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dbx 266XL (No Longer Available)Item ID: 266XLDual Compressor/Gate with Balanced Inputs, LED Metering, and Side Chain Insert 
Sorry, the dbx 266XL 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:Great Compressor at a Great Price!The dbx 266XL dual compressor gate breaks it down to the essentials. Square lighted switches let you see it in the dark, but that's about it as flashy as it gets. Onboard the 266XL, there's dbx OverEasy compression, and its Auto Dynamic continually adjusts the actual attack and release times to match the program material, so you aren't limited to using Attack and Release controls only in "peak" operation. It does all that and asks little in return — just look at the price! You can't go wrong with the dbx 266XL.dbx 266XL Dual Compressor/Gate at a Glance:
Smooth and musical performance A problem with many compressors is that they sound anything but musical, with gating that can swallow transients or cut off decay and reverb trails. The dbx 266XL, instead, gives you smooth release characteristics, for a more natural sound. Couple that with its affordable price, and the dbx 226XL is quite a steal for any studio or stage setup. AutoDynamic feature puts great sound within easy reach The dbx's AutoDynamic circuitry serves to continuously adjust the actual attack and release times so that they optimally match the program material. It's a goof-proof solutions for great compression — no matter the source. Can operate in stereo or dual-mono modes In the dbx 266XL's stereo couple mode, the controls on Channel 1 become Master controls, and Channel 2 follows along precisely, to give you a rock-solid stereo image — even when you're using lots of compression. dbx 266XL Dual Compressor Gate Features:
266XL Image Gallery
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ReviewsGREAT PROCESSING
by Joe ''Masterjoe'' Abrego from Montreal, Canada
This is the first compressor i used for a small project I had to do when I was in the Sound tech school and it works great, no complaints, very nice quality and very easy to use and understand.August 17, 2007 Music Background: Sound Tech, Musician ... read more [+] GREAT JOB DBX close [-] Big difference, Small Price
by Sam from Waverly, IA
I engineer DIY gigs that my friends and I set up. I decided to blow a little money on one of these and renting a legit P.A. system for a show I did earlier tonight. Without this box, it seems nearly i... read more [+]mpossible to find the right levels for vocals in a live mix. But WITH it, the vocals leaped out of the speakers with a punchiness that could compete with all the guitars wailing and a really bezerk drummer. Bonus points: one band's vocalist went from a scream to a whimper and back again in the course of a word, but with the magic "auto" button on this device the transition was buttery smooth---you really can just press that switch and leave. My only gripe: no off switch-but I can make due. close [-]
March 22, 2008 Music Background: Recording Engineer Best in $ range
by Mikey from PA
Better than other comps I've heard in this price range. I like and use the overeasy setting a lot. Nice job DBX.
March 6, 2008 Music Background: Professional Engineer Great Home Audio Compressor
by Jason from St. Louis
I've been using the 266XL for 7 years now inline with my CD player. After years of disappointment with the sound of CDs and yearning for a full and robust sound I was thrilled to add the 266XL to my ... read more [+]system. This unit does a great job at giving poorly mastered CDs some much needed punch without pumping or seriously degrading high-end detail. Even as a mono-band compressor I don't notice any serious degradation in mid or high range material when the energy in the low end is high. January 19, 2007 Music Background: None This rack mountable box was certainly not designed with this kind of application in mind. There is no power button. However that is common for studio equipment which is often rack mounted and plugged into a power strip. The gate function is not needed and there is a very loud pop when the unit is first plugged in or unplugged. I always power up or power down with the amp turned off for this reason. The user has full flexibility to adjust the compression ratio and attack and decay times. However I have found the built in algorithims do a superb job adjusting the attack and decay times. I normally leave the compression at a 2:1 level. The music is vibrant and robust filling the room with sound but without sounding trashy or smashed as many FM stations do. Bypassing the compressor is as easy as pushing a couple of lit buttons. This is handy for SACDs which often don't need any help and for a few rare CDs whose engineers knew what they were doing. The output level is adjustable and there is an overeasy feature which does make the sound a bit mellow. In my opinion, the overeasy setting attenuated the highs and made the music less bright; so I don't use it. If you're used only to home audio components you should know the inputs and outputs of the 266XL are balanced XLR connectors. I purchased 4 XLR to RCA cables to plug from the CD player into the compressor and from the compressor to the amp. Other than that it's as easy to install as any other component. The LED meters make set-up easy and add some pizazz to the aesthetics of my system. My Klipsch KG4s sound better than ever now that I can hear the details often hidden in many CDs. I prefer a well mastered SACD to using the compressor. But since SACD seems to be the one product Sony doesn't want to advertise it doesn't look to promising. (I could go on about the lack of contemporary material available in SACD, or how much of what is available was recorded decades ago and doesn't fully demonsrate SACDs abilities or how a world in love with MP3s doesn't care or know about it's existence but that's another soapbox for another time) close [-] Wow!
by Phil LaDue from Owego, NY
This comp really takes it up a notch from the common budget choices. The controls are smooth and the automatic settings make it easy to use for almost anyone.
June 21, 2006 Music Background: Live Sound/ Theatre 
dbx 266XL
Buy Today, MakeSweetwater's Flexible Payment Plan is a convenient, interest-free way to buy gear now and stretch your purchase across three budget-friendly payments. Simply choose the "3 Easy Payments" option in your cart, and we'll divide your purchase amount into three convenient payments, billed to your current MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. There is a $10 processing fee for using this service, and your billing address must be in the United States to be eligible. It's just another way we make shopping at Sweetwater easy and convenient!Get your dbx 266XL now and spread out the payments! |
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