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OtherCompressorsKeyboards & Sound ModulesVintage DigitalVintage AnalogueEffects & reverbsEqualisersStomp BoxesMiscVintage HiFiInterfacesMonitor speakers dbx 160A Compressor, Classic Over-Easy Compressor, Current Version, Refurbished The 160A is the current version of the classic dbx 160 compressor. The original 160 was a half-width 2U box and the 160X was the first of the 1U mono compressors, a format that continues today with the 160A
The 160A sounds similar to the older X and XT. It’s a superb compressor for bass, perfect for snare & kick drum and very usable on vocals to bring out the quality of a voice
The 160A is deceptively simple with just three controls: threshold, compression ratio and output gain. Threshold and output level are self-explanatory. Compression ratio is infinitely variable from 1:1 through 4:1, 8:1 all the way to :1 and beyond, to negative ratios, where output decreases with input. This allows for some pretty extreme compression effects
The front panel has an Over Easy switch, to change the shape of the threshold knee, meter input / output switch, bypass switch and a slave switch for stereo linking. Metering is via two horizontal LED bargraphs, one for input or output level and one for gain reduction. Dynamics of the LED displays are excellent and it’s easy to see what the compressor is doing, even from a distance and under poor lighting conditions
The 160A is famous as a drum compressor. It adds punch & attitude to kicks & snares and is excellent for squashing overheads and ambience mics. Use a pair for drum bus parallel compression and you’ll have instant punch to beef up the drum mix. The 160A is also superb for bass guitars and synths – it’s one of my favourites for bass guitar as it sits the bass just where you want it without killing the dynamics
The 160A is definitely a compressor with its own sound. It’s not a transparent, invisible compressor, but more like a giant hand that grabs hold of the signal to bend & twist it. Its a “colour compressor which adds aggression & bite to any signal passing through it. It doesn’t suit every situation but it’s a hard compressor to live without once you’ve used one
The dbx 160A is the current version of the 160XT which sits at #3 in my All Time Top Five Compressor list:
UREI 1176UREI LA-2Adbx 160XTSSL 4000E Bus CompressorValley People Dynamite
“For me it is the “Go To” compressor in a mix session for kick and snare
“I can totally understand why this model is so widely used: it sounds good enough for general purposes, it’s built tough. I would recommend it to anybody who wants a rackmount that is very simple, clean, and reliable
“It’s a powerful compressor and when it really gets pumping it imparts a lot of aggressive character for sources like kick drums, bass guitar, drum machines and loud vocals
“It’s got a very punchy action, great for rock and any sort of high-energy music
“Even a monkey could find decent settings on it”
TechnicalThe 160A has balanced input & output via XLR connectors and jack sockets. Stereo strapping & suidechain detector inputs are on jack sockets. Power input is 220 Volts via a standard IEC socket. UK, Euro Schuko or USA power cable supplied on request
LinksProduct Pagehttp://dbxpro.com/en/products/160a
Ovnilab Reviewhttp://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/dbx160a.shtml
Gearslutz 4.5 Star Reviewhttps://www.gearslutz.com/board/reviews/717177-dbx-160a.html
Thomann 5 Star Review (67 ratings)https://www.thomann.de/gb/dbx_160a.htm
Sweetwater 4.5 Star Reviewhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/160A/reviews
Youtube Demoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXhl-u-evSs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCloqFJ-nS8
Top 20 Compressors of all time #12http://www.attackmagazine.com/features/top-20-best-hardware-compressors-ever-made/9/
Sound on Sound “Classic Compressors”https://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep09/articles/classiccompressors.htm
ConditionIn good, used condition with minor rack rash & case marks. Pots & switches cleaned and lubricated and knobs & caps replaced as required. Tested & working 100%. Photos are of a unit sold previously
Vintage gearAll vintage gear will have case scratches and marks. It may also have, or develop, noisy pots and switches. I make my descriptions as accurate as possible and note any existing defects. I test each item before shipping but please understand that vintage gear will not be perfect and adjust your expectations accordingly
Visit our eBay Store! bn1studioPaymentPayment by PayPal only for postal items and PayPal or cash on collectionShippingCollection from Brighton BN1 or I can send via insured courier. Turnaround up to 3 days, shipping 3-5 daysReturn PolicyItems can be returned within 14 days. Return postage to be paid by the buyer and returned items must be unused, unmarked and as received. Please retain the packaging to reuseCopyrightAll text & images bn1studio except sections in italic which are the property of the original publications. Text & images may not be reproduced without prior permissionOther itemsPlease check my eBay Store for other studio equipment _gsrx_vers_818 (GS 7.0.10 (818))
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Category: Musical Instruments:Pro Audio Equipment:Signal Processors and Effects
Location: Brighton