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OtherCompressorsKeyboards & Sound ModulesVintage DigitalVintage AnalogueEffects & reverbsEqualisersStomp BoxesMiscVintage HiFiInterfacesMonitor speakers dbx 160XT Compressor, Refurbished, Vintage Rack, Colour Compressor, Top 5
The 160XT is probably the best-known of the classic dbx 160 compressors. The original 160 was a half-width 2U box and the 160X was the first of the familiar 1U dbx rack compressors. The 160XT is similar to the 160X but adds XLR connectors and some updates to the circuitry. I think the 160X and 160XT sound very similar and don’t have a preference between them
The 160XT 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 160x/xt is fantastic. Don’t be fooled by the price. You should buy one whatever happens”
“160X’s have that unique ability to be aggressive with grit that few compressors have”
“It is a must for bass player. The best comp I’ve ever had”
“I can’t make my sound without it. (I’m a bass player)”
“Not right for everything, but on some things, I think the 160x on mix buss sounds awesome. Definitely colored, but I think it gives a mix an instantly old school golden era hip hop 90’s vibe to tracks”
“160XT……you won’t regret it. Ever. Musical little bugger”
“That thing is an absolute monster on snare drums”
The 160XT 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 160XT 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 160XT 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. The Americans call the 160XT a “color compressor”. I can’t argue with that description as it adds colour and aggression to any signal that passes through it. It doesn’t suit every situation but it’s a hard compressor to live without once you’ve used one
I tested the 160XT on Fender bass and lead vocal and got superb results. Using quite large amounts of compression I found it sat the singer in a good space and brought up the vocal character & inflection. It also worked well with a lower ratio (between 2:1 and 4:1) with gain reduction just on the peaks. It’d be interesting to chain the 160XT with a softer compressor to use the best of both approaches
The dbx 160XT sits at #3 in my All Time Top Five Compressor list:
1. UREI 11762. UREI LA-2A3. dbx 160XT4. SSL 4000E Bus Compressor5. Valley People Dynamite
TechnicalThe 160XT keeps the jack socket ins & outs of the 160X model and adds balanced input & output connections via XLRs. Both jack & XLR outputs are active simultaneously and are driven by different circuitry. The line driver is different and is capable of delivering a higher output level than before
As standard the XT has no output transformer but can be retrofitted with one made by Jensen Transformers. Stereo strapping and sidechain inputs are on jacks and there’s a ground lift switch for the input. Mains input is 220 Volts and has a fixed 2-core cable with a UK mains plug
LinksOvnilab Reviewhttp://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/dbx160xt.shtml
Audio Fanzine 5-Star Reviewhttp://en.audiofanzine.com/dynamic-processor/dbx/160X/user_reviews/
Harmony Central 5-Star Reviewhttp://www.harmonycentral.com/reviews/product/dbx-160x
George Shilling Reviewhttp://www.recordproduction.com/dbx%20160S.htm
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
3D Audio Inc Forum Discussionhttp://www.3daudioinc.com/3db/showthread.php?5435-dbx-160X-compressor
ConditionThis 160XT is in very good, used condition. There’s a little bit of rack rash and some case scratches but the front panel is in nice condition. Pots & switches have been cleaned & lubricated and knobs & knob caps have been replaced as required. New UK power plug fitted. Tested & working 100% – sounds fantastic! Photos are of a dbx 160XT sold previously
Vintage gear
All 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
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Category: Musical Instruments:Pro Audio Equipment:Signal Processors and Effects
Location: Brighton