
( Brand: Dbx ), ( Type: Dynamic Range Processor ), ( Effect/enhancement: Noise Gating/expansion ), ( Number Of Channels: 2 ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The DBX 904 is a high-performance, 2-channel noise gate designed for professional audio applications. This versatile device features DBX's renowned 900 series noise reduction technology, providing up to 90 dB of noise reduction for crisp, clear audio.
The 904 stereo gate is equipped with two independent channels, each featuring adjustable threshold, attack, hold, and release controls to fine-tune the noise gate behavior to suit the specific needs of your audio material. The threshold control allows you to set the level at which the gate begins to attenuate the signal, while the attack and release controls allow you to shape the transition between the gated and ungated states. The hold control ensures that the gate remains closed for a specified duration after the signal drops below the threshold, preventing pops and clicks from entering the audio when the gate opens.
The 904 stereo gate also features an automatic gain control (AGC) function, which adjusts the gain of the gated signal to maintain a consistent output level. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with audio sources that have varying levels of signal strength. Additionally, the gate has a side-chain input that allows you to control the gate operation based on an external audio signal, such as a drum track or a vocal performance.
The DBX 904 is built to withstand the rigors of professional use, featuring a rugged metal chassis and high-quality components. It also comes with a variety of input and output options, including XLR and 1/4-inch TRS jacks, and offers a balanced XLR output for use in high-impedance applications.
In summary, the DBX 904 is a powerful and versatile noise gate that delivers exceptional noise reduction performance in a professional-grade package. Its adjustable controls, AGC function, and side-chain input make it a valuable tool for audio engineers and musicians working in a variety of recording and live sound applications.
Pros of buying a 2-channel DBX Gate Noise 904 Stereo:1. High-quality noise reduction: The DBX Gate Noise 904 Stereo is known for its excellent noise reduction capabilities, making it an ideal choice for reducing background noise in audio recordings.
2. Adjustable threshold and attack/release settings: The gate has adjustable threshold and attack/release settings, allowing you to fine-tune the noise reduction to suit your specific needs.
3. Stereo operation: The 2-channel design allows for stereo operation, which is useful for reducing noise in stereo recordings or mixes.
4. Durable construction: The DBX Gate Noise 904 Stereo is built to last, with a rugged metal chassis and high-quality components.
Cons of buying a 2-channel DBX Gate Noise 904 Stereo:1. Price: The DBX Gate Noise 904 Stereo is a high-end noise reduction gate, and as such, it can be quite expensive compared to other options on the market.
2. Complexity: The gate has a number of adjustable settings, which can make it more complex to use than some simpler noise reduction options.
3. Lack of automation: The gate does not have built-in automation features, which means you may need to manually adjust the settings during the mixing or recording process.
Conclusion:The DBX Gate Noise 904 Stereo is a high-quality noise reduction gate that is well-suited for reducing background noise in audio recordings. Its adjustable threshold and attack/release settings, as well as its durable construction, make it a reliable choice for professionals. However, its high price and complexity may make it less appealing to beginners or those on a budget. If you are looking for a high-end noise reduction gate, the DBX Gate Noise 904 Stereo is a worthwhile investment. If you are looking for a simpler, more affordable option, there are other noise reduction gates available on the market that may better suit your needs.
Recommendation:If you are a professional audio engineer or musician looking for a high-quality noise reduction gate, the DBX Gate Noise 904 Stereo is a great choice. Its adjustable settings and durable construction make it a reliable tool for reducing background noise in audio recordings. However, if you are a beginner or on a budget, there are other noise reduction gates available that may better suit your needs. Do your research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
It is therefore best set after everything else is adjusted. The 904 is a full feature, gate, and sounds excellent. These are the newer version of the 904, which is slightly quieter than the old version, and has the benefit of having newer caps, so it'll last a lot longer.
As suggested, try damping the reverb of a note or chord in various amounts so you can sense the effect fine tune the sonic tail down perhaps 6/8 db and see how it suits you. Low ratios also are good when the distance between the signal and the noise is little and you don't want the signal torn up as it crosses the threshold. Full gating greater than 60 db of attenuation often sounds too dry to be believable. Condition these gates are in good condition and work great.
Likewise release, which determines the speed of the 904's attenuation faster settings on percussive or similar sounds gate out background noises, and slower settings provide smoother transitions for signals with long decay. This control is especially useful in damping a particular track's reverence ambience.
For example, a 904 can be used to prevent or reduce leakage among microphones in live sound reinforcement and during panel discussions. Please see pictures for details on condition. Placing a unit on each mike and setting its threshold below the level of the music or speech will achieve this. This essentially turns off all signal during quiet parts.
It permits much gentler effects to be achieved. Again, particularly when combined with high attenuation, high ratios are appropriate for tightening percussion sound for example and eliminating background noise.
If you start with the limit at maximum 60 db nominal, it is easier to hear the effects of the other controls as noted, the actual amount that the signal is attenuated is a function of both the threshold setting and the ratio control. Similarly, broadcasters can employ 904s to tighten land line feeds or noisy Eng audio 7 gating out low level trash on the lines by having a unit set as just discussed on the output from the feed or Eng equipment. When the signal ends sharply or there is a lot ON distance, high ratios are possible without harming tearing up the sound.
Therefore, use the 904 before any compressors. The basic purpose of a unit like the Dbx 904 is to remove unwanted background sounds in the spaces between desired foreground sounds. All the knobs buttons and switches work and have been fully tested.
The attn limit knob, by the way, is the last circuit element in the CV processing path. If levels are too much the same because of compression, for example, the downward expansion efforts of the unit will go for naught. This is useful if you don't have total control over the signal and the input level and or you don't want to attenuate the signal severely and make it sound unnatural or dead.
Attn limit.