DBX DX3

Commentary

Dbx's first CD player.

DX3 is equipped with dbx's own DAIR, which enables Compression and Ambience control.

Dbx's unique Digital Audio Impact Recovery (DAIR) function splits the audio band into two bands, low and high. Each band operates individually in response to musical transients, adding a total impact of up to + 10 dB. This allows you to play more vividly the sounds of brass instruments, cymbals, and percussion attacks.
The compression function is a continuously variable function that reduces the + 6 dB peak (2 Vrms maximum output) to -20dBV and simultaneously raises the quiet level from -90dBV to -80dBV, so that the maximum dynamic range of 96 dB can be compressed to 60 dB, which is the same level as LP records.
The Ambience control function introduces a new concept developed in the SF-ONE floor-type speaker system. It adds and subtracts LR signals in the mid - and high-frequency range to enhance digital sound. If you control it to the plus side, the sound field will be broad ; if you control it to the minus side, it will be tight.

Two LSIs for CD-Player are used, one for signal processing and the other for servocontrol.
In addition, a digital filter is incorporated into the signal processing LSI to greatly reduce the load on the following analog filter and prevent the deterioration of phase characteristics.

The pickup unit uses a 3-beam system and realizes highly reliable tracing by directing three beams obliquely to the track, reading the signal with the center beam, and detecting the track shift in real time with the other two beams.
The error correction method employs a double error correction method based on CIRC.

Equipped with a 2-speed search function, if you press the SCAN key during performance, you can fast-forward / rewind while playing at a low speed for the first 3 seconds and at a high speed after that at approximately 1/4 of the normal volume.
It is also equipped with functions such as track search, 9-track random program, repeat playback, and index search.

The operation status of the DAIR/Compression function can be monitored by three rows of LEDs.
The upper and lower LEDs respectively indicate the level change in the high and low ranges after passing through the dbx DYNAMICS circuit. In DAIR mode, they indicate the amount of dynamic range expansion. In Compression mode, they indicate the amount of compression with low levels of sound increasing. Conversely, when high levels of sound are decreasing, the center LED lights from right to left to indicate the amount of compression.

Model Rating

Type	CD Player
Audio Characteristics
Frequency characteristic	10 Hz ~ 20 kHz + 0.5 -1dB
Harmonic distortion factor	0.002% or Less (1 kHz, 2 V Output) 0.07% or Less (when dbx circuit is in)
Dynamic range	96dB 60 dB ~ 106 dB Variable (when dbx circuit is in)
Maximum power output	2V
Signal-to-noise ratio	100dB(IEC-A)
Channel separation	90 dB or More (1 kHz)
Output impedance	330 Ω
Wow flutter	Below the measurement limit
<Method>
Pick-up	3-beam laser
Error correction method	CIRC double error correction method
D/A conversion	16-bit linear
Filter	Digital Filter + (3rd Active Filter)
<Function>
Instantaneous selection	Sequential selection by + / - keys
Index selection	Cue by the search key (only when stopping)
Fast forward and fast rewind	2-speed automatic switching
Total playing time display	With the Display Mode key
Program function	9 songs random
Space play	Space for at least 3 seconds during program playback
Repeat	All songs or programs
Disk loading	Motor-driven horizontal loading
<General>
Pwer	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	12W
External dimensions	Width 483x Height 94x Depth 291 mm Rack Mount Removal : Width 435 mm
Weight	Approx. 4.7 kg
Attachment	Output code