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:
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Stereo or Dual Mono operation of gating, compression and peak limiting.
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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.
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Expander/Gate Circuit - with variable release time and +15dBu maximum threshold.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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10-Segment LED Display for GAIN REDUCTION (up to 30dB).
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Electronically Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS Input and Output Jacks
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Separate Sidechain Inserts - enables an outboard processor or signal to control compression
or gating.
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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.
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1.1 Inspection
Verify that the 166xs package contains the following:
sXS5NIT
s!#0OWER#ORD
s/PERATION-ANUAL
s2EGISTRATION#ARD
dbx 166xs
Section 1
Introduction
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