Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 exptools; site ihlpg.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!ihnp4!ihlpg!fish From: fish@ihlpg.UUCP (Bob Fishell) Newsgroups: net.audio Subject: Re: Are DNR noise reducers sold commercially? Message-ID: <236@ihlpg.UUCP> Date: Thu, 7-Mar-85 13:30:56 EST Article-I.D.: ihlpg.236 Posted: Thu Mar 7 13:30:56 1985 Date-Received: Fri, 8-Mar-85 05:12:11 EST References: <494@hou2e.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories Lines: 42 > > has anyone one the net heard a DNR unit operate? i would be very > interested in opinions ! > *** AC T YOUR AGE *** Don't expect miracles from DNR. The system will make a difference when listening to inherently noisy sources like old 78's, AM radio, or non-hi-fi video tapes played through a stereo system, but you can't get something for nothing. I have a DNR unit connected between my VCR and my stereo. While it does cut down on a good deal of hiss, it also cuts into the already limited bandwidth of the VCR's audio playback capability. The amount of noise reduction is pot-adjustable, but the more noise you cut out, the more of your highs you lose. However, the effect is much better than what you get by using a simple lowpass filter (like your tone controls or an equalizer), which takes out everything. At least with DNR, high-frequency sound recorded at relatively high levels still gets through. Unfortunately, any treble information recorded near or below the noise level is lost, although your ear can normally distinguish it from the surrounding noise (the cocktail party effect). Nonetheless, a DNR unit is worth having if you have cause to listen to noisy sources. If you really want to get exotic, though, you can get a 3bx or 4bx audio expander from dbx. Such a unit can really clean up sound, doing a much better job than DNR. Unfortunately, it will also clean out your wallet. I have a much simpler (and cheaper!) 1bx dbx expander which, when used in conjunction with my DNR unit, provides a fair amount of noise reduction without hurting the bandwidth any more than what can be attributed to the DNR unit alone. While it makes watching TV and listening to some of my old, abused, and irreplacable records much more enjoyable, it's not the same as listening to a high-quality recording. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. /_\_ Bob Fishell ihnp4!ihlpg!fish