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dB Technologies ES503 Column Array Speaker System
Tri-Amp Entertainment Stereo System
The dB Technologies ES503 is a portable 3-amped column array speaker system composed by two passive tops and one 12” subwoofer. The sub hosts a 1000W power amp module with auto-range PSU and a 3-channels mixer with Bluetooth® connection. A powerful DSP – controlled through an advanced user-interface with an OLED display – manages both the coverage of the entire system and all functions of the mixer, making the dB Technologies ES503 a real gem in terms of sound performance and versatility.
Acoustic Coherent Coverage
The ES Series is the result of experience gained from dB Technologies in the acoustic design of vertical column array speaker systems like DVA T Series and MINI. The components of the top are aligned mechanically (Logarithmic Curved Column Array) so as to increase the coverage of the vertical beam. Furthermore, there is a special “double-ringed phase plug” that increases the horizontal coverage and gives a rich and crystal clear sound to the system.
Fast Speaker Connection
The enclosure of the two satellites embeds a slide connection system, which assures perfect top-to-top matching without the risk of incorrect assembly. The dB Technologies ES503 also includes the electrical connection between the two tops. The letters A and B marks these two speakers respectively, making them easily identifiable. The “A” satellite receives the powered signal from the subwoofer through a 4-poles male Speakon™ connector and relauch the audio through the quick connection system on top of its cabinet. The “B“ satellite is both equipped with the Speakon™ connector and the quick connection system, but in case of stacked use its position must be over the “A” speaker. In other words, both tops can be used on speaker stands or poles, but in case of vertical array the default setup must be respected.
User-Friendly Interface
The dB Technologies ES503 is incredibly simple to set up and comes with an intuitive wizard that guides the user step-by-step and automatically configures the system according to the application. The advanced graphical interface allows to enter the heart of the system, allowing you to recall the configuration presets, adjust levels, EQ and create a post/post gain mix for different purposes. The OLED display, visible even in the sunlight, is mounted behind an elegant smoked screen and provides all the necessary information to the total system control. All editing operations are carried out through a single rotary encoder with switch, making them extremely easy and error-free.
On-Board 3 Channels Mixer
The ES503 column array speaker system is equipped with a three-channel mixer controlled by a smart DSP. The first channel features a MIC/instrument balanced/unbalanced combo connector with impedance compensation, notch-filter with selectable frequency and adjustable gain with 3 positions (0, +10, + 30dB). The second and third channels are LINE inputs with balanced/unbalanced combo connector. There is a 3-band EQ that, depending on the configuration preset, works as an overall EQ or channels EQ. A preset storable by the user is also available.
AUX/MIX Output
The balanced AUX/MIX XLR output can be used as a simple mono link connection, to relaunch part of the stereo mix to another speaker system (e.g.: right output to a second dB Technologies ES503), or to create a new mono mix with independent levels for stage monitoring or recording purposes. This output is also provided with a second notch filter with selectable frequency.
Integrated Audio Bluetooth® Module
The dB Technologies ES503 is equipped with built-in Bluetooth® stereo streaming, which allows the connection of any device (such as mobile phones, tablets or audio players) with Bluetooth® connection. We can consider them as 2 more inputs (for a total of 5), even though levels are common to line inputs.
The integrated USB B-type port allows the user upgrade the firmware of the ES503 column array speakers, ensuring that the system is always updated to the latest version (download from www.dbtechnologies.com).
12” Bass-reflex Subwoofer
The bass-reflex subwoofer houses a generous 12” woofer and the amplifier module. In addition to the input connectors and controls of the user-interface, there are two Speakon outputs and a VDE Mains connector. The enclosure, sturdy and stylish, is made of birch plywood coated with a durable scratch-resistant black coat, which makes it truly road-ready. Two recessed handles (one per side) help easy transport. Finally the metal grid with foam, in addition to protecting the woofer and give a very elegant and professional look, helps the reflex effect. The lower part of the grid, placed right on the reflex ports, have in fact holes with a larger diameter to enhance air flow.
ES 503 Column Array Speaker System Configurations
The ES503 column array speaker system bundle is composed by subwoofer, two tops, a D25mm pole and a Speakon/Speakon cable to connect the sub to the first top. The speaker pole is splittable in two segments for easy transport. The system also provides a large group of accessories, such as D25mm speaker stands, two 25mm tripod stands with transport bag, speakon-speakon cable kit, wheel trolley, a bag for the ES tops and the D25mm pole, and a bag for the 12” subwoofer.
Three configurations are available:
Option 1: Single column mode, 1x stand pole
Option 2: Single stereo mode, 2x tripod or 1x stand pole and 1x tripod
Option 3: double column mode, 2x ES 503 in single column mode
Option 1: single column mode, 1x stand pole
In the first option the two satellites are connected top-on-top and are placed on the subwoofer through the supplied D25mm pole. The column array speaker system is used in mono so all inputs are routed to both outputs in mono. Of course the user can adjust volumes, 3-band EQ and send a second mix with different levels to the AUX/MIX output.
Option 2: SINGLE Stereo mode, 2x tripods or 1x stand pole and 1x tripod
This second option implies the use of two tripods and two optional Speakon-Speakon cables to connect the subwoofer to the tops placed on tripods. The system is in stereo: The Mic/Instrument input is assigned to both channels; CH1/LINE L (and Bluetooth® L) is assigned to Output L; CH2/LINE R (and Bluetooth® R) is assigned to Output R. Of course the user can adjust volumes and EQ. He can also prepare a second mix with different levels for the AUX / MIX output.
Option 3: DOUBLE COLUMN mode, 2x ES 503 in single column mode
The third option uses two ES 503 systems in single column mode: one of the two becomes the master for the second, feeding the signal thanks to the integrated balanced output channel.
This way, both system are driven by the master’s on-board mixer and any setup is guided through the master ’s OLED display.
dB Technologies ES503 Specifications:
Technical Data
Speaker Type : 3-amped Stereo System with two full-range tops and one subwoofer
Acoustical data
Frequency Response [-10dB]: 37 - 15.000 Hz
Max SPL: 121 dB
MF - HF: 8x 3"
Type MF - HF: Neodymium
LF: 12"
Directivity: 95x65°
Amplifier
Amp Technology: Digipro® G3
Amp Class: Class-D
Power Amp: 1000 W
Power Supply: SMPS with PSU Auto-range
Power Connection: VDE socket
Cooling: Convection
Controls: 1x OLED Display with rotary encoder w/switch 1x Audio signal monitoring LED 1x USB port (service data)
Processor
Controller: DSP 24 Bit/48 kHz
System Presets: Factory presets + User defined
Limiter: Dual Active, Peak, RMS, Thermal
Crossover Frequency LF-HF: 206 Hz
Input
Mic/Instrument Channel: 1x Combo (XLR/Jack) balanced/unbalanced input
Line Channels: 2x Combo (XLR/Jack) balanced/unbalanced inputs
Media Channel: 1x Bluetooth® built-in receiver
Mix Output: 1x XLR balanced output
Mechanics
Housing (Subwoofer): 15mm Black Painted Birch Plywood
Housing (Tops): Polypropylene PP
Handles: 2x lateral side (Subwoofer)
Width (Top): 95 mm (3.74 in)
Height (Top): 360 mm (13.98 in)
Depth (Top): 137 mm (5.39 in)
Width (Subwoofer): 465 mm (18.3 in)
Height (Subwoofer): 400 mm (15.7 in)
Depth (Subwoofer): 430 mm (16.9 in)
Weight (Top): 1.9Kg – 4.19lbs.
Weight (Subwoofer): 16.4Kg – 36.16lbs.
