The dbx 118’s popularity stems from its versatility and unique characteristics, making it a beloved choice for compression tasks. The dbx 118 offers a smooth, musical compression that can add warmth and depth to recordings, contributing to its widespread studio use. Many engineers appreciate its ability to enhance dynamic range without overly colouring the sound, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the original audio.
The dbx 118 Dynamic Range Enhancer is indeed a remarkably versatile device, serving multiple roles in audio processing:
- Single-Band Linear Expander: As an expander, the dbx 118 increases the dynamic range of audio signals, making quiet sounds quieter and loud sounds louder.
- Compressor: It can reduce the dynamic range by bringing louder and quieter parts of the audio closer together, which is useful in environments where consistent volume levels are desired.
- Limiter: It can act as a limiter, preventing audio levels from exceeding a certain threshold, which is crucial for avoiding distortion and protecting equipment.
- Peak Unlimiter: It expands only the portions of the signal that exceed a preset threshold, making it suitable for restoring dynamics to previously compressed audio.
The Expansion/Compression Control allows users to finely tune the amount of dynamic range modification they need. This control is particularly useful in adapting the device to different audio content and specific requirements.
The Threshold Control is essential for setting the point in the dynamic range where expansion or compression starts to take effect. When used in expansion mode, the threshold determines the point below which audio becomes quieter and above which it becomes louder. Conversely, in compression mode, it dictates the level above which the audio will be reduced in volume.
The device also features Amber and Red LEDs to indicate when the signal is above or below the threshold, providing a visual guide for setting levels accurately.
Moreover, the dbx 118 can work seamlessly with Dolby Tape Noise Reduction, adding an extra layer of noise reduction. It also offers the capability to couple two units for accurate tracking in four-channel applications, making it a flexible tool for both consumer and professional audio setups.
In summary, the dbx 118’s combination of features and affordability makes it a highly valuable and versatile dynamic modifier in audio processing.
