DBX 3BX - DS impact restoration vs the other models

[PROJECT 2501]

I've noticed that on the 3BX DS there are three meters for displaying the level of impact restoration over three different frequency bands exactly like the dynamic range expansion. As far as I can see its the only model with impact restoration that splits it into three separate ranges. The other models like the 3bx series iii, 1bx series iii, 4bx, and even the 5bx all have only one impact restoration meter. So, im curious as to whether or not the impact restoration is only processed to one full frequency band in all the other models leaving only the 3bx DS with 3 band impact restoration capability.

 

[62vauxhall]

I cannot answer the tecnical question as I've read nothing I could understand about how DBX range expanders do what they do even though I've had and used continually one for over two decades. Went from a 1BX II to an original 2BX and then a 3BX II, Four years ago or so, I made a low bid at a local auction and won three 3BX units. One was a 3BX-DS. The others were an original 3BX with it's wired remote and another 3BX II.

I hate to say, but of all the 3BX units I had on hand, I liked the DS version the least and sold it after a year or so. I found that the effect was anything but subtle so I was constantly fiddling with it. And, while in operation, I thought the type of LED displays on that version made it look cheap and cheesey.

Last fall, 2021, I had to abrubtly pull up stakes and move so among other gear, all of the DBX units I had, including range expanders, were quickly sold except for one 3BX II.

 

[PROJECT 2501]

I cannot answer the tecnical question as I've read nothing I could understand about how DBX range expanders do what they do even though I've had and used continually one for over two decades. Went from a 1BX II to an original 2BX and then a 3BX II, Four years ago or so, I made a low bid at a local auction and won three 3BX units. One was a 3BX-DS. The others were an original 3BX with it's wired remote and another 3BX II.

I hate to say, but of all the 3BX units I had on hand, I liked the DS version the least and sold it after a year or so. I found that the effect was anything but subtle so I was constantly fiddling with it. And, while in operation, I thought the type of LED displays on that version made it look cheap and cheesey.

Last fall, 2021, I had to abrubtly pull up stakes and move so among other gear, all of the DBX units I had, including range expanders, were quickly sold except for one 3BX II.

I use a 3bx series ii in tandem with a 1bx ds for impact and spatial ambience but the impact restoration is only covered over the full audio spectrum (I think) due to having a single meter. If set too high the impact effect is too prominent and hurts more than helps. Since I've yet to have encountered a similar problem with the dynamic range expansion on the 3bx series ii, it leads me to believe that its because of the effect being split across 3 ranges independently and if the impact restoration could also be processed over three independent bands then it would provide a much more desirable effect.

 

[Blue Shadow]

The 5bx-DS has 5 bands of impact restoration with separate adjustment. The 4bx has the single adjustment but implies three bands in the specs seems similar to the 3-DS I guess the restoration is built into the expansion band circuitry but not adjustable individually as on the 5-DS units.

 

[arts]

I've noticed that on the 3BX DS there are three meters for displaying the level of impact restoration over three different frequency bands exactly like the dynamic range expansion. As far as I can see its the only model with impact restoration that splits it into three separate ranges. The other models like the 3bx series iii, 1bx series iii, 4bx, and even the 5bx all have only one impact restoration meter. So, im curious as to whether or not the impact restoration is only processed to one full frequency band in all the other models leaving only the 3bx DS with 3 band impact restoration capability.

The 3BX-III uses 3-band Impact Restoration. I still have one, but no longer use it. The use of a single Impact Restoration display was likely an economic decision. IIRC, the alignment instructions for both units were virtually identical.

 

[twiiii]

I still have my original 3BX, 119, and am looking for a 120. or. 110 or 100. I use the 119 as a compressor limiter for making CD's for the car or recordings on the iPhone to play on the car stereos where CD dynamic range can be to large. I never use a 3 BX with a digital recording for the same reason. Now for LP's I use the 3 bx quite a lot and that for some items I have streamed where the dynamic range has been compromised. I used it continually with FM streaming and over the air broadcasts. When I was dubbing older pre-recorded tapes and Lp's to CD I used the 3 bx all the time to reduce tape hiss and on most compromised LP's. Mercury, Sheffield, Telarc and a few others direct to disc and digital LP's didn't need any help. Teldec made Telarc LP's and did a fantastic job. I also have some JVC half speed mastered disco LP's at 45 rpm that are great, too. Audio fidelity and Verve could be outstanding with some selections and need some help with others. Command very seldom needed any help from a 3 bx.

 

[PROJECT 2501]

I still have my original 3BX, 119, and am looking for a 120. or. 110 or 100. I use the 119 as a compressor limiter for making CD's for the car or recordings on the iPhone to play on the car stereos where CD dynamic range can be to large. I never use a 3 BX with a digital recording for the same reason. Now for LP's I use the 3 bx quite a lot and that for some items I have streamed where the dynamic range has been compromised. I used it continually with FM streaming and over the air broadcasts. When I was dubbing older pre-recorded tapes and Lp's to CD I used the 3 bx all the time to reduce tape hiss and on most compromised LP's. Mercury, Sheffield, Telarc and a few others direct to disc and digital LP's didn't need any help. Teldec made Telarc LP's and did a fantastic job. I also have some JVC half speed mastered disco LP's at 45 rpm that are great, too. Audio fidelity and Verve could be outstanding with some selections and need some help with others. Command very seldom needed any help from a 3 bx.

I use a 120 in my stack