| Market | Professional audio, live sound, recording studios, broadcasting, commercial installations | [2]

dbx (stylized in lowercase as dbx) is an American professional audio equipment brand specializing in signal processing technologies used in live sound, recording studios, broadcasting, installed sound systems, and commercial audio. Founded in 1971 by audio engineer David E. Blackmer, the company became internationally recognized for pioneering dynamic range expansion and the dbx noise reduction system, one of the most influential analog audio technologies of the 1970s and 1980s. Today, dbx operates as a professional audio brand under Harman Professional Solutions, part of Harman International, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. [1]

For consumers in the Philippines, dbx products are widely available through online marketplaces such as Lazada under the Audio category, offering professional-grade processors, equalizers, speaker management systems, DI boxes, and installation equipment.

dbx was founded in 1971 by engineer David E. Blackmer, whose goal was to improve the realism and dynamic range of recorded sound. The company’s name derives from decibel expansion, reflecting its original focus on increasing the dynamic range of audio recordings.

Its first major innovation was the dbx Noise Reduction System, a companding technology that significantly reduced tape hiss in analog recording. Although it competed directly with Dolby’s noise reduction systems, dbx became especially respected in professional recording studios because of its high signal-to-noise performance. [3]

During the late 1970s and 1980s, dbx expanded beyond noise reduction into a wide range of signal processors, including:

• Compressors

• Gates

• Equalizers

• Crossovers

• Dynamic processors

• Loudspeaker management systems

These products became common in recording studios, touring sound systems, radio stations, churches, theaters, and installed commercial audio systems.

dbx later became part of Harman Professional Solutions, joining other well-known professional audio brands including:

• JBL Professional

• Crown

• Lexicon

• Soundcraft

• AKG Professional

• BSS Audio

• Martin Lighting

In 2017, Harman International was acquired by Samsung Electronics, making dbx one of Samsung’s professional audio brands. [4]

dbx is best known for several proprietary audio technologies.

dbx Noise Reduction

One of the earliest professional companding systems that dramatically reduced analog tape noise while preserving dynamic range.

Applications included:

• Reel-to-reel recorders

• Cassette decks

• Professional studio recorders

True RMS Level Detection

Unlike simpler peak detection systems, dbx developed True RMS (Root Mean Square) level detection, allowing processors to react more closely to how humans perceive loudness.

Benefits include:

• More natural compression

• Better limiter performance

• Improved speaker protection [5]

Speaker Management

Modern dbx products include digital loudspeaker management systems capable of:

• Crossover processing

• Equalization

• Delay alignment

• Feedback suppression

• Limiting

• System tuning

These are commonly used in professional PA systems.

Today, dbx manufactures products in several categories.

Compressors

Dynamic processors used to control volume levels.

Popular examples include:

• dbx 160 Series

• dbx 166 Series

• dbx 266 Series

Equalizers

Graphic equalizers for room tuning and live sound.

Examples:

• dbx 231s

• dbx 215s

• dbx 1231

Speaker Management Systems

Digital loudspeaker processors for complete PA system optimization.

Examples:

• DriveRack PA2

• DriveRack VENU360

• DriveRack PX

DI (Direct Injection) Boxes

Professional interfaces for connecting instruments to mixing consoles.

Examples:

• dbx dB10

• dbx dB12

Zone Controllers

Commercial audio controllers designed for:

• Hotels

• Restaurants

• Offices

• Retail stores

Crossovers

Electronic crossover systems for multi-speaker configurations.

dbx products are commonly used in:

• Live concerts

• Houses of worship

• Recording studios

• Broadcast stations

• Conference centers

• Schools

• Hotels

• Commercial sound installations

• Nightclubs

• Public address systems

Among audio professionals, dbx is widely recognized for:

• Reliable engineering

• Rugged hardware

• Excellent value

• Industry-standard compressors

• High-quality speaker management systems

The dbx 160 compressor, in particular, has achieved classic status in recording studios and has been used on countless recordings over several decades. [6]

In the Philippines, dbx products are distributed through professional audio dealers and are widely available on online marketplaces, including Lazada and other retailers.

Common products sold include:

• DriveRack speaker processors

• Graphic equalizers

• Compressors

• DI boxes

• Rack processors

• Audio accessories

These products are popular among:

• Churches

• Event production companies

• Bands

• DJs

• Sound system installers

• Rental companies

dbx focuses on improving sound quality through digital and analog signal processing. Its products are designed to:

• Increase system clarity

• Protect loudspeakers

• Optimize audio performance

• Reduce distortion

• Improve speech intelligibility

• Simplify professional sound system setup

According to Harman Professional Solutions, dbx combines decades of signal-processing expertise with technologies such as True RMS Level Detection and True RMS Power Summing to reproduce sound more accurately as perceived by listeners. [7]

More than five decades after its founding, dbx remains one of the most respected names in professional audio processing. While its early fame came from analog tape noise reduction, the brand has successfully evolved into a leading manufacturer of digital signal processors, loudspeaker management systems, and professional audio equipment used in venues around the world. Its products continue to serve recording engineers, live sound technicians, broadcasters, and commercial audio installers, maintaining its reputation as a cornerstone of the professional audio industry. [8]

1. Dbx (company)

2. dbx | HARMAN Professional Solutions

3. Harman International

4. Who Are We? – HARMAN Professional Solutions Insights

5. Shop AKG, & Infinity | Harman Audio

6. Shop AKG, & Infinity | Harman Audio

7. Shop AKG, & Infinity | Harman Audio

8. Official Harman Audio US store