dbx ZonePRO 1260 12-Input, 6-Output Digital Zone Processor

The dbx ZonePRO 1260 Digital Zone Processor provides centralized audio routing, signal processing, and zone control for commercial sound installations. Featuring 12 input channels and six balanced analog outputs, the ZonePRO 1260 allows installers to manage background music, paging, and audio distribution across multiple areas of a building.

Designed for restaurants, hotels, retail stores, fitness facilities, houses of worship, and other commercial environments, the 1260 combines source selection, automatic paging priority, equalization, compression, limiting, and speaker processing in a single rack-mounted unit.

For example, a restaurant can use the ZonePRO 1260 to distribute music to its dining room, bar, and other areas while providing independent volume and source control. Paging announcements can automatically reduce background music levels when required.

The processor includes two switchable microphone/line inputs, eight unbalanced RCA source channels, and a two-channel S/PDIF digital input. Ethernet connectivity, programmable scheduling, front-panel controls, and optional wall-mounted controllers provide flexible system management.

dbx ZonePRO 1260 Key Features

• 12 Inputs and 6 Outputs: Centralized routing and processing for multi-zone commercial audio systems.
• Two Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced Euroblock connections with adjustable microphone preamplifier gain.
• Eight RCA Source Channels: Connect compatible consumer-level music sources and playback equipment.
• S/PDIF Digital Input: Supports two channels of digital audio.
• Flexible Audio Routing: Assign audio sources to different output zones.
• Automatic Paging Ducking: Reduces background music levels when paging takes priority.
• Advanced Microphone Processing: Includes gating, de-essing, automatic gain control, compression, and feedback suppression.
• Output Signal Processing: Provides EQ, crossover filters, limiting, and delay.
• AutoWarmth® Processing: Helps maintain perceived low-frequency fullness at reduced listening levels.
• Ethernet Connectivity: Enables configuration and system management through compatible software.
• Programmable Scheduling: Built-in real-time clock supports scheduled system changes.
• Optional Wall Controllers: Allow convenient local volume and source selection.
• Front-Panel Display and Controls: Provide access to source selection, volume, paging, and system information.
• 1U Rack-Mount Design: Fits standard 19-inch equipment racks.

Multi-Zone Audio Control for Commercial Buildings

The ZonePRO 1260 is designed for commercial facilities that need different audio sources or volume settings in separate areas.

Its six analog outputs can be configured to serve multiple audio zones, with routing and processing tailored to each area's requirements.

Typical applications include:

• Restaurants with separate dining and bar audio.
• Hotels with music in lobbies, lounges, and meeting spaces.
• Retail stores requiring music and paging.
• Fitness facilities with different audio sources in activity areas.
• Houses of worship with distributed audio systems.

The processor handles audio at line level and connects to appropriate power amplifiers or powered audio equipment.

Advanced Paging and Source Priority

The dbx ZonePRO 1260 includes processing tools for integrating paging microphones into commercial music systems.

Automatic source ducking allows background music to be reduced when an announcement is made. Priority override provides additional control over which source takes precedence.

Available microphone processing includes noise gating, de-essing, automatic gain control, compression, and feedback suppression.

These functions help improve speech clarity and maintain consistent paging levels across the installation.

Individual Output Processing and Speaker Optimization

Each output provides processing tools that allow installers to adjust the audio signal for the connected sound system.

Available functions include:

• Equalization for tonal adjustments.
• Bandpass and crossover filtering.
• Output limiting to help control excessive signal levels.
• Delay for system alignment.
• AutoWarmth® processing for maintaining perceived bass response at lower listening levels.

This flexibility makes the ZonePRO 1260 useful for commercial installations with different speaker types, room acoustics, and listening requirements.

Ethernet Control, Scheduling and Wall Controllers

The ZonePRO 1260 supports Ethernet-based system configuration using compatible dbx ZonePRO software.

Its built-in real-time clock allows installers to program changes throughout the day or week, such as adjusting volume levels or selecting different music sources.

Optional dbx Zone Controllers provide convenient wall-mounted access to selected functions, including source selection and volume control.

The 1260 also includes a front-panel display and controls, allowing authorized users to access key system functions directly from the processor.

dbx ZonePRO 1260 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	dbx Professional
Model	ZonePRO 1260
Product Type	Digital audio zone processor
Total Input Channels	12
Mic/Line Inputs	2 switchable
RCA Source Channels	8
Digital Input	2-channel S/PDIF
Analog Outputs	6 balanced
Mic/Line Connections	Euroblock
Source Connections	RCA
Output Connections	Euroblock
Mic Preamp Gain	30–60 dB
Phantom Power	15V
Maximum Mic/Line Input	+20 dBu
Maximum RCA Input	+12 dBu
Maximum Output Level	+20 dBu
A/D Conversion	dbx Type IV
Sample Rate	48 kHz
System Dynamic Range	Greater than 110 dB, A-weighted
Frequency Response	20 Hz–20 kHz, ±0.5 dB
THD+Noise	0.003% typical
Interchannel Crosstalk	Greater than 80 dB typical
Propagation Delay	0.6 ms
Network Control	Ethernet
Additional Control	RS-232, optional Zone Controllers
Operating Voltage	100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption	27W
Rack Height	1U
Dimensions	19"W × 1.75"H × 7.75"D
Unit Weight	6.8 lb (3.1 kg)
Shipping Weight	8.8 lb (4.0 kg)

dbx ZonePRO 1260 vs. ZonePRO 1260m

The standard ZonePRO 1260 provides two switchable microphone/line inputs and is designed primarily for audio source routing and zone processing.

The ZonePRO 1260m provides six microphone/line inputs and additional mixing capabilities.

For installations requiring multiple microphones to be mixed into an output, the 1260m may be the more appropriate model.

Why Buy the dbx ZonePRO 1260 from Audio Supply?

Audio Supply offers dbx professional audio processors for commercial sound installations. We can help you select the appropriate zone processor, amplifiers, and control accessories for your system.

Need Compatible Zone Controllers?

The dbx ZonePRO 1260 supports compatible dbx Zone Controllers for convenient local volume adjustment and audio source selection.

Contact Audio Supply for help selecting the appropriate controller or additional equipment for your commercial audio installation.