dbx sound processors and EQ order

[Decatur Greg]

I have an equalizer and some dbx gear. What order should I chain them together?

I have these sound processors:
dbx 224x noise reduction
dbx 120x Subharmonic Synthesizer (for later use)
dbx 3bx iii Dynamic Range Expander

And a Sony EQ

I also have the dbx 400x route selector so I can chain 3 sound processor units.

To start with I won't be using the 120x as I only have room for 3 units. I'd still like to know where it should be in the chain for when I want to try it out.

 

[JoeESP9]

I would place them in the order you have them listed. Knowing this place, others may not agree.

 

[Decatur Greg]

The noise reduction goes last

I did find this in the dbx noise reduction user manual:

Using the 224x with a graphic EQ. Nothing must come between the 224x and your tape deck or else the 224x will not work properly. In fact, the 400x has a separate circuit for two noise reduction units. So it must chain them in just before the tape mon loops.

I assume this goes for other sound processors too.

Still not sure which order these should go:

dbx 120x Subharmonic Synthesizer (for later use)
dbx 3bx iii Dynamic Range Expander
Sony EQ

 

[JoeESP9]

DBX is saying use the 224X first.

 

[Decatur Greg]

I guess I think of last as being the one just before going out to the tape deck.

I finally found the 400x owners manual online. This is the recommended path for multiple units:

1. EQ (non-active EQ)
2. Expander / enhancer
3. 120 subharmonic synth
4. 3BX iii dynamic range expander (or the like)

With the last thing in the chain the noise reduction so that it is passed directly to the tape deck. The only time you would have it engaged is for recording or playback of a dbx tape, makes sense it should be last before record and first after playback from the deck.

They recommend placing active EQ last or making sure that all other sound processors are out of the path when using active EQ.

 

[david moran]

I have an equalizer and some dbx gear. What order should I chain them together?

I have these sound processors:
dbx 224x noise reduction
dbx 120x Subharmonic Synthesizer (for later use)
dbx 3bx iii Dynamic Range Expander

And a Sony EQ

I also have the dbx 400x route selector so I can chain 3 sound processor units.

To start with I won't be using the 120x as I only have room for 3 units. I'd still like to know where it should be in the chain for when I want to try it out.

Is not my diagram in the 400X helpful?

EQ last, as close to the amp (to the speakers) as feasible.

NR close to tape deck (obvs)

 

[twiiii]

Having sold the products and installed the products in big discos in the US and Mexico where Mexican patrons like it really loud and clean I would put them in the order you have them. Of course the 224 is only used when you have the correct source material. When I was installing MC 2300's with out Power Guard I always had Urei peak limiters 1176 and or 1178 before the DBX 3BX and 120 X. Just to keep the DJ from going crazy. I also always had monitors that put out the same level for the DJ that was on the dance floor. Oh the 120 and 3BX had security covers to keep the DJ's busy fingers from tampering.

You didn't say which speakers you have and which amps you drive them with in your pos. All I can say is beware!!!!

 

[toddalin]

Do you even have a tape deck? If not, forget about the 224 as it has no use to you.

I would put the 120 first followed by the expander. The 120 relies on a line level signal to operate properly and the expander will play havoc with that, especially if you use the expander as a compressor.