This is an unusual piece of kit, even by outboard gear standards. The dbx 120XP is a Subharmonic Synthesizer which generates low frequency subharmonics to increase bass output. It's designed to enhance the low end by adding really low frequencies that doesn't exist in the original signal. So, unlike enhancers or EQ which work with what's already there, the 120XP generates additional subharmonics to add to the signal
The 120XP can be used on an insert - it has stereo inputs & outputs - or on a send with the return coming from the subwoofer output. It's capable of generating large amounts of subharmonics so needs to be used with a degree of caution!
dbx has made a number of subharmonic synthesisers which are all basically similar. They're popular on film post stages for generating subharmonic rumbles for movie effects. The 120A and 120XP are probably the best known but the 120XP is no longer made
Front panel controls include output level controls for the 24-36 Hz & 36-56 Hz bands, LF boost and subharmonic levels. There's also an output level control and a switchable crossover for the dedicated subwoofer output
Inputs and outputs are on standard jack sockets. Inputs are balanced, outputs unbalanced. Maximum input & output levels are +20 dB so the 120XP will work in a +4 or -10 dB setup
I spent some time playing with the Subharmonic Synthesiser. It surprised me with how effective it was and how much excitement it could add to a mix. It's an easy effect to overdo, particularly when monitoring on small speakers when the true effect can't easily be felt. Pulling the grilles off your speakers and switching the 120 in and out is instructive - with it switched in, you can see the bass cones flapping like crazy if you've overdone it
To be used with caution on mixes, with care on sound effects, and with reckless abandon on big PA rigs. This is one of the best toys I've played with in years. Useful for adding that ultra-low end in a mix, beefing up wimpy samples, or for adding rumble to a PA setup. The 120XP is guaranteed to make things wobble!
"The DBX... will move the booty of even the most sedentary hippie"
"As used in the post production of Peter Jackson's (2005) remake of King Kong"
"That unit was a mainstay on a lot of old school rap & dance records"
"Place of abode music is a synthesized physics sort of dance music that primarily commenced enlighten au courant the shot in the middle of the 1980s. It is influenced by a assortment of other categories of music conclude of funky dance along with disco" (??)
"One thing I did in this track was to have some Dbx 120XP [subharmonic synthesizer] on the kicks, and a little bit on the snare, adding some subharmonics. That's a trick I picked up from Randy Staub" - David Ogilvie
1U device suitable for mounting in a standard 19" rack. 200-240 Volt AC input with standard IEC mains connector. UK or Euro Schuko mains cable supplied on request
Condition
In excellent used condition with minor rack rash & case scratches which won't be seen when the unit is rack-mounted. Photos are of a unit sold previously
Vintage gear
All vintage gear will have case scratches and marks. It may also have, or develop, noisy pots and switches. I make my descriptions as accurate as possible and note any existing defects. I test each item before shipping, and and supply a test sheet, but please understand that vintage gear will not be perfect and adjust your expectations accordingly
Payment
I accept payment by PayPal only for postal items and PayPal or cash on collection
Delivery
Collection from Brighton BN1 or I can send via insured courier. Turnaround up to 3 days, shipping 3-5 days
Returns
Items can be returned within 14 days. Return postage to be paid by the buyer and returned items must be unused, unmarked and as received. Please retain the packaging to reuse