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If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. -- HENRY DAVID THOREAU

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Our link to the future.......

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dbx Professional Products -- we do it for you . . . the lunch box, working class musicians, the weekend wedding band, the Grammy-winning engineer, the mega-star, the guys who make music just for the heck of it in the garage in February, the newly aspiring producer of the month. You endure the uncharitable business of music and carve a life of unusual reward from the ever challenging industry. It is this heritage, spirit, and character that inspires us and every product we make.

future

...was forged in the past.

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Want the best of both worlds? Try this on for size: a process that captures the true essence of analog recordings, and couples it with the power, clarity and flexibility of the digital medium. Through the critical process of lengthy product development and research, comes the TYPE IV™ Conversion System, a proprietary process made up of both analog and digital algorithms. The resulting signal is superior to anything heard before: the capture of analog’s character, coupled with the clarity and definition of digital recording. TYPE IV™ is deployed in the dbx 704X, 504X and the DDP and Quantum. The 704X adds 24 bit/96kHz digital output functionality to the dbx 160SL Compressor and the 786 Precision Mic Pre. The 504X gives the popular dbx Silver Series of vacuum tube preamps/compressors the ability to output your tube-warmed signal in crystal clear 24 bit AES/EBU or S/PDIF. 24 bit digital input and output is also available as an option for the DDP, making it the ideal digital insert — dbx compression, limiting and gating without leaving the digital domain. In this catalog you’ll find the information you need to make an educated decision about your digital needs for the future.

Quantum

The Final Word in Professional Mastering

96K

There. We said it. Right there, out in the open. No asterisk. No caveat. No “except where prohibited by law”.

Introducing the dbx Quantum. The first studio mastering tool that offers sampling rates up to 96kHz, with a true 48 bit digital signal path, and the superior dbx dynamics processing that’s been making the hits for more than 25 years. Quite a trio of features. Insert the Quantum on the master outputs of any console or workstation and turn out a professional master every time. The patented dbx dynamics processing is now available in a 4 band multiband system. A 4 way crossover splits the signal into 4 bands, and each band may be individually gated, compressed, and limited. The patent-pending dbx TYPE IV™ Conversion System allows you to retain the warmth and body you want in your signal while adding punch and depth, giving you the “national” sound you want. And the intuitive user interface puts all the mastering processes you need right at your fingertips.

Quantum

Nuts & Bolts

Many people ascertain the abilities of a piece of gear by simply looking at the rear panel. After all, that is where the nuts and bolts are - the inner workings, if you will. So take a look at the rear panel of the Quantum.

AES/EBU input and output via the same gold-plated XLRs used for the analog ins and outs

Power. Duh.

Sync using the internal word clock, or slave to an external clock source, using dbx’s proprietary clock chips

S/PDIF inputs and outputs via RCA connectors

MIDI in and thru connectors for full parameter and SysEx control

Dual mono or true stereo operation

Gold-plated neutrik® analog XLR connectors

Inputs and outputs via XLR or 1/4˝ connectors

{True RMS Power Summing™ } With dbx True RMS Power Summing, the linked detectors respond to the sum of the energy (power) of each channel’s RMS signal. The intelligence of these RMS detectors allows the signals to be converted to the power domain, then summed together in the power domain. This produces a true sum of the energies. The more total energy, the higher the detectors calculate the combined signal to be. This is how your ears work.

Quantum’s

“killer app”

Insert the Quantum on the main LR output bus of any console, digital or analog. Apply the finishing touches to ANYTHING with the Quantum.

Record to any digital medium, up to 96kHz / 24 bits AES/EBU or S/PDIF. The magic of the TYPE IV™ Conversion System gives you masterquality output every time.

WHAT CAN I USE IT FOR? “Quantum is the only complete mastering tool available today that features the powerful combination of a 96kHz sample rate, 48 bit internal signal processing horsepower, 24 bit digital output, and dbx dynamics processing, all on-board.”

TYPE IV Conversion System ™

Type IV

Converted Signal Level dB FS

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A/D Clip Point

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Your Secret Weapon TYPE IV™ Conversion System

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“TYPE IV™’s logarithmic Over Region extends high-level headroom, which until now was only a characteristic of analog recordings.”

dB -4

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Figure 1 - Converted Level vs. Input Level

+4

+8

+12

Input Signal Level

The dbx Type IV™ Conversion System is a proprietary analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion process that combines the best attributes of digital conversion and analog recording processes to preserve the essence of the analog signal when it is converted to a digital format. dbx Type IV™ not only exploits the wide linear dynamic range of today’s A/D converters, but also enhances it and extends the useable dynamic range beyond the linear range. By providing a logarithmic "Type IV™ Over Region" above the linear A/D range, we benefit from the extended high-level headroom that is inherent in analog recording without compromising the noise performance of the A/D conversion process. Whew!

The Type IV™ Conversion Process is the primary method of analog to digital conversion on our digital products. When the analog inputs are selected, the TYPE IV™ process takes over as the means of converting the analog signal to a digital signal. This means that you may hit +6dB on the digital input meters and not hear any audible distortion. This behavior is not unlike an analog tape machine. In conjunction with TSE™ Tape Saturation Emulation, the essence of the analog signal is captured to the digital medium in a way that preserves the color and emulates the behavior of an analog tape recording. You get a digital signal that is more pleasing to the ear, and offers a more musical signal to process, resulting in master-quality sound output, whether digital or analog.

DDP

Dynamics Processing in the Digital Domain

DIGITAL DYNAMICS PROCESSOR

dbx brought the world of first class dynamics processing to the digital domain with the introduction of the DDP – Digital Dynamics Processor. Because it is a digital product controlled by custom internal software, there is more control available to you, the user, than you ever

dreamed of with a traditional analog processor. Consider this: the DDP is a fully functioning stereo or dual mono processor with any or all of the following components available to you at one time:

EQ • Compressor • De-Esser • Limiter • Gate • Dither Make Your Guitar Scream

Fatten Up Your Drums

Smooth Out Your Vocals

Mix It All Down

Use the DDP to get the sustain you need

Get that “fat track” sound you’re looking for

The DDP lets you set em on top of the mix, or blend ‘em in

Bypass the on-board convertors on your DAT or DAW, and add sensible processing at the same time

The DDP with DIO

DIO The DIO Digital Input / Output card enables the DDP to function with digital equipment having an AES/EBU and/or S/PDIF digital interface. It makes available full 24 bit output using the patent-pending dbx TYPE IV™ Conversion System, making it a superior way to convert your signal to the digital domain. The DDP is already set up for the optional DIO card; all the settings and controls are invisible until you install the DIO.When the DIO is installed, the controls become visible in the operating system software,and the DDP is ready to function as a fully digital dynamics processor. With the DIO in place you can use

the DDP as a digital insert, giving your DAW, digital console, or PC recording card full access to the world class dbx dynamics processing you heard for more than 25 years in the analog world.The single determining factor in a digital system’s quality is the choice of analog - to digital converters. The DIO’s converters are superior to any DAT, Digital console, or MDM, and give you the performance you deserve, with uncompromised headroom and excellent noise specs.The DDP and DIO combination are so versatile, we are sure you will find many other ways to use them in many applications.

OVEREASY TAKES A QUANTUM LEAP WITH VARIKNEE™ And you thought OverEasy® was the best thing since sliced bread! (We do too!) Well, now you can not only choose to use OverEasy®, you can choose 10 different variations of “soft knee” response. With ten different knees to choose from, you can tailor the attack response of the Quantum or DDP to every need, no matter how small. Versatility is the name of the game.

1:1

+20

4:1

+5

20:1

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Rotation Point Threshold

+15

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+10 4:1

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-15

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OVEREASY¨ RANGE

Over Easy Range

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+10

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OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)

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+20

OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)

The 10 VariKnee™ response curves of the Quantum

-15 -10

-5

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+5 +10 +15 +20

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

Hard knee compression threshold point.

Below Threshold

-15 -10

-5

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+5 +10 +15 +20

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

OverEasy® compression threshold and LEDs.

In a typical hard-knee compressor, the threshold control sets a reference level above which input signals will be attenuated in the manner defined by the setting of the Compression ratio control. Input signals which fall below this level will pass through unprocessed. With OverEasy compression, signals begin to gradually activate the compressor's gain change circuitry (or algorithm, if it's digital, like the Quantum and DDP) as they approach the threshold reference level and they do not get fully processed in the manner defined by the Compression control until they have passed somewhat above the threshold reference level. There is no distinct point at which processing begins, and the threshold setting corresponds to a point on the input/output transfer curve midway between the onset of processing and that point at which the transfer curve corresponds to the setting of the Compression control.

{ TSE™ } Tape Saturation Emulation Analog tape has always had a specific “sound”. In fact different brands of magnetic tape have their own peculiar sound or “color”. The color is most apparent when you drive the tape hard, almost to saturation. Tape Saturation Emulation™ is a process of giving a digital signal an analog-type sound or color, making it more pleasing to the ear. On the Quantum you can drive the input past the zero mark without risking the dreaded digital “over”. Instead you get a pleasant saturation that is modeled after the sound of analog tape being saturated with signal.

160SL

Unsurpassed Clarity, Nimble Versatility

STEREO COMPRESSOR/LIMITER WITH AUTOVELOCITY™

What makes the dbx 160SL unique? It’s in the feature set: Features:

{ AutoVelocity™ }

AutoVelocity™ employs a combination • OverEasy™ or Hard Knee Compression “All these benefits make of manual attack and release settings and the Auto Mode of the 160SL. When • PeakStopPlus™ Limiting the 160SL the most in manual mode, the attack and • 3 Attack & Release Modes to choose from: versatile compression systemrelease response is set by the front Manual, Full Auto and AutoVelocity™ panel controls. In Auto mode, the • Sidechain Enable on the front panel available.” attack and release times are set by the • 3-Way VU Meter lets you choose between compressor’s internal electronics. In Input, Output, or Gain Reduction AutoVelocity™ mode, the attack and • Stereo Coupling via True RMS Power Summing release times are determined by the • Gold-plated connectors for super high conductivity without signal loss internal electronics, up to the mini• V8™ VCA 127dB dynamic range mum/maximum settings you set on the • Super robust Jensen® output transformer allows you to drive 1,000 ft. of cable front panel attack and release conwithout measurable distortion trols. • Rear grounding terminal provides easy access - there’s no need to remove the lid!

704X

96KHZ/24 BIT DIGITAL OUTPUT SYSTEM

Features: • Sample rates at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz • Dither outputs to 16, 20, or 24 bits using TPDF or SNR2 algorithms • 48 bit internal signal path for increased head room and low level resolution • Type IV A/D Conversion System • Sync input/output using dbx’s own proprietary clock chips for extremely low jitter sync • Two user selectable noise shape algorithms for lower perceived noise floor • AES/EBU format is available on a gold plated Neutrik XLR or S/PDIF format is available on a gold plated RCA coaxial connector • Can be installed in a dbx 160S Compressor, dbx 160SL Compressor, or a dbx 786 Microphone Preamplifier

704X

786

Pristine Signal Path

When you use a microphone to record vocals and acoustic instruments, make recordings to DAT, or sample acoustic sounds, you want the best definition and character possible from your microphone. There are two differing philosophies when it comes to preamp design: whether to color the sound with the preamp, or not to color the sound with the preamp. The dbx 786 is designed with the latter philosophy in mind. We wanted to create a pristine mic pre that would carefully reveal the very subtle nuances of any source device. To that end the 786 uses premium parts and as short a signal path as possible to colorlessly amplify a signal to useable levels. With the optional 704X digital output featuring dbx TYPE IV™ Conversion System with TSE™ (Tape Saturation Emulation), a signal may be amplified and converted to the digital domain, ready for use in another digital medium. This allows the user to choose a mic for

PRECISION MIC/PREAMP any application with the knowledge that the qualities of that mic as well as the essence of the recorded signal will be preserved through the amplification and conversion process. Another benefit of the dbx 786 is the high Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMMR) with its ability to reject hum and Radio Frequency (RF) interference. With the published frequency range of 2Hz to 200kHz at -3dB, as well as a specially designed high frequency, hard-wire bypassable EQ circuit, the 786 will effectively and cleanly amplify any signal presented at the input, while preserving the desired characteristics of both the source and the microphone. All coarse gain adjustments are done through relay switching, as opposed to audio pots, keeping every possible component out of the audio signal path, in keeping with the pristine design philosophy.

786 Applications

96K 704X MANUFACTURED UNDER THE FOLLOWING U.S. PATENTS: 4,368,425 5,282,252. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

Digital Output

Analog Channel 1

IN

Digital Input

OUT

Power Supply, if required

Bypassing a DAT’s convertors with the 786/704X

Connection of the 786 to a digital recorder. Note that the 786 may be connected to any recorder, from a large format analog or digital recorder or workstation, to a MDM such as an ADAT or DA-88.

“The most pristine digital signal path available today.”

MANUFACTURED UNDER THE FOLLOWING U.S. PATENTS: 4,368,425 5,282,252. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

Digital Output

Analog Channel Channel 11

IN IN

Digital Input

OUT OUT

Power Supply, if required

566 576 SilverSeries

Keep the warmth....even in digital!

The Silver Series is as retro as the new dbx digital technology is forward thinking. They are 2 channel processors featuring two classic graded 12AU7 vacuum tubes in the processing chain. The front panels are packed with features that are standard issue for any pro-level processor — including tube drive and level controls, as well as a few features that might inspire the use of a few explicatives! How about an insert loop (with send and return on separate jacks, of course), a line/instrument

586

VACUUM TUBES

switch, +48V on the preamps, 20dB pad, phase invert, and low cut switches, a variable mid-Q 3-band EQ and a patent-pending PeakPlus™ limiter to round out the feature set.Add the optional 504X Digital Output System with the dbx TYPE IV™ Conversion System, and all of a sudden you have the best of both worlds, all in a great sounding, tough package that will serve you for years to come.

Features: Dual Channel Compressor

Single Channel Mic Preamp and Single Channel Compressor

Dual Channel Mic Preamp

• Hand selected and matched Premium 12AU7 vacuum tubes in path • Mic or line/instrument inputs on each channel. +4/10 operation • Drive control for a wide variety of great tube effects • PeakPlus™ limiting control • 3-Band EQ with sweepable frequency, wide / narrow Q and hardwire bypass • Optional TYPE IV™ Conversion System outputs • Separate 1/4" insert sends and returns on each channel • Custom designed analog VU meters monitor tube drive, insert, or output levels

504X

24 BIT DIGITAL OUTPUT SYSTEM

504X

{PeakStopPlus™ } The PeakStopPlus™ limiter does all other limiter topologies one better. It is a new patent-pending two-stage limiter that not only controls the excursion of your signal across the threshold, it also lowers the level of the signal, reducing the continued excursion. In a nutshell, the PeakStopPlus™ limiter sounds better than any other limiter design, when activated by an errant signal. No distortion, no crunch, just nice smooth leveling. It’s even rock-steady for your digital applications.

Features: • Sample rates at 44.1kHz or 48kHz • Dither outputs to 16, 20, or 24 bits using TPDF or SNR2™ algorithms • Type IV™ A/D Conversion System • Sync input/output using low jitter phase-locked loops • Two user selectable noise shape algorithms for lower perceived noise floor • AES/EBU format is available on a gold plated Neutrik XLR or S/PDIF format is available on a gold plated RCA coaxial connector • Can be installed in a dbx 566 Compressor, dbx 576 Microphone Preamplifier/Compressor, dbx 586 Microphone Preamplifier, or a dbx 1086 Microphone Preamplifier Processor

1086

Perfect Vocal Channel

The 1086 is a single channel microphone pre-amp and dynamics processor with the optional dbx 504X Digital Output System featuring the Type IV™ Conversion System.The 1086 incorporates the new advanced dbx V2™ VCA for high system performance.

MIC PRE/AMPLIFIER

The 1086’s mic pre-amp and dynamics processor can be combined or accessed independently.The mic pre-amp section is the left hand section of the 1086 as you face the front panel. The mic pre-amp and the dynamics processor sections are separated by the mic pre-amp VU meter.

Features: • Premium low-noise mic pre capable of going directto-tape, or straight into a DAW • Classic dbx dynamics processing for recording or live sound • Prevents overload

• Bypass inferior digital converters on DAT machines and DAW hardware • Protect speaker components • Transfer between analog and digital media

504X

Output Signal

TAKE IT STRAIGHT TO DIGITAL WITH DBX AND THE 504X }

2 dB Typically

Input Signal Intelligent Predictive Limiting™ Attack Time

Release Time

Output Signal

Time

504X

“Use PeakStopPlus™ to take advantage of the entire headroom area of your digital recorder.”

The effect of PeakStopPlus™ limiting

Set up the preamp For the microphone channel, use the mic gain control to set the level of gain added to the microphone input signal, thereby defining the 1086’s output level. Try to set the GAIN control so that you do not have to reset it repeatedly; allow headroom. The 1086’s Mic Preamp delivers up to 60dB of sonically transparent gain to reveal the detail and audio signature of even the most esoteric mics.

Smooth it out When distance is created between the vocalist and the microphone there will be a variation in the signal level. Start with low compression (around 2:1) to smooth out any variations. Limiting also benefits intelligibility by allowing low-level input signals to be reproduced through the system at higher volume.

Make it digital Use the 504X to bypass the convertors on your DAT, MDM, workstation, or PC recording card. The 1086 with 504X installed gives you sparkling clean digital output up to 24 bits in either AES/EBU or S/PDIF. This setup represents the most economical way to approach short signal path digital recording.

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A Harman International Company FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: dbx Professional Products 8760 S. Sandy Pkwy., Sandy, Utah 84070 Phone (801) 568-7660 ¥ Fax (801) 568-7662 ¥ IntÕl Fax (219) 462-4596 ¥ [email protected] ¥ http://www.dbxpro.com