a refund on the shipping charge.
You can obtain an import duty estimate here.
Delivery Notes
On delivery, you must inspect the goods carefully for damage as Audio Volt is unable to accept responsibility for damage in transit, shortage of delivery or loss of products unless the customer advises Audio Volt of such within three working days from the date of delivery.
60 Day Returns Policy
We ask that you follow these guidelines to help us process your return as quickly and efficiently as possible:
- Please keep your order reference to hand. This confirms your original order and gives us the necessary details to authorise the product's return.
- Contact our Customer Services Team on 02476 369890 (or email info@audiovolt.co.uk). We will then send you an RMA number and a returns form, which needs to be completed and sent back with the returned item(s).
- If the order has been unpacked, re-package it to ensure that it is being returned in its original condition. Please make sure all items relating to the product are returned, including manuals and cables.
- When returning an item, please obtain a proof of postage receipt from the courier.
Returned items must be mailed within 10 days of when the RMA number has been issued. Items received with a post date 30 days after your requested return will NOT be eligible for refund.
Please note: our returns policy is quite straightforward, but there are a number of conditions that we ask our customers to comply with before applying:
- It is your responsibility to request a return. If you don't tell us you want to make a return, we don't know. Once you do tell us, we will do everything we can to action it.
- If you have not requested a return within 60 days of receiving an order, we will assume that you are intending to keep it, and we will not authorise a return.
- We always refund the payment according to how the original purchase was made and aim to do so within 72 hours of the return being received by us.
- Returned goods are liable for a restocking fee of 15% towards handling and repackaging if the order is not returned in its original, unopened packaging. This charge will be subject to our inspection of the returned goods.
- Delivery charges will not be refunded unless the delivered goods are faulty.
- Replacement products are dispatched immediately after the returned goods have been received and accepted by Audio Volt.
- Items that develop a fault within 30 days of delivery are eligible for a replacement or a refund. Delivery costs are also reimbursed for faulty items. Please contact our Customer Services Team on 02476 369890 if you believe your item has developed a fault.
Finally, please remember that notifying us of your intention to apply for a return, saving the delivery paperwork and keeping the order in its original packaging will help both you and Audio Volt to process the return quickly.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about our returns policy, please telephone us on 02476 369890 or email us at info@audiovolt.co.uk.
We operate during office hours, Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm, and are closed during the weekend.
