Tracking with a Dolby NR encoder

[3rdeye]

Hey,

I've heard a couple of guys tell me they use a Dolby NR encoder when tracking vocals, and/or acoustic guitar, and7or any other instrument with treble characteristics. The particular model they told me they use id the Dolby 361 Type-A encoder, which runs pretty cheap on ebay.

Does anyone here know what I'm talking about? and experience with the unit?

It is my understanding that the encoder will basically enchance high frecuency information with some kind of curve (i'd guess something derived from F&M) when the signal is low, or below the factory set threshold. In this way it would act kinda like a multiband expander.

Any ideas?

[Jim]

Hey,

I've heard a couple of guys tell me they use a Dolby NR encoder when tracking vocals, and/or acoustic guitar, and7or any other instrument with treble characteristics. The particular model they told me they use id the Dolby 361 Type-A encoder, which runs pretty cheap on ebay.

Does anyone here know what I'm talking about? and experience with the unit?

It is my understanding that the encoder will basically enchance high frecuency information with some kind of curve (i'd guess something derived from F&M) when the signal is low, or below the factory set threshold. In this way it would act kinda like a multiband expander.

Any ideas?

Are they tracking on tape? That's what the old Type A, B & C encoders were for, about twenty years ago. Dolby NR was designed to attack and eliminate tape hiss, which shouldn't be a problem with DP. I imagine the 361 encoders are cheap because they're damn near obsolete.

It's almost as good as recording in Doubly.

[3rdeye]

No, they are tracking to digital, supposedly the process would add "air" and "silk highs" when keeping the signal below a certain level.

I haven't tried it myself and I was wondering if anybody else was familiar to the process.

I can imagine how the Dolby gain structure would be used for this though.

[stephentayler]

I haven't tried it recently, but it certainly was an old analog trick to encode with Dolby A, and switch out the decoder. Used it a lot in the seventies but when most machines switched to Dolby SR this technique did not work.

The result gives the signal wonderful high end that opens the sound up. Used to use it for breathy vocals and sizzly cymbals. It doesn't work on all sounds because it can bring up unpleasant noise and sibilance, but it is a great trick.

I have been thinking of tracking one down myself. It should work well with digital, because at least tape hiss will not be amplified.

kind regards

Stephen

[daniel.sneed]

I you'd like to use that "uncode but no decode" trick, then why not just apply it after tracking ?

Then you're safe with a "clean" track.

You can record a second track thru your hardware dolby encoder. Proceed a fine time align between both tracks (track a "clap" at begining of original track)
Then try some different mixes of both tracks.

Tell us what are your results and impressions, please.

[3rdeye]

I you'd like to use that "uncode but no decode" trick, then why not just apply it after tracking ?

Then you're safe with a "clean" track.

You can record a second track thru your hardware dolby encoder. Proceed a fine time align between both tracks (track a "clap" at begining of original track)
Then try some different mixes of both tracks.

Tell us what are your results and impressions, please.

Great idea...I just need to find a working unit.

Ebay, here I come...

[Nige]

I still use this occasionally. Its great to track through for those Mutt Lange Def Lep BV's!

Bit old school though

Nige.