dbx 119 Dynamic Range Enhancer

The dbx 119 (based on the dbx 117) was designed to cater to audiophiles and professional sound engineers, providing greater compression range and the ability to expand or compress above a preset threshold. Here’s a detailed look at its features and functionalities:

Key Features and Differences from dbx 117

1. Compression Range:
   • The dbx 119 extends the compression range significantly, offering a compression ratio up to infinite. This allows the output level to remain almost constant regardless of input level, making it suitable for various applications such as limiting in public address systems, studio work, and modifying echo or reverberation systems.
   • Extreme compression is also beneficial for augmenting certain hearing losses, although it’s not recommended to exceed a compression ratio of 1.4:1 for tape recorder noise reduction.
2. Level Match Control (Threshold Control):
   • The dbx 119’s LEVEL MATCH control is referred to as the THRESHOLD control. It functions similarly by setting the level at which gain is unity, but with an increased range, calibrated every 10 dB for more precise adjustments.
3. Mode Switch:
   • The RELEASE switch in the dbx 117 has been replaced with a MODE switch in the dbx 119. This switch has two positions: LINEAR and ABOVE THRESHOLD.
     • LINEAR Mode: Functions as a linear compressor or expander, similar to the dbx 117.
     • ABOVE THRESHOLD Mode: Compresses or expands signals only above a preset level set by the THRESHOLD control. This mode is indicated by a red LED above the THRESHOLD control, which lights up whenever the program level exceeds the threshold. This mode is useful for expanding some records and pre-recorded tapes, while LINEAR mode is necessary for tape recorder noise reduction.

Applications

1. Public Address and Studio Work:
   • The dbx 119’s ability to achieve infinite compression makes it invaluable for limiting applications in public address systems and studio environments, preventing amplifier overload and functioning as a reliable limiter.
2. Echo and Reverberation Systems:
   • The extended compression range is also advantageous for modifying echo or reverberation systems, ensuring controlled and consistent output levels.
3. Noise Reduction:
   • While the dbx 119 can handle noise reduction tasks, it’s important to use LINEAR mode for both recording and playback to avoid unusual dynamic changes.
4. Hearing Loss Augmentation:
   • Extreme compression settings can help augment certain types of hearing loss by maintaining consistent audio levels.
5. Threshold-Based Expansion and Compression:
   • The ABOVE THRESHOLD mode is especially useful for expanding the dynamic range of some records and pre-recorded tapes, enhancing the listening experience.

The dbx 119 builds on the capabilities of the dbx 117, offering greater flexibility and control with its extended compression range and threshold-based modes. Its versatile functionalities make it a valuable tool for both audiophiles and professional sound engineers.