{"product_id":"dbx-128-dynamic-range-enhancer","title":"As Is DBX II Model 128 Dynamic Range Enhancer and Noise Reduction System","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis broken vintage DBX II Model 128 Dynamic Range Enhancer and Noise Reduction System \u003cstrong\u003edoes not process audio\u003c\/strong\u003e and comes with an attached Power Cable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unit does not process audio and has the sides and knobs removed. For these reasons we are selling this unit AS IS - For Parts Only. NO Returns will be accepted on this unit.  Please see pictures for details on item condition, only what is pictured is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Details (For Working Units Only)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dbx 128 combines two distinct signal processing systems in a single unit. One section functions as a dynamic range enhancer, which boosts music dynamics and reduces audible noise from records, tapes, or radio broadcasts. The second section features a dbx II tape noise reduction system, allowing wide dynamic range material to be recorded on tape without introducing any additional noise. The unit includes switching facilities for various applications, making it ideal for listeners, live recordists, and tape copyists. Additionally, the dbx 128 can decode dbx encoded discs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStereo Expander\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dynamic range enhancer section includes a stereo expander with a continuously adjustable expansion factor from 1.0 to 2.0, effectively increasing the dynamic range by up to 100%. In expansion mode, the system makes loud passages louder (indicated by a red LED) and quiet passages quieter (indicated by an amber LED), enhancing the overall dynamic range. A key benefit of expansion is the significant reduction of record surface noise, tape hiss, and broadcast noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStereo Compressor\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis section also features a stereo compressor, which operates opposite to the expander by making loud passages quieter and quiet passages louder. The compression factor is continuously variable from 1:1 to infinity, making it useful for reducing dynamic range when creating tapes for background music or for use in automobiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable Expansion\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe amount of expansion needed varies based on the original compression or limiting applied to the recorded material and individual listening preferences. For classical music, a suggested expansion factor is 1.2 to 1.3, while for pop or rock music, 1.4 to 1.5 is recommended. Over-expansion can lead to audible variations in background noise, known as “breathing” or “pumping.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustomizing Expansion for Different Recordings\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNot all records or tapes require the same degree of expansion, as there is no industry standard for compression or limiting in the recording process. Some record companies use minimal compression but apply peak limiting to manage only the loudest signals. For such recordings, particularly classical ones, the “Above Threshold” mode may be more appropriate than the linear mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSetting Expansion Levels\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUsers can adjust the level control to activate expansion during loud passages, indicated by the illumination of the “Above Threshold” front panel LED. In this mode, loud passages are enhanced while medium and low-level signals remain unaffected. Higher expansion ratios, such as 1.5 and above, can be employed in the “Above Threshold” mode without causing pumping or breathing during quiet passages, an issue that could occur with high expansion ratios in the linear mode. The “Above Threshold” LED indicator lights up when the dynamic range enhancer section is active, while the “Below Threshold” LED illuminates when no expansion is taking place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Use the Compression Section\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe dbx 128 provides two types of compression: linear compression and above threshold compression. Linear compression reduces the entire dynamic range of the program, making loud passages quieter and quiet passages louder, while medium levels remain relatively unchanged. This mode is ideal for background music and making tapes for automobile use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove threshold compression specifically targets loud passages, making them quieter while leaving medium and low levels unchanged. LED indicators on the front panel show whether the unit is operating in above or below threshold mode. Compression ratios in the range of 1.0 to 1.0 are typically referred to as “compression.” Higher ratios, such as 10:1 or higher, are used in the above threshold mode, where the selected ratio determines whether compression or limiting is achieved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDynamic range enhancement and tape noise reduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable compressor and expander section\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpansion slope up to 2.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLinear and threshold operation modes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003edbx II noise reduction for tape recording and playback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eREC, BYP and PLAY switching\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre and post processing options\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlay level match control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuad coupler connection for linked four-channel operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DBX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51904794362141,"sku":"U284068","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0266\/7708\/4238\/files\/U284068-2.jpg?v=1781895387","url":"https:\/\/www.pixelproaudio.com\/products\/dbx-128-dynamic-range-enhancer","provider":"Pixel Pro Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}