DBX 166XL

Dual Channel Compressor / Limiter / Gate with Classic dbx ''Auto'' mode and Balanced Inputs & Outputs

Ultra-Smooth Classic Compression Made Affordable - The 166XL puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone’s reach!
The dbx 166XL processor is the result of an intensive engineering and product development effort aimed at taking advantage of the latest and best advances in manufacturing technology to deliver true dbx audio performance and reliability to our customers at the lowest possible cost.

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Features Specifications Downloads

The dbx 166XL delivers super-fine compression as a price you can afford. It's also incredibly easy to operate! Advanced gate circuitry uses new timing algorithms so release characteristics are smooth and natural - no awkward cut-offs or abrupt closings, even with complex signals.
A comprehensive list of features, from stereo or dual-mono operation to the 166XL's ability to use hard knee or OverEasy compression algorithms, make the 166XL the dynamics processor of choice for recording artists and musicians ready to take their audio to the next level.
Superior sound and precision performance from the company that knows dynamics processors!

DBX 166XL Dual Channel Compressor Limiter Gate Features :

"Goof proof" operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or tighten up mixes
New gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics
Program-adaptive expander/gates
Great sounding dynamics control for any type of program material
Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup
Stereo or dual-mono operation
Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4" TRS and XLR
Side Chain insert
Classic dbx "Auto" mode

The dbx 166XL provides two channels of noise gating, OverEasy or classic hard knee compression and PeakStop limiting to give complete control of signal dynamics to studios, sound reinforcement companies, musicians, or anyone who needs quality processing quickly and easily. We recommend that you take a moment and read through the manual as it provides information that will assist you in using your unit to its fullest potential.

When using the 166XL’s Attack and Release controls, artists and engineers will find that the center settings deliver classic dbx compression, while the full control range produces voicings that extend from slow leveling to aggressive peak limiting.The 166XL’s advanced gate circuitry uses a completely new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultra-smooth release characteristics—even with complex signals, such as voice or reverb decays. dbx engineers went on to take advantage of the wide dynamic range and high precision of the dbx V1 VCA to design in an extra-wide threshold range and ensure top gating performance for each application.

Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup, while the 166XL’s intuitive operation lets users easily smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, squash drums or tighten up mixes. In Stereo couple mode, the Channel 1 controls become Master controls, and Channel 2 follows precisely to ensure a rock solid stereo image, even with high amounts of compression, through True RMS Power Summing. Professionals and newcomers alike will find that the 166XL sets up rapidly and musically the first time it is used, especially with the Auto attack and release function. Advanced applications are now easy, with the 166XL’s full sidechain functionality, and the ability to use either hard knee or OverEasy compression algorithms. Add to this already impressive list of features the venerable PeakStop limiter, and you’ve got a strong finisher, every time.