DBX 119 Compressor/Expander

[mikemoritz]

Hello,

I recently came across one of these in my house, and other than it limiting the volume of the home stereo (I blew the speakers when I was 5), it is serving very little purpose. I was wondering if these are any good in recording situations.

Thanks for any help,
Mike

 

[Tom Cram]

I've never used one but,

I've talked to a lot of other folks who swear by them. On another BBS one guy said it was his fave comp of all time. Some of the older consumer dbx is very cool. If you don't want it I'll take it off your hands

Tom Cram
dbx Senior Technical Support
(801) 568-7530
tcram@dbxpro.com

 

[mikemoritz]

Thanks Tom,

Well, I think I'll be giving it a try on some projects over the summer. I have tried to use the compressors on my Korg D16, but I think an analog might sound a little better. Anyways, it's worth a shot. Also, maybe you can tell me what the "expander" part of this box does. I really have no clue. Is it the opposite of the compressor? Thanks for the info.

Mike

 

[Tom Cram]

Pick one...

I've been trying to find more info on the 119, so forgive my ignorance. If the expander is a downward expander it is essentially a gate. If is is an upward expander it will actually increase the dynamic range of the program material. i.e. the opposite of a compressor. If a signal goes below threshold, the upward expander will increase the volume of said signal. Mastering guys use upward expansion to "de-compress" overly compressed material. I'll keep searching for lit on the 119 for you.

Tom Cram
dbx Senior Technical Support
(801) 568-7530
tcram@dbxpro.com

 

[mikemoritz]

that'd be great. I've been looking for any kind of info online, and I have only found a picture, and a few studios who use it. So, thanks for the info!

Mike