What does this do? DBX 4BX

nguyendot
nguyendot Posts: 3,594
edited May 2010 in Electronics
Picked this thing up at Goodwill one day on a hunch. I have no idea what it does. Hooked it up like an equalizer to play with it, and it seems to do what a compressor does.

Worth anything?

DSC_0058.jpg

Yes those are my stinky feet.
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Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

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Comments

  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,415
    edited May 2010
    I would buy it, how much you want? did you get the remote with it?
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    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,650
    edited May 2010
    nguyendot wrote: »
    .... it seems to do what a compressor does.
    It does the opposite,its a 3 band dynamic range expander.
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited May 2010
    No I couldn't find the remote. Oh well.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited May 2010
    It makes pretty lights. :D
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited May 2010
    I lifted this from another post of mine and slightly edited it.
    Dynamic range is the difference in volume, measured in dB, between the loudest and softest passages in music. Recording studio engineers used to compress the dynamic range of music (literally squeeze it onto a record or tape) to fit the limitations of those media. Dynamic range expanders increase the dynamic range of any source.

    DBX 3BXIII

    It divides the audio frequencies into three ranges (HF, MF, LF) and handles each separately. The unit lets you choose how much expansion you desire, the transition level and the threshold at which the upward and downward expansion occures. In addition, the unit restores the impact (impact restoration - reconstructs the initial transient of a note) of a live performance that is lost during mixing. The range is 0 to 12 dB.

    Even though we have moved forward with media capable of greater dynamic range, we appeared to have taken a giant leap forward with the amount of compression applied. I would keep this. I have my 3BXIII from the mid 80's and will never sell it.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • snow
    snow Posts: 4,358
    edited May 2010
    It is probally a $200.00 item on Ebay so it is worth something yes :)



    REGARDS SNOW
    Well, I just pulled off the impossible by doing a double-blind comparison all by myself, purely by virtue of the fact that I completely and stupidly forgot what I did last. I guess that getting old does have its advantages after all :D
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited May 2010
    lol. I dont really need it. It's another one of my 'buy and flip' items. This month has been doing very well. For $200 i'd hock it immediately. It's cool, and the lights move in a 1980's fashion which is neat, but the effect is lost on me.

    I prefer to run the signal straight to my amp.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited May 2010
    Great piece! Wonderful for noise reduction on cassette and R2R tape players. I wish I could afford to buy one to upgrade the 224x that SNOW so graciously sent me.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited May 2010
    snow wrote: »
    It is probally a $200.00 item on Ebay so it is worth something yes :)



    REGARDS SNOW

    Hmmm . . . I would think it would go for more than that Dan. I've seen 224x's go for close to that amount. A year or two ago I (regrettably) sold my 224x I had been holding onto for IIRC $165.
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited May 2010
    FYI

    The 4BX is NOT a tape noise reduction unit like the dbx Type I (professional) or Type II (commercial eg. 224x) units. The 4BX can be used to improve any line level signal; FM, tape, LP, CD, other digital etc.

    If I had a monitor loop on my current preamp, I would still have mine connected for use when desired or needed.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited May 2010
    I saw it sell for 400-500 on other sites. Im not looking for remotely that lol. I could care less if I sell it, I just do this stuff for fun, like Tony Millard :)
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,067
    edited May 2010
    It's a dynamic range limiter/expander. It's worth at least $400 without the remote.
    Great find. I't excellent for analog/vinyl use.
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited May 2010
    I guess I can use it with the turntable, but lately i've been on a craigslist binge.

    Talk about a secondary income!:D

    This unit was marked $3 or $5 (can't remember) at the local Goodwill.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,067
    edited May 2010
    :eek::eek::eek: $3-5.00 :eek::eek::eek:
    Try it. You'll keep it once you learn how to use it.

    If you're patient and plan on keeping it, I can send you a copy of the owner's manual. I need to dig it out of storage.
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited May 2010
    I found the manual, apparently dbx still has it online.

    I used it last night with some streaming music. Very interesting effect. I liked it, but still I prefer a straight signal to my amp.

    Currently clearing out ALL of my equipment, going to wipe the slate, start clean, and get rid of all the Goodwill finds.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited May 2010
    jm1 wrote: »
    FYI

    The 4BX is NOT a tape noise reduction unit like the dbx Type I (professional) or Type II (commercial eg. 224x) units. The 4BX can be used to improve any line level signal; FM, tape, LP, CD, other digital etc.

    If I had a monitor loop on my current preamp, I would still have mine connected for use when desired or needed.

    I didn't know that. Better still!. I like those types of toys.

    Thanks for the info John.
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited May 2010
    nguyendot wrote: »
    I found the manual, apparently dbx still has it online.

    I used it last night with some streaming music. Very interesting effect. I liked it, but still I prefer a straight signal to my amp.

    Currently clearing out ALL of my equipment, going to wipe the slate, start clean, and get rid of all the Goodwill finds.

    This would be a keeper regardless what you could get on the open market, but that is my opinion.


    FWIW, based on your picture, you do not have the unit properly configured.

    Set the transition level so the bands (esp. the HF band) are equally adding (red) and subtracting (orange) from the signal. This way you are adding to the peaks and subtracting from the quieter to extend the dynamic range. All the people I have known have the unit always adding to the signal like the picture; this is not what the unit was designed for nor does it sound very good. I always found having about 20 - 30% expansion level was appropriate regardless of source.

    I usually set the impact restoration at about the same level. There should also be a release rate on the back of the unit to set how fast the transient is released.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • John30_30
    John30_30 Posts: 1,024
    edited May 2010
    nguyendot wrote: »
    I found the manual, apparently dbx still has it online.

    I used it last night with some streaming music. Very interesting effect. I liked it, but still I prefer a straight signal to my amp.

    Currently clearing out ALL of my equipment, going to wipe the slate, start clean, and get rid of all the Goodwill finds.

    How much would you want to flip it for if I came by your house to pickup? I like to transfer rare cassettes sometimes.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited May 2010
    John30_30 wrote: »
    How much would you want to flip it for if I came by your house to pickup? I like to transfer rare cassettes sometimes.

    John I think you need to look for a dbx 224x as JM1 noted the above unit isn't for tape noise reduction but I can vouch for the 224x, it is awesome and is way better than anything that Dolby use to put out. I still have some dbx encoded tapes that I made way back when. Unfortunately I gave my dbx encoded LPs to the fella who bought my original 224x.:mad:
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  • John30_30
    John30_30 Posts: 1,024
    edited May 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    John I think you need to look for a dbx 224x as JM1 noted the above unit isn't for tape noise reduction but I can vouch for the 224x, it is awesome and is way better than anything that Dolby use to put out. I still have some dbx encoded tapes that I made way back when. Unfortunately I gave my dbx encoded LPs to the fella who bought my original 224x.:mad:

    Now you guys are confusing me. :confused: I thought it basically improves and expands the signal? I can use software to reduce noise, if need be.

    That's assuming nguyendot wants to get rid of it.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited May 2010
    John30_30 wrote: »
    Now you guys are confusing me. :confused: I thought it basically improves and expands the signal? I can use software to reduce noise, if need be.

    That's assuming nguyendot wants to get rid of it.

    Whoops, I'm the one who was confused John not you. I just reread your post and realized it was for transferring the cassettes to CD, right? DUH . . . sorry about that bro.:o
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited May 2010
    John30_30 wrote: »
    How much would you want to flip it for if I came by your house to pickup? I like to transfer rare cassettes sometimes.

    Honestly don't know. Wasn't planning on hocking it on the forums lol. It's on the local CL however if you want, along with all the other stuff im trying to get rid of.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited May 2010
    Based on your original post in this thread, I had no idea you had this much experience with the dbx units:
    Absolutely magic! I have used dbx 3BX expanders in all my commercial installations, and in my home system since 1978!

    Edit: Sorry, my mistake. The person who wrote the information might have had this much experience with the units.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • John30_30
    John30_30 Posts: 1,024
    edited May 2010
    nguyendot wrote: »
    Honestly don't know. Wasn't planning on hocking it on the forums lol. It's on the local CL however if you want, along with all the other stuff im trying to get rid of.

    I don't need it that bad.
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  • snow
    snow Posts: 4,358
    edited May 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Hmmm . . . I would think it would go for more than that Dan. I've seen 224x's go for close to that amount. A year or two ago I (regrettably) sold my 224x I had been holding onto for IIRC $165.
    You would think :) I am sure that there has been some that have sold for morei n the $300-$400 range but at least recently on Ebay they have sold for less, here are the last couple completed auctions.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/DBX-4BX-Three-Band-Dynamic-Range-Expander-/200464551334?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eac9e4da6

    http://cgi.ebay.com/dbx-4bx-Three-Band-dynamic-Range-Expander-/200465042173?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eaca5cafd

    REGARDS SNOW
    Well, I just pulled off the impossible by doing a double-blind comparison all by myself, purely by virtue of the fact that I completely and stupidly forgot what I did last. I guess that getting old does have its advantages after all :D
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited May 2010
    Talk about a blast from the past.... I still have my old DBX 224 unit I bought from Sheffield Audio in Houston and used it to play DBX vinyl records.
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