When to use dbx on open reel multitracks?

[LanceTF]

Is there anybody out there?

I've been recording on a TEAC A3340. It's coming along but I still have the odd issue with bass end and pumping (breathy sounding) on some instruments. Is it possible to have dbx off on some of the tracks? For example dbx on ch.1 to 3 for drums, guitar, and voice then just bypass ch.4 for bass guitar. The bass sounds better without dbx as I insert an external compressor unit to tweak. I could use some advice.

Thanks to anyone who has suggestions.

Lance

 

[PoorBoyRecordings]

Hi Lance. I am no expert at this, but I have had the same prob. just using the eq on my TEAC Model 5B mixer. I love the sound of bass and the first couple of recordings I did that is all you heard. B A S S. Then I realized something. When I did the final mix I simply cut the bass volume and works for me. Your needs and likes I am sure totaly different that my own but thought I'd just throw that out at ya.

 

[LanceTF]

Thanks poor_boy

I did that with a dbx DX-4D and it worked fine. I'm using the TEAC Model 2A mixer and would roll back on the bass eq. I was just trying out a dbx 155 which caused more rumble. Are you recording the bass guitar direct? I've been reading that a mic on a bass amp might be a better solution. I've been referencing Beatles recordings and the bass is in the background quite a bit but still carries the tune. Thanks for the tip, I'll try that as well. This is a pure hobby of mine and I'm enjoying the process. I won't upgrade, as part of my challenge is to keep all the gear in the same era 1960s to late 1970s.

 

[sr71rules]

Some reel to reel decks do allow some granularity as to which tracks have DBX and which don't. If your deck doesn't have a lot of options, such as 'All tracks get DBX' and 'No Tracks get DBX', you could consider turning off the DBX on your machine and sourcing some stand alone units to allow you to just use it where you want it. DBX made a chassis called the 900 series that is, in some ways, similar to the current '500 series' API racks. The two systems are totally separate but the concept is the same, you buy the rack chassis which supplies power and I/O and then you add modules. DBX made a number of noise reduction modules and you can find them on ebay pretty readily. Just an option...

You aren't obligated to use DBX though on anything and if it's hurting your sound don't hesitate to switch it off. If you getting good clean signal to your deck and it's reasonably well calibrated having it switched off won't be a big deal. You'll hear a lot of hiss when you're tracking a quiet section of a an orchestra but if you're tracking guitars and drums, it won't be a big deal. Music was made on decks long before noise reduction came along, and it still sounded good. You can do a little clean up with the EQs if need be. If your machine supports it, record your signal to two tracks, one with DBX on and one with it off. Compare them. The one that sounds good.... is good.

Also, Wikipedia has a good explanation of how DBX works and may help you choose when to use it and when not to. You can take a look at theDBX Noise Reduction Page on Wikipedia with that link. It's not super detailed but it does help explain how it does it's thing.

 

[Blue Jinn]

Couple more thoughts, how hard are you hitting hte levels on the bass track? If you record too hot, this can cause problems with dbx.

Are you are recording straight in or micing an amp? If direct, what input are you using (mic/line) and are you using a direct box or preamp between teh bass and the input? You may not have an ideal impedance matching between teh bass and teh input.

 

[sr71rules]

Post some samples!

 

[witzendoz]

Couple more thoughts, how hard are you hitting the levels on the bass track? If you record too hot, this can cause problems with dbx.

This will probably be the problem, it was the main thing I did not like about DBX, just keep the levels under control going to tape and the problem should go way. Also try so subtle compression when recording the bass (I mean subtle) even if the compressor is not doing much it may keep quick transients under control and stop the DBX pumping.

Cheers
Alan.