Should you use dbx noise reduction on your cassette portastudio?

A bit of information about dbx, Dolby b, and Dolby c noise reduction as they pertain to cassette portastudios. Thanks for watching.

[@Drinkyoghurt]

On some Portastudios like the 244 and Porta One and Porta Two you can't disable the DBX feature.

[@Govier]

That is true

[@thallrudedjentstorm1756]

I have Fostex A series multitrack machine and I always wondered what difference between Dolby C and Dolby X there is. Thanks for the info. For tape saturation I always turned Dolby c off. But I gotta try this. I'll maybe give an update.

[@TorbenHolmelund]

I have been using DBX I for years. It requires a super tuned recorder, as it’s sensitive for frequency linearity.

[@MichaelJ023]

As someone who had a home recording studio using a 4-track in the 80s I can dispute the idea that we did not have access to compressors. A lot of us certainly did. Also, all of my friends that did home recording did not find issues with using DBX with regards to tape saturation. I see this topic a lot in the last few years. The KZbin channels that actually test it out are usually surprised that it’s a non issue.

[@Govier]

Thanks for the comment Mikael. I’m more of a no dbx guy myself but I have used it many times as well.

[@Tascam688]

Great channel and hello from the UK. I also go with no noise reduction on my Tascam 688. I use two Focusrite isa one pre’s for stereo takes and the Presonus ACP 88 on my channel inserts. I have the Tegeler VTC on master buss and have some outstanding results with acoustic instruments. Again great channel and have subscribed to you to share what we love 😀😀😀

[@Govier]

Thanks for stopping by. I’ve almost bought one of those focusrite isa one pres before.

[@Tascam688]

@@Govier brilliant pre’s with loads of gain and different impedance options. Very clean and noiseless, highly recommended. I must say again I love your channel regarding cassette multi tracking and such, nice one my friend 👍👍

[@grisimusic8938]

Hello Govier! Long time no see! And yep, no noise reduction for me as well :)

[@goodtimecharly]

The Sansui 6 track has Dolby C as well. I had no idea dbx got in the way of tape saturation thanks for the info! Id preferred the sound of my Sansui to my MT8X, my guess was the reduced track width on the Yamaha but im gonna try without dbx on it and see what I get.

[@nilespeshay1734]

Super cool and helpful video. +Personally+ I agree with your take. My particular options are dolby b, c, or none. Dolby sounds cool for drums, but otherwise I'm almost completely losing my highs with it on. No noise reduction FEELS most like "the tape sound" I remember. It also gives me more options if I DO wanna eq the tape signal afterward. Shoot..in this day and age it MIGHT make most sense to record no noise reduction and then run the result through software noise reduction (like Waves Clarity or something). Either way.. thanks for the vid, bro-ham!

[@Govier]

Thanks for the comment. Yes no noise reduction is a good way to go because you can always cut the highs if they’re too sharp for your liking.

[@vinniramos]

Hey Govier! Love your videos man! I'm using the Yamaha MT4x to record my shit. I make most acoustic guitar and vox music. What outboard gear would you recommend? Thanks man! Keep the videos coming!

[@Govier]

I would recommend a simple channel strip with a built in compressor. I use my presonus studio channel quite often and love it. A slightly nicer preamp would be a golden age pre-73, which is something I also use frequently. Guitar pedals are just fine for effects. That machine is awesome! Enjoy it.

[@peterkiefel4324]

Thanks for posting this informative video! I didn't know dbx suppresses tape saturation so now can make informed choices, particularly as I also have outboard gear. I started way back in mid 80s with a fostex x-15 (always on Dolby c) so when I moved to tascam 414mkII in late 90s and confronted with a choice I became inconsistent if I liked dbx or not.... now I have a much better ideathanks!

[@Govier]

Thanks for stopping by Peter. I was always fond of the Dolby c sound.

[@BluesBrethrenofPolishPeoplesR]

So good to see you again!

[@Govier]

Thanks! Same to you gtelefon!