Expired
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£250 is ambitious versus the recent used market, which sits at a median of £109 and a 75th percentile of £232. That puts this one above the upper quartile, so it needs either unusually strong condition, a verified service history, or extras to justify the ask.
The upside here is the appeal of a classic DBX noise-reduction/range-enhancement unit: these can still be useful in a tape or archival setup, and the tougher part is usually finding one that’s complete and functioning. “Powers but untested” is the key caveat, though — on an old signal-processing box, unverified audio performance can mean noisy switches, tired capacitors, or channel imbalance, so at this price I’d want proof it passes signal cleanly and all controls work before buying.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Founded in 1971 in the United States by audio engineer David Blackmer, dbx emerged from his pioneering work in dynamic range processing. Blackmer, whose initials inspired the brand name, initially developed decibel expansion technology to enhance audio fidelity, aiming to capture the realism of live performances. The company's early innovations, including the dbx 202 "Boom Box" bass amplifier and the iconic dbx 160 compressor/limiter, quickly established it as a staple in professional studios and live racks during the 1970s and 1980s.
dbx specializes in professional audio signal processing equipment, with a legacy built on compressors, limiters, and noise reduction systems. Its lineup has expanded to include microphone preamps like the 286s, speaker management systems such as the DriveRack PA2, and modern rackmount processors in the CX and 500 Series. While it briefly ventured into consumer gear like speakers and amplifiers under BSR ownership in the late 1970s, dbx has steadfastly focused on pro-audio tools leveraging proprietary technologies like True RMS detection.
Now a division of Harman International (under Samsung), dbx holds a respected mid-tier position in the professional audio market, prized by engineers for reliable, workhorse dynamics control in broadcasting, live sound, and recording. Vintage models remain collector favorites, but current offerings compete effectively against digital rivals, blending heritage innovation with robust build quality for demanding applications.
See all DBX listings on RADAR.
