dbx Type IV with TSE Question(s)

[Bob's Mods]

Has anyone had any experience using dbx's Type IV convertors with TSE which is Tape Saturation Emulation?

I bought a Quantum unit with this feature and I'm finding that sometimes it can generate audible noise depending on how hard you push it. Has anyone else experienced noise problems using Type IV conversion? Is this normal? (I would think not)

Any observations you wish to offer regarding the use of dbx's Type IV? There is really nothing on the web regarding the use of this feature that I can find.

thanks,
Bob

 

[Bob's Mods]

Isn't there anyone who uses or has used the dbx Type IV converters? Was the effect subtle or way huge, distorted or no big deal? Just marketing hype?

 

[Soundbyte]

I don't know about TSE or what it is, but the type IV converters on my DBX DriveRack sound downright unmusical when pressed hard.

 

[kylen]

I've got a dbx386 so it's in the pro-sumer price range I guess if that means anything.

I don't push into the type IV very hard but I'm glad it's there to prevent 'overs' allowing me to get a hotter input if I want.

I'm not sure type IV is the guy to give your the color of tape saturation you're looking for - it has some of the components of tape saturation but the color is surely different and doesn't make me think Tape Saturation.

 

[Bob's Mods]

I've looked at the dbx's Type IV conversion and what it does is simulate an analong compressor in the -4 dB to 0 dB range. It's mission is to allow you to run hot signals and not clip. I believe this was developed back in the days before 24 bit recording become the standard. When recording in 16 bit it was advantagous to record as hot a practical without clipping. The Type IV system would allow you run slightly hotter and not clip. With 24 bit recording its really not needed as you do not need to run full hot. The compressive profile it adds to your signal can be easily recreated using any half decent compressor plugin after the fact. They probably keep it as a marketing tool but its really not required in a 24 bit world.
The TSE, Tape Simulation Emulation, feature which is tied to the Type IV on the dbx Quantum and Quantum II, seems to be mysterious. When it kicks in it just creates clipping distortion. I don't know if the nebulous TSE shows up on other dbx products.
They are probably making more of big deal out of these features than they really deserve.