This is such a good compressor for parallel vocal compression!! Go ahead and try one of these out for yourself. The classic dbx 160 compressor. When driven hard with any audio source, there is some squashing which was expected from an entry level unit. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. At the 2016 AES Show in Los Angeles, dbx celebrated its entry into the 500-series market with a handful of new products. The instructions say to match the output level with the input level using the gain trim, then to push the slider over to whatever level of compression is desired What the manual doesn’t say is that this is a great-sounding compressor with a big, dirty, squashy sound. The original 160 was a half-width 2U box and the 160X was the first of the familiar 1U dbx rack compressors. Joe Albano on Mar 02, 2015 in Review 0 comments. There’s little coloration or squashing with the unit, especially when using dbx’s OverEasy technology. The original 160 (and the Waves emulation) had only Threshold, (continuous) Ratio, and Makeup Gain controls'"attack & release were determined by the circuitry. Fig 3 The extra features in the Waves dbx 160: Mix (for parallel compression), Noise, HPF, and stereo processing options. Ze hebben compressors immers uitgevonden! The latter allows you to either add in noise and hum that would be typical of the original unit (for that last degree of realism), or keep the signal path clean & pristine (the default). In the world of analog 'character' compressors and their digital emulations, one of the most respected names is dbx, and perhaps their most classic model is the dbx 160'"the very first compressor design from the company. Joe Albano finds out if Waves dbx 160 hits the heights of its hardware counterpart. ), you can easily apply a gate for a natural sounding suppression. headphone users. It's super easy to use, and it's flexible enough to perform relatively unnoticed gain-reduction, or extremely colored slamming. Many of today’s dance tracks will sidechain their kick drum to a synth or even the entire mix, and this unit allows a home studio to do that in an outboard format. The Waves dbx 160 is a faithful recreation of the original, but there have been some additions, to enhance the feature set and simplify common studio compression techniques. For any live performance/broadcast, I’d recommend the 266xs for it’s ability to work in real-time for a fraction of the price on other compressors/gates/limiters. You could use it as an effect, or to compress your entire mix. I ran a bass and some drums through the Waves dbx 160. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. dbx was founded by David Blackmer in 1971. The meter can be switched to display input, output, or gain change. Fig 1 An original dbx 160 compressor. The 160SL is the flagship of the dbx compressor range. dbx describes the 163X as “the Simplest Compressor in the World”. I worked in a studio in Glasgow years ago that had two of these classic compressors - it's so faithful to the way they reacted and sounded. The gates are clean and accurate, keeping out most bleed on a drum kit, or unwanted fret noise on string instruments. With bass guitar, the dynamics can get a little wild from time to time, so compression helps to control peaks as well as adding some punch to the audio. Hey all. While vocals can be run through the 266xs, I found some loss of warmth, especially noticeable when using a tube mic or tube preamp. He's also taught all aspects of recording and music technology at several NY audio schools, and has been writing articles for Recording magaz... Read More. On drums, it added some nice 'push', while keeping transients in check. Fig 2 The Waves dbx 160 compressor plug-in. My only basis for comparison with other dBx units was a pair of single-knob ("Over-Easy") dBx 182 compressors my band used on the PA in the early 1980s. This is part of what defines the 160'"it can clamp down on just about anything, hard, and yet still retain that elusive 'musical' quality so prized. Tony is the Content Director for DigitalRecordingArts.com. Using a DI usually picks up every little sound from a guitar though and only gets worse with single-coil pickups. VCAs are fast, making them more suitable when you really need to clamp down hard on a signal. If you’ve got too much bleed on your kit (maybe too much hi-hat in your snare drum? The Dbx 160 is often talked about as a drum compressor, and I have to admit that drums is what it does best, though it’s also worth trying on bass parts, electric guitar and even vocals. Today we turn our attention to compression, a very useful technique in live audio! The venerable dbx 160A is a compressor you see frequently in studios — home and pro alike. If you're looking for a tight, fast, compressor, with a vintage character, and a proven track record, you can't go wrong with Waves' dbx 160'"another excellent addition to the virtual vintage toolbox. The same classic sound, easy set-up and no compromise metering is now married to an improved signal path and stronger chassis design. De 266XS is één van de nieuwste telgen in een lange serie aan 's werelds succesvolste compressors. David Blackmer received his training in electronics first from the Navy and later from both Harvard and MIT. dbx 500 Series Processors. It is an analog piece of equipment and it has both XLR microphone inputs and outputs and has 1/4 inch inputs and outputs. DBX weet hoe compressors in elkaar zitten. There is one important point to make about the 160. Audio Example'"The Waves dbx 160 on bass (without, then with) and drums (without, then with): Like the original, the Waves version is fast and aggressive'"I found that employing the highpass filter sometimes helped keep low-end signals sounding full under heavy compression, and I was glad Waves decided to add it in. During the tracking process, I’ve found the dbx 266xs to work particularly well on bass and guitar. When I said at the start of this review that dbx had tried to build audiophile qualities into the 160S, I … I've had the chance to test several of Waves' analog emulations of classic gear, and they've all captured the essential character of the hardware they're modeled on. But the trick is to ensure that such a compressor sounds 'musical''"that it doesn't introduce an unpleasant gain reduction characteristic, sucking the life out of the sound. The 160XT is similar to the 160X but adds XLR connectors and some updates to the circuitry The 160XT is deceptively simple with just three controls: threshold, compression ratio and … The dbx 166XL is a compressor - limiter - gate in the form of a rackmountable piece of outboard gear. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Some compressors are able to add color when driven hard, but they can easily run 10x the price of the 266xs. A very fast attack and a slightly less fast release give the 160 a musical quality. Be careful of the latter though, too much compression will kill your track. • dbx 163X • dbx 160A • dbx 160XT (160X) • dbx 166, 166A, 166XL Updated 3-way comparison! VCAs are fast, making them more suitable when you really need to clamp down hard on a signal. The 266xs gives you two channels of professional gating and compression for $150. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. R.I.P. Providing two channels of gating/compression, each with their own sidechain inputs, and automatic compression modes, there are plenty of features to help out a starting engineer to learn about outboard compression. ... • dbx 163X • dbx 160A • dbx 160XT (160X) • dbx 166, 166A, 166XL Updated 3-way comparison! Fig 4 The dbx 160 internal signal path: a Feed-Forward design with sidechain detection. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for dbx 166XL Dual Compressor Limiter Gate at Amazon.com. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for dbx 1046 Quad Compressor/Limiter at Amazon.com. • dbx 1066 • dbx 266XL • an explanation of dbx's number/name system • Ddyna Bass^10 • Dedalo Gorila NEW VERSION • Dedalo JET • Demeter Compulator • Demeter Compulator PRO • DHA VT-1 bass comp • Diamond CPR-1 • Diamond BCP-1 This refers to a compression circuit that begins to apply gain reduction more gradually as the signal approaches and crosses Threshold, instead of abruptly, as soon as Threshold is crossed. Feel The Quality. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/266XS--dbx-266xs/reviews It has XLR connections in the back and is rackable - it will take up a single rack space. En kwaliteit, dat mag u natuurlijk verwachten van de uitvinders van de technologie. In this extra panel, there's an input (calibration) knob, and Waves' standard 'Noise' option. Likewise, the Mix control proved handy'"a strongly compressed signal can be dialed back just a little by blending in some of the original, and it's a quick and convenient way to fine-tune the balance between 'squash' and 'snap'. When running a guitar into Pro Tools, I’ll usually use a DI for software processing. The front panel of the Waves plug-in has the same layout as the original'"Threshold, continuously variable Ratio, and makeup Gain. The 160 achieves this with its combination of the Blackmer VCA and RMS detection circuit. Recorded through the live room mic of the camera. But the trick is to ensure that such a compressor sounds “musical”—that it doesn’t introduce an unpleasant gain reduction characteristic, sucking the life out of the sound. An additional control panel can be kept hidden (for a more vintage look) or displayed, via the 'Collapse' button, and contains a number of features that Waves has added to provide greater utility. OverEasy basically turns the compressor into a soft-knee unit that gives a smooth transition from uncompressed to compressed audio. Over the years, as a small studio operator and freelance engineer, he's made recordings of all types from music & album production to v/o & post. MGR/f0rced0pini0n's review "dbx 1066 Dual Compressor Limiter Gate" 3. The sections can be linked for stereo operation off one channel's controls. It is the next "quality tier" up from their 166(A/XL/XS), and costs twice as much. If that is the case, the existing dbx compressor range will serve your sonic needs almost as well, albeit with rather less flexibility and finesse. While their effectiveness, uses, and pricing varies hugely across their current products, the entry level 266xs packs one hell of a punch at nearly half the price of a normal home studio vocal microphone. Let's take a look at the Waves dbx 160 and find out. If you can’t find a use for it in your studio, it’ll fit in perfectly with any live rig. Extensive compressor reviews and FAQ dbx 166, 166A, and 166XL : See this article for an explanation of dbx's product-numbering system. The result is industry standard compressor/limiter which is digital-ready and road tough. It's super easy to use, and it's flexible enough to perform relatively unnoticed gain-reduction, or extremely colored slamming. DBX compressor has been discussed endlessly. Read Sweetwater customer reviews for dbx 560A 500 Series Compressor/Limiter Reviews. • dbx 1066 • dbx 266XL • an explanation of dbx's number/name system It has XLR connections in the back and is rackable - it will take up a single rack space. This behavior'"often referred to as a 'soft knee''"is common to many vintage compressors, and it's also a feature of many dbx models, but not the 160. dbx's 'over-easy' behavior was introduced in the 165, a later model'"the original 160 (and the Waves model) is a 'hard knee' compressor, giving it a more aggressive characteristic. The dbx 160X is an analog compressor/limiter. The best part about this dbx compressor is that almost everything applies as you work your way up to higher level compressors/gates/limiters too. The dbx 166/166A/166xl is a single rack space stereo dynamics control device featuring separate gate, compressor, and limiter sections. Extensive compressor reviews and FAQ. Early compressors often had relatively slow response times—the famous LA-2A, with its optical circuit, is a good example of this. His experience in the recording industry includes projects with GRAMMY-winning artists including the Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Kelly Clarkson and dozens more. So how did they do? Tony currently resides in a suburb of Orlando, Florida, where he continues to work with new and emerging artists. Just so you know, the setup didn't make any distortion. dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate Review. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for dbx 560A Compact, Professional Compressor/Limiter at Amazon.com. There are level indicators for signal below (yellow) and above (red) threshold, and, of course, there's the big VU meter'"the defining visual element (the original is often referred to as the 160 VU to distinguish it from later models). Dbx - just as I remember. Each channel feature a Gate Threshold, Compressor Threshold and ratio, and limiter threshold. At the 2016 AES Show in Los Angeles, dbx celebrated its entry into the 500-series market with a handful of new products. There are plenty of worthy compressors out there capable of acting as ‘mix glue’, but if you need to add attitude to a drum part or even to a whole mix, the Dbx 160 really comes into its own. The 266xs is advertised as a live sound compressor gate, and functions flawlessly as such. Their equipment can be found in nearly every studio, live venue, and broadcast facility. The venerable dbx 160A is a compressor you see frequently in studios — home and pro alike. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Classic dbx modular processors return in the new, industry-standard 500 series form factor. Early compressors often had relatively slow response times'"the famous LA-2A, with its optical circuit, is a good example of this. Bass was always one of the most popular applications for the original 160'"I used my studio's dbx on it regularly'"and the Waves version does not disappoint. Read all the threads and got conflicting opinions but I would like to know any opinions on this latest model, specifically the noise gate and whether or not it clicks and pops opening and closing. I bought this product from Guitar Center, new, for $400. Tony Stanhope - June 8, 2012. dbx has been a leader in compression technology, ever since their VCA compressor started the pro audio compressor market in the mid 70’s. Their equipment can be found in nearly every studio, live venue, and broadcast facility. The metering is smartly made and the bright LEDs help you to see exactly where you level is at. Designed by engineer David Blackmer in the early 1970s, the Dbx 160 series of compressors have enjoyed continued popularity, especially when working with drums, because their tight and assertive character helps make things sound big and punchy. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for dbx 266XL Dual Compressor Gate at Amazon.com. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for dbx 166xs Professional Audio Compressor/Limiter/Gate Dynamic Processor at Amazon.com. All three of these are built on the same core schematic, essentially the same circuit, just with different controls and different specific components used. You have entered an incorrect email address! I can’t stress enough how hard it is to find decent, inexpensive outboard gear. dbx has been a leader in compression technology, ever since their VCA compressor started the pro audio compressor market in the mid 70’s. As was most often the case in that 1960s audio era, Blackmer’s interest as an engineer and circuit designer focused largely on maximizing the dynamic range of recorded media. Rated 4.5 / 5 by 33 customers! Fig 2 The Waves dbx 160 compressor plug-in. I don't own any of them, but I'd like to and it seems the 160x's are the cheapest, followed by the xt's then the a's (on ebay and at used gear shops). Copyright © 2019 - Digital Recording Arts, Antelope Audio Announces DISCRETE 8 & DISCRETE 4 Thunderbolt Interfaces, Warm Audio WA-47 Tube Condenser Mic On Its Way, Apogee Adds Direct Monitoring Support with Logic Pro X, Softube Launches Doepfer A-101-2 Vactrol LPG for Modular, Electro-Voice RE320 Dynamic Microphone Review, Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-Z Review, 3 Simple Solutions for an Organized Workflow, Eddie Kramer Gives Unique Insight Into His Recording Process. The metering is smartly made and the bright LEDs help you to see exactly where you level is at. Looking for a tight, fast, VCA compressor, with a vintage character, a proven track record, and a punch sound? The attack and release of this compressor can be set just as easily as other models, and provide a great hardware alternative to software compressors. Blackmer is most known for his VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) and RMS detection circuit designs. The stereo version features Waves' standard enhancements'"the ability to run the plug-in in linked stereo operation, split stereo, for independent L & R settings, or M-S (mid-side) mode, where L controls the Mid, and R the Side. The 160 was the first compressor from dbx, and utilized those technologies to achieve its unique characteristics. By Ian Anderson. Like the original, Waves' 160 is a Feed-Forward design, utilizing a side-chain for signal detection. By stereo coupling the 266xs (with a simple button on the front) you can evenly compress a stereo track. Modular is back! Waves also includes a 'Mix' knob, which lets you blend the uncompressed signal with the compressed signal, facilitating parallel compression without the need for extra routing and auxes'"this is a convenience that's becoming more common in virtual compressors, and Waves was smart to include it here. I've used most of the dbx compressors at one time or another, though I didn't have them for direct comparison during this review, and the 160S is able to get very close to the sound of any of them. Those units were hissier and hard to use. Waves has added the option of a highpass filter in the detection sidechain (HP-SC), to minimize the compressor's response to low-frequencies, which can help provide a smoother response to low-frequency instruments, like kick drum and bass. … As to whether the super audio quality is necessary, this depends on what you want to use the compressor for. Just as in the hardware unit, attack & release are a function of the (virtual) circuit design, which, as I already mentioned, emulates the Blackmer VCA and RMS detection circuits. Tony Stanhope - June 8, 2012. dbx has been a leader in compression technology, ever since their VCA compressor started the pro audio compressor market in the mid 70’s. Going through the left and right channels. Quick question: what's the difference between the dbx 160a, 160x and 160xt compressors? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The 160, with its fast response and aggressive character, works well for parallel compression'"I used to have a similar dbx model, and used it in that mode all the time for drums, to excellent effect. In collaboration with dbx, Waves set out to model the original 160, emulating the response of the classic VCA and RMS detector designs, along with the distinctive non-linearities of the hardware unit's discrete circuitry, to capture the characteristic quality of this classic compressor. Adding the 266xs to the chain gets rid of any unwanted noise when using the gate, and can add some beautiful sustain to guitar leads. Though it can be pushed to the point where its action is quite noticeable, even when driven hard it can still add something desirable, especially to instruments with strong transients, like drums and bass. The Waves dbx 160 continues that tradition'"it has the classic, 'punchy' sound you expect from any compressor with the name 'dbx' on it, and the extra features Waves provides are a welcome workflow enhancement.