DBX is no substitute for properly functioning equipment.
A 1 band DBX will be more prone to audible "pumping" than a multi band DBX, particularly with noisier recordings (tape recordings are often more prone to "hiss" than other sources).
THe secret with the DBX expanders is to have the levels adjusted properly and to not overdue it.
You may need to adjust the levels differently for different input sources with different inherent levels or even recording by recording.
When properly applied and adjusted, a properly functioning 3BX can help deliver more lifelike dynamics into otherwise compressed and artificial sounding recordings.
I've never detected any inherent coloration from the DBX itself, but of course interconnects used can make a difference so these have to be considered as a factor in the resulting sound.
A 1 band DBX will be more prone to audible "pumping" than a multi band DBX, particularly with noisier recordings (tape recordings are often more prone to "hiss" than other sources).
THe secret with the DBX expanders is to have the levels adjusted properly and to not overdue it.
You may need to adjust the levels differently for different input sources with different inherent levels or even recording by recording.
When properly applied and adjusted, a properly functioning 3BX can help deliver more lifelike dynamics into otherwise compressed and artificial sounding recordings.
I've never detected any inherent coloration from the DBX itself, but of course interconnects used can make a difference so these have to be considered as a factor in the resulting sound.