We have updated our dBbox2 and now present the dBbox3, now even more essential for the sound and audio installation engineer.
The unit includes a more efficient power supply for longer battery life along with an automatic power off system. The accuracy of the test timecode generator has been improved and the cable tester now also tests the XLR earth wire. Improvements have been made to the MIDI circuitry and we have added a LED ‘torch’. We have increased the loudspeaker volume and other improvements have been made for more flexibility with future firmware updates.

The dBbox3 allows monitoring, metering and generation of analogue, AES/EBU and SPDIF audio from a pocket sized box.
The dBbox3 includes a simple five key menu interface to make any test as simple as possible.

The case has been formed using our own purpose designed aluminium extrusion then machined and painted to give the unit it's very individual look.

What you can do with the dBbox3:

Monitor mono or stereo line level analogue inputs using the built in speaker or 1/4 inch or 3.5mm headphones. Meter using either PPM or VU scale also with stereo phase meter.

Monitor microphone level analogue inputs, with or without 48v phantom power, using the built in speaker or headphones. Meter using either PPM or VU meter scale with stereo phase meter.

Monitor AES/EBU balanced or unbalanced inputs at 48kHz, 96kHz and many other sample rates using the built in speaker or headphones. Meter using -18dBFS, -20dBFS, PPM or VU scale with stereo phase meter.

Analyse AES sample rate, status and data errors.

Generate steady tone, tone sweep, GLITS, EBU, left only, right only, on both analogue and AES/EBU outputs at 48kHz or 96kHz. Tone frequency may be adjusted in third octave steps. Adjust Tone level from +10 to -60dBu in 1dB steps.

Use the built in microphone to talk to analogue or AES/EBU outputs.

Generate pink or white noise and send to left/right/both outputs in both analogue and AES/EBU with a choice of levels in 1dB steps from +10dBu to -60dBu.

Use the built in microphone to talk to AES outputs with a choice of levels and with a built in limiter.

Send an external mic to analogue and AES outputs with gain adjust and phantom power.

Read longitudinal timecode at 24,25,29.97 and 30fps with level metering, monitoring, freeze and feedthrough.

Generate longitudinal test timecode at 24,25,29.97 and 30fps with set time and start/stop.

Insert audio delay into analogue and AES signals, 80mS mono, 40mS stereo.

Phantom power test with voltage read out. Also useful for checking 2 wire talkback power and channel.

MIDI receiver identifying channel, note on/off and note number.

MIDI transmitter with a choice of note, channel and velocity, note on and note off.

Analyse incoming MIDI signals with pass through.

Use the dBbox3 as an analogue to digital or a digital to analogue converter with adjustable gain in 1dB steps, a limiter and HF, LF and Mid range equalisation.

Mono or stereo microphone amplifier with 48v phantom power and analogue, AES/EBU or SPDIF output. Also with adjustable gain in 1dB steps, a limiter and HF, LF and Mid range equalisation.

Four wire box using the built in microphone and speaker or headphones.

Monitor and meter 2 wire channels.

Test XLR, BNC and MIDI cables.

Output tone and monitor incoming audio simultaneously using Analogue or AES inputs and outputs. Particularly useful for frequency response and performance tests.

Intelligent power control to extend battery life. The dBbox3 automatically switches off all electronics not required for the current task. A dynamic battery level indicator shows if you have enough battery power for a selected function. Automatic switch off function programmable from inactive to 127 minutes.

Switchable backlight.

Light up your life with the built in LED ‘torch’.

Update firmware online using the dBbox3 USB port via CTP Systems web site.

External power input via a standard mini usb.

Protective case available with belt mount.

The architecture of the dBbox2 is based around a powerful digital signal processor and a separate microcontroller allowing us to add many more features in the future with just a firmware download from our website.

The dBbox3 takes a standard nine volt battery, alkaline battery highly recommended. Battery life is around 8 hours continuous but very much depends on the function selected. With phantom power selected, a fair bit less!

We also offer a soft case for the unit and a universal mains adaptor.

Dimensions: 146mm tall, 89mm wide, 48mm deep.