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SKU: C1916-31

DBX 166XL Dual Compressor/Gate (Needs Repair)

$30.00

Items Included

Item Notes

Missing threshold knob cap, and release knob cap

Condition: Out of stock
Once stock replenishes, inventory will display below.
Title
Sold out
Pre-Owned Guarantee 14 Day Return Window

Description

The dbx 166XL is a professional dual-channel compressor, limiter, and noise gate engineered to deliver comprehensive dynamics processing in a single rack space for studio, live sound, and broadcast applications. Combining classic dbx VCA technology with advanced gate circuitry, this unit provides transparent compression with switchable OverEasy soft-knee or hard-knee characteristics, allowing engineers to achieve smooth musical gain reduction or aggressive limiting as required. The integrated PeakStopPlus limiter offers two-stage protection against transient peaks without introducing distortion. Each channel features independent controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output gain, with full sidechain functionality accessible via rear-panel insert jacks for external processing such as frequency-selective compression or keyed gating. The Smart Gate section includes variable threshold and release controls with advanced timing algorithms ensuring natural, artifact-free closure on vocals, drums, and other program material. Stereo coupling with True RMS Power Summing maintains rock-solid imaging even under heavy compression when channels are linked. Comprehensive connectivity includes balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs, with switchable +4dBu or -10dBV operating levels to interface with professional or consumer equipment. This unit is being sold strictly for parts or repair and is not in working condition. It powers on but exhibits intermittent signal dropouts on both channels, distorted audio on Channel 2, and unresponsive gate controls on Channel 1. The unit has visible wear including scratched front panel lettering, dented rack ears, and loose input jacks. Internal inspection reveals signs of previous repair attempts with some solder joints appearing cold and one capacitor lead lifted from the circuit board. Due to its current non-functional state and physical condition, this dbx 166XL is offered as-is for technicians seeking a donor unit for components, chassis parts, or as a repair project. Read more

Features

  • Dual-channel compressor, limiter, and noise gate in single rack space
  • Switchable OverEasy soft-knee or hard-knee compression characteristics
  • PeakStopPlus two-stage limiter prevents clipping without distortion
  • Smart Gate section with variable threshold and release controls
  • Stereo couple mode with True RMS Power Summing for solid imaging
  • Sold for parts only: non-functional with signal dropouts and visible wear

Business Financing Options Avaiable

The dbx 166XL is a professional dual-channel compressor, limiter, and noise gate engineered to deliver comprehensive dynamics processing in a single rack space for studio, live sound, and broadcast applications. Combining classic dbx VCA technology with advanced gate circuitry, this unit provides transparent compression with switchable OverEasy soft-knee or hard-knee characteristics, allowing engineers to achieve smooth musical gain reduction or aggressive limiting as required. The integrated PeakStopPlus limiter offers two-stage protection against transient peaks without introducing distortion. Each channel features independent controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output gain, with full sidechain functionality accessible via rear-panel insert jacks for external processing such as frequency-selective compression or keyed gating. The Smart Gate section includes variable threshold and release controls with advanced timing algorithms ensuring natural, artifact-free closure on vocals, drums, and other program material. Stereo coupling with True RMS Power Summing maintains rock-solid imaging even under heavy compression when channels are linked. Comprehensive connectivity includes balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs, with switchable +4dBu or -10dBV operating levels to interface with professional or consumer equipment. This unit is being sold strictly for parts or repair and is not in working condition. It powers on but exhibits intermittent signal dropouts on both channels, distorted audio on Channel 2, and unresponsive gate controls on Channel 1. The unit has visible wear including scratched front panel lettering, dented rack ears, and loose input jacks. Internal inspection reveals signs of previous repair attempts with some solder joints appearing cold and one capacitor lead lifted from the circuit board. Due to its current non-functional state and physical condition, this dbx 166XL is offered as-is for technicians seeking a donor unit for components, chassis parts, or as a repair project. Read more

Features

  • Dual-channel compressor, limiter, and noise gate in single rack space
  • Switchable OverEasy soft-knee or hard-knee compression characteristics
  • PeakStopPlus two-stage limiter prevents clipping without distortion
  • Smart Gate section with variable threshold and release controls
  • Stereo couple mode with True RMS Power Summing for solid imaging
  • Sold for parts only: non-functional with signal dropouts and visible wear

About the DBX 166XL Dual Compressor/Gate (Needs Repair)

The dbx 166XL Dual Compressor/Gate (Needs Repair) is a professional 2-channel compressor, limiter, and expander/gate processor designed for studio recording, live sound reinforcement, broadcast, and installed audio applications. The unit combines dynamic control functions including compression, PeakStop® limiting, and noise gating in a single 1U rackmount processor, making it suitable for controlling vocals, instruments, drums, and overall signal dynamics.

The 166XL features two identical processing channels that can operate independently or be linked for stereo operation using True RMS Power Summing™ stereo coupling. Each channel provides adjustable compressor threshold, ratio, attack, release, expander/gate threshold, output gain, and PeakStop® limiter controls, allowing precise management of signal levels and unwanted noise.

The unit includes dbx’s OverEasy® compression characteristic and traditional hard-knee compression modes, providing flexible control over transparent leveling or more aggressive dynamic effects. Its expander/gate section offers fast response and deep attenuation for reducing background noise, bleed, and unwanted low-level signals in professional audio environments.

Key Features

  • Dual-channel compressor, limiter, and noise gate in single rack space
  • Switchable OverEasy soft-knee or hard-knee compression characteristics
  • PeakStopPlus two-stage limiter prevents clipping without distortion
  • Smart Gate section with variable threshold and release controls
  • Stereo couple mode with True RMS Power Summing for solid imaging
  • Sold for parts only: non-functional with signal dropouts and visible wear

DBX 166XL Dual Compressor/Gate (Needs Repair) Specs

Product Configuration
Channel Count
2 Channels
Rack Format
1U Rackmount
Processing Type
Analog Dynamic Processor
Compressor Section
Compression Ratio
Variable 1:1 to Infinity:1
Maximum Compression
60 dB
Threshold Range
-40 dBu to +20 dBu
Compression Characteristic
Selectable OverEasy® / Hard Knee
Attack Time
Program Dependent, 3 ms to 340 ms
Release Rate
Program Dependent, 200 dB/sec to 3 dB/sec
Expander / Gate Section
Gate Threshold Range
OFF to +15 dBu
Expansion Ratio
10:1
Maximum Depth
Greater Than 60 dB
Attack Time
Less Than 500 µs
Release Time
Adjustable 30 ms to 3 sec
PeakStop® Limiter Section
Limiter Type
PeakStop® Limiting Technology
Threshold Range
0 dBu to +20 dBu
Output Gain Adjustment
-20 dB to +20 dB
Audio Inputs
Input Connectors
XLR and 1/4" TRS
Input Type
Balanced / Unbalanced
Input Impedance
Greater Than 50 kΩ Balanced / 25 kΩ Unbalanced
Maximum Input Level
+24 dBu
CMRR
Greater Than 40 dB at 1 kHz
Audio Outputs
Output Connectors
XLR and 1/4" TRS
Output Type
Balanced / Unbalanced
Output Impedance
120 Ω Balanced / 60 Ω Unbalanced
Maximum Output Level
+21 dBu
Load Capability
Greater Than +20 dBm into 600 Ω

Key Features

  • Dual-channel compressor, limiter, and noise gate in single rack space
  • Switchable OverEasy soft-knee or hard-knee compression characteristics
  • PeakStopPlus two-stage limiter prevents clipping without distortion
  • Smart Gate section with variable threshold and release controls
  • Stereo couple mode with True RMS Power Summing for solid imaging
  • Sold for parts only: non-functional with signal dropouts and visible wear

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