dbx Pro 160A User Manual

8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.
Sandy, Utah 84070
Phone (801) 568-7660
Fax (801) 568-7662
Int’l Fax (801) 568-7583
customer@dbxpro.com
http://www.dbxpro.com
• OverEasy® or classic hard knee compression with dbx’s ultra-musical program dependent attack and release times
• Compression Ratio variable from 1:1 through infinity :1 to negative compression
• Precision dual RMS LED display monitors input or output and gain reduction over a wide range and cal­ibrates for different operating levels
• Over 60dB of gain reduction available
• Exclusive Infinity+ compression allows negative com­pression
• lndependent balanced and unbalanced outputs can drive 600loads to +24dBm simultaneously. New floating balanced output stage drives any load
• Optional output transformer capable
• Strappable with another 160A for true RMS stereo summing operation
• Made in the USA
18-1659-C 01/99
Since its introduction in the mid 1970’s, the dbx 160 series has been the world’s most popular line of audio com­pressors. After the classic 160 (which is still used daily in many world class studios), came the 165, the 160X and the 160XT. The 160X/XT were the models that truly became the industry standard. Solid construction, fool proof operation, great sound, at-a-glance metering and a bulletproof output stage all contributed to its popularity with musi­cians, recording studios, consultants and installers, and broadcast media production people alike. In updating the design, dbx has chosen to maintain all the key characteristics that have made the 160X/XT the icon that it is. At the same time, we have improved the design.
The dbx 160A is the latest generation of the legendary dbx 160 family of compressor/limiters. The same classic sound, easy set-up and no compromise metering is now married to an improved signal path and stronger chassis design. The result is the new industry standard compressor/limiter which is digital-ready and road tough.
Featuring switch-selectable OverEasy® and Hard Knee compression curves along with extremely wide-ranging threshold, ratio and output controls, the dbx 160A is up to any task. True RMS level detection provides the most nat­ural-sounding dynamics processing available, from subtle compression to “brick wall” peak limiting. Choose low ratios and OverEasy® compression to transparently smooth out fluctuating vocal and instrumental levels. Or use the 160A’s Hard Knee compression and high ratios (up to and beyond :1 and over 60dB gain reduction) for bombproof protection against overload distortion in digital recording, P.A. systems and broadcast signals. The 160Ais fully com­patible with +4/-10dB and balanced/ unbalanced systems, and its electronically balanced output stage is an out­standing line driver for long cable runs (an output transformer is optional). The 19-segment, switchable input/ out­put LED metering can be easily calibrated to any operating level. 12-segment gain reduction LEDs provide precise analysis at a glance.
The dbx 160A’s unique “INFINITY +” inverse-compression mode actually decreases the audio output level below unity gain when the input exceeds threshold, a real lifesaver for correcting overbearing vocal choruses and control­ling runaway house mix levels. A detector input can be used with an equalizer for de-essing sibilant vocals and selec­tively smoothing out boomy notes on acoustic guitar and bass. And two 160As can be stereo-coupled to process an entire mix or instruments mic’d in stereo, without shifting the left/right image. Its musical sound, easy operation and unequaled versatility made the original dbx 160 a world standard. The 160A follows that tradition, while meeting the challenges of a digital world.
LEVEL
GAIN REDUCTION
-40302015108654321012461020+
COMPRESSOR / LIMITER
INPUT
OUTPUT
+10
0
-10
:1
10:1
6:1
4:1
3:1
2:1
DISPLAY
GAIN
OUTPUT
-20dB
-5:1
-2:1
RATIO
1:1 +20dB
BELOW ABOVE
0
-10
-20
+10
+20dBu
THRESHOLD COMPRESSION
-30
-40dBu -1:1
®
BYPASS SLAVE OVEREASY
®
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
dbx Professional Products
8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.
Sandy, Utah 84070
Phone (801) 568-7660
Fax (801) 568-7662
Int’l Fax (801) 568-7583
customer@dbxpro.com
http://www.dbxpro.com
A Harman International Company
The compressor shall be a single channel unit, with an audio frequency response of 20—20kHz +0, -
0.5dB, an electronically floating balanced input impedance of not less than 38kwith a maximum input level of not less than +24dBu and 14” TRS and XLR input connectors. The output impedance of the electronically floating balanced output shall be no more than 32(balanced or unbalanced) with a maximum output level of not less than +24dBu, into a balanced load with a minimum impedance of not less than 600, and +21dBu into and unbal­anced load with a minimum impedance of not less than 600. It shall use an XLR connector. The out­put impedance of the separate, 14" TRS unbalanced output shall be no more than 21with a maximum output level of not less than +24dBm. Total har­monic distortion shall be no more than 0.2% in typ­ical operation with any amount of compression up to 40dB. The unit shall have an output noise level of not more than -90dBu and a dynamic range of not less than 113dB. Output level shall be gain adjustable from -20dB to +20dB from nom­inal gain via front panel gain controls and all outputs shall be capable of driving a short cir­cuit indefinitely with maximum input applied. The compressor attack and release times shall be program dependent. The compression threshold shall range from -40dB to +20dB, and the compression ratio shall be variable from 1:1 through Infinity:1 through negative com­pression to -1:1. The unit shall have a detector input, with a 14" TRS jack capable of bal­anced or unbalanced operation. The front panel shall have the following controls and switch­es:, Bypass switch, Master/Slave switch, Compressor Threshold, OverEasy or Hard Knee selector switch, Compression Ratio, Output Gain, and Display Selector switch. The follow­ing LEDs for metering and status indication shall exist: Bypass, Slave, Threshold (3 LEDs), Input/ Output Display Selected (2 LEDs), Input/Output Level (19 LEDs) and Gain Reduction (12 LEDs). The unit shall have a 14" TRS jack at the rear panel, allowing stereo strapping with a second unit of the same design for stereo operation with true RMS summing of input levels There shall also be a calibration control for the level meter, at the rear panel. The unit shall incorporate a detachable IEC mains cable and the power requirement shall be 90— 130VAC 50/60Hz or 200—250VAC 50/60Hz. Dimensions shall be 1.75" x 19" x 6.5" (4.45cm x 48.2cm x 16.51cm). The net weight shall be 4.41lbs (1.99 kg) and the shipping weight shall be 6.62 lbs (2.99kg). The unit shall be a dbx 160A Compressor/Limiter.
dbx engineers are constantly working to improve the quality of our products. Specifications are, therefore subject to change without notice.
160A
Input: Connector: 1⁄4”TRS and XLR, Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin 2 hot, Phone:Tip Hot. Impedance: 40kΩ. Maximum Level:+24dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced (Absolute). CMRR: >45dB (Any Frequency). Detector Input: Connector: 1⁄4” TRS phone, Floating Balanced. Impedance: >200kΩ. Maximum Level:+28dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced. Output: Connector: XLR, Floating Balanced; Pin 2 Hot. Impedance: 30Ω. Maximum Level:(Balanced): +24dBm; <0.3% THD. Maximum Level:(Unbalanced): +20dBm; <0.3% THD Noise: <-90dBu, Unweighted (20Hz — 20kHz). Frequency Response: 20Hz —20kHz, +0,
-0.5dB; +0, -3dB 0.5Hz and 90kHz. THD: <0.2%, Typical, any amount of compression up to 40dB @ 1kHz.
Output: Connector: 1⁄4" TRS phone, Unbalanced. Impedance: 20Ω.
Maximum Level:+24dBm. Compression: Threshold Range: -40dBu to +20dBu. Threshold Characteristic: OverEasy® or Hard Knee. Compression Ratio: Variable 1:1 to :1 thru to -1:1;>60dB maximum compres­sion. Attack Time: Program dependent;typically 15ms for 10dB, 5ms for 20dB, 3ms for 30dB. Release Time: Program Dependent; Typically 8ms for 1dB, 80ms for 10dB, 400ms for 50dB; 125dB/sec rate.
System Performance:
Dynamic Range: >113dB. Gain Adjustment Range:Variable from -20dB to +20dB. Stereo Coupling: True RMS Power Summing™ Summing: 1⁄4" TRS phone jack.
Hardware: Power Cord: IEC-Type connector. Operating Voltage: DO: 90-130VAC, 50/60Hz;EU: 200-250VAC, 50/60Hz. Operating Temperature: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F). Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.75" x 19" x 6.5"(4.45cm x 48.2cm x 16.51cm). Weight: Net Weight:4.45 lbs (1.99 kg) Shipping Weight: 6.62 lbs (2.99 kg)
COMPRESSOR / LIMITER
-10
BYPASS SLAVE OVEREASY
-20
-30
-40dBu -1:1 THRESHOLD COMPRESSION
4:1
3:1
0
BELOW ABOVE
+10
+20dBu
6:1
10:1
2:1
:1
-5:1
-2:1
1:1 +20dB
RATIO
0
+10
-10
-20dB OUTPUT
DISPLAY
GAIN
INPUT
-40302015108654321012461020+
OUTPUT
COMPRESSOR / LIMITER
LEVEL
GAIN REDUCTION
Loading...