DBX 166XL Owner's Manual

MODEL 166XL

COMPRESSOR

GATE

A Harman International Company

®

WARNING

FOR YOUR PROTECTION, READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bath-

tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool,
etc). Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the
enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the
type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding
or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are
not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying par­ticular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the appliance.
SERVICING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, the user should not attempt to
service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other ser­vicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE:

Replace fuse with same type and rating only.
MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line
cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation.
Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear
panel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service
personnel or equivalent.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER
CORD.

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.

The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

GREEN and YELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live

As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond
with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as fol­lows:

• The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the
terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth symbol, or
coloured green, or green and yellow.

• The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal
marked N or coloured black.

• The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal
marked L or coloured red.

This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or
both, depending on the available power source at installation. If the attachment
plug needs to be changed, refer servicing to qualified service personnel who
should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be connected direct­ly to the unit's chassis.

WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in the
system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between chassis
and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth
ground are touched simultaneously.

U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING

A moulded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Discard the
mains plug at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUM-

STANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO
A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET. Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover

in place. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer.
Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362.

The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of
potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in
an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within
the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is nec­essary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.

These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do
not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing
to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manu­facturer’s warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on the unit, shut it
off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the unit during
storms to prevent damage.

CAUTION

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of
Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• this device may not cause harmful interference, and

• this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.

Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.

• use only shielded interconnecting cables.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name: dbx Professional Products
Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

declares that the product:

dbx 166XL

conforms to the following Product Specifications:

Safety: EN 60065 (1993)

IEC65 (1985) with Amendments 1, 2, 3

EMC: EN 55013 (1990)

EN 55020 (1991)

Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage
Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by
Directive 93/68/EEC.

dbx Professional Products
Vice-President of Engineering
8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
6/23/03

European Contact: Your Local dbx Sales and Service Office
or International Sales Office

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

CONDUCTOR

L

NEUTRAL

N
E

EARTH GND

LIVE

WIRE COLOR

Normal Alt

BROWN

BLUE

GREEN/YEL

BLACK
WHITE

GREEN

MANUAL CONTENTS

English

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

OPERATING CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

O

PERATING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CONNECTING THE 166XL TO YOUR SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

I

NSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

TECHNICAL SUPPORT / FACTORY SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Français

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

VÉRIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

C

OMMANDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

NOTES D'UTILISATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

R

ACCORDEMENT DU 166XL AU SYSTEME DE SONORISATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

N

OTES SUR L'INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

A

SSISTANCE TECHNIQUE ET SERVICE USINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Deutsch

EINLEITUNG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

K

ONTROLLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

BEDIENUNGSELEMENTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

BEDIENUNGSHINWEISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

ANSCHLIEßEN DES DBX 166XL AN IHRE ANLAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

ANSCHLUßHINWEISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

S

ERVICE UND KUNDENDIENST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Español

INTRODUCCION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

I

NSPECCION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

C

ONTROLES OPERATIVOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

NOTAS PARA EL OPERADOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

CONEXION DEL 166XL AL SISTEMA DE SONIDO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

C

ONSIDERACIONES PARA LA INSTALACION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

ASISTENCIA TÉCNICA / SERVICIO DE FABRICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

1

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on choosing the dbx 166XL Compressor / Gate. The 166XL provides two channels of noise gating,
OverEasy® or classic hard knee compression and PeakStop® limiting to give complete control of signal dynamics to stu­dios, sound reinforcement companies, musicians, or anyone who needs quality processing quickly and easily. We recom­mend that you take a moment and read through the manual as it provides information that will assist you in using your unit
to its fullest potential. Features Include:

• Stereo or Dual Mono operation of gating, compression and peak limiting.

• OverEasy®/Hard Knee Selection - allows selection between our famous OverEasy compression curve and the classic

“Hard Knee” curve popularized by the original dbx 160, 161 and 162.

• Expander/Gate Circuit - with variable release time and +15dBu maximum threshold.

• Selectable Low Frequency Shelf (via Contour button) in the Sidechain Path - recommended when compressing mixed

program material to prevent low frequency energy from “punching holes” in the sound.

• PeakStop® Limiting - provides control of maximum peak levels at the output of the 166XL regardless of any other

control. PeakStop comes after the compression, gating and other circuitry including the output gain, so it sets an
absolute limit for peak excursions before they reach the output.

• True RMS Level Detection - senses the power in the program in a musical manner, much as human hearing does, giv-

ing results superior to peak or average detection.

• Hardwire System Bypass Buttons on both channels - allow the audio to pass even if the unit is unplugged, and are

also useful for comparing the processed and unprocessed signals.

• 10-Segment LED Display for GAIN REDUCTION (up to 30dB).

• Electronically Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS Input and Output Jacks

• Separate Sidechain Inserts - enables an outboard processor or signal to control compression or gating.

• DC-Controlled Parameters - the signal does not pass thru any of the parameter controls. Instead a DC voltage controls

all functions; this eliminates any possibility of potentiometer noise developing over time.

INSPECTION

Verify that the 166XL package contains the following:

• 166XL Unit

• AC Power Cord

• Operation Manual

• Registration Card

OPERATING CONTROLS

Front Panel

EXPANDER/GATE Section

Expander/Gate THRESHOLD Control and LEDs (BELOW/ABOVE):

Adjusting this control sets the level at which the gate will open and allow the signal at the input to pass through to the
output. Turning the knob fully counterclockwise (to OFF) allows the gate to pass signals unattenuated, effectively bypass­ing the gate. Turning the knob fully clockwise causes the gate to attenuate input signals below +15dBu.

The two Expander/Gate LEDs indicate the relationship of the input signal level to the threshold setting. The red LED
lights when the signal is BELOW threshold, the green LED lights when the signal is ABOVE threshold.

Note: The 166XL’s expander/gate attack rate (which controls how fast the signal is restored after being attenuated) is internally set to be very fast - fast

enough to allow all of the transient at the beginning of a note, vocal or spoken word to come through.

2

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PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

Note: The 166XL’s expansion ratio is internally fixed, at approximately 10:1. This ratio helps to eliminate the artifacts normally associated with common
switch gates. Attenuation is >50dB.

SIDECHAIN (SC) ENABLE Switch and LED:

This switch enables the 1/4” TRS connector of the sidechain, allowing external processing of the detector signal. It
has no effect if there is nothing plugged into the sidechain loop; however the switch will still light indicating the
sidechain is enabled.

Expander/Gate RELEASE Control:

This control determines the rate at which the gate closes once the signal at the INPUT or SIDECHAIN INSERT falls
below the threshold. SLOW settings are useful for gating out noise present behind vocals and acoustic instruments.
FAST settings are useful for tightening up the sound of percussion (e.g., kick or snare drum) and drying up leakage from
other instruments into percussion tracks.

Note: The gate release rate is “accelerating” in that the dB/Sec rate continually increases as the gate closes.

CONTOUR Button and LED:

Depress this button to make the 166XL’s detection circuitry less sensitive to low frequency energy, preventing this
energy from “punching holes” in the sound, especially with mixed program. With the CONTOUR button Out, the
166XL’s detector is frequency-independent. The CONTOUR LED turns On when the CONTOUR button is depressed.

COMPRESSOR Section

GAIN REDUCTION Meter:

This meter displays how much the signal is being attenuated by the compressor and the gate.

Compressor THRESHOLD LEDs:

These three LEDs indicate the relationship of the input signal level to the threshold of compression. The green
BELOW LED is On when the signal is below threshold and the red ABOVE LED is On when the signal is above
threshold. When the 166XL is switched to OverEasy mode, the yellow LED is On when the signal is in the OverEasy
region (See Figure 2).

Note: Even though no input signal is being applied, it is normal for the LEDs to flicker when the power is applied or removed.

Compressor THRESHOLD Control:

Adjust this knob to set the threshold of compression from -40dBu (7.8mVrms) to +20dBu (7.8Vrms). Setting the
Compressor THRESHOLD control to +20dB will prevent all but the highest level peaks from being compressed.
(Setting the Compressor RATIO to 1:1 will turn the Compressor off, regardless of the setting of the Compressor
THRESHOLD control.)

In Hard Knee mode (OVEREASY button out), the THRESHOLD sets a reference level above which input signals
will be processed by the 166XL’s gain change circuitry in the manner defined by the setting of the RATIO control.
Input signals which fall below this level will pass through the 166XL unprocessed (except for fixed gain changes direct­ed by the OUTPUT GAIN control). See Figure 1.

In OverEasy mode (OVEREASY button depressed), signals begin to gradually activate the 166XL’s gain change cir­cuitry as they approach the THRESHOLD reference level and they do not get fully processed in the manner defined by
the RATIO control until they have passed somewhat above the THRESHOLD reference level. In OverEasy mode there
is no distinct point at which processing begins, and the THRESHOLD setting corresponds to a point on the input/output
transfer curve midway between the onset of processing and that point at which the transfer curve corresponds to the set­ting of the RATIO control. Figure 2 shows the OverEasy compression curves and how they correlate with the THRESH­OLD LEDs.

OVEREASY Button and LED:

Depress this button to select the OverEasy® compression characteristic. The yellow THRESHOLD LED turns On
when the signal is in the OverEasy region. When this button is in the Out position, the 166XL operates as a hard knee
compressor/limiter. (Yellow OverEasy LED is active only in OverEasy Mode.)

In Hard Knee mode, the threshold of compression is defined as that point above which the output level no longer
changes on a 1:1 basis with changes in the input level. See Figure 1.

In OverEasy mode, the threshold of compression is defined as the middle of the OverEasy threshold region, that is,
“half-way” into compression, as shown in Figure 2.

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

3

Compressor RATIO Control:

Rotate this control clockwise to increase the amount of compression from 1:1 (no compression) up to ∞:1 (no

increase in output level, regardless of input level increases above threshold.)

Figure 1: Hard Knee Compression Curve Figure 2: Over Easy Compression Curve

and Threshold LEDs and Threshold LEDs

When an input signal is above the THRESHOLD reference level, the setting of this control determines the number of
decibels (dB) by which the input signal must change in level to produce a 1dB increase in the signal level at the output
of the 166XL. A setting of 2:1 indicates an input:output ratio wherein a 2dB increase in signal (above threshold) will
produce a 1dB increase in output signal. A setting of ∞:1 indicates that an infinite increase in input level would be
required to raise the output level by 1dB. In other words, the output level stays constant when the input signal rises
above threshold.

Compressor ATTACK and RELEASE Control:

The ATTACK control sets the amount of time it takes the 166XL to begin compressing a signal once the detector has
sensed a signal above threshold. The ATTACK range is from FAST (for a tighter and more noticeable compression
effect with very little overshoot) to SLOW (for more delayed, gradual compression). A very fast ATTACK setting will
cause the 166XL to act like a peak limiter even though RMS detection circuitry is used. Slower ATTACK settings cause
the 166XL to act like an RMS or averaging detecting compressor/limiter.

The RELEASE control sets how fast the compression circuit returns the input to its original level. The RELEASE
rate is from FAST (where compression follows the envelope of the program material very tightly) to SLOW (for very
smooth compression).

There is no absolute right way to set the ATTACK and RELEASE controls. However, in general, you will want them
set slow enough to avoid pumping or breathing sounds caused when background sounds are audibly modulated by the
dominant signal energy, yet the release must be fast enough to avoid suppression of the desired signal after a sudden
transient or loud note has decayed. For low frequency tones (e.g., bass guitar), set RELEASE and ATTACK to 2:00 or
slower.

Note: ATTACK and RELEASE controls operate together and in conjunction with the RATIO control. Changing one control may necessitate changing

another setting.

AUTO Switch and LED:

This switch overrides both the ATTACK and RELEASE controls and enables preset program-dependent attack and
release times. These times are derived from the input signal and continuously change to match its dynamics. The switch
lights indicating the attack and release times are being automatically adjusted in a program-dependent fashion. Enabling
this AUTO function duplicates the “classic dbx sound” of the 166A which is a standard in the industry.

OUTPUT GAIN Control:

Adjust this control to vary the amount of fixed gain (up to ±20dB) in the 166XL’s output amplifier stage. The OUT­PUT GAIN control does not interact with the threshold of compression.

The OUTPUT GAIN control is especially useful to compensate for the RMS level decrease which results from the
166XL’s dynamic processing effects. After you adjust the 166XL’s controls for the desired amount of compression (and
gating), set the OUTPUT GAIN to add the same amount of gain that is shown on the GAIN REDUCTION meters. For
example, if the average amount of gain reduction shown on the meters is 10dB, then setting the OUTPUT GAIN control
to 10dB will compensate for the 10dB average level reduction at the output. Note that the OUTPUT GAIN control
comes before the PeakStop circuit.

Note: Because +20dB of gain can be added at the 166XL output, it is possible to cause clipping even when the input level is within the specified range.

For example, when the COMPRESSION RATIO is set at a low number, extreme clockwise rotation of the OUTPUT GAIN may cause the 166XL output

stage to clip program peaks.

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PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

)

1:1 Unity

+20

)

+15
+10

L (dB
E
V

+5

LE
T
U
P
T

-5

U
O

-10

-15

0

-15

RED
Above Threshold

Rotation Point Threshold

GREEN
Below Threshold

-10-50

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

+5 +15

+10

20:1

+20

+20

2:1

4:1

:1

+15
+10

EL (dB)

+5

T LEV

0

U
TP

−

5

U
O

−

10

−

15

−

−

15

E

O

B

L

L

M

E

A

Y

N

OverEasy Range

E

RE

G

Below Threshold

−

5

0

10

INPUT LEVEL (dB

R

W

+5

RED

Above Threshold

+15

+10

1:1

2:1

4:1

:1

+20

BYPASS Button and LED:

Depress this button to “hard-wire bypass” the 166XL’s circuitry,(i.e., unaltered input signal will pass through the unit
even if it is unplugged). Note that BYPASS works independently for each channel, even when the unit is stereo-coupled
(via the STEREO COUPLE button).

In Bypass mode, the input is sent directly to the output, bypassing the 166XL’s processing and controls and presenting
unaltered input signal at the 166XL’s OUTPUT. Bypass mode is especially useful for making comparisons between
processed and unprocessed signals.

The BYPASS LED turns On in Bypass mode if the 166XL is being provided with AC power.

LIMITER Section

PEAKSTOP LEVEL Control and LED:

This control allows you to set the maximum peak output level of the 166XL regardless of any other control. PeakStop
comes after the compression, gating and output gain circuitry; this provides for an absolute limit to be put on the peak
excursions at the output. PeakStop works instantaneously; you can apply moderate amounts of dbx’s OverEasy compres­sion and still be protected from large transients, other short-term overloads and overmodulation.

PeakStop is a smooth well-controlled soft clipper whose behavior is sonically similar to the gentleness of OverEasy
compression; its clipping is much preferable to a power amp’s or analog-to-digital converter’s. PeakStop rounds the cor­ners of a peak rather than cutting it off sharply. By making a signal’s leading and trailing edges curved instead of sharply
angled, it reduces the amount of higher odd-order, offensive-sounding harmonics that conventional hard clipping causes.

The level at which PEAKSTOP is activated is adjustable from +0dBu to +20dBu. Note that small signal excursions
above the set value of PEAKSTOP are possible, to allow the rounding to occur. Therefore, for applications where you
must not exceed a given ceiling, set the PEAKSTOP control 1dB to 2dB below the ceiling.

The PEAKSTOP LED illuminates whenever peaks attempt to exceed PeakStop level and are reduced in amplitude. If
the PeakStop LED illuminates when the PEAKSTOP LEVEL control is set to +20dBu, the headroom capabilities of the
166XL are being exceeded and hard clipping is occurring.

MASTER Section

STEREO COUPLE Button and LED:

This button toggles the unit between stereo and dual mono operation. Press the STEREO COUPLE button In for stereo
operation where Channel 1 becomes the master controller for both channels. All of Channel 2’s controls, buttons, and
LEDs will be disabled (except for Channel 2’s BYPASS, SIDECHAIN ENABLE, and CONTOUR buttons, and its GAIN
REDUCTION LEDs), since Channel 2 is the “slave.” Note that the detection circuitry senses the true RMS levels of the
combined signal, so it is unaffected by phase shifts (or other discrepancies) between the channels. This ensures stereo
compression without loss of imaging stability.

With the STEREO COUPLE button Out, the unit functions as two separate mono compressor/gates, each with its own
independent controls.

The STEREO COUPLE LED indicates that the 166XL is stereo-coupled.

Rear Panel

INPUT (BALANCED) Jacks:

The Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone jack and XLR-type jack are wired in parallel; either INPUT will accept an audio signal for
processing by the 166XL. The phone jack accepts a standard TRS 1/4” phone plug for a balanced input source, or a 2-cir­cuit (Tip/Sleeve) 1/4” phone plug for an unbalanced source. The XLR-type jack is wired pin 2 HOT (+), pin 3 COLD (-)
and pin 1 GROUND.

Note: Only one input jack should be used at a time, except for “splitter” applications where one input jack is used as an input
and the other input jack is used as an output (see “Using the SIDECHAIN INSERT” section on page 16). Since a given pair of
channel input jacks (e.g., Channel 1 XLR INPUT and Channel 1 1/4” INPUT) are internally connected (TIP = Pin 2, RING =
Pin 3, SLEEVE = Pin 1), if one of the jacks is unbalanced, then the other jack will be unbalanced. For example, if a 1/4”
INPUT jack is used with a mono cable, and is therefore unbalanced, the XLR INPUT jack will also be unbalanced (Pin 3 short­ed to ground).

OPERATING LEVEL Switch:

This switch selects between a -10dBV and +4dBu nominal operating level. When the switch is in the in position, a

-10dBV operating level is selected. When it is in the out position +4dBu is selected. A -10dBV operating level should be

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

5

selected when interfacing with “semi-pro” or low level equipment, while a +4dBu level should be selected when interfac­ing with “pro” equipment. The switch simultaneously changes the operating levels for both the input and output circuits.
Note that the switch is slightly recessed to prevent accidental switching of operating levels while plugging in or unplug­ging cables.

OUTPUT (BALANCED) Jacks:

The Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone jack and XLR-type jack are wired in parallel; either OUTPUT will send an audio signal to a
load. The phone jack accepts a standard TRS 1/4” phone plug for a balanced output load, or a 2-circuit (Tip/Sleeve) 1/4”
phone plug for an unbalanced load. The XLR-type jack is wired pin 2 HOT(+), pin 3 COLD (-) and pin 1 GROUND. For
proper unbalanced operation, the unused pin (either pin 2 or 3) must be grounded. Nominal output signal level is +4dBu or

-10dBV into 600Ω, and typical maximum output level is +20dBu into 600Ω (+20dBm).

Note: A given pair of channel output jacks (e.g., Channel 1 XLR OUTPUT and Channel 1 1/4” OUTPUT) are internally connected (TIP = Pin 2, RING = Pin

3, SLEEVE = Pin 1) and can simultaneously deliver the same signal to two separate loads, but if one of the jacks is unbalanced, then the other jack will be

unbalanced. For example, if a 1/4” OUTPUT jack is used with a mono cable, and is therefore unbalanced, the XLR OUTPUT jack will also be unbalanced

(Pin 3 shorted to ground). If using both outputs of a given pair simultaneously, the total parallel load on the output should be 600Ωminimum.

SIDECHAIN INSERT Jack:

This jack accepts a standard TRS 1/4” phone plug and provides a connection to the 166XL detector path. The RING
acts as a Send, carrying a buffered version of the signal present at the 166XL INPUT jack, at an impedance of 2kΩ. The
TIP acts as a Return for equipment to feed the 166XL’s detector circuitry, such as an equalizer for de-essing or frequency­sensitive gating/compression. You can also drive the 166XL SIDECHAIN INSERT with the output of most equipment, by
using a 1/4” mono phone plug. Input impedance is greater than 10kΩ.

Note: When a cable is plugged into this jack, it automatically breaks the connection from the INPUT circuit to the 166XL’s detection circuitry.

Note: The following Operating Notes section contains several applications for using the sidechain circuit.

AC POWER Receptacle:

This receptacle accepts an IEC-type power cord (as shipped with the unit). Plug the cord into the unit and mains power.
Note that the 166XL does not have a power switch. It is recommended that the 166XL be “On” at all times. Power con­sumption is low. If you do not plan to use the 166XL for an extended period of time, unplug it.

Warning: Be sure to verify both your actual line voltage and the voltage for which your Model 166XL was wired, as indicated on the rear panel of your unit.

Connection to an inappropriate power source may result in extensive damage which is not covered by the warranty.

OPERATING NOTES

Expander/Gate Applications

Note: Control settings for each application are suggested as a starting point. Adjust them for your requirements.

Gating Dry Percussive Sounds (e.g., Snare Drum, Kick Drum)

To effectively gate percussive sounds with high-level transients, you need to set the 166XL’s gate controls to ensure
that the gate is less sensitive to nearby signals that would cause the gate to open or “false trigger.” Set the RELEASE set­ting fast enough to enable the gate to close very quickly once the signal falls under the THRESHOLD. The RELEASE can
also be used to shape the envelope of the sound.

Note: Fast gating of sustained low frequency signals can result in “chattering.” Because the 166XL is capable of extremely fast gating, make sure the

RELEASE time is longer than one full cycle of the gated signal’s fundamental frequency. To eliminate any “chattering,” simply adjust the RELEASE time to

a longer time (slower rate). The proper THRESHOLD setting will also minimize false triggering and “chattering.”

These types of settings are most useful for tightening up drum tracks, removing the “ring” from some drums, or gating
out the leakage of one drum through another’s mic.

Gating Sounds That Have Longer Decay (e.g., Cymbal, Piano)

To effectively gate sounds which have more decay after the initial transient, set the RELEASE control slow enough to
allow the gate to remain open and capture the signal’s entire envelope.

The gate can also be used to “dry up” a track or mix that has too much reverb or ambience. Set the RELEASE control
so that the natural decay of the sound is somewhat truncated.

Changing Sound Quality

The 166XL’s gate can effectively change the sonic character of a sound because it can reduce or otherwise alter the
quality of instrumental ambience and reverb. For example, as an instrument stops, its reverberation level will fall through
the 166XL’s THRESHOLD setting. It can now be made to die out more quickly - faster than the natural decay (of the
sound). Experiment with different THRESHOLD and RELEASE settings to change the “tail” of the sound; a FAST
RELEASE setting will nearly eliminate reverb.

Keyed Gating

Keyed gating, that is, controlling the gating of one signal by another, can be used to add dynamics to a sound (e.g., cre-

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ating perfectly in-sync playing and overdubbing among individual instruments or “fattening” a dynamically weak track).

To create two distinct channels of bass guitar for your mix (by splitting the bass signal into two channels and syn­chronizing one channel of bass guitar with the kick drum), start by feeding one channel of bass directly into the mix and
the other into the 166XL’s INPUT. Then key the gate with a signal from the kick drum (connected to the SIDECHAIN
INSERT - adjust controls as needed). The gated bass track will now open with each kick, adding punch and dynamics.
This can really tighten up the tracks and add life to the mix.

Another example of keyed gating is using the drum signal to key an oscillator which is set to an appropriate frequen­cy to “tune” and “punch up” the drum sound.

Note: For all keyed gating applications, be aware to adjust the compressor accordingly or bypass it by setting the Compressor RATIO fully counter-

clockwise to 1:1

Frequency-Sensitive Gating

Frequency-sensitive gating lets you use the SIDECHAIN INSERT to tune the response of the gating action. For
example, if you’re gating a kick drum in a track with lots of leakage, you can tune in to the frequency of the kick with
an outboard EQ and the gate will respond only to that drum. Feed the kick drum signal both directly into the gate and
also through an equalizer which is connected to the SIDECHAIN INSERT. With the equalizer adjusted so that only the
desired signal is strong at the SIDECHAIN INSERT, the gate becomes even more selective in opening.

Basic Compressor Applications

Note: Control settings for each application are suggested as a starting point. Adjust them for your requirements. In general, the “smoothest” compres-

sion is achieved with the OVEREASY and AUTO buttons In, while the most “aggressive” compression is achieved with a Hard Knee fast setting (i.e.,

OVEREASY button Out with fast ATTACK and RELEASE times).

To compress a mix, begin with a low RATIO setting, THRESHOLD set for a few dB of Gain Reduction, and SLOW
Attack and Release, OVEREASY and CONTOUR buttons In.

Smoothing Out Variations in Microphone Levels

Variations in signal level can occur when the distance between a vocalist and a mic changes, or when the dynamics
of a voice changes relative to a vocalist’s range. To smooth out these variations, start with the 166XL in OverEasy
mode (OVEREASY button In) with a medium attack time and a fairly slow release time and adjusted for a low to medi­um compression RATIO (e.g., 4:1). Many people prefer the use of AUTO mode for vocals rather than setting the attack
and release controls manually. Adjust the THRESHOLD control so that the GAIN REDUCTION meters show 6dB to
10dB of gain reduction, then increase the RATIO if necessary. Due to the gentle OverEasy characteristic of your 166XL
you will find that even fairly high ratios are handled transparently. If the lower energy of the vocals is compressed too
much (e.g., if the voice sounds too thin or its lower register presence is lost), press the CONTOUR button In to allow
more of the original low energy to pass through the 166XL unaffected.

Smoothing Out Variations (and Increasing Sustain) in Musical Instrument Levels
(e.g., Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Synthesizer)

To achieve a smoother electric (or electronic) bass sound, compress the instrument’s output with a RATIO of
approximately 4:1, then adjust the THRESHOLD control for 10dB to 12dB of gain reduction. Compression lessens the
loudness variations among the strings and increases the bass’ inherent sustain. Other instruments, such as horns, vary in
loudness depending on the note being played, and benefit similarly. Note that if the compressed bass sounds smooth, but
too thin for your needs, try pressing In the CONTOUR button to thicken the sound.

To control untimely volume shifts in “hot” guitar or synth parts and to keep them from overloading your tape deck or
mixer during recording and live performances, start with a slow Hard Knee compression, the RATIO at approximately
5:1 and the THRESHOLD set to the average maximum level of the track - this will ensure that only the offending “hot”
part is compressed. Use CONTOUR, if necessary.

To add sustain to guitar or synthesizer string sounds, begin with a higher RATIO (from 10:1 to ∞:1), then adjust the
THRESHOLD control to taste. For example, to alter the envelope of a synthesizer sound that has a bite on its attack, but
ends with a long release time, begin by playing slow, but steady, synth stabs or chords, while compressing the sound
heavily (with a higher RATIO). Heavy compression of guitars and synths, as they are being recorded to digital formats,
can often help revive their sense of “analog life.”

Fattening Kick Drums and Compressing Other Drums

Weak, flabby kick drums often have too much boom, and not enough slap. To tighten them up, start with the 166XL
adjusted for a medium to high RATIO (e.g., 6:1), adjust the THRESHOLD control so that the GAIN REDUCTION
meters show 15dB of gain reduction, then increase the RATIO if necessary. In OverEasy mode, the 166XL takes slight­ly longer to react than in Hard Knee mode, and will therefore emphasize the slap at the beginning of the note and reduce
the boominess of its body. The 166XL also works well for tightening snare drums and tom toms and can be used with
drum machines to effectively alter the character of any electronic drum sound.

Cymbals and tom-toms can be effectively compressed (using the 166XL’s Sidechain) to help prevent analog tape sat-

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

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uration. Split the drum signal, sending one channel directly to the 166XL’s INPUT and the other channel to an equalizer
(e.g., dbx’s 20 Series or 30 Series Graphic Equalizer). Then connect the equalizer’s output to the 166XL’s SIDECHAIN
INSERT. The equalizer can be adjusted for boost with a peak of about 5kHz, causing the cymbal to be compressed on a
very loud crash, stopping tape saturation at high frequencies, where there is less headroom. However, gentle tapping of a
drumstick or brushing of the cymbal will not be affected. Assuming the tom-tom is a lower frequency instrument and can
be better tolerated by the tape, it has less need for compression. Equalization in the Sidechain circuit means that the com­pressor is not triggered as readily by a loud tom-tom beat as by an equally loud cymbal crash. Refer to the next page for
more Sidechain applications.

For drum kit submixes (e.g., mixing multiple drum tracks to two tracks while using both channels of a 166XL for com­pression), consider backing off the RATIO on each channel (down to 2:1) to avoid an excess of cymbal “splattering.” In
larger multitracking systems, compress the kick and snare separately. A further possibility is to heavily compress a stereo
submix of toms and leave the remaining percussives unaffected.

Raising a Signal Out of a Mix

Since reducing dynamic range increases the average signal level by a small amount, a single track can be raised out of a
mix by boosting its level slightly and applying compression. Start with a 2:1 RATIO and a relatively low THRESHOLD
setting (-20dBu). Adjust both controls as necessary.

Compressors have also been used to bring vocals to the forefront of a mix in volume-restricted studios (e.g. home stu­dios). Start by adding a foam windscreen to the mic (if it doesn’t have one). Set the RATIO to 10:1 and the THRESHOLD
to -10dBu. With your mouth approximately 2 inches from the mic, sing the vocal part, but with less volume than normal.
Use phrasing to give the part some intensity. An equalizer (e.g., a dbx 20 Series Equalizer or dbx 30 Series Graphic
Equalizer) or a vocal effects device (e.g., reverb, delay, distortion) can be added to further define the performance.

It is also possible to separate certain vocals or instruments from a mono program already mixed: refer to frequency­weighted compression on page 9.

Note: When compressing a stereo program with a 166XL, the factors affecting a compression curve and the actual RATIO and THRESHOLD settings, are

like those previously covered with reference to single channels of program material. However, it will generally be found that large amounts of compression

are more audible in a mixed stereo program than they might be on the separate tracks that were mixed to create the program.

Preventing Analog Tape Saturation

With programs of widely varying levels, compression can prevent recording levels (e.g., cymbal tracks in a final mix or
drum kit submix) from saturating tape tracks (see frequency-weighted compression, on page 9).

Preventing Digital Overload

Digital recorders and samplers produce audible distortion when they exceed their headroom (i.e., the range above their
maximum operating level). The 166XL effectively ensures that audio input does not overload a digital recorder’s A/D
(analog-to-digital) converters. The 166XL can perform this function quietly enough for all digital media. To use the 166XL
so that no changes in gain occur unless an emergency arises (wildly excessive levels), set Hard Knee mode On, the RATIO
to ∞:1, and the THRESHOLD to the highest permissible level.

Note: PeakStop limiting can also be used to prevent raucous-sounding digital overload.

Speaker Protection (Auditoriums, Churches, Mobile DJs and Sound Systems)

Compressors are frequently used to prevent excessive program levels from distorting power amps and/or damaging dri­vers in a sound-reinforcement system (whether you’re doing auditorium, church, or club sound engineering, or are a
mobile DJ, or like to push the limits of your home’s audio entertainment center). Set the 166XL for limiting (Hard Knee
mode On, with a RATIO of 10:1 or greater) and adjust the THRESHOLD to provide 15dB or more of compression (just a
few dB below the input clip). For low-level signals, the 166XL won’t change gain, but if large signals come along, the gain
will be reduced to prevent clipping and save sensitive system components from excessive heat buildup or other type of
damage.

In circumstances where the 166XL is expected to cause no change in gain unless an emergency arises (wildly excessive
levels), some operators set Hard Knee mode On, the RATIO to ∞:1, and the THRESHOLD to the highest permissible
level. As with preventing digital overload, the 166XL’s PeakStop limiter can be used instead of or in combination with the
166XL’s compression.

As a general rule, compressors should be as close to the amplifiers as possible in the signal chain. If the 166XL is
placed before the EQ (equalizer), for example, a potentially damaging boost in the EQ won’t be seen by the 166XL and the
speakers may be damaged. (see Multi-way speaker systems, page 10). For maximum sound pressure levels, large sound
reinforcement systems frequently use a separate compressor on each output of the electronic crossover(s). For a stereo
sound-reinforcement system, one 166XL can be used for each stereo band (low, low-mid, mid, etc.).

Raising Average Level in PA Systems

Limiting (i.e., compression at high ratios like ∞:1) also benefits intelligibility by allowing low-level input signals to be
reproduced through the system at higher volume. In a musical performance, this provides additional intimacy so that a

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vocalist’s whispers are heard more clearly. The OverEasy curve available with the 166XL permits a very high amount of
compression (RATIO of 10:1 or greater) to be used in many situations. This allows dynamic speakers, vocalists and other
musicians to concentrate on their presentation or performance without worrying about the ill effects of volume changes.

Using Your EQ to Reduce Feedback in Live Settings (Indoor and Outdoor Concerts,
Churches)

You can use your 166XL and EQ (equalizer) to reduce feedback in clubs, churches, outdoor concerts and other live set­tings. Patch or insert the 166XL into the main output of a mixer, set the 166XL to Hard Knee mode and slowly increase
OUTPUT GAIN until the first feedback “ring” occurs, then set up the 166XL with its RATIO at ∞:1 and THRESHOLD
low. The 166XL will catch the first feedback ring and hold it as a constant tone so you can adjust your EQ to minimize it.
Continue to increase your console gain and set your EQ until the next 3 or 4 “ring” frequencies have been compensated
for.

The 166XL as a Line Amplifier

To use the 166XL as a line amplifier, adjust the RATIO control fully counterclockwise (1:1 position), THRESHOLD
fully clockwise (+20), PeakStop to +20 and OUTPUT GAIN to whatever setting is required for the application.
Remember, excessive gain may lead to output clipping of high level signals. To add compression, adjust the RATIO and
the THRESHOLD controls to the desired settings.

Frequency-Weighted Compression (Sidechain Application)

It is possible to separate certain vocals and instruments from a mix by frequency-weighted compression. With an equal­izer (such as a dbx 20 Series or 30 Series EQ) inline ahead of the SIDECHAIN INSERT (but not in the audio path), the
equalization settings do not shift the timbre or frequency response of the audio signal. They merely alter the threshold
response of the compressor on a “frequency-weighted” basis.

With this arrangement, raising certain frequencies on the equalizer causes them to be suppressed in the audio signal. A
relatively high THRESHOLD setting can allow normal sounds to be unaffected while solo and very loud sounds are com­pressed. (Of course, when compression occurs, the level of the entire program is affected - however, if the 166XL’s CON­TOUR button is pressed in, even more of the signal’s lower energy can be preserved.) Depending on the THRESHOLD
setting, lower amplitude fundamentals or harmonics will not cause compression, and the program is not subject to the
phase shift normally caused by program equalization.

Figure 3: Frequency-Weighted Compression

When recording cymbals and tom-toms, a compressor with an equalizer in the Sidechain path can help prevent analog
tape saturation. The equalizer can be adjusted for boost with a peak of about 5kHz, causing the cymbal to be compressed
on a very loud crash, stopping tape saturation at high frequencies, where there is less headroom. However, gentle tapping
of a drumstick or brushing of the cymbal will not be affected. Assuming the tom-tom is a lower frequency instrument and
can be better tolerated by the tape, it has less need for compression. Equalization in the Sidechain circuit means that the
compressor is not triggered as readily by a loud tom-tom beat as by an equally loud cymbal crash.

The converse of the above EQ technique may be used: dipping the equalizer bands causes any sound with dominant
energy in the affected register to pull the level up because the 166XL will detect a need for less compression.

De-Essing

To apply de-essing to vocals (i.e., a reduction of sibilance), use a parametric equalizer (e.g., a dbx 242) in the
SIDECHAIN circuit and set it to boost the specific frequency range where the vocal “hiss” or lisp occurs (generally in the
4kHz - 6kHz region). This pre-emphasizes the already “hissy” vocal input to the Sidechain. Used in conjunction with a
moderate to high THRESHOLD and RATIO, and a fast Attack and Release setting, this arrangement greatly attenuates the
“essing” without affecting the basic sound quality or balance of the voice. While it is true that all frequencies are lowered
in level when the compressor is triggered, generally the “sss” sound occurs alone, before or after the dominant tone in the
voice.

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

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166XL

166A

INPUT OUTPUT

SIDECHAIN

INSERT

SOURCE

OUTPUT

EQ

Increasing Sustain

To increase the sustain of a musical instrument (e.g., a guitar or bass), use an equalizer in the Sidechain circuit and
boost the EQ in the dominant frequency range of the instrument. Set the 166XL for slow Hard Knee compression, with a
fairly low THRESHOLD and a moderate RATIO.

Multi-Way Speaker Systems

If a single compressor is to be used with a multi-way speaker system (i.e., before the crossover, after the EQ), the sys­tem operator is faced with the problem of keeping levels below the point of damage of the most sensitive part of the sys­tem. If, for example, mid-range drivers are frequently damaged, the whole system must be operated at a lower sound-pres­sure level, or additional mid-range drivers must be added. By inserting an equalizer in the Sidechain path to the 166XL, it
can be made more sensitive to frequencies in the range handled by the sensitive drivers. The system can then be run at
higher levels and will only be dropped back when damaging signals are present.

Using a Filter in the Sidechain Circuit

The results of inserting a filter in the Sidechain circuit are basically the same as obtained with an equalizer, as previous­ly described. Those frequencies passed by the filter are subject to compression (or at least they are subject to considerably
more compression than those frequencies outside the passband). Because a passive filter can have insertion loss, it may be
necessary to lower the 166XL’s THRESHOLD setting to maintain a given amount of gain reduction within the filter pass­band; this can be determined by monitoring the 166XL’s THRESHOLD LEDs.

Pre-Emphasis for Broadcast Applications

By inserting a pre-emphasis filter network in the Sidechain path of a 166XL processing pre-emphasized audio, higher
levels can be run within the headroom limitations of the broadcast chain.

CONNECTING THE 166XL TO YOUR SYSTEM

Basic Connection

The 166XL has balanced inputs and outputs, and can be used with any line-level device. Some common examples
include: mixing consoles, musical instruments, patch bays and other signal processors. For more specific cabling informa­tion, refer to Installation Considerations, page 18.

For all connections, refer to the following steps:

1. Turn Off all equipment before making any connections.

2. Mount the 166XL in a 1U rack space (Optional).

The 166XL requires one rack space (height) and 1 rack space (width). It can be mounted above or below anything that
doesn’t generate heat, since it requires no special ventilation. Ambient temperatures should not exceed 113˚F when equip­ment is powered.

Caution: Never remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside, and you run the risk of an electric shock.

3. Make connections via XLR or 1/4” TRS jacks according to your requirements.

Typical patch points include: a mixer’s channel or subgroup inserts when using the 166XL on individual instruments or
tracks; the mixer’s main outputs or bus inserts when mixing; an instrument preamp’s effects loop when using the 166XL
for guitar or bass; main outs of a submixer (e.g., keyboard mixer) as the signal is sent to main mixer; between a DAT’s
output and an analog cassette input. When using a chain of processors, the 166XL may be placed either before or after
effects or dynamic processors. However, if you are using the 166XL for speaker protection, the compressor should be as
close to the amplifier as possible in the signal chain. We recommend you use common sense and experiment with different
setups to see which one provides the best results for your needs.

Note: Never connect the 166XL’s input to the speaker output of an instrument or power amplifier.

4. Power On the unit: Securely connect the AC power cord to the unit and mains power.

Note: Check the line voltage. The unit is shipped for 115V or 230V operation. Refer to the unit’s rear panel to verify your unit’s precise line voltage.

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Using the SIDECHAIN INSERT

The SIDECHAIN INSERT can be used to control the compressor or the expander/gate by signals other than the audio
input (via an auxiliary device, such as an equalizer). Common Sidechain applications include keyed gating, frequency-sen­sitive gating and frequency-weighted compression. These topics are covered in detail in the previous pages of this manual.
Certain Sidechain applications may require special cabling.

For example, to set up your 166XL for frequency-sensitive gating or frequency-weighted compression, you must feed
an equalizer’s input with the same signal fed to the 166XL’s INPUT, and then connect the equalizer’s output to the
166XL’s SIDECHAIN INSERT jack (Figure 3). Providing the signal to both the 166XL’s INPUT and the equalizer can be
accomplished in several different ways: (1) use an insert cable plugged into the SIDECHAIN INSERT jack. The SEND
goes to the input of the EQ. The RETURN goes to the output of the EQ; (2) use a Y-cable to feed the audio source to both
the 166XL INPUT and the equalizer input; (3) feed the signal to one of the 166XL’s INPUT jacks and use the compressor
channel’s parallel INPUT jack to drive the equalizer (e.g., if the audio source feeds into Channel 1’s 1/4” INPUT jack, use
Channel 1’s XLR INPUT jack to feed the signal to the equalizer); (4) if the audio source can internally split its output sig­nal (e.g., some synthesizers can send the same signal from two outputs), plug a cable into each output and feed one cable
to the 166XL INPUT and the other to the equalizer.

Specific System Connections

The 166XL has balanced inputs and outputs, and can be used with any balanced or unbalanced line-level device. Some
common examples include: mixing consoles, musical instruments, patch bays, and other signal processors.

Mixing Board

If you wish to compress a particular track of a multitrack recording or one channel of a live performance, connect the
166XL INPUT to the audio source’s output jack while the 166XL OUTPUT can be directly connected to a line input jack
(balanced or not) or the 166XL’s INPUT and OUTPUT can be wired to an Insert point. In the latter case, the signals will
most likely be unbalanced.

It is important to note that the amount of compression is directly related to the level of the input signal. However,
depending upon your system’s setup, it may not always be clear as to what volume controls in your chain affect input level
and which affect output level. If the 166XL is connected so that compression occurs before the mixer’s volume controls
(e.g., the 166XL is connected directly between an audio source and the mixer input, or the 166XL is connected to mixer
inserts that are “pre-fader”), you can boost or cut the input level by adjusting the source’s volume control (e.g., a synthe­sizer’s volume control) and boost the track’s output level using the 166XL’s OUTPUT GAIN control or the mixer’s vol­ume fader (the latter here is great for track fade-outs). However, if the 166XL is connected to “post fader” mixer inserts,
adjusting the mixer’s volume fader changes the input level and the amount of compression. If you would rather have this
volume fader control output, we suggest that you set up the compressor directly between the source and the mixer chan­nel’s input. This way, you can use the instrument’s volume control to define the input level and amount of compression
and the mixer’s volume fader to change only the overall volume of the track.

Musical Instruments (e.g., Electric Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Electric-Acoustic
Instruments)

The output of an electric guitar is sometimes not “hot” enough to drive the 166XL’s INPUT. When this is the case,
switch the rear panel +4/-10 switch to the IN position which will boost the low level signal by approximately 12dB. If this
is still not enough boost then you should use the “PREAMP OUT” of your guitar amp (if so equipped), or the output of
some other device that is designed to accept low-level instrument inputs (including various foot pedal effects, acoustic
pickup preamps, and some rack mount audio products). Such sources can be balanced or unbalanced - this is no problem
for the 166XL.

Microphones, bass guitars, and electric-acoustic instruments, also typically have low-level outputs. With most setups
they require signal boost to drive the 166XL’s INPUT. For example, when recording voice directly to a portable tape deck,
a mic preamp placed between the mic and the 166XL (which is then fed to one of the recorder’s inputs) can boost the sig­nal for the 166XL as well as provide a high level signal to the tape deck.

Keyboards, samplers, drum machines and sound modules typically produce a line-level signal and can be connected
directly from the instrument’s output to the 166XL’s INPUT.

Note: DO NOT CONNECT the 166XL’s input to the speaker output of an instrument or power amplifier. Severe damage to system components may result.

Patch Bay

In the studio, the 166XL may be connected to a patch bay (such as a dbx PB-48) to allow it to be used anywhere in the
studio system. If your studio is not fully balanced, you must ground the unused balanced output conductor: XLR pin
(either pin 2 or 3) or the ring of a 1/4” stereo phone jack. Note that grounding pin 2 of the XLR jack reverses the phase
through the 166XL.

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Sound Reinforcement

To compress a live mix or to protect loudspeakers, connect the 166XL between the source (mixing board or distribution
amp) and the power amp(s). If multi-way loudspeakers with low-level electronic crossovers are used, the 166XL(s) should
go after the crossover(s). For a stereo system, you can separately stereo couple the two high band crossovers, low band
crossovers, etc. If limitations require that you use a single 166XL channel before a crossover, adding an equalizer to the
sidechain may provide some additional protection to your high frequency components (see “Speaker Protection,” page 8).

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Input/Output Cable Configurations

Hookups and Cabling

The 166XL is a balanced (differential) unit designed for nominal +4dBu or -10dBV levels; inputs and outputs are 1/4”
tip/ring/sleeve (TRS) phone jacks and XLR-type jacks. The 166XL can be used with either balanced or unbalanced sources
and outputs can be used with either balanced or unbalanced loads, provided you use proper cabling.

A balanced line is defined as two-conductor shielded cable with the two center conductors carrying the same signal but
of opposite polarity with respect to ground. An unbalanced line is generally a single-conductor shielded cable with the cen­ter conductor carrying the signal and the shield at ground potential.

Input Cable Configurations

The 166XL has an actual input impedance of >40kΩ in balanced or unbalanced configurations. This makes the 166XL
audio input suitable for use with virtually any source impedance, low or high. The 166XL’s input jacks are wired in paral­lel. The phone jack TIP (+) connection is internally wired to the XLR pin 2, the RING (-) is wired to pin 3, and the
SLEEVE (shield) is wired to pin 1. Note that pins 2 and 3 are the reverse of certain older dbx and other manufacturer’s
equipment, but if the same connection is used at both the input and the output, the signal will be correctly polarized (“in
phase”).

Reversing the input wires to the input terminals will result in the output signal polarity being the opposite of the input
signal (“180˚ out of phase”).

Output Cable Considerations

The model 166XL’s outputs are wired in parallel: either the XLR-type OUTPUT jack or the 1/4” stereo phone jack are
capable of driving a 600Ω load. The phone jack TIP (+) connection is internally wired to the XLR pin 2, the RING (-) is
wired to pin 3, and the SLEEVE (shield) is wired to pin 1. Note that pins 2 and 3 are the reverse of certain older dbx and
other manufacturer’s equipment, but if the same connection is used at both the input and the output, the signal will be cor­rectly polarized (“in phase”).

Figure 4: Signal Flow (Balanced Connection)

Grounding

For maximum hum rejection with a balanced source, avoid common grounding at the 166XL’s input and output. Most
balanced (3-conductor) cables have the shield connected at both ends. This can result in ground loops which cause hum. If
hum is a problem, try disconnecting the shield on one or more of your cables, preferably at the input of a device, not at the
output: Ground the shield of the input cable at the source device (leaving it unconnected at the 166XL’s INPUT) and
ground the shield of the output cable to the ground terminal of the 166XL (leaving it unconnected at the receiving device).
The shield is pin 1 on the XLR, SLEEVE on a 1/4” TRS.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT, FACTORY SERVICE

The 166XL is an all-solid-state product with components chosen for high performance and excellent reliability. Each
166XL is designed, assembled, tested, burned in and calibrated at the factory in the USA and should require no internal
adjustment of any type throughout the life of the unit. We recommend that your 166XL be returned to the factory only
after referring to the manual and consulting with Customer Service.

Our phone number, fax number and address are listed on the rear cover. When you contact dbx Customer Service, be

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166XL

166A

SIGNAL FLOW

prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit - this is printed on a sticker attached to
the unit.

Note: Please refer to the terms of your Limited Two-Year Standard Warranty, which extends to the first end-user. After the warranty expires, a reasonable

charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for transportation

charges to the factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.

Shipping Instructions:

Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper, and with the follow­ing words in quotes in red: “DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE!” Insure the package properly. Ship prepaid, not col­lect. Do not ship parcel post. (If you do not plan to save the packaging material, please recycle it.)

Registration Card and User Feedback

We appreciate your feedback. After you have an opportunity to use your new 166XL, please complete the Registration
Card and return it.

FRANÇAIS

INTRODUCTION

Nous vous félicitons d’avoir choisi le processeur dbx 166XL Dynamics Processor. Le 166XL permet un contrôle total
de la dynamique du signal sonore, offrant notamment deux canaux de réduction de bruit (noise gate), compression
OverEasy® ou compression traditionnelle Hard Knee et limitation de crêtes PeakStop®. Il s’adresse aux studios, aux
sociétés de sonorisation, aux musiciens ou à quiconque recherchant un dispositif simple et rapide offrant un traitement de
signal de qualité. Nous vous invitons à lire ce manuel pour tirer le meilleur profit du processeur. Caractéristiques :

• Réduction de bruit, compression et limitation de crêtes en mode stéréo ou dual mono.

• Sélecteur OverEasy®/Hard Knee - permet de choisir entre le célèbre mode de compression OverEasy et le mode «
Hard Knee », plus traditionnel, proposé sur les modèles dbx 160, 161 et 162.

• Circuit expanseur/Gate - temps de maintien variable et seuil maximal de +15 dBu.

• Sélecteur passe-bas (touche CONTOUR) sur le circuit d’insertion Sidechain - conseillé lors de la compression de sons
mixés pour éviter que les signaux de basse fréquence ne créent des « trous » dans le son.

• Limiteur PeakStop® - contrôle les pointes de signal à la sortie du 166XL indépendamment de tout autre réglage.
Placé en aval des circuits de compression, porte, gain de sortie et autre, le circuit PeakStop permet de fixer une limite
absolue pour les crêtes du signal de sortie.

• Détection de valeur efficace (« True RMS Level ») - mesure la puissance d’un son de façon musicale, à la manière de
l’oreille humaine, produisant de meilleurs résultats que la détection de crête ou de valeur moyenne.

• Touche de by-pass du système sur les deux canaux - pour assurer la continuité du signal audio même lorsque
l’appareil est débranché ou pour comparer des signaux traités et non traités.

• Affichage GAIN REDUCTION à diodes électroluminescentes 10 segments (jusqu’à 30 dB)

• Entrées et sorties symétriques Jack 6,35 stéréo et XLR

• Connexions d’insertion Sidechain séparées - pour l’utilisation d’un processeur ou d’un signal externe pour la com­mande du circuit de compression ou d’expansion.

• Commande en courant continu des paramètres - le signal ne passe à travers aucun des potentiomètres. Toutes les fonc­tions sont contrôlées par courant continu, ce qui élimine tout risque d’apparition de bruit de potentiomètre au fil du
temps.

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

13

VÉRIFICATION

S’assurer que l’emballage du 166XL contient les articles suivants :

• 166XL Dynamics Processor

• cordon d’alimentation secteur

• manuel de l’utilisateur

• carte d’enregistrement

COMMANDES

Face Avant

Section NOISE/GATE

Potentiomètre THRESHOLD (seuil) et témoins BELOW/ABOVE (au-desous/au-dessus) :

Cette commande permet de régler le seuil à partir duquel la porte s’ouvre pour permettre le passage du signal à travers
l’appareil. Tourner le bouton à fond dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d’une montre (jusqu’à OFF [désactivé]) pour permet­tre le passage des signaux sans atténuation et, en pratique, contourner la porte. Si ce bouton est tourné à fond dans le sens
des aiguilles d’une montre, la porte atténue les signaux d’entrée en-dessous de +15 dBu.

Les deux Led de la section Expander/Gate indiquent la position du signal d’entrée par rapport au seuil choisi. La Led
rouge (BELOW) s’allume lorsque le signal est EN-DESSOUS du seuil, la Led verte (ABOVE) s’allume lorsque le signal
est AU-DESSUS du seuil.

Remarque : Le temps d’attaque du circuit expander/Gate du 166XL (qui détermine la vitesse à laquelle le signal est rétabli après atténuation) est extrême-

ment court, suffisamment pour permettre le passage des transitoires lors de l’attaque d’une note, d’un chant ou d’un mot parlé.

Remarque : Le taux d’expansion est fixé de façon interne à environ 10:1. Ce taux permet l’élimination des artefacts généralement associés à la commuta-

tion courante. L’atténuation est supérieure à 50 dB.

Sidechain active:

Cette touche active les connecteurs de sidechain, permettant le traitement externe du signal de détecteur. Elle n'a aucun
effet s'il n'y a rien branché à la boucle de sidechain ; cependant la touche s'illumine indiquant que le sidechain est actif.

Commande RELEASE (relâchement) :

Cette commande permet de déterminer le temps de fermeture de la porte une fois que le signal d’entrée (INPUT) ou
d’insertion (SIDECHAIN INSERT) passe en-dessous du seuil. La position SLOW est utile pour la réduction des bruits
présents derrière le chant ou les instruments acoustiques. La position FAST permet d’accentuer la netteté des percussions
(grosse caisse ou caisse claire, par ex.) et d’empêcher les autres instruments de déborder sur les pistes des percussions.

Remarque : la vitesse de coupure va en « s’accélérant » dans la mesure où le nombre de dB/s augmente de façon continue pendant la fermeture de la

porte.

Touche et led CONTOUR :

Lorsqu’on enfonce cette touche, on rend le circuit de détection du 166XL moins sensible aux signaux basse fréquence,
afin d’éviter que ceux-ci ne provoquent des « trous » dans le son, particulièrement pour des signaux mixés. Lorsque la
touche CONTOUR est relâchée, le détecteur du 166XL est indépendant de la fréquence. La Led CONTOUR s’allume
lorque la touche CONTOUR est enfoncée.

Section COMPRESSEUR

Indicateur GAIN REDUCTION :

Il affiche la valeur dont le signal est atténué par le compresseur et/ou par la porte.

Témoins THRESHOLD (seuil) :

Ces trois Leds indiquent la position du signal d’entrée par rapport au seuil de compression. La Led verte (BELOW)
s’allume lorsque le signal est en-dessous du seuil et la Led rouge (ABOVE) lorsqu’il est au-dessus du seuil. En mode
OverEasy, la Led orange s’allume lorsque le signal est dans la plage OverEasy (voir figure 2).

14

®

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

THRESHOLD :

Ce potentiomètre permet de choisir un seuil de compression compris entre -40 dBu (7,8 mVeff) et +20 dBu (7,8 Veff).
Lorsque la commande THRESHOLD de la section COMPRESSOR est réglée sur +20 dB, seules les pointes de signal les
plus élevées subiront une compression (lorsque le sélecteur RATIO est réglé sur le taux de compression 1:1, alors le com­presseur est désactivé, quel que soit le niveau de seuil choisi).

En mode Hard Knee (touche OVEREASY relâchée), la commande THRESHOLD définit un niveau de référence au­dessus duquel les signaux d’entrée seront compressés par le circuit de gain du 166XL de la façon déterminée par le réglage
de la commande RATIO. Les signaux d’entrée qui sont en-dessous de ce niveau traversent le 166XL sans y être modifiés
(à l’exception du gain fixe déterminé par le réglage de OUTPUT GAIN). Voir figure 1.

En mode OverEasy (touche OVEREASY enfoncée), les signaux activent graduellement le circuit de gain du 166XL à
mesure qu’ils se rapprochent du seuil de référence fixé par la commande THRESHOLD. Ils ne subissent une compression
complète, selon le taux correspondant au réglage de la commande RATIO, qu’au delà du seuil de référence fixé par
THRESHOLD. Le mode OverEasy ne présente pas de point défini à partir duquel le signal est compressé et le réglage du
seuil (THRESHOLD) correspond à un point de la caractéristique de transfert entrée/sortie à mi-chemin entre le début de la
compression et le point où la caractéristique de transfert présente un taux de compression égal au réglage de la commande
RATIO. La figure 2 présente des courbes de compression OverEasy et indique comment elles se rapportent à l’état des
Leds THRESHOLD.

Touche OVEREASY :

Enfoncer cette touche pour choisir le mode de compression OverEasy®. La Led orange THRESHOLD s’allume
lorsque le signal est dans la plage OverEasy. Lorsque cette touche est relâchée, le 166XL fonctionne en compresseur/limi­teur Hard Knee (la Led orange OverEasy est active en mode OverEasy uniquement).

En mode Hard Knee, le seuil de compression correspond au niveau au-dessus duquel le signal commence à être com-

pressé. Voir figure 1.

En mode OverEasy, le seuil de compression se situe à mi-chemin de la plage de compression OverEasy, comme

l’indique la figure 2.

Commande RATIO :

Tourner ce bouton dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre pour augmenter le taux de compression. Il s’agit d’un rap­port compris entre 1:1 (pas de compression) et ∞:1 (pas d’augmentation du niveau de sortie, quelles que soient les varia-
tions du niveau d’entrée au-dessus du seuil).

Figure 1 : Mode de compression Hard Knee Figure 2 : Mode de compression OverEasy

Caractéristique de transfert et état des Leds de seuil Caractéristique de transfert et état des Leds de seuil

Lorsqu’un signal d’entrée dépasse le niveau de seuil défini par le réglage de THRESHOLD, cette commande détermine
l’importance en dB de la variation du signal d’entrée nécessaire pour augmenter de 1 dB le signal de sortie du 166XL. Un
réglage de 2:1, par exemple, correspond à un rapport entrée/sortie tel qu’une augmentation du signal d’entrée de 2 dB (au­dessus du seuil) produira une augmentation de 1 dB du signal de sortie. Un réglage de ∞:1 signifie que le signal d’entrée
devrait augmenter de façon infinie pour ajouter 1 dB au signal de sortie. En d’autres termes, le niveau de sortie reste con­stant lorsque le signal d’entrée passe au-dessus du seuil.

Réglage des TEMPS D'ATTAQUE et de RELACHEMENT :

Le bouton ATTACK règle le temps nécessaire au 166XL pour débuter la compression lorsque le niveau du signal
dépasse le seuil. Le réglage varie de rapide (FAST) pour une compression forte et avec peu de dépassement, à lente
(SLOW), pour une compression progressive. Avec un temps d'attaque très rapide, le 166XL agit comme une limiteur de

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE

15

+20

+15
+10

L (dB)
E

+5

T LEV

0

TPU

-5

U
O

-10

-15

-15

-10-50

GREEN
Below Threshold

RED
Above Threshold

Rotation Point Threshold

+5 +15

+10

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

1:1 Unity

2:1

4:1

20:1

+20

+20

+15
+10

L (dB)
E

+5

T LEV

−

UTPU
O

−

10

−

15

0
5

G

−

−

15

10

R

E

B

M

A

N

OverEasy Range

E

E

R

Below Threshold

−

+5

5

0

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

:1

1:1

2:1

4:1

RED

Above Threshold

+15

+10

:1

+20

16

®

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

crête (bien qu'un circuit de détection de Valeur Efficace soit utilisé). Avec un temps d'attaque lent, le 166XL agit comme un com­presseur/limiteur détecteur de valeur efficace ou moyenne.

Le bouton RELEASE permet de régler la vitesse à laquelle le signal retrouve son niveau d'origine. Le réglage varie de rapide (la

compression suit de très près le programme), à lent (pour une compression très douce).

Il n'existe pas de règle absolue pour régler ces temps d'attaque et de relâchement. Toutefois, en règle générale, vous les règlerez
suffisamment lents pour éviter l'effet de "pompage" ou d'"aspiration" sur le son lorsque les bruits de fond sont modulés par l'énergie
dominante du signal. Le temps de relâchement doit être suffisamment rapide pour éviter la suppression du signal après un transitoire
ou un signal de forte amplitude. Pour des fréquences graves (guitare basse par exemple), réglez les temps d’attaque et de relâchement
à 2:00 ou plus lent.
Touche AUTOMATIQUE -

Cette touche prend le pas sur les commandes d'ATTAQUE et de RELACHEMENT et active des temps d'attaque et de relâchement
dépendants du programme. Ces temps sont dérivés du signal d'entrée et changent continûment pour adapter sa dynamique. La touche
s'illumine pour signaler ce mode. Activer cette fonction AUTOMATIQUE reproduit le «son classique dbx» des précurseurs du 166
qui sont devenus des standards de l'industrie.

OUTPUT GAIN (gain de sortie) :

Cette commande permet de choisir le gain fixe (jusqu’à ±20 dB) appliqué au niveau de l’étage de sortie du 166XL. La commande
OUTPUT GAIN est indépendante du seuil de compression.

La commande OUTPUT GAIN est particulièrement utile pour compenser l’affaiblissement du signal efficace résultant des effets
du traitement dynamique effectué par le 166XL. Après avoir sélectionné les niveaux de compression (et de réduction de bruit) désirés,
régler la commande OUTPUT GAIN de façon à ajouter le même niveau de gain que celui affiché par les indicateurs de réduction de
gain (GAIN REDUCTION). Par exemple, si le signal subit, en moyenne, une réduction de 10 dB, alors le réglage de la commande
OUTPUT GAIN sur 10 dB permet de compenser ces 10 dB de réduction de gain à la sortie du 166XL. Remarquer que la commande
de gain est placée en amont du circuit PeakStop.

Remarque : Le gain supplémentaire à la sortie du 166XL peut représenter jusqu’à 20 dB. Par conséquent, il est possible que le signal soit écrêté, même lorsque le

niveau d’entrée reste dans les limites choisies. Par exemple, si le taux de compression choisi (RATIO) est faible et que le gain est réglé au maximum (bouton OUTPUT

GAIN tourné à fond vers la droite), il se peut que l’étage de sortie du 166XL écrête le signal. Par conséquent, il est généralement recommandé de commencer avec un

gain de sortie de 0 dB (bouton OUTPUT GAIN en position verticale). Lorsque le circuit alimenté par le 166XL présente une sensibilité élevée, le fait de diminuer le gain

de sortie du 166XL peut permettre d’éviter le recours à un atténuateur.

Touche et témoin BYPASS :

Enfoncer cette touche pour by-passer physiquement le circuit du 166XL (le signal d’entrée traversera intact l’appareil même si
celui-ci est sur arrêt). Il est à remarquer que la fonction BYPASS est indépendante pour chaque canal, même lorsque l’appareil est en
mode stéréo (par la touche STEREO COUPLE).

En by-pass, le signal d’entrée est envoyé directement à la sortie, évitant les circuits de traitement et les commandes du 166XL. Le
signal d’entrée se retrouve intact à la sortie (OUTPUT) du 166XL. Le by-pass est particulièrement utile pour effectuer des compara­isons entre des signaux traités et non traités.

La Led BYPASS s’allume lorsque le 166XL est en mode Bypass et qu’il est sous tension.

Remarque : Même en l’absence de signal d’entrée, il est normal que les Leds clignotent brièvement lorsque l’appareil est mis sous tension ou hors tension.

Section LIMITEUR DE CRETES

Potentiomètre et témoin PEAKSTOP LEVEL :

Cette commande permet de choisir le niveau maximal des crêtes du signal de sortie du 166XL, indépendamment de tout autre
réglage. L’étage PeakStop est en aval des circuits de compression, de réduction de bruit et d’amplification de sortie, ce qui permet de
fixer une limite absolue pour les crêtes du signal de sortie. Le PeakStop fonctionne de façon instantanée ; il est possible d’appliquer
des niveaux modérés de compression OverEasy tout en étant protégé contre les forts transitoires et autres surmodulations ou sur­charges de courte durée.

Le PeakStop est un circuit écrêteur progressif dont le comportement produit un effet sonore sans heurt, semblable à celui de la
compression OverEasy ; l’écrêtage obtenu est largement préférable à celui d’un amplificateur de puissance ou d’un convertisseur
analogique-numérique. PeakStop arrondit les angles d’une crête plutôt que de la couper brusquement. En incurvant ainsi le front de
montée et le flanc de descente du signal, il réduit la proportion d’harmoniques impaires élevées (et donc les effets sonores
désagréables associés) produites par l’écrêtage « dur » classique.

Le niveau d’activation du circuit PEAKSTOP est réglable entre +0 dB et +20 dB. Il est possible que le signal passe légèrement au­dessus du niveau PEAKSTOP choisi afin de permettre l’arrondissement de son sommet. Par conséquent, dans les situations où il est
important de ne pas dépasser un plafond donné, régler le niveau de PEAKSTOP 1 ou 2 dB en-dessous de ce plafond.

La Led PEAKSTOP s’allume à chaque fois que se présentent des crêtes dépassant le niveau du réglage PeakStop et qu’elles subis­sent une atténuation. Si la Led PeakStop s’allume lorsque la commande PEAKSTOP LEVEL est réglée sur +20 dB, c’est que la
marge de surcharge du 166XL a été dépassée et qu’il se produit un écrêtage « dur ».

dbx 166XL COMPRESSOR / GATE