dbx NR revisited ...

  • Thread starter Thread starter cjacek
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cjacek

cjacek

Analogue Enthusiast
I was just thinking .... If dbx on my 4 tracker (the 244) works by first compressing, upon recoding of signal, and then expansion, upon playback, then why does it matter that you stay at no more than "0" db or less, as it's frequently recommended ? I mean, when I record and see the VU meters hit +3 db, I know that the signal recorded on tape was half that. Ok, so when I play this signal back, it'll add or expand what was compressed. Why should it matter then if I hit -6 or even +6 on the meters upon recording when (1) I won't reach tape saturation/distortion anyway and (2) the signal will be expanded later ? What's so magical about staying at no more than about "0" when using dbx ? It's just simple compression/expansion (with some preemphasis and deemphasis of highs) and so I don't see how staying at or crossing over a certain db level makes a difference. Comments anyone ?

Thanks!

Daniel
 
The magic of dbx is that it doesn't only compress during recording!

It expands and compresses all signals entering your machine and depends on the 0vu mark as it's teetering point to make the critical decision as to compress or expand the signal.

Adhering to this design algorithm allows the dbx system to record below the threshold of where your tape will distort and where the frequency response of your deck is most flat and accurate.

Not overloading the tape as well reduces the effects of print through and adjacent channel ghosting or cross-talk.

This FAQ will explain it all in more detail if you have the time to read it;

TASCAM Analog FAQ

Cheers! :)
 
The Ghost of FM said:
The magic of dbx is that it doesn't only compress during recording!

It expands and compresses all signals entering your machine and depends on the 0vu mark as it's teetering point to make the critical decision as to compress or expand the signal.

Adhering to this design algorithm allows the dbx system to record below the threshold of where your tape will distort and where the frequency response of your deck is most flat and accurate.

Not overloading the tape as well reduces the effects of print through and adjacent channel ghosting or cross-talk.

This FAQ will explain it all in more detail if you have the time to read it;

TASCAM Analog FAQ

Cheers! :)
Click to expand...

Well done with the FAQ!! Thanks for the info Jeff! :)

Daniel
 
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