The dbx 152 was a compact two-channel professional noise reduction system introduced by dbx in 1974 as part of the company’s 150 Series. Designed for small recording studios, semi-professional recordists, and serious audiophiles, the dbx 152 brought professional-grade broadband noise reduction to a more affordable and accessible format. It delivered the same 30dB of noise reduction and 10dB of added headroom as the larger dbx systems, while maintaining compatibility with all dbx professional studio models.
The dbx 152 was built around the company’s proven companding principle, which used 2:1 compression during recording and 1:2 expansion on playback. This approach allowed the full dynamic range of the source to be preserved while effectively eliminating tape hiss. Because the system worked linearly over a wide 100dB dynamic range and employed RMS level detection, it maintained accurate tracking and transient response without the need for calibration tones or level matching adjustments.
Each of the dbx 152’s two channels could be independently switched between record (encode) and playback (decode) functions. This made the unit well suited for small studios and home recordists who needed high-quality results without the complexity or cost of larger systems. The unit’s clean circuitry ensured a transparent signal path with minimal distortion and accurate encode/decode phase alignment.
The dbx 152 featured unbalanced RCA phono inputs and outputs, with a compact 3½-inch-high enclosure designed for tabletop use or rack-mounting via the optional RM-150 kit. When paired, two units could occupy a single rack space, allowing up to four channels of noise reduction in one compact assembly. The system was fully compatible with the dbx 150, 154, and 157, ensuring that recordings made on one could be played back on another without any tracking or tonal inconsistencies.
With its combination of simplicity, affordability, and precision performance, the dbx 152 became a popular choice among project studios, educational institutions, and independent engineers. It provided a practical way to achieve studio-quality noise reduction in smaller setups and remains an example of dbx’s commitment to bringing professional technology to a broader audience.
Features
- Two channels of broadband noise reduction
- 30dB noise reduction and 10dB added headroom
- 2:1 compression and 1:2 expansion with RMS detection
- No calibration tones or level matching required
- Independent record/playback switching per channel
- Compatible with all dbx 150 Series systems
- Compact 3½-inch-high enclosure
- Optional RM-150 rack-mounting kit for paired installation
- RCA phono input and output connectors
- Low distortion and accurate transient response