dbx 154 1980's - Black/Wood
- Location
- US
- Source
- Reverb
- Posted
- 22 Feb 2026
- Last seen
- 10h ago
RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
This is a dbx 154 Noise Reduction System. This estate piece has one missing silver insert from one of the front buttons. It has been plugged in and powers up, but it has not been tested beyond that.Please note, and this is important, this piece lived in a studio with a pipe smoker, so it will definitely need to be cleaned and aired out, because it does have a smoky smell. Please do not purchase this item if you are unwilling to deal with this reality.The unit is sold as-is and cannot be returned.We ship one day a week so it might be a few days until you receive a shipping notification.
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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.
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