8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.
Sandy, Utah 84070
Phone (801) 568-7660
Fax (801) 568-7662
Int’l Fax (801) 568-7583
http://www.dbxpro.com
A Harman International Company
COMPRESSOR / LIMITER
LEVEL
INPUT
OUTPUT
BYP
ASS
SLA
VE
OVEREASY
THRESHOLD
COMPRESSION
RA
TIO
OUTPUT
GAIN
DISPLA
Y
+20dBu
+10
0
-40dBu
-1:1
-2:1
-5:1
10:1
6:1
4:1
1:1
+20dB
+10
0
-20dB
-10
2:1
3:1
-30
-20
-10
BELOW
ABOVE
-4
0
3
0
2
0
1
5
1
0
865432101246
1
0
2
0
+
GAIN REDUCTION
:1
®
• 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 cal-
ibrates for different operating levels
• Over 60dB of gain reduction available
• Exclusive I compression allows negative com-
pression
• lndependent balanced and unbalanced outputs can
drive 600
Ω
loads 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 com-
pressors. 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 musi-
cians, 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 nat-
ural-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 160A is fully com-
patible with +4/-10dB and balanced/ unbalanced systems, and its electronically balanced output stage is an out-
standing line driver for long cable runs (an output transformer is optional). The 19-segment, switchable input/ out-
put 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 “IN” 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 control-
ling runaway house mix levels. A detector input can be used with an equalizer for de-essing sibilant vocals and selec-
tively 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.
