Are you looking for the best feedback eliminator? You’re in the right place. Say goodbye to all feedback issues.
Feedback shrieks and dissonances from amplifiers, mics, and musical equipment come in your way when you’re composing or performing live. When you gradually enhance the mic’s volume, the amplifiers’ resonance travels back to the mic resulting in shrieking audio. Before the advent of feedback eliminators or suppressors, mixing and recording engineers tried to fine-tune the excessively steep frequencies emanating from the audio setup for repressing audio feedback.
However, this equalizer pull-down technique (for adjusting feedback frequencies) had some inherent drawbacks that sound engineers could not resolve. One of the deficiencies that sound engineers struggled to overcome was in attenuating the feedback frequencies with precision. Sophisticated feedback eliminators help get around this problem by automatically identifying the audio feedback and correcting the same without impacting the playback’s quality.
So let’s talk about the six best feedback suppressors we have chosen for our list.
Best Feedback Suppressors – Comparison Table
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DBX DriveRack PA2 Feedback Suppressor (Top Pick Overall) | Check Price |
 | DBX AFS2 Feedback Eliminator (Best Feedback Suppressor) | Check Price |
 | DBX DriveRack 260 Feedback Eliminator (Excellent but Expensive) | Check Price |
 | Behringer MiniFBQ FBQ800 Feedback Suppressor (Best on a Budget) | Check Price |
 | Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ2496 Destroyer (Easiest to Use) | Check Price |
 | Behringer FBQ1000 Feedback Destroyer (2nd in Terms of Budget) | Check Price |
1. DBX DriveRack PA2 Feedback Suppressor (Editor’s Choice)
The PA2 is the best feedback eliminator available on the market at the moment. It’s not the cheapest one (if you need a more affordable option – see below two Behringer models) but you get a great processor in return.
The DriveRack PA2 from DBX serves as an excellent PA (public address) management system, automatically attenuating the audio feedbacks reverberating between the speakers and the mixer. The DBX DriveRack PA2 does all the processing and fine-tuning between your speakers and audio mixer for boosting playback quality. Simultaneously, the DriveRack PA2 modifies the overly deafening frequencies of the equalizer without adversely affecting the amplifiers.
This feedback eliminator by DBX has two XLR line inputs, one XLR RTA mic input, and six XLR outputs that enable you to make the most of the DBX’s state-of-the-art AFS and AutoEQ mechanisms.
Other practical functionalities that you can use to good effect include modernized Wizards, Ethernet compatibility through Windows, Mac, iOS, Android-based devices, and an all-new input delay element that FOH engineers can use exploit.
With all its unbeatable features, the DBX DriveRack PA2 immaculately epitomizes DBX’s expertise in producing top-notch feedback eliminators.
Features
- Subharmonic synthesis
- 8-band parametric EQ
- Compatible with 3-way, 2-way, and full-range crossover systems
- Graphic EQ
- DBX compressor/limiter/gate
- Rationalized and updated AutoEQ
- Completely renovated and refurbished Wizards.
Pros
- RF filtered/electronically balanced inputs for greater effectiveness in correcting audio feedbacks
- Updated auto EQ algorithm guarantees non-intrusive, lag-free, superfast, and perfect EQ experience.
- A completely new Wizard arrangement walks you through simple stepwise processes for taking full advantage of your PA system.
- THE reinforced AFS algorithm guarantees accurate feedback suppression without suppressing the PA system’s tone.
Cons
- The LCD screen could have been bigger.
- Recording and mixing engineers will need to learn the ropes (limiters, compressors, crossovers, and equalization) before handling this feedback eliminator.
2. DBX AFS2 Feedback Eliminator (Close Runner-Up)
The DBX AFS2 featuring a power-packed DSP component allows you to manage your signals and also offers customization options effortlessly. The AFS2 comes with 24 feedback filters for every channel, which is more than double what you’ll encounter on most feedback eliminators. At the same time, you get to make the most of a broader adjusted range for syncing with the extended filter options.
The AFS2, like the DriveRack PA2, comes with the incredibly receptive Wizard capability that makes it easier for you to set up your sound reinforcement system. The DBX’s AFS2 also comes equipped with a prominent LCD and control panel letting you use this feedback eliminator to your advantage. This feedback eliminator comes equipped with preset and live modes, making this feedback suppressor highly popular with mixing and FOH engineers.
To say last but not least, traveling musicians and composers will find the AFS2 extremely handy because of its compact and lightweight design.
I’m not sure which one, this model or the PA2, is the best overall (ok, I’d pick the PA2), but this one has the best automatic feedback reducer option. So if feedback issue suppression is your main concern regardless of all other possibilities a good processor can provide, I would highly recommend going for the AFS2.
Features
- Improved AFS (Advanced Feedback Suppression) algorithm for perceiving and automatically tweaking feedbacks
- Thoroughly revamped AFS2 featuring a sensitive Wizard function
- Intuitive, readable, and bright LCD
Pros
- Redesigned navigation wizard now offers greater convenience for setting up the appropriate audio system.
- You can set it up with practically any equipment owing to its compatibility with both XLR and TRS connections.
- Precision monitoring of input signal levels, thanks to the five-segment LEDs per channel and red-clip LED indicator.
Cons
- Designed, by and large, for professionals; instructions not sufficient for those on the learning curve.
- Non-existent customer service
3. DBX DriveRack 260 Feedback Eliminator
Many touring musicians, mixing engineers, rock and heavy metal musicians don’t look beyond the DBX’s DriveRack 260, and for good reasons. The DriveRack 260, incorporated with the DriveRack product line’s versatile features, fully exploits these audio feedback elimination functions.
The DriveRack 260 furnishes the entire range of crossover and bandpass patterns together with full-time RTA and distinct output processing for live performances and applications.
The DBX DriveRack 260 comes with built-in tools to ensure that the best quality of playback is possible from your sound setup. Composers can also make fair use of the DriveRack 260’s Rs-232 PC GUI (graphic user interface) control and the parametric EQ and graphic.
The DriveRack 260 amplifier management system with two RF filtered and digitally balanced line inputs and one RTA mic input seamlessly works with a wide range of musical instruments.
So, overall it’s an excellent anti-feedback processor. It might be even the best DBX feedback eliminator on our list. However…the price! It’s so expensive! Feel free to check other options if you don’t need all these fancy professional features it includes.
Features
- It is fully configured for routing, crossover, and bandpass.
- Designed exclusively for eliminating audio feedback
- Security lockout
- Control inputs for wall panel
- Six outputs and two inputs
- Crown power loudspeaker tunings
- Set up Wizard together with JBL speaker
Pros
- Standalone output processing with full-scale RTA facilitates live sound mixing.
- RS-232 graphical user interface (GUI) for across-the-board interaction with digital devices
- Intuitive interface for enabling trouble-free setup
- The large and vivid LCD makes everything legible.
Cons
- This is a highly advanced feedback suppressor that requires to be a seasoned pro to make the most of it
- Somewhat expensive
4. Behringer MiniFBQ FBQ800 Feedback Suppressor (Best on a Budget)
The MiniFBQ FBQ800 by Behringer visualizes the audio frequency range of your PA system as a nine-lane thoroughfare and accordingly attenuates audio feedback from these lanes. Lanes 1, 2,3, and 4 marked 63-500(Hz) represents low frequencies, chiefly bass and bass vocals. The next three lanes, identified as 1k, 2k, and 4k (Hz), stand for female and male vocals.
And the last two lanes (8k and 16k) encompass the frequencies of high-pitched percussion instruments like cymbals and snare drums. The FBQ800 feedback detection module comes to your rescue by eliminating squeals resulting from feedback when you bring the mic very close to the amplifiers.
This feedback eliminator’s innovatively designed circuitry guarantees LEDs’ lighting up on the faders when the graphic equalizer approaches the higher frequency range.
For resolving the audio feedback issue, you have to keep sliding down the glowing slider till the LEDs stop blinking.
Features
- Lasting reliability: Premium illuminated faders and switches with potentiometers
- Supplementary low-cut filters for weeding out superfluous frequencies
- High-precision segmented LED input/output meters with level control for exact level indication.
Pros
- The FBQ800 helps in figuring out the exact feedback points, thereby letting you manage your sound system
- Nine distinct frequency bands go a long way in enabling you to customize your sound
- Intuitive fader for regulating every band allows you to lower or boost up signals at your convenience
- 6-digit LED input/output meters together with level control helps in maintain accurate EQ levels
Cons
- Not very durable as the circuitry is housed inside a plastic box
5. Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ2496 Destroyer
A topnotch RTA/96 kHz EQ/ digital 24-bit master processor, the Ultracurve Pro DEQ2496 is your go-to feedback processor for trouble-shooting live sounds. With the Behringer DEQ2496, you’re in complete command when you’re planning an interactive live sound for multi-lane PA or recording music in the studio.
The Pro Ultracurve DEQ2496 featuring an automatic FFT analyzer with auto-EQ, is a high-precision processor, feedback eliminator, analyzer, and equalizer.
The DEQ2496 is stacked to the brim with a full gamut of time correction, dynamics, and responsive equalization functions to improve playback quality.
This feedback suppressor/analyzer features dual 31-band graphic equalizers, 10-band parametric, 31-band virtual paragraphic equalizers, stereo imager, compressor/expander, limiter, and much more. The digital delay feature signifies that you can hold up the AUX or the DEQ2496’s main outputs in a 0-300ms timeframe.
Intuitive configuration typified by on-screen block map displays with servo-balanced outputs and inputs, gold-plated XLR connectors, XLR, and optical output makes the DEQ2496 easy to install.
Features
- Exclusive VPEQ (virtual paragraphic EQ) algorithm for parametric monitoring of graphic EQs
- Optimal amplifier and room equalization: Ultra-high resolution 61-band real-time FFT spectrum analyzer with added auto-EQ algorithm
- Four distinct EQ modes selectable simultaneously as well as individually
- Ultra-high resolution feedback frequency processor exploiting 32/40-bit floating-point DSP technology
Pros
- Highly-developed algorithm for detecting and doing away with feedback without modifying the rest of the signal
- Three extra EQ modules which you can use individually or simultaneously
- 64 user customizable memories for individualized module configurations and thorough setups
- MIDI and Worldclock functionalities for firmware updates, preset dumps, and total remote controlling
Cons
- The instruction manual is too lengthy but short on mixing tips.
- The results of many parametric algorithms are hardly noticeable.
6. Behringer FBQ1000 Feedback Destroyer
Another high-quality, performance-driven feedback suppressor from the house of Behringer, the FBQ1000 comes with versatile features that aid in purging audio feedback. The Behringer FBQ1000 senses high-frequency audio frequencies greatly, thereby helping you weed out feedback quite effortlessly.
The “search-and-destroy” function automatically identifies up to 24 feedback frequencies per channel and, after that, positions extremely narrow suppression filters for abolishing audio shrieks, keeping your other signals intact.
Manual Mode helps you to streamline up to 24 parametric filters for bandwidth and frequency, while the ‘Auto Mode’ does the same automatically by consistently monitoring the mix. The built-in ‘feedback destroyer’ in the Behringer FBQ1000 greatly aids in wiping out audio feedback automatically and with effortless ease.
Effective communication with various musical instruments and digital devices and future firmware downloads becomes effortless, thanks to receptive MIDI architecture.
Features
- Premium components and robust construction guarantee extended functional life.
- Effortless firmware updates and instantaneous program reminders via user preset memories and all-embracing MIDI applications
- Quick and automatic pinpointing and extermination of up to 40 feedback frequencies
- The configured default setting for effortless and instant feedback annihilation performance
Pros
- Performance-oriented dual-channel feedback destroyer and parametric EQ
- Failsafe protection from feedback both from monitor mix and mono PA mains
- Constant automatic resetting of filters and monitoring of mix for the complete elimination of feedback
Cons
- Not a simple plug-and-play feedback destroyer: It may take too long to master using it completely
- Neither the online guide nor the user manual has easy-to-understand instructions.
Conclusion: The Best Feedback Suppressor
Selecting the six best feedback eliminators out of the mindboggling variety available was challenging, and picking out the best anti-feedback device amongst these isn’t easier.
The Behringer FQ800 is by far the most affordable, costing under $100 but doesn’t compromise on quality. However, if you’re willing to ignore the Behringer FQ800’s inferior construction, then this feedback eliminator offers excellent value for money.
The FBQ1000 also costs much less than other reviewed models but has a steep learning curve.
So it’s a toss-up between the three DBX models. The DriveRack 260 is super efficient but comes at a price. I think $600-700 is too much even for such an excellent processor, but it strongly depends on your budget.
The AFS2 has the best automatic feedback suppressor capability overall – it’s the primary feature of this model.
However, the PA2 is even more geared towards pros, less expensive than the DriveRack 260, AND still a perfect feedback killer. It’s the clear winner, in my opinion: so, the PA2 is the best feedback eliminator on the list available on the market at the moment.