Noise Reduction

Noise reduction systems were developed to minimise tape hiss and improve signal-to-noise ratio in analogue recording. As multitrack tape machines became standard in professional studios, managing background noise and preserving dynamic range became increasingly important.

This archive includes analogue noise reduction hardware used in professional recording environments. From single-ended systems to encode-decode companding formats integrated with multitrack tape recorders, these technologies played a central role in studio workflows throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Made In U.K.

Released in 1966 /

Dolby A301 Audio Noise Reduction System

The Dolby A301 was the first professional Dolby noise reduction system and a landmark in recording technology. Using a four-band compander design, it provided 10–15 dB of noise reduction across the audible range without affecting tonal balance or dynamics. Its precision engineering, modular construction, and stable performance made it indispensable in top studios and broadcast facilities from the mid-1960s onward, paving the way for the later Dolby Type A and SR systems that defined professional recording for the next three decades.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1974 /

dbx 152 2-Channel Noise Reduction System

The dbx 152 was a two-channel professional noise reduction system introduced in 1974, providing 30dB of hiss reduction and 10dB of added headroom. Compact and easy to use, it delivered dbx’s signature linear companding and RMS tracking in an affordable format ideal for smaller studios and recordists seeking professional-quality results.

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Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1974 /

dbx 154 2-Channel Noise Reduction System

The dbx 154 was a four-channel noise reduction system introduced in 1974, delivering 30dB of broadband noise reduction and 10dB of added headroom. Compact yet professional, it used dbx’s proven Type I companding technology to provide transparent operation, accurate tracking, and full compatibility with all dbx 150 Series systems.

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Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1974 /

dbx 157 2-Channel Decilinear Noise Reduction System

The dbx 157 was a two-channel professional noise reduction system. Offering simultaneous encode and decode capability, it provided 30dB of broadband hiss reduction and 10dB of added headroom through dbx Type I companding. Fully compatible with other dbx 150 Series units, it delivered transparent, noise-free analogue recording in a compact stereo format.

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Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1976 /

dbx 155 4-Channel Tape Noise Reduction System

The dbx 155 provided four channels of professional broadband noise reduction with 30dB of hiss reduction and 10dB of added headroom. Its true RMS companding system ensured precise tracking, transparency, and dynamic accuracy, making it a reliable and flexible choice for small studios and professional facilities seeking high-quality analogue recording with minimal noise.

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Made In Japan

Released in 1978 /

dbx 228 Tape Noise Reduction Unit/Dynamic Range Expander

The dbx 228 combined the professional noise reduction of the dbx 224 with the dynamic range expansion of the 1BX Series Two, providing 30dB noise reduction, 100dB dynamic range, and complete tape hiss elimination. With its dbx Disc Decoder and linear decibel companding system, it brought the sound and presence of live music to home and studio playback systems alike.

Explore the full dbx Recording Technology Series Series

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1978 /

dbx 128 Dynamic Range Enhancer & Noise Reduction System

The marketing material for the dbx 128 said: ‘Records deliver only half of the dynamics of live music. What happened to the other half?’ And that is the solution the dbx 128 tried to provide.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1978 /

dbx 208 Noise Reduction System

The dbx 208 is a rack-mounted power supply and distribution unit designed to support multiple dbx devices. It forms part of the dbx 411 noise reduction system, providing regulated and filtered DC power for stable operation. With multiple outputs and robust construction, it was commonly used in professional studios to power dbx noise reduction units and processors.

Made In Japan

Released in 1981 /

dbx Model 224 Type II Noise Reduction System

The dbx Model 224 Type II Noise Reduction System was not a professional noise reduction system, but it did find its way into smaller studios and home studios for noise reduction duties on reel-to-reel recorders of the day.

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Made In U.K.

Released in 1986 /

Dolby Model 365 Noise Reduction System

The Dolby Model 365 is a two channel professional noise reduction processor designed for use across recording, broadcast, film and archival work. It supports either Dolby A type or Dolby SR modules and provides transparent noise reduction with wide dynamic range, precise calibration tools and flexible operation in both record and playback chains.

Made In U.K.

Released in 1987 /

Dolby Model 363 Noise Reduction System

The Dolby Model 363 is a two channel professional noise reduction unit offering Dolby A type or Dolby SR processing through interchangeable modules, with built in calibration, transformerless balanced I/O, Auto Compare, and independent or stereo linked operation in a compact 1U design.