dbx 266XL Dual Compressor Gate

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 266XL 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 266XL's AutoDynamic 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 Auto Dynamic circuitry continuously adjusts the actual attack and release times to optimally match the program material. Since users aren't restricted to using the Attack and Release controls only in "peak" operation, they can tailor the response of the 266XL for individual tracks, mixed program material, special effects, or system protection. As a result, production studios can use the versatile 266XL to replace multiple "single-purpose" limiters while sound reinforcement users can standardize on the 266XL for all of their applications.

The 266XL'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 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 266XL'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. Professionals and newcomers will find that the 266XL sets up rapidly and musically the first time it is used, and every time thereafter.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, the dbx 266XL 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 266XL puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone's reach.

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.

Technical Info

Frequency Response
Flat: 20Hz-20kHz, +0, -0.5dB
Bandwidth: 0.35Hz-80kHz, +0, -3dB
Input impedance: 40k Balanced/Unbalanced
Max Level: +22dBu

Output
Impedance: Balanced
+4dBu: Balanced: 200l; Unbalanced: 100
-10dBV: Balanced: 1.5k; Unbalanced: 750
Max Level: +21dBu into 600

Side Chain Insert
Input Impedance: >10k
Output Impedance: <2k
Max Level: +21dBu
Distortion + Noise: <0.2% any amount of compression at 1kHz
Intermodulation Distortion: <0.2% SMPTE
Noise: <-93dBu unweighted
Dynamic Range: >114dB, unweighted
Crosstalk: <-93dB @ 1kHz
Common Mode Rejection: >40dB (Any Frequency)
Stereo Coupling: True RMS Power Summing
Threshold Characteristics: Selectable OverEasy or hard knee
Exp/Gate: Program Dependent Threshold
Compressor: -40 to +20dB
Expander/Gate: -60 to + 10 dB
Ratio: Compressor: 1:1 to :1
Expander/Gate 1:1 to 4:1

Attack Time
Compressor: Scalable Program Dependent
Expander/Gate: <100 µsec

Release Time
Compressor: Scalable Program Dependent
Expander/Gate: Program Dependent
Power Requirements:
15 Watts, 100 VAC 50/60 Hz, 120 VAC 60 Hz, 230 VAC 50/60 Hz

Dimensions
(H x W x D) 1.75" x 5.75" x 19" (4.45 cm x 14.6 cm x 48.5 cm)

Dual compressor/gate that combines classic dbx sound with smart modern features. Its AutoDynamic circuitry continuously adjusts attack and release times, resulting in transparent, natural-sounding gating and compression. XLR and TRS I/O.