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dbx 166XL (No Longer Available)

Item ID: 166XL

Stereo / Dual-Mono Compressor / Limiter with Balanced Analog I/O

Sorry, the dbx 166XL is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only. Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products.

From Our Research Team:

Ultra-Smooth Compression Made Affordable!

The 166XL delivers super-fine compression as a price you can afford! It's also incredibly easy to operate! Advanced gate circuitry uses new timing algorithms so release characteristics are smooth and natural - no awkward cut-offs or abrupt closings, even with complex signals. A comprehensive list of features, from stereo or dual-mono operation to the 166XL's ability to use hard knee or OverEasy compression algorithms, make the 166XL the dynamics processor of choice for recording artists and musicians ready to take their audio to the next level. Superior sound and precision performance from the company that knows dynamics processors!

dbx 166XL Compressor/Expander/Gate 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" TRS and XLR
  • Side Chain insert
  • Classic dbx "Auto" mode

166XL Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Manufacturer Part Number 166XL

Can We Help?

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to get personalized advice from a Sweetwater Sales Engineer.

Additional Online Resources:

  • Discuss this product!
    Ask questions, get answers about the dbx 166XL in Sweetwater's Control Room Forum.

Reviews

This thing is the bomb

by JB from Seattle
January 11, 2010
Music Background: music teacher
I've been hunting for transparent compressors and was growing weary of looking at, buying stuff and returning it. Incl boutique stuff. This one when set up properly -- yes read the manual -- you do no... read more [+]t have to reset it to switch from clean to dirt and back. I had absolutely no problem. It's transparent and doesn't color tone. It doesn't give that annoy "doink" you hear with a lot of compressors. The doink is fine if you want to chicken pick, but if you're playing clean blues then gotta go to a hard rock, don't worry. This thing has ya covered. It won't interfere with your tone.

It's one of those things where once you've got it set up you never mess with it again.

I'm running a Randall RM100 through it. It allows me to bring the level of the clean channel up to a level close to the dirt and limit the peaks that would otherwise clip the other rack unit. It takes more than two minutes to set it up. I wouldn't go without it anymore. close [-]

Sweetwater Advice

Kenny Bergle
A classic engineer's tool that doesn't cost an arm and a leg! True dbx quality and lineage, the 166XL is the current unit in a long line of go-to compressors that we have used in the studio now for many, many years. There's something to be said for using the best, tried-and-true gear. That something is quality. What's so cool is that today's technology allows us to buy this piece for $250!!! And it's way cleaner and more accurate than any previous 166, at any price!
Brian Cravens
I have used this alongside the DBX 1046, and I must say that this unit hangs right in there. Easy to use, and effective, smooth compression, plus full tweakability. Bring your vocals to the front of the mix, control your drums. Look up DBX in the dictionary, I think it means Great Compression.

A Must-Have For Live Rigs

by Alex from Sugar Land, TX
October 3, 2006
Music Background: Live Sound/Recording Engineer
I bought my 166XL years ago, and used at that. Today it is over eight years old and as quiet and responsive as ever! As far as I'm concerned, this rugged unit has become a modern classic in the live a... read more [+]udio world, giving its dbx sound to thousands of venues and places of worship. close [-]

The real meaning of DBX

by rosewoodstrat from Beverly Hills
March 21, 2008
Music Background: Pro Musician, Producer
Correction on Brian's previous message:

DBX stands for "Decibel Expansion".

I'm a fan of the peak stop limiter on the 166XL.
Read more reviews
See Also: Compressors , dbx , dbx Compressors / Limiters , dbx Compressors / Limiters

dbx 166XL

Today's Payment: $89.98
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $79.98
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $79.98
In approx. 60 days

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Our Customers Say...

My Sweetwater Sales Engineer wasn't pushy like most "typical" sales people. His suggestions have been wonderful. I'm going to use you guys for life!
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