Noise Reduction for analog tape

[Sir Trefor]

Originally posted by alaskanaudio
The cassette recorders sure do pose a real challenge.

I'm always up for a challenge!

Originally posted by innernerdType 2 DBX is designed for 7.5 ips and lower while type 1 DBX is for 15 ips and up. Being a pro system type1 units have balanced inputs/outputs while the type 2 units have s/e rcas as their use was intended for the consumer market. Try and find a NX40 on ebay or suchlike

Right now I have a 122 unit(which I just obtained yesterday, actually), which does both the decoding, and encoding process. Can anyone tell me any pros or cons to this unit?

[mcs]

Originally posted by alaskanaudio
I have dug out the 4 channel DBX unit I have offered to make available, and it is model 187 which is a type 1 unit. To me it is worth more for the 16 chassis mounted XLR connectors than its circuit boards. If I end up scrapping it out would any one be interested in its circuit boards?

Yes, I have always wanted to try dbx on my reel decks.

Best regards,

Mikkel C. Simonsen

[alaskanaudio]

mcs,

I have forgotten to follow up on my post since I have been rather busy. I have agreed to send the DBX boards to Sir Trevor at no charge to him other than shipping costs.

Johannes

[Nowslo]

If it is still an open question, I could always hear my DBX 122 pumping in and out on recordings made with it. I only used it to copy LPs, but if you concentrated, you could hear it working on playback. My original intentions were to use it for live recording, but the way it worked when dubbing LPs discouraged me. I no longer have it, but I have always wondered how well it would work with a mike mixer input.

[Sir Trefor]

I could always hear my DBX 122 pumping in and out on recordings made with it

I actually purchased a 122 model for the specific use of making home-studio recordings--- Unfortunately my mic pres, mixers, and microphone were stolen before i had a chance to experiment with it.

[ChuckK]

SirT,

I, too, am new to these forums, and saw your questions about the DBX unit 'pumping.' This means the unit is out of adjustment, which DBX can still do, though it will likely cost you around $100-150 to do so. IMHO, it's worth it, especially if you like your tapes and/or want to convert them to CD later...you can copy them without the encoding, because you're recording the 'outputed' version of the signal.

You might try one of the audiophile restoration outfits on the Web, like Stereo Repair In-House Stereo Company in New York, Soundsmith, or any of the outfits on boards like Audiogon, Audio Classics or other such boards. The repair places are truly good and reputable outfits, and the other boards are good, too.

Now, as to using older DBX units...if you love tape, you shouldn't be without one IMHO. Properly adjusted, they give nearly CD-quality clarity without the tape hiss, the only downside being the encode/decoding necessary. I no longer use my 122 (which I paid DBX to refurb about 5 years ago), but still use my 128 Range Expander/Decoder.

Short and sweet, if you stick with tape, stick with DBX. It hasn't failed me since 1977. (I can also make you a deal on the 122 I have, if you like...I'm trying to find some old amps and power conditioners I can use that aren't dogged out, so maybe....?)

ChuckK
Norman, OK

[Sir Trefor]

Wow, that is a very old thread, but thank you, nonetheless!

I love my dbx 122; I have had it for a while, and I cannot hear any pumping- no calibration needed, yet. I made a mixed tape for a party that I had, and was astounded at the clarity of the music- like you said, it was near-CD quality.

I do have a dbx 150X type I unit for my reel-to-reel, which may need some calibration though.

I don't have a lot to trade right now- though if I did I would let you know(unless you are looking for NOS can-type electrolytic caps...?)

Thanks again!

[ChuckK]

My bad...I only noticed after I posted to your message that the person before you had the pumping problem. I only posted because I thought I could bring another analog user to the DBX Side, as it were! (hahaha). As to trading, well, I'm not a techie, just an informed user...if I had your abilities, I'd probably have a working SPEC-1 and SPEC-4 right now, instead of waiting for the money to fix them! Cheers, ChuckK

[Sir Trefor]

All is well, ChuckK-

Welcome to the forum!

I'm barely a techie at all; which is why I need to consult this place before I embark on any "mission"( )

[Mikewong]

Currently I am using DBX 224.