What was the purpose of CX technology for vinyl records?

Enhance sound quality without a decoder.

How did CBS plan to introduce CX technology to the market?

By releasing all future albums with CX encoding.

CX technology compressed softer sounds for audio quality.

Engineers opposed noticeable compression without a decoder.

It aimed to enhance sound quality for average consumers.

CBS Records introduced CX technology for vinyl records in 1981, aiming to enhance sound quality and reduce surface noise, offering benefits with a decoder but functioning without one.
Despite CBS's efforts to make CX encoding an industry standard, engineers and partners opposed the noticeable sound compression without a decoder, leading to limited adoption and the eventual decline of CX as a standard feature in records.

What was the purpose of CX technology for vinyl records?
Enhance sound quality without a decoder.
How did CBS plan to introduce CX technology to the market?
By releasing all future albums with CX encoding.
How did CX technology differ from DBX discs?
CX technology compressed softer sounds for audio quality.
What challenges did CX technology face in the market?
Engineers opposed noticeable compression without a decoder.
How did CX technology impact the vinyl record industry?
It aimed to enhance sound quality for average consumers.

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In June 1981, CBS Records in the U.S. introduced CX technology for vinyl records, enhancing dynamic range and reducing surface noise.
CX encoded discs played normally but offered enhanced benefits with a CX decoder.
CBS planned to release all future albums with CX encoding, freely licensing the technology.
CX discs included explanatory cards detailing benefits like reduced surface noise and extended dynamic range.
CX aimed to provide enhanced sound without the need for a decoder, unlike DBX discs.
CX discs were intended to be industry standard, offering compatibility and improved sound quality.
The CX system compressed softer sounds to enhance audio quality, distinct from DBX's approach.
CX discs were designed for average consumers, unlike premium audiophile discs like DBX.
CX encoding aimed to prolong vinyl's relevance amidst the impending rise of compact discs.
Despite CBS's efforts, CX faced opposition from engineers due to noticeable compression without a decoder, hindering its widespread adoption.

15:56

CBS decided to release CX discs alongside standard ones, marking the decline of CX as a standard feature in records.
Despite initial plans for CX to be a standard feature, it became a separate product akin to DB X, a less effective noise reduction version.
CBS faced setbacks in releasing CX discs, with partners dropping out, leading to only around 130 titles available by 1982.
In Germany, only 65 CX encoded albums were distributed, with just 2 having CX encoding from CBS.
Differences in sound quality between CX discs and standard records were noticeable, especially in quieter sections.
Engineers were displeased with CX's impact on sound levels, contrasting with CBS's view that the general public wouldn't notice the difference.