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dbx 166XL

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

Item ID: 166XL

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  • Retail Price $379.95
  • Sweetwater Savings -$119.98
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  • Sale Price: $259.97
or make 3 easy payments

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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
Specification Detail
Analog Inputs XLR, TRS
Analog Outputs XLR, TRS
Circuit Solid State
Digital Inputs None
Digital Outputs None
Dimensions 19 x 1.75 x 6.75
Freq. Response .35Hz -110kHz +/- 3db
Kind Compressor/Limiter/Gate
Linkable Yes
MIDI I/O NA
Notes Contour control
Power Supply Internal 100-120V Non-Switchable
Rack Height 1U
Sidechain Yes
Total Channels 2

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Reviews
based on 4 customer reviews

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.

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 [-]

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.

Also popular

See Also: Limiters

dbx 166XL

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