dbx

DBX is a professional audio equipment company that was founded in 1971 by David E. Blackmer. The company is best known for its range of dynamic range processors, which are used to control the dynamic range of audio signals and are widely considered to be some of the most effective and reliable processors available.

The company’s first product was the DBX 117, a dynamic range processor that used Blackmer’s patented voltage-controlled amplifiers to control gain reduction. The DBX 117 quickly gained a reputation for its ability to provide transparent and natural-sounding gain reduction, and it was soon followed by a range of other dynamic range processors, including the DBX 160 and the DBX 165.

Over the years, DBX expanded its product line to include other high-quality audio equipment, including equalizers, compressors, and microphone preamplifiers. However, it was the company’s dynamic range processors that gained the most attention and helped to cement DBX’s reputation as one of the most important and influential companies in the history of professional audio.

Today, DBX products are used in recording studios, broadcast facilities, and concert venues around the world, and they are considered essential tools for achieving the highest-quality audio recordings. Despite the company’s growth and evolution over the years, DBX has remained committed to its legacy of producing some of the world’s most effective and reliable dynamic range processors, and it continues to be one of the most important and influential companies in the world of professional audio.

Released in 1976
The dbx 118 Dynamic Range Enhancer, despite being initially targeted at consumers, has earned a solid reputation in professional studio environments.
Released in 1976
The dbx 119 is remembered for its versatility and advanced features, offering extended compression range, precise threshold-based control, and dual modes for professional and audiophile use. Its ability to enhance dynamic range and provide consistent, high-quality sound made it a valuable tool in studios and public address systems, all at an affordable price.
Released in 1976
The dbx 160 and 161 are single-channel compressor/limiters combining sophisticated technology and user-oriented features in a compact package. Unique circuit designs, such as true rms level-detection and feed-forward gain reduction, place the 160 and 161 in a completely different class from conventional compressor/limiters.
Released in 1977
The DBX 117 is a dynamic range modifier. It can compress or expand the dynamic range of any audio program by a constant factor. It will expand previously compressed material or compress material with excessive dynamic range. may be used in any situation where dynamic range must be compressed to meet limitations of recording equipment or listening environment or expanded to rectify the effects of previous compression.
Released in 1977
The dbx 3BX is a state-of-the-art dynamic range expander that enhances audio quality by dividing the sound spectrum into three frequency bands. Utilising advanced RMS detectors and voltage-controlled amplifiers, it individually expands bass, midrange, and treble, ensuring pristine sound clarity and preserving musical integrity even in the most complex compositions.
Released in 1977
The dbx 110 is an innovative device that enhances stereo systems by addressing the limitation of reproducing deep bass frequencies below 50 Hz. It samples low-frequency fundamentals, generates these signals an octave lower, and mixes them back in at controllable levels. This results in a rich, deep bass experience, similar to that of a live performance.
Released in 1978
The dbx 100 Boom Box: revolutionising your audio experience by restoring the missing low-frequency bass in your favourite recordings. Say hello to a new dimension of sound fidelity and depth.
Released in 1978
The dbx 1BX is a compact audio processor renowned for its ability to enhance audio clarity, depth, and richness, making it an essential tool for musicians, sound engineers, and audiophiles seeking to elevate their listening experience.
Released in 1978
The dbx 2BX is a dynamic range expander that enhances the audio quality of recordings and broadcasts by restoring their original dynamic range. It reduces background noise and revitalizes both loud and quiet passages, breathing new life into old records and FM broadcasts. This makes the dbx 2BX a valuable addition for audiophiles looking to enrich their home music systems.
Released in 1978
The dbx 162 compressor/limiter is one of the most iconic studio compressor/limiters to have ever graced a studio. The dbx 162 compressor/limiter is a stereo device using true rms level detection circuitry tor signal sensing and sophisticated voltage-controlled amplifiers as the gain control elements.
Released in 1979
The dbx 163 and dbx 164 compressor/ limiters feature dbx’s Over Easy compression. Over Easy refers to a “soft knee” compression characteristic that provides virtually inaudible gain control at ratios up to infinite compression.
Released in 1980
The dbx 165 is a professional single channel compressor/limiter that features the new dbx Over Easy compression curve. The dbx Over Easy compression curve permits extremely smooth, almost inaudible compression due to the gradual change of compression ratio around the threshold, instead of the customary sharp threshold.
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