dynamic processor, graphic equalizer?

[morewatts]

Ok, so now I've really gone whacko. I want to make more of the switches on my SX-1280 work ;-).

One idea is to get something to hook up to the 'adapter' ports. And maybe to the Tape ports.

The FM dolby gizmo won't do anything useful (I think), as no stations actually broadcast in FM dolby.

So what about the RG dynamic processor. What does that thing do? They look reasonably priced on ebay... I really want to know what thing thing does... anything useful with modern sources?

Or maybe a graphic equalizer... like the SG-9500. But there are no cool meters on that. And basically useless in my opinion.

Any other ideas?
Anyone have a mint RG-1 for sale?

Maybe I'll get a tape deck for the dup/monitor ports. But a reel to reel is just too wild for me. But again, this is a fairly useless gizmo for me.

So what is that RG-1 thing?
C

 

[House de Kris]

I believe the RG-1 is the Pioneer dynamic range expander designed by Roger Grodinsky (sp?) of Chicago. He sold expanders under his own name as well. He also had a company called RGR.

An expander will modify the dynamic contrasts in music, effectively undoing the compression that is put in during recording. That is its intent, how well it does this is open to debate. For example, depending on front panel controls, a change of amplitude of 1dB on the input may result in a change of 1.4dB on the output.

Normally, average amplitude is used to control the expansion process. By this, I mean that they could use a peak detector to develop the control voltage for the VCAs, but this would change the apparent gain far too quickly and would be noticable and annoying to listeners. Averaging the audio signal helps eliminate sudden changes to gain that would appear to "modulate" the music.

Pioneer opted to use two control voltages in their stereo expanders, effectively making them dual mono. This will help maintain, if not enhance, stereo separation. Unfortunately, this will also make the central image wander around a bit, at the mercy of the stereo place instruments. Other expander companies feel that a linked single control voltage between channels is necessay to keep a rock solid central image.

With modern sources, the need for expanders has been reduced if not eliminated. With poor mediums like vinyl, who benefit from just about any processing you give them, that have limited dynamic ranges to begin with, expanders are quite useful. I find vinyl difficult to listen to without an expander. An expander will restore some of that "edge of your seat" excitement that live music has.

 

[Jim Eck]

Graphic Equalizers

For cool meters and lights at a reasonable price check out the ADC Sound Shaper II Mark II or Mark III on ebay, they are both quite nice at a reasonable price. Both functional and fun to watch, many lights on sliders and led's for output gain.

 

[BobP]

Pioneer SG-9800 has what you need, LED illuminated slider controls. 24 of them !

Ruby red dots against brushed aluminum look awesome in darkened room.
Even if you do not hook equilizer up

You will not be dissapointed with cool effect.