dbx 166XL Dual Compressor Limiter Gate

The 166XL provides 2 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.

Most compressor/gates provide less than musical compression, coupled with gating that swallows transients or closes early, cutting off decay and reverb tails. The superb engineering in the 166XL ensures that both its compression and gating provide versatility and excellent sonic performance in situations where other compressor/gates typically produce undesirable processing artifacts.

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 V2 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.

Designed and manufactured in the U.S.A., 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. The 166XL puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone's reach.

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 in. TRS and XLR.

Side Chain insert.

Classic dbx "Auto" mode.

Technical Info

Inputs
Connector: 1/4 in. Phone and XLR Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin & TIP HI
Impedance: >40k
Maximum Level: +24dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced
CMRR: >45dB

Connector: 1/4 in. Phone: Normalled: Ring = Send; Tip = Return
Impedance: Ring = 2k; Tip = >10k
Maximum Level: +24dBu

Outputs
Connector: 1/4 in. TRS Phone and XLR, Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin & TIP HI
Impedance: 100
Maximum Level: +20dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz; +0,-0.5dB, Typical 3dB points are 0.35Hz & 170kHz
THD: Typically <0.2%; any amount of compression up to 40dB @ 1kHz
SMPTE: IMD Typically 0.2% @ +10dBu (SLOW Compression, 15dB Gain
Reduction)

Compressor
Threshold Range: -40dBu to +20dBu
Threshold Characteristic: Selectable OverEasy(TM) or Hard Knee
Compression Ratio: Variable 1:1 to Infinity:1; 50dB maximum compression
Attack Time: Program-Dependent; Typically 5ms (Fast MODE), 15ms (SLOW MODE) for 15dB gain reduction
Release Time: Program-Dependent; Typically 50dB/Sec (Fast MODE), 8dB/Sec (SLOW MODE)

Expander/Gate
Threshold Range: OFF to +15dBu
Expansion Ratio: 10:1
Maximum Depth: .50dB
Attack Time: <500ms (from Maximum Depth)
Release Time: Adjustable, 30mS to 3Sec (to 30dB attenuation)

PeakStop Limiter
Threshold Range: 0dBu to +20dBu

System Performance
Gain Adjustment Range: Variable; -20dB to +20dB
Interchannel Crosstalk: -80dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic Range: 113dB
Stereo Coupling: True Power Summing

Hardware
Operating Voltage: DO: 90-130VAC, 50/60Hz; EU: 200 -250VAC, 50/60Hz
Operating Temperature: 0 degrees C to 45 degrees C (32 degrees F to 113 degrees F)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.75 x 19 x 6.5 in. (4.45 x 48.2 x 16.5 cm)
Net Weight: 4.41 lbs. (1.99 kg)
Shipping Weight: 6.62 lbs. (2.99 kg)

Notes: Noise and frequency response specifications are at unity gain. 0dBV = 1.0Vrms; 0dBu = 0.775Vrms.

Dual compressor/limiter/expander/gate that employs AutoDynamic circuitry to retain natural sound while controlling dynamics. Other perks include stereo or dual-mode operation and a side chain input. XLR and TRS I/O.