dbx 166xs User Manual

Dual Compressor/Limiter/Gate

Professional Audio Equipment

User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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.

Safety InStructIonS

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

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE SHALL BE CONNECTED TO A MAINS SOCKET OUTLET WITH A PROTECTIVE EARTHING CONNECTION.

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

WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION

READ THE FOLLOWING:

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

HEED ALL WARNINGS

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUID AND NO OBJECT FILLED WITHI LIQUID, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.

CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH.

DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER APPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.

ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not ﬁt your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Use only with the cart stand, tripod bracket, or table speciﬁed by the manufacture, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

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 units chassis.

CONDUCTOR

L LIVE BROWN BLACK

N NEUTRAL BLUE WHITE

E EARTH GND

WIRE COLOR

Normal Alt

GREEN/

YEL

GREEN

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.

Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: If the equipment has a Power switch, the Power switch used in this piece of equipment DOES NOT break the connection from the mains.

MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug shall remain readily operable. For rackmount or installation where plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical installation of the rack or building.

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.

If connected to 240V supply, a suitable CSA/UL certiﬁed power cord shall be used for this supply.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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.

u.K. MaInS PLuG WarnInG

A molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility.

NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES 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.

DecLaratIon of

conforMIty

Manufacturer’s Name: dbx Professional Products Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

declares that the product: Product name: dbx 166xs

Note: Product name may be suffixed by the EU. Product option: None conforms to the following Product Specifications: Safety: IEC 60065 -01+Amd 1

EMC: EN 55022:2006 (N/A; Analog Product) IEC61000-4-2 IEC61000-4-3 IEC61000-4-4 IEC61000-4-5 IEC61000-4-6 IEC61000-4-8 IEC61000-4-1

Supplementary Information: The product herewith complies with the requirements of the:

Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC. RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC

With regard to Directive 2005/32/EC and EC Regulation 1275/2008 of 17 December 2008, this product is designed, produced, and classified as Professional Audio Equipment and thus is exempt from this Directive.

Roger Johnsen Vice President of Engineering 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA Date: November 1, 2010

If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislatio n that requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.

Private household in the 25 member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one).

For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for a correct method of disposal.

By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

European Contact: Your local dbx Sales and Service Office or Harman Music Group

8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA Ph: (801) 566-8800 Fax: (801) 568-7583

Table of Contents

Section 1- Introduction .......................... 1

1.1 Inspection .................................... 1

1.2 Service Contact Info ....................... 2

1.3 Warranty ....................................... 3

Section 2- Getting Started ...................... 4

2.1 Rear Panel Connections .................. 4

2.2 Front Panel Connections ................. 5

Section 3 - Making Connections .............. 10

3.1 Basic Connections .......................... 10

3.2 Specific System Connections ........... 11

3.3 Installation Considerations .............. 12

Section 4 - Operating Notes .................... 14

4.1 Expander/Gate Applications............. 14

4.2 Basic Compressor Applications ........... 15

Section 5 - Technical Support/Factory Service .. 21

dbx 166xs

Section A - Appendix ............................... 22

A.1 Technical Specifications .................. 22

A.2 Wiring Diagrams ............................ 23

dbx 166xs

Introduction

Section 1 - Introduction

Congratulations on choosing the dbx 166xs Compressor/Limiter/Gate. The 166xs 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 166xs 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 the same as human hearing does, giving 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.

Section 1

•

1.1 Inspection

Verify that the 166xs package contains the following:

•166xsUnit

•ACPowerCord

•OperationManual

•RegistrationCard

Section 1

Introduction

dbx 166xs

1.2 Service Contact Info

If you require technical support, contact dbx Technical Support. Be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your device - this is printed on a sticker attached to the chassis. If you have not already taken the time to fill out your warranty registration card and send it in, please do so now. You may also register online at www.dbxpro.com.

Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to the manual. Make sure you have correctly followed installation steps and operation procedures. For further technical assistance or service, please contact our Technical Support Department at (801) 568-7660 or visit www.dbxpro.com. If you need to return a product to the factory for service, you MUST first contact Technical Support to obtain a Return Authorization Number.

No returned products will be accepted at the factory without a Return Authorization Number.

Please refer to the Warranty information on the following page, which extends to the first end-user. After expiration of the warranty, 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.

Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper and with these words in red: DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE! Also write the Return Authorization Number (RA#) on the outside of the box in a conspicuous location. Insure the package properly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.

dbx 166xs

Introduction

1.3 Warranty

This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States.

1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30

days after purchase date to validate this warranty. You can also register online at www.dbxpro.com. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the responsibility of the consumer.

A copy of the original purchase receipt must be provided for any warranty service.

2. dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from

defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

3. dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing

defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of two years. A Return Authorization number must first be obtained from dbx. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product’s use in any circuit or assembly.

Section 1

4. dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements

upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured.

5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither

assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

Section 2

Getting Started

Section 2 - Getting Started

2.1 Rear Panel Connections

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 166xs does not have a power switch. It is recommended that the 166xs be “On” at all times. Power consumption is low. If you do not plan to use the 166xs for an extended period of time, unplug it.

WARNING: Be sure to verify your actual line voltage is the same

as the voltage level printed below the AC power receptacle. Connection to an inappropriate power source may result in

extensive damage which is not covered by the warranty.

dbx 166xs

Caution: Never remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

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 166xs. 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 10). 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 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.

dbx 166xs

Getting Started

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 600Ω minimum.

SIDECHAIN INSERT Jack

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

Section 2

NOTE: When a cable is plugged into this jack, it automatically breaks the connection from the INPUT jack to the 166xs detection circuitry. NOTE: The Operating Notes section of this manual contains several applications for using the sidechain circuit.

2.2 Front Panel Connections

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 166xs 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.

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