DBX 166X User Guide
166XL
• 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.
18-1660-C 08/05
Most compressor/gates provide less than musical compression, coupled with gating that swallows transients—or closes early, cutting off decay and reverb tails. The superb engineering in the 166XL ensures that both its compression and
gating provide versatility and excellent sonic performance in situations where other compressor/gates typically produce undesirable processing artifacts.
When using the 166XL’s Attack and Release controls, artists and engineers will find that the center settings deliver
classic dbx compression, while the full control range produces voicings that extend from slow “leveling” to aggressive “peak” limiting.
The 166XL’s advanced gate circuitry uses a completely new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultrasmooth release characteristics—even with complex signals, such as voice or reverb decays. dbx engineers went on to
take advantage of the wide dynamic range and high precision of the dbx V2™ VCA to design in an extra-wide threshold range and ensure top gating performance for each application.
Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate
setup, while the 166XL’s intuitive operation lets users easily smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, squash
drums or tighten up mixes. In Stereo couple mode, the Channel 1 controls become Master controls, and Channel 2 follows precisely to ensure a rock solid stereo image—even with high amounts of compression, through True RMS
Power Summing™. Professionals and newcomers alike will find that the 166XL sets up rapidly and musically the first
time it is used, especially with the Auto attack and release function. Advanced applications are now easy, with the
166XL’s full sidechain functionality, and the ability to use either hard knee or OverEasy® compression algorithms.
Add to this already impressive list of features the venerable PeakStop limiter, and you’ve got a strong finisher, every
time.
The dbx 166XL processor is the result of an intensive engineering and product development effort aimed at taking
advantage of the latest and best advances in manufacturing technology to deliver true dbx audio performance and reliability to our customers at the lowest possible cost. The 166XL puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone’s reach.
8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.
Sandy, Utah 84070
Phone (801) 568-7660
Fax (801) 568-7662
customer@dbxpro.com
http://www.dbxpro.com
A Harman International Company
+15
+10
+5
+10
0
-10
GAIN REDUCTION (dB)
20 215 8 412 6102530
4:1
2:1
1.3:1
0
-10
-20
CHANNEL TWO
-25
-45
+15
+10
+5
+10
0
-10
COMPRESSOR
LIMITER / GATE
+20
dBu
0
BypassAutoOverEasySC Enable Contour
+20
dB
-20
ATTACK RELEASE OUTPUT GAIN PEAKSTOP
Fast Slow Fast Slow
RATIO
1:1
+10-30
+20
dBu
-40
Fast Slow
+15
dBu
THRESHOLD THRESHOLDRELEASE
OFF
Stereo
MASTER
Couple
+20
dBu
0
BypassAutoOverEasySC Enable Contour
+20
dB
-20
®
GAIN REDUCTION (dB)
20 215 8 412 6102530
ATTACK RELEASE OUTPUT GAIN PEAKSTOP
Fast Slow Fast Slow
4:1
:1 :1
2:1
1.3:1
+10-30
0
-10
-20
RATIO
1:1
+20
dBu
-40
Fast Slow
CHANNEL ONE
-25
BELOW ABOVE ABOVE ABOVEBELOW ABOVE BELOW ABOVE BELOW ABOVE
-10 -10
-45
+15
dBu
OFF
EXPANDER/GATE COMPRESSOR LIMITER EXPANDER/GATE COMPRESSOR LIMITER
THRESHOLD THRESHOLDRELEASE
The compressor/limiter/gate shall have two identical channels, each with an audio frequency
response of 5Hz-40kHz, +0, -0.5dB, a balanced
input impedance of not less than 40kΩ, with a
maximum input level of not less than +21dBu and
a 1/4" TRS input connector. The output impedance shall be no more than 50Ω unbalanced, 100Ω
balanced with a maximum output level of not less
than +20dBu, a minimum load impedance at not
more than 600Ω and the connector type shall be
1/4" TRS. Total Harmonic Distortion shall be less
than 0.2% with any amount of compression at
1kHz, and Intermodulation Distortion shall be less
than 0.2%. The unit shall have an output noise
level of not more than -93dBu unweighted, and a
dynamic range not less than 114dB. Outputs shall
be gain adjustable in the amount of ±20dB from nominal gain via front-panel Output Gain
controls, and all outputs shall be capable of driving a short circuit indefinitely with maximum input applied. The compressor attack and release times shall be scalable and program dependent. The gate attack time shall be <100µsec. The compression threshold
shall range from -40 to +20dB. The gate threshold range shall be from -60 to +10dBu.
The compressor/gate shall have a stereo coupling switch as well as the following controls
for each channel: Compressor Threshold, Compressor Ratio, Attack, Release, Auto
switch Output, Gain, Expander/Gate Threshold, Expander/Gate Ratio, Bypass. The following metering LEDs shall exist for each channel: Compressor Threshold (Below, At
Above), Gain Reduction and Gate Threshold (Above and Below). The unit shall operate
from a power source of 100 VAC 50/60 Hz to 120 VAC 60 Hz for a domestic unit and
230 VAC 50 Hz for a european unit via IEC type AC cable and shall consume no more
than 15 W. The net weight shall be 7lbs. (3.2kg). The unit shall be a dbx 166XL
Compressor/Gate.
dbx engineers are constantly working to improve the quality of our products.
Specifications are, therefore subject to change without notice.
166XL
Inputs (1/4” TRS Phone and XLR) Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin 2 and TIP HI,
Impedance >50kΩ balanced, >25kΩ unbalanced
Maximum Level +24dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced
CMRR >40dB at 1kHz, typically >55dB
Sidechain Insert (1/4” TRS Phone)Normalled: Ring = Output (send); Tip =
Input (return)
Impedance Tip = >10kΩ (Input)
Ring = 2kΩ (Output)
Maximum Level +24dBu
Outputs (1/4” TRS Phone and XLR)Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin 2 and TIP HI
Impedance 120Ω balanced, 60Ω unbalanced
Maximum Level +21dBu,>+20 dBm into 600Ω, balanced or
unbalanced
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz; +0, -0.5dB,Typical 3dB points
are 0.35Hz and 110kHz, unity gain
Noise <-90dBu, 22Hz to 22kHz, no weighting, unity
gain
THD+ N Typically <0.04%; Any Amount of
Compression Up to 40dB@1kHz
SMPTE IMD Typically <0.08% @ +10dBu (15dB Gain
reduction)
Compressor
Threshold Range -40dBu to +20dBu
Threshold Characteristic Selectable OverEasy or Hard Knee
Compression Ratio Variable; 1:1 to Infinity:1; 60dB Maximum
Compression
Attack Time Variable program-dependent; 3ms to 340ms
for 15dB gain reduction
Release Rate Variable program-dependent; 200dB/Sec to
3dB/Sec
Expander/Gate
Threshold Range OFF to +15dBu
Expansion Ratio 10:1
Maximum Depth >60dB
Attack Time <500µs (from Maximum Depth)
Release Time Adjustable, 30ms to 3sec (to 30dB attenua-
tion)
PeakStop® Limiter
Threshold Range 0dBu to +20dBu
Gain Adjustment Range Variable; -20dB to +20dB
Interchannel Crosstalk <-80dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic Range >115 dB
Stereo Coupling True RMS Power Summing™
Operating Voltage 100 VAC 50/60Hz; 120VAC 60Hz
230 VAC 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption 15 Watts Maximum
Operating Temperature 0˚C to 45˚C (32˚F to 113˚F)
Dimensions (H x W x D) 1.75" x 19" x 6.75" (4.45 cm x 48.2 cm x
17.15 cm)
Rack Space 1 Rack Unit (1U High)
Weight Net weight: 5.05 lb (2.29 kg)
Shipping weight: 7.20 lb (3.27 kg)
Note: 0dBu =0.775Vrms.
Specifications are subject to change.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
dbx Professional Products
8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.
Sandy, Utah 84070
Phone (801) 568-7660
Fax (801) 568-7662
Int’l Fax (801) 568-7583
customer@dbxpro.com
http://www.dbxpro.com
COMPRESSOR / LIMITER / GATE
GAIN REDUCTION (dB)
BELOW ABOVE ABOVE ABOVEBELOW ABOVE BELOW ABOVE BELOW ABOVE
CHANNEL ONE
-25
-10 -10
-45
OFF
+15
Fast Slow
dBu
THRESHOLD THRESHOLDRELEASE
EXPANDER/GATE COMPRESSOR LIMITER EXPANDER/GATE COMPRESSOR LIMITER
-10
0
-20
1.3:1
+10-30
1:1
-40
+20
dBu
RATIO
20 215 8 412 6102530
2:1
4:1
:1 :1
Fast Slow Fast Slow
ATTACK RELEASE OUTPUT GAIN PEAKSTOP
-10
-20
+10
0
+10
+5
+15
Stereo
BypassAutoOverEasySC Enable Contour
+20
dB
Couple
0
+20
dBu
MASTER
-25
-45
OFF
+15
dBu
THRESHOLD THRESHOLDRELEASE
CHANNEL TWO
®
Fast Slow
GAIN REDUCTION (dB)
20 215 8 412 6102530
-20
-40
+20
dBu
4:1
1.3:1
+10-30
1:1
Fast Slow Fast Slow
RATIO
ATTACK RELEASE OUTPUT GAIN PEAKSTOP
-10
-20
2:1
-10
0
+10
0
+10
BypassAutoOverEasySC Enable Contour
+20
dB
166XL
+5
+15
COMPRESSOR
LIMITER / GATE
0
+20
dBu
A Harman International Company
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