dbx 3bx dynamic range expander

[davidshirt]

I'm actually doing a little "googling" on the subject of this "dynamic range expander" I was just wondering if anyone here uses one and what the benefits are of it, other than the obvious "dynamic range expansion".

I mean, if you can find one cheap and only have a turntable, some speakers and a receiver, would it bring out some added dynamics to LPs?

 

[Elliot Thompson]

I'm actually doing a little "googling" on the subject of this "dynamic range expander" I was just wondering if anyone here uses one and what the benefits are of it, other than the obvious "dynamic range expansion".

I mean, if you can find one cheap and only have a turntable, some speakers and a receiver, would it bring out some added dynamics to LPs?

Hi.

Download the file below if you would like hear what the DBX 3BX sounds like.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J8LEEFE6

I recorded it live through a microphone.

There is a good amount of talk about the DBX 3BX if you use the search option.

Best Regards,

 

[w1jim]

I've got a few and think highly of them. For FM, tapes and LPs I think they're worthwhile. For CDs they may not be necessary.

 

[Augy]

I'm actually doing a little "googling" on the subject of this "dynamic range expander" I was just wondering if anyone here uses one and what the benefits are of it, other than the obvious "dynamic range expansion".

I mean, if you can find one cheap and only have a turntable, some speakers and a receiver, would it bring out some added dynamics to LPs?

I wouldn't run a stereo system without one....buy it ...it will make a huge improvement in sound especially for the money they cost ....big bang for the buck....hook up is a little confusing but it goes in your tape loop. Answering your questiion, Yes, all recordings are compressed and this unit opens it up again....making it much more lifelike and detailed, especially if you have a model with impact restoration.

 

[just dave]

3bx :thmbsp:

 

[jami w.]

I've got a few and think highly of them. For FM, tapes and LPs I think they're worthwhile. For CDs they may not be necessary.

i lost mine due to my place getting really warm :thumbsdn: if i ever found a 3bd dbx again your damn skippy id grab it in a heart beat:thmbsp:

 

[JBLKRAZEE]

3bx :thmbsp:

+1. :thmbsp:

 

[Satcom123]

I have been looking at those too. I noticed there are different series of 3BX. Does any one know the differences or are they all the same?

 

[Coytee]

I too have and like the 3bx. I also had a fairly rare 5bx.
Some folks might tell you that outboard pieces like these (I also had a dbx subharmonic synthesizer and an eq) add lots of noise and yada yada yada....

That's a nice thing about a tape loop. You can choose if/when you want to use these.

 

[w1jim]

I have been looking at those too. I noticed there are different series of 3BX. Does any one know the differences or are they all the same?

First off, take a look at www.vintagedbx.com for many of the manuals for the entire consumer product line.

The first series used almost all discrete components (and lots of op amps), I'm in the process of restoring one of these at the moment.

The series two is much smaller and utilizes newer technology; probably is cleaner sounding.

The series three is like the series two except the display has bar graph LEDs (versus discrete) and it also has "Impact Restoration" which is quite worthwhile (IMHO).

Here's a picture of the guts of my series one:

 

[Nocturnal]

I'm actually doing a little "googling" on the subject of this "dynamic range expander" I was just wondering if anyone here uses one and what the benefits are of it, other than the obvious "dynamic range expansion".

I mean, if you can find one cheap and only have a turntable, some speakers and a receiver, would it bring out some added dynamics to LPs?

I've always used one on my main system. It's a different brand and will give you a different option. I compared both back in 1980 and the RG suited me better I believe Pioneer might have bought out RG Dynamics at some point as Pioneer also sold dynamic range expanders.

http://www.audiokarma.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1600&size=big&cat=
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=108844

 

[Westy56]

I mean, if you can find one cheap and only have a turntable, some speakers and a receiver, would it bring out some added dynamics to LPs?

I have both the 3bxds and rg-2. They were fun at first, now they get no use.

The dbx worked well with records and tape. The trim pots on the back make all the difference in performance. They are adjustments for the expansion range.

Nice units when used with moderation.:thmbsp:


Steve

 

[libertycaps]

+1. :thmbsp:

+2
The original model is the best one according to the shop owner who sold it to me for $115. Back in the late 70's, they went for around $700!!! ALOT OF $$$ in the late 70's. They are fun and do add a lil ambience and kick to lp's and original redbook CD's. A push of my tape monitor button by-passes use with remastered CD's. I generally use or don't use mine more than 1.4/40% on a case-by-case basis. Benefits of use depend largely on how the recording was mastered/remastered me thinks.

This hobby above all should be fun and having a dbx 3BX in your system is definitely fun. Those Battlestar Galactica-esque blinky lights are a laugh! :yes:

 

[alawishes]

Looking for a manual for my DBX 3BX.

The link to vintagedbx.com brings up jibberish on my work computer.

 

[davidshirt]

Excellent, thanks guys for all your input!

 

[Satcom123]

Yes since I have a lot of albums I will be on the look out for a 3BX. I also have a lot of reel to reel tapes that I listen to every day.

 

[Edriz]

I started with the orifinal back in 1978. Lost that in a house fire in 85. IMO, it is the best but they seem to be getting a serious price for them. I has a series 2 and now the series 3 with the impact restoration. I really like the series 3 and the impact restoration is nice but ya got to be careful and not use much. Like the old Brilcream ad, "A little dab 'll do ya!!"

I highly recomend a 3BX as i do most of DBX sound processors.

Check out my sig block

 

[JonL]

I generally prefer to keep the signal path as simple as possible, but I'm intrigued by these units and would love to try one. I was first interested in them when I saw one in a friends mostly McIntosh setup in the early '80s. He had quite the rig, wish I could remember what all it was.

 

[jimbofish]

The link to vintagedbx.com brings up jibberish .

Same here...

 

[cycletemp]

I use the RG Dynamics Pro 20. Years ago when both were new on the market I tried the DBX's (1 and 3) and the RG 20 and 16. I felt the RG's had better attack and release timing/duration than the 1BX. I didn't like the 3BX at all. I thought it just highlighted whatever was playing solo at the time.