What does this do?

[tuffstuff1]

I've had this hanging around for a while but don't know anything about it. Can someone shed some light on it. Thanks a lot.:scratch2:

 

[restorer-john]

It's a dynamic range expander. Great for vinyl where the noise level is low and the dynamics have been compressed, classical music on older records would benefit from this device.

 

[Blue Shadow]

dynamic range expander like some dbx units.

Makes the loud a bit louder and the quiet a bit quieter, generally to increase the difference from quiet to loud (the dynamic range).

 

[tuffstuff1]

Thanks. If you had it would you use it.? Is it good quality?

 

[4-2-7]

Thanks. If you had it would you use it.? Is it good quality?

If I had it I would give it a try and it does look to have quality.

 

[4-2-7]

I think you can use it like a head amp to boots the volume of a cartridge(Gain) It can also lessen pops a ticks. dependind on your cart TT to inputs exspander outputs to phono stage.

It can also be used between the tape and pre for recording.

 

[Blue Shadow]

I think you can use it like a head amp to boots the volume of a cartridge(Gain) It can also lessen pops a ticks. dependind on your cart TT to inputs exspander outputs to phono stage.

It can also be used between the tape and pre for recording.

I think you are giving this device way too many tasks.

It is not a phono pre so it won't boost gain for the phono section. It is not an impulse noise reduction unit either so it won't fix the pops and clicks in records.

It will increase dynamic range or sources through a processor loop or tape monitor loop. It will boost dynamic range in both record and playback for recordings as well as being a noise reduction device on playback.

Look at the brochure for the pro-20 that replaced this unit. It is on hifiengine.

 

[tuffstuff1]

Thanks Blue. Will do. So maybe when I get my Revox R to R back from servicing it would be nice when playing the gobbs of Rock recordings I inherited. I noticed some of the recording were somewhat dull and noisy. This is probably what you are referring to. Would like to test it on some of lesser sounding vinyl recordings too as restorer suggested. Can't hurt to try. Have a good one and Go Buckeys!

 

[mgosdin]

I had access to one of the Pioneer branded versions of the RG dynamic range expander when I first got into HiFi. Like so many things it is best used in moderation, I found if I used it with a heavy hand you would hear the music "pump" and "pop". When it was properly adjusted it took my LP's and Cassette recordings up several notches in clarity and dynamics.

Have fun experimenting!

Mark Gosdin

 

[Gang-Twanger]

Where did they use this type of thing? Radio Stations or music studios? Neither?

 

[Rob41]

I have one and have hooked it up from time to time. I used it mostly with older recording that seem flat and lifeless to me. Like Blue Shadow said, it's a range expander. It's been a while since I've used it or other range expanders choosing to use an active crossover to adjust things to my liking.

 

[House de Kris]

You can read about it by searching the AK Gallery. Here's a couple links to the brouchure:

page 1/2
http://www.audiokarma.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1600&size=big
page 2/2
http://www.audiokarma.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1599&size=big

 

[House de Kris]

Where did they use this type of thing? Radio Stations or music studios? Neither?

Neither. It is typically used in home audio systems. Radio stations and music studios use the polar opposite of an expander, the compressor. The intent of this object is to undo the effects (to varying degrees) of a compressor.

 

[toddalin]

I think you are giving this device way too many tasks.

It will boost dynamic range in both record and playback for recordings as well as being a noise reduction device on playback.

Still giving it too many tasks. You would not want to use that unit in recording..., only playback of a signal, regardless of the source.

Because tape only has limited bandwidth, compression is typically applied during the recording process. The signal is then expanded during playback.

But that unit has no facilities (that I can see) to perform compression as is done on my dbx 119.

 

[stevantr]

So would this help with the majority of modern CD's that have almost no dynamic range?

http://dr.loudness-war.info

 

[Blue Shadow]

Still giving it too many tasks. You would not want to use that unit in recording..., only playback of a signal, regardless of the source.

Because tape only has limited bandwidth, compression is typically applied during the recording process. The signal is then expanded during playback.

But that unit has no facilities (that I can see) to perform compression as is done on my dbx 119.

The RG-20, the replacement for the 16 based on the years of production listed in Orion, has listed on the flyer use for recording and there is a switch to put processing on the signal to the tape. You and I both know this is not what most would think is the way to go but for older well compressed and new totally compressed music, adding dynamic range to the signal to be recorded might not exceed the tape deck's dynamic range and it would be beneficial.


Yes it is different than the 119 but that does not mean it can not be used. Or they would not have put the switch in the unit. I agree using the dynamic processing for some machines and some music is not a good idea, but my reel to reel machines would be able to handle an increase in the standard phono dynamic range. Then there is the use of dbx noise reduction, allowing a further increase in the incoming dynamic range prior to recording.

 

[JoeESP9]

Give it a try!

 

[bluesky]

Give it a try

 

[tuffstuff1]

There's an echo in here.

Actually I am quite intrigued by this now. I think it will take some trial and error but believe I get the jist of it. I plan to experiment with my old Reels and I have many blanks to record my vinyl for parties. Record and filter noise and ramp it back up during playback. Thanks for the links. I really appreciate it.