jab@uokvax.UUCP (01/01/84)
#N:uokvax:1000001:000:420
uokvax!jab Dec 30 11:13:00 1983
I am interested in an outboard dbx unit: I would like the features
of this "neat" encoding scheme, without restricting it to one [expensive]
tape deck.
How much should I expect to pay? Are there any specific models anyone
can comment on? Where (in Chicago) could I expect to find one? (Availability
of service means a lot.)
Any comments would be appreciated.
Jeff ("How am I going to afford this") Bowles
Lisle, IL5121cdd@houxm.UUCP (C.DORY) (01/05/84)
There are two types of dbx noise reduction: Type I (professional) and
Type II (consumer). Type I dbx is best used with pro-quality recording
gear as its circuitry is sensitive to magnitude response non-linearities
throughout the audible spectrum. Type II dbx (as stated before) is not
sensitive to these problems above 10K Hz. -- thereby making it useful
for cassette decks and the like.
The two dbx units that I have direct experience with (I own one of each),
are the dbx 150 (Type I) and dbx 224 (Type II). Both units are two-channel
encode/decode systems -- this means that if you have a three-head tape
deck, you can monitor off the tape and utilize the noise reduction.
Both units come in 1U (1 3/4 in.) high rack mountable box and are quite
attractive as audio components go. The dbx 224 also has the capability
to decode dbx encoded discs (additional rumble suppression is added
to the noise reduction circuitry to reduce dbx mistracking).
The dbx 224 is available from most of the mail-order discount houses,
Stereo Corp. of America (ph. 800-221-0974) in particular had, at last
check, a price of $172. The dbx 150 is only available from pro-audio
establishments (i.e., Valley Audio - Nashville, or Martin Audio - NYC) --
its price is around $300 - $350. Service availability is not really
an issue here -- there is nothing really to go wrong with either unit
(no moving parts, etc.). I've had no problems with either of my units
(I've carried my 150 around to location recording sessions for nearly
three years).
Craig Dory -- AT&T Bell Laboratories
Holmdel, NJspoo@utcsrgv.UUCP (Suk Lee) (01/06/84)
A unit I just bought, and am very
satisfied with, is the dbx NX-40. It
has dual circuits so that you can
monitor off a three-head deck, and dbx
disc decoding too. In Canada, the
price is $149. You should be able
to get one for around $100 U.S.
One caveat is that it's not *DEAD*
quiet: there's some residual hiss
from the circuitry, but it's very
low.
Otherwise, a great buy.
From the pooped paws of:
Suk Lee
..!{decvax,linus,allegra}!utzoo!utcsrgv!spoo