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 1981
The dbx Model 224 Type II Noise Reduction System was not a professional noise reduction system, but it did find its way into smaller studios and home studios for noise reduction duties on reel-to-reel recorders of the day.
Released in 1982
The marketing material for the dbx 128 said: ‘Records deliver only half of the dynamics of live music. What happened to the other half?’ And that is the solution the dbx 128 tried to provide.
Released in 1982
The dbx 165A 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.
Released in 1982
The dbx 160X replaced the now legendary dbx 160 (VU) and added the over easy compression of the dbx 165 and changed the form factor from the half rack size with wood side panels, to a single rack chassis.
Released in 1984
The original dbx 120x, released in the 1980s, was a pioneering piece of audio equipment that made significant contributions to the world of professional audio and music production.
Released in 1991
The dbx 163X Compressor/Limiter provides smooth, natural-sounding OverEasy® compression with easy, hands-on control, versatile inputs for recording and live use, and features like stereo-strapping for balanced stereo compression, making it ideal for enhancing instrument and vocal levels while preventing PA overload.
Released in 1991
The dbx 263x De-Esser is a highly effective and versatile tool for any audio engineer or producer looking to improve the quality of their vocal recordings.
Released in 1992
The dbx 1046 provides 4 channels of smooth classic dbx OverEasy® or Hard Knee compression that are perfectly suited for use on individual tracks of your multitrack recorder.
Released in 1995
In the year of 1995, after years in the analogue world, dbx decided to jump into the world of digital effects, kicking it off with the dbx Model 290 Digital Reverb, a single rack size digital reverb designed to be easy to use.
Released in 1995
Since its introduction in the mid 1970’s, the dbx 160 series has been the world’s most popular line of audio compressors. After the classic 160 (which is still used daily in many world class studios), came the 165, the 160X and the 160XT. And now, the 160A.
Released in 1996
The dbx 266XL’s advanced gate circuitry uses a completely new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultra-smooth release characteristics – even with complex signals, such as voice or reverb decays.
Released in 1996
At the heart of the dbx 1066 is our new dbx V2 VCA. Developed especially for the 1066, 1046 and other 10 series products to come, this revolutionary VCA boasts superb dynamic range characteristics while maintaining very low distortion and almost immeasurable noise characteristics.
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