DBX 128 Compressor / Expander for studio or Hi fi - $260 (Gresham)

DBX 128 Compressor / Expander This versatile instrument combines an expander with a compressor and also includes a DBX Type II tape noise reduction system as well as the decoder for DBX encoded vinyl.
1970s dbx II Model 128 Dynamic Range Enhancer Noise Reduction System Unit Same VCA as a dbx 160 Classic dbx Sound For a Fraction of the Price of Most dbx Units The threshold for the compressor and expander are adjustable as well as the amount of compression or expansion.
It can operate in a "linear" fashion or can be set to operate only above the set "threshold".
Use the expand mode to restore the dynamics of FM, vinyl or tape while simultaneously reducing noise during quiet passages.
Use the compress mode to level out audio from varying sources, such as TV, or to prevent overloads.
The DBX Type II noise reduction system will dramatically improve the performance of any tape machine.
The many modes of operation can also be combined Not the same circuit but it has the same VCA and while noisy (unbalanced) it can, like its cousins the 117, 118 and 119, provide some interesting color and slam for drum tracks.
I use a 118 (with a balancing transformer) like I'd use a 162 (stereo 160VU) and while not quite the same it still has that dbx character.