Any DBX 117 users here?

[Beezoboy]

I have a chance to pick one up cheap, but a couple things scare me.

-Ratio only goes to 1.4
-Level match? What is this, what they called Threshold then?

So does this thing do very much compression? I want to smash a snare or drum buss with it, but will it do it?

I am more inclined to go with the 118, but those have had a price increase lately.

Beez

 

[exacto99]

dbx 117

I owned and used a dbx 117 about 20 years ago. At the time, it was affordable and functional. The low ratio and the gain setting was a pain and, as I recall, I returned the unit to dbx a few times because it would crapout. One of the caps would die because of low frequencies (bass, kick, synth, etc.). It's RCA, -10 level, a tinker-toy. Unless you're getting it for FREE, I'd pass and buy something from this century.

 

[turnitdown]

Hey Beezo!! Wanna buy a Symetrix 522????

 

[vwcsonic]

522?

Hi,

I'm interested in the 522? HOw much you want?

 

[turnitdown]

I think I paid $100 for the Symetrix... I don't use it much, but seeing that one just sold on eBay for about $50, I don't think I want to sell it.... I might use it for something someday... I bought it from Beezo, so I thought I'd offer it back up to him.

It's a wierd unit.. it has NO makeup gain control, which causes problems if you're really squashing stuff.... My $75 Ashley is more usable...

 

[Beezoboy]

I never found the Symetrix too bad. I had it set up so it went recorder outs -> comp -> mixing board so makeup gain was no problem. It just didn't do any better than my Symetrix 501, so I sold it. Sorry you didn't find it too useful. I bet it would do good on bass if you lower the threshold. I remember it having a rather thick sound. Maybe it would be good on clean guitar tracks too??

Beez

 

[turnitdown]

Hi Beez!! No, I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression.... It is exactly what I bought... no problem there... it was a good transaction!

I just find myself using other units... I don't ever get to record live drums, so maybe I'm hanging on to it for that possibility in the future. I almost never sell my used gear.... it's rarely worth it for me, and I'm always afraid I'll need it as soon as I sell it!!!