dbx 140X

This device is a reduction system 2-channel external breath half rack width rack using either a second unit or with a fastener. It uses the standard reduction breath dbx type II. This means that it is primarily intended for use with a cassette recorder but you can also use it to decode some vinyl or radio broadcasts encoded in dbx. For tape recorders, you should use the standard dbx Type I. So it should be used in this case his counterpart dbx 150x.

It is obvious that, like any system of reduction of breath, this is a completely analog device. Like its counterpart 150x, there are no presets or editing option but this is normal since the dbx is a standard reduction breath. The only setting options are the input sensitivity, the output level and the ability to switch on the reduction system or not (bypass). And all this can be adjusted individually for each channel, which is already much because the majority of its concurants not only allow you to adjust the power on or off the reduction of breath ^ _________ ^ In addition, it has a symmetrical TRS connectors )))) But the distance between each connector is really calculated to the millimeter, there is no incentive to use jacks with a diameter too big or risk distort the axis of the connector and therefore damage, damage. Especially since it is required to wire the 8 connectors to use it.

UTILIZATION

8 connectors?? Bein yes: 2 for input from the sound source to encode, 2 to send the encoded record to the recorder, 2 signal for receiving the encoded signal from the recorder when reading and 2 to send the decoded to the receiver or to the table mix signal. Do not listen to the recording through headphones into the headphone jack on the recorder: you will hear the sound encoded and therefore not very nice to listen to ^ ____________ ^ Listening must be on the amp or mixer which is connected to the unit on which dbx is finally connected the recorder.

As soon as we know this principle, the rest is useless to have the manual to use it ^ ^ ________________ And once settled breeze, it is a device that does not touch except of course if you have to put in bypass or not, depending on whether or not you wish to encode a cassette (or tape, depending on model) in dbx or if you want to listen to the tape is encoded in dbx or not .

SOUND QUALITY

While the utility is questionable on a tape recorder (dbx type I), especially on a 19/38 cm / s, the dbx was a real revolution for audio cassettes (dbx type II). It allows very close to that of CD quality. Good, a slight pumping effect on some instruments but it is practically inaudible - Dolby C (I do not have the experience of Dolby S) produces a much more audible pumping effect, especially when weak signals. Dbx was widespread especially among audiophiles (integrated in some cassette decks Yamaha, Technics, Marantz and Teac to my knowledge) and in the homes-studio on a budget. The famous Portastudio these cassette recorders 9.5 cm / s 4 see table 8 tracks with integrated mix, almost all type II integrated dbx. In portable recorders, only Marantz CP430 (or PMD430) was built to my knowledge dbx.

It is also important to note that different standards for reducing breath (dbx Type II, Dolby B, Dolby C, Dolby S, etc.) are not compatible. Do not try to decode a Dolby cassette with a dbx system or vice versa because in this case, I tried: sound reproduction is catastrophic. Do not try to apply a decoding dbx on a tape that is not encoded because again it's a catastrophe. So choose well your standard reduction breath after your application and especially following with whom you trade in sound recordings. The dbx Type II is generally used by in home studios (with tape recorders Tascam notament) and audiophiles. Cassettes for use virtually anywhere, it is especially the Dolby B was widespread. When the dbx Type I (professional version of dbx type II), Dolby A (professional version of Dolby B) and Dolby SR (professional version of Dolby S and C), are standards mainly reserved for tape recorders. There are also other standards: High () Com and Telecom C4 notament but these are rather marginal and very little spread.

To date, there is no software or plugins for audio computer to emulate decoding tape or cassette encoded in Dolby or dbx. Well, we can do it "by hand" with an expander and égalieur but loyalty result is not guaranteed. That is why it is better to have the encoder - decoder or Dolby dbx original hardware on hand when you need to decode Dolby or dbx bands.

OVERALL OPINION

I used the last few months with my tape recorder Tascam 122 MKIII and it works flawless ^ _____________ ^ Besides this slight pumping phenomenon but that is not a defect of the device is suitable for standard dbx, either type I or type II, unfortunately ...

Most of this model (such as 150x)
- Connectors balanced jacks and it is rare for a system dbx ^ ___________ ^
- Ability to adjust the input level, output and setting on or off the system dbx channel
- Half width of rack

The least that this model (like 150X)
- Connectors Plugs very close to one another, it is limited
- Has no On / Off button, so we must connect its decision to run a power strip with a switch stand-up attention with the tape recorder, for example.

Yes, if I have to buy a dbx system, I will redeem what model (or 150x if it is for a tape recorder) without hesitation.

Reduction units external breath disappeared from the market and now with analog recorders, virtually all cassette recorder has at least the integrated Dolby B. But we can however sometimes find occasion.