dbx 166XL - Dual Mono/Stereo Compressor/Limiter with Noise Gate

  • B&H # DB166XL
  • Mfr# 166XL

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Since its introduction in the mid 1970's, the dbx160 series has been a very popular compressor. Solid construction, fool proof operation, great sound, at-a-glance metering and a bulletproof output stage, all contributed to its popularity with musicians, recording studios, consultants, installers, and broadcast media production people.

The 166XL is a dual channel/stereo compressor/limiter. It provides two channels of noise gating, OverEasy or classic hard knee compression and PeakStop limiting, with complete control of signal dynamics for studios, sound reinforcement companies and musicians. When using the Attack and Release controls, artists and engineers will find that the center settings deliver classic dbx compression, while the full control range produces effects that extend from slow leveling to aggressive peak limiting. The unit's advanced gate circuitry uses a new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultra-smooth release characteristics, even with complex signals such as voice or reverb decays.

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, channel 1 controls become the 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.

Stereo or dual mono operation of gating, compression and peak limiting
OverEasy/Hard Knee Selection allows selection between the curves popularized by the original dbx 160, 161 and 162
Expander/Gate circuit with variable release time and +15dBu maximum threshold
Selectable Low Frequency Shelf (via Contour button) in the sidechain path - recommended when compressing mixedprogram material to prevent low frequency energy from "punching holes" in the program material
PeakStop Limiting
Provides control of maximum peak levels at the output of the 166XL regardless of any other control. PeakStop comes after the compression, gating and other circuitry including the output gain, so it sets an absolute limit for peak excursions before they reach the output
True RMS Level Detection
Senses the power in the program material in a musical manner, much as human hearing does, giving results superior to peak or average detection
Separate sidechain inserts enable an outboard processor or signal to control compression or gating
10-Segment LED Display for gain reduction
Electronically balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS input and output jacks
Function Compressor/Limiter with gate
Number of Channels 2
Inputs 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" TRS phone
2 x TRS phone detector circuit
Output 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" TRS phone
Maximum Input Level 24dBu
Compression Threshold -40dBu to +20dBu
Compression Ratio Variable 1:1 to infinity:1
Attack Time Variable program dependent: 3ms to 340ms for 15dB gain reduction
Release Time Variable program dependent: 200dB/sec to 3dB/sec
Gate Threshold OFF to +15dBu
Gate Rate Attack: <500us (from maximum depth)
Release: 30ms to 3sec (to 30dB attenuation) adjustable
Maximum Output Level +21dBm
Make-up Gain -20dB to +20dB
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic Range >115dB
Noise -90dBu
Dimensions 1U rack mount, 6 3/4" deep
Specialties Classic dbx "Auto" mode

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by PowerReviews
dbx 166XL - Dual Mono/Stereo Compressor/Limiter with Noise Gate
 
5.0

(based on 2 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (0)

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REVIEWS

Reviewed by 2 customers

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5.0

Best compressor by DBX

By WordOfGraceMedia

from Pineville, LA

About Me Experienced

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Clear Sound
  • Easy To Use
  • Powerful
  • Versatile

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Events
    • Performances
    • Professional Recording

    Comments about dbx 166XL - Dual Mono/Stereo Compressor/Limiter with Noise Gate:

    I have been using the 166 for sometime know. I have tried new models and have come back to this one. Very reliable, Easy to use and great for quick setups

    Comment on this review

    (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Great Gate/Compressor/Limiter

    By Mike

    from Finksburg, MD

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Easy To Use
    • Powerful
    • Versatile

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Amateur Recording
      • Home Studio
      • Performances
      • Professional Recording

      Comments about dbx 166XL - Dual Mono/Stereo Compressor/Limiter with Noise Gate:

      I use mine on my kick and snare. The gate really helps reduce snare buzz and crosstalk; compression is transparent and tightens up the back beat...and the limiter keeps the strong transients off the board.

      I'm using an AKG D112 about 2.5 inches from the head inside my kick, and I set the compressor on 3:1. My snare is run through an SM57 about 1.5 inches from the top head, compression ratio about 1.5:1, and these settings really just make my kit sound HOT!

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      Cables

      Mogami -  Gold TRS Stereo 1/4" Male to XLR Female Cable (10')
      • Price: $49.95
       

      What's in the Box

      dbx 166XL - Dual Mono/Stereo Compressor/Limiter with Noise Gate
      • Power Cable
      • Two Year Warranty
       
       
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