dbx 166XS Dual Compressor Limiter Gate

Polish your sound with the fully customizable settings of the dbx 166XS dual compressor/limiter gate.

Overall User Ratings (based on 3 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(3) (see rating details)
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
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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Submitted February 3, 2016 by Glenn F

"Great for streaming audio"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This compressor replaced a dbx 1066 that I was using on two streaming audio feeds for leveling out the signal. I fought and fought with the 1066 to get the feeds sounding right ... no such struggles with the 166xs. If you provide any sort of streaming audio, you should consider using this compressor. It will improve your audio quality noticeably.

Musical Background:

20+ years in installed audio
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Submitted November 25, 2013 by a customer from gmail.com in Methuen, MA

"dbx xls 166"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I received this on time, seemed to work very well.

Musical Background:

Playing for 27 years

Musical Style:

Gospel
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