dbx 266XS Dual Compressor and Gate

Control peaks with classic dbx compression! The dbx 266XS stereo compressor/gate is perfect for smoothing out vocals, tightening up broadcast mixes and more.

$199.00

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dbx 166XS Dual Compressor Limiter Gate

No longer available at zZounds
Polish your sound with the fully customizable settings of the dbx 166XS dual compressor/limiter gate.

Adding a dbx 166XS Compressor Limiter Gate to your live sound rig or studio gives you more dynamic control to help create a more polished, professional sound. Having compression in your audio chain gives you the ability to smooth out uneven levels, add sustain to guitars and fatten up your drums. It also makes it easy to bring vocals to the front of your mix - adding greater clarity and making them stand out from the surrounding instruments. To protect your expensive amps and speakers the PeakStop limiter provides an absolute ceiling for peak excursions or large transients that could damage your equipment.

Features

- Error proof operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or tighten up mixes
- 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 inch TRS and XLR connectors
- Side Chain insert
- Classic DBX Auto mode

dbx's patented Overeasy compression technology provides smooth and musical performance while the AutoDynamic attack and release controls, found only on DBX compressors, puts great sound within easy reach. The 166XS can operate in stereo or dual-mono modes, has true RMS power summing and features quality XLR and 1/4 inch TRS inputs read more and outputs. It cuts no corners on visual feedback with gain reduction metering and easy-to-read backlit switches. read less

Inputs:
- Connector: 1/4 inch TRS, female XLR (pin 2 hot)
- Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
- Impedance: >50k ohm balanced, >25k ohm unbalanced
- Maximum Level: >+24dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced

Outputs:
- Connector: 1/4 inch TRS, female XLR (pin 2 hot)
- Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
- Impedance: 120 ohm balanced, >60 ohm unbalanced
- Sidechain Insert:
- Connector: 1/4 inch TRS Phone, Normalled: Ring = Output (send); Tip = Input (return)

Compression:
- Threshold Range: -40dBu to +20dBu
- Threshold Characteristic: Selectable OverEasy or hard knee
- Compression Ratio: Variable; 1:1 to Infinity:1; 60dB Maximum Compression
- Attack Time: Variable program-dependent; 3ms to 340ms for 15dB gain reduction
- Release Time: Variable program-dependent; 200dB/Sec to 3dB/Sec

Expander/Gate:
- Threshold Range: OFF to +15dBu
- Expansion Ratio: 10:1
- Maximum Depth: >60dB
- Attack Time: <500uSec (from Maximum Depth)
- Release Time: Adjustable, 30ms to 3sec (to 30dB attenuation)
- Peakstop Limiter: Threshold Range 0dBu to +20dBu

System:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz; +0/-0.5dB, Typical 3dB points are 0.35Hz and 110kHz, unity gain
- Noise: <-90dBu, 22Hz to 22kHz, no weighting, unity gain
- THD + N: Typically <0.04%; Any Amount of Compression Up to 40dB at 1kHz
- Dynamic Range: >115 dB, unweighted

Power:
- Power Consumption: 15 Watts Maximum
- Operating Voltage: 100 VAC 50/60Hz; 120VAC 60Hz; 230 VAC 50/60 Hz
- Physical:
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 6.75 x 19 inches (4.45x17.15x48.26cm)
- Weight: 5.05 lb (2.29 kg)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 844-776-4899
Web: https://www.dbxpro.com/en/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (3 ratings)
Submitted May 26, 2013 by Vanessa N in Sedona, AZ

"Exactly What I needed"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I'm expanding my recording studio and needed more dynamics processing. I have an older DBX Compressor that has served me well for years, and will probably still be working a fears after I'm not! Having been a satisfied customer with DBX, it seemed natural to give them the first shot in my upgrades. So far, I'm greatly pleased with the 166xs.

Sound
Fortunately, there's no 'sound', per se. Although with extreme settings, you can get an almost special effects quality to certain signals you run through it, the DBX 166xs doesn't color or distort my sound in any way - what goes in is exactly what comes out, just with the appropriate attenuation I set.

Features
Well, it's a compressor. So its feature 'set' is fairly straight-forward and simple. My older compressor doesn't have a Gate, so I'm getting used to tweaking that just right. Additionally, the 166xs offers a sidechain insert which a very new thing for me. As yet, I haven't incorporated this function. With this, you can link the compressor to an equalizer or other processor to get really specific with frequency-based compression. That's a very nice addition that, for me, gives this compressor some attractive expandability.

Ease of Use
Very simple and straight-forward. The included manual gives you some good hints for different applications based on instrument, or whether it's in studio or live.

Quality read more
Solid construction. Knobs don't feel cheap or plasticky. The way the sound comes through suggests the internal construction is well thought out and built.

Value
Absolutely, this is worth its price. Especially considering that as of this review, DBX is offering a very nice rebate.

Manufacturer Support
Although I gave this a 3 1/2-star rating, I simply can't speak for DBX's customer support. The 166xs is brand new and came without any defects, and my older DBX (a "Project 1" model 262) has never given me any problems.

The Wow Factor
For me, the appeal of this product is in the smoothness and clarity with which it compresses the sound. It doesn't just work as advertised, it does so without coloring your sound (unless you make some very extreme adjustments) - that means a LOT to someone who loves her piano.

Musical Background:
40 Years - Keys, Guitars, French Horn, Clarinet

Musical Style:
Classical, New Age, World/Eclectic, Jazz, Blues, Rock,
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