The 166XL provides 2 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.

Most compressor/gates provide less than musical compression, coupled with gating that swallows transients or closes early, cutting off decay and reverb tails. The superb engineering in the 166XL ensures that both its compression and gating provide versatility and excellent sonic performance in situations where other compressor/gates typically produce undesirable processing artifacts.

When using the 166XL's Attack and Release controls, artists and engineers will find that the center settings deliver classic dbx compression, while the full control range produces voicings that extend from slow leveling to aggressive peak limiting.

The 166XL's advanced gate circuitry uses a completely new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultra-smooth release characteristics even with complex signals, such as voice or reverb decays. dbx engineers went on to take advantage of the wide dynamic range and high precision of the dbx V2VCA to design in an extra-wide threshold range and ensure top gating performance for each application.

Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold, and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup, while the 166XL's intuitive operation lets users easily smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, squash drums, or tighten up mixes. In Stereo couple mode, the Channel 1 controls become Master controls, and Channel 2 follows precisely to ensure a rock solid stereo image Q even with high amounts of compression, through True RMS Power SummingProfessionals and newcomers alike will find that the 166XL sets up rapidly and musically the first time it is used, especially with the Auto attack and release function. Advanced applications are now easy, with the 166XL,s full sidechain functionality, and the ability to use either hard knee or OverEasy compression algorithms. Add to this already impressive list of features the venerable PeakStop limiter, and you've got a strong finisher, every time.

Designed and manufactured in the U.S.A., the dbx 166XL processor is the result of an intensive engineering and product development effort aimed at taking advantage of the latest and best advances in manufacturing technology to deliver true dbx audio performance and reliability to our customers at the lowest possible cost. The 166XL puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone's reach.

Features

• Goof-proof operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums, or tighten up mixes.
• New! gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics.
• Program-adaptive expander/gates.
• Great sounding dynamics control for any type of program material.
• Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold, and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup.
• Stereo or dual-mono operation.
• Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4 in. TRS and XLR.
• Side Chain insert.
• Classic dbx andquot;Autoandquot; mode.

Technical Description

• Inputs
• Connector: 1/4 in. Phone and XLR Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin andamp; TIP HI
• Impedance: andgt;40k
• Maximum Level: +24dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced
• CMRR: andgt;45dB
• Connector: 1/4 in. Phone: Normalled: Ring = Send; Tip = Return
• Impedance: Ring = 2k; Tip = andgt;10k
• Maximum Level: +24dBu

Outputs

• Connector: 1/4 in. TRS Phone and XLR, Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin andamp; TIP HI
• Impedance: 100
• Maximum Level: +20dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz; +0,-0.5dB, Typical 3dB points are 0.35Hz andamp; 170kHz
• THD: Typically andlt;0.2%; any amount of compression up to 40dB @ 1kHz
• SMPTE: IMD Typically 0.2% @ +10dBu (SLOW Compression, 15dB Gain
  Reduction)

Compressor

• Threshold Range: -40dBu to 20dBu
• Threshold Characteristic: Selectable OverEasy or Hard Knee
• Compression Ratio: Variable 1:1 to Infinity:1; 50dB maximum compression
• Attack Time: Program-Dependent; Typically 5ms (Fast MODE), 15ms (SLOW MODE) for 15dB gain reduction
• Release Time: Program-Dependent; Typically 50dB/Sec (Fast MODE), 8dB/Sec (SLOW MODE)

Expander/Gate

• Threshold Range: OFF to +15dBu
• Expansion Ratio: 10:1
• Maximum Depth: .50dB
• Attack Time: andlt;500s (from Maximum Depth)
• Release Time: Adjustable, 30mS to 3Sec (to 30dB attenuation)

PeakStop Limiter

• Threshold Range: 0dBu to +20dBu

System Performance

• Gain Adjustment Range: Variable; -20dB to +20dB
• Interchannel Crosstalk: -80dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
• Dynamic Range: 113dB
• Stereo Coupling: True Power Summing

Hardware

• Operating Voltage: DO: 90-130VAC, 50/60Hz; EU: 200 -250VAC, 50/60Hz
• Operating Temperature: 0C to 45C (32F to 113F)
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.75 x 19 x 6.5 in. (4.45 x 48.2 x 16.5 cm)
• Net Weight: 4.41 lbs. (1.99 kg)
• Shipping Weight: 6.62 lbs. (2.99 kg)
• Notes: Noise and frequency response specifications are at unity gain. 0dBV = 1.0Vrms; 0dBu = 0.775Vrms.