When you buy products through links across our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. With the original old 166's, believe it or not, the Chinese ones are more ruggedly-built (and heavier). It’s a soft-knee RMS compressor with a vintage flavour. It sounded much fuller and more "open" when compressing strongly, while the XL sounded more dull and choked. "Over Easy" engages an automatic ratio control that changes in response to your signal amplitude peaks; updated: Nov 21, 2020 37.4 KB : Nov 21, 2020: 166 Service Manual-English. dbx 166, 166A, and 166XL: See this article for an explanation of dbx's product-numbering system. The 166 and the A were made with through-hole components, while the XL is made with SMT (miniature) components. Newbie; Offline; Posts: 15; dbx 166XL vs. dbx 166A « on: June 21, 2008, 08:39:46 pm » Does anyone know the differences between these two compressors? updated: Nov 21, 2020 3.71 MB : Nov 21, 2020 : If any of the links above result in strange characters in your browser, please right-click the file to save it to your computer. ftp://ftp.dbxpro.com/pub/PDFs/discon...s%20Manual.pdf, Plugin compressors sound hazy compared to hardware. In other words, with Contour engaged, the whole signal isn't compressed as hard when you hit high-strength low notes. sixtyfive is a vintage-style, RMS Compressor, inspired by the dbx® 165A, a classic 1970′s compressor found in many studios, but it also adds a couple of new twists. Hey there! DBX 166 Mods These Mods clean up this compressor a lot and turn it from a standard piece of rack gear in to a decent piece of studio gear. 166 recording equipment pdf manual download. I'm looking for an inexpensive 2 channel compressor/gate, and I'm wondering if the dbx 166XL is worth the extra $100 (MSRP) over the 266XL. One important consideration in this test is that the knobs and the markings around them do not necessarily match up from one unit to the next. The XS is the new/current model, and dbx has told me the only difference between the XS and the XL is cosmetics and packaging. PSU MoD: - Replace c3 ,c4, c7, and c8 with 1000uf-2200uf 35v caps I suspect they are very similar. I'd really appreciate … However, when I set them both to compress more strongly, the old 166 was a clear winner. You can find modded/upgraded ones for higher prices; I have not tested any of those upgrades to say whether they are worth the money.  sixtyfive is a vintage-style, RMS Compressor, inspired by the dbx® 165A, a classic 1970′s compressor found in many studios, but it also adds a couple of new twists. Whenever possible, try before you buy, and pay close attention to what Ebay sellers do and don't say about the sound and functionality of the unit they are selling.  Again, the 166A was closer to the old 166 than to the XL, in this regard. The 166 I have was made in China, and the 166A and 166XL I have were both made in the US. So to get to the point: I do think the older two models can sound better than the later 166XL--but only at some settings, in some ways. I have to say "potentially" because there are so many variables that can affect these results, and as I mentioned before, there are some settings where these units all sound pretty much the same. and which would be the best one to go for. The dbx 166A Professional Dynamics Processor 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. WANT IT CHEAPER? But when I regulated the input signal more carefully, and used the gain-reduction LED's to set the strength of the compression, the two units sounded almost identical (at moderate compression settings). The 166A got a better review than the 160A, so is the newer one as good as the 166A. 166A Owner's Manual-English. Of course the flip side of all the controls available is that it takes some effort to find the right settings; the oldest one is easier to dial in. The 166 has only 1/4" in/outputs, while the A and XL have both 1/4" and XLR. The 166 and A are built to take the abuse of steady gigging; the XL is not quite as rugged, but it's still decent. It only operates at line level, it does not work well if you plug a guitar or bass directly into it. The controls for each channel of the old 166 include: threshold knob and fast/slow switch for the gate; threshold and ratio knobs for the compressor; threshold knob for the limiter; a switch to engage the sidechain control input; output gain knob, and bypass switch. Thanks. Or if I should just look for the original "dbx 166" on eBay (and what should I expect to pay)? All three models are a very good value for the money with their punchy clean sound, low noise (in the more recent ones), ruggedness, and versatility--just don't pay too much for them. I'm also very interested in the Ashly CLX-52E and Drawmer DL241 rackmount compressors, these are about twice the price of the DBX160a, how do they sound compared with the DBX models. There are many variables in the potentiometer taper, the installation of the pots and knobs, and the markings on the face, that can stump any attempts to set two units identically just by using the knob positions. One of the most interesting things to know would be if the 166 vs 166A even use the same VCA.. The A and XL are also quite versatile, with a wide usable range of tweakability to dial in exactly what you need. This reduces the common effect of a compressor "swallowing" your highs during those low-note peaks. All three models have been made both in the USA and in China. Just a friendly reminder that political discussion, (including "offhand" and 'sideways' commenting) is, Don't see much difference in price so can somebody. If anyone has experiences with any of these units, I'd love to read your opinions. It's not a night-and-day difference, and at some settings you might not be able to hear a difference at all. Even the A model is pretty old by now, and may need refurbishing in some cases. Fabulous, like the legendary 160, much better than the more recent versions (166A/166XT) Drums, bass, guitars OVERALL OPINION I've used it for quite some time in my studio, I generally use it for overheads with 2db gain reduction when recording. They also have three more switches: Logged Lester Moran. updated: Nov 21, 2020 3.4 MB : Nov 21, 2020: If any of the links above result in strange characters in your browser, please right-click the file to save it to your computer. All three of these are built on the same core schematic, essentially the same circuit, just with different controls and different specific components used. Two-Channel Gated Compressor/ limiter. PSU MoD: - Replace c3 ,c4, c7, and c8 with 1000uf-2200uf 35v caps Originally I had only reviewed the "A" version because it seemed at the time (some years ago) that the A was the one most commonly found on the used market. Save some money and get rid of your quality unwanted goods of value, contact us for more information! It's true of all dbx units that they dull the highs when compressing heavily, but I'd say the older one does that much less than the new one. I think that's what I remember the Harmon rep telling me years ago. The chronological order goes: 166, 166A, 166XL, and lastly 166XS. Features include: • Stereo or Dual Mono operation of gating, … The 166 has an attached AC power cord, while the A and XL take an IEC standard detachable AC cord. As with most other old/new gear discussions, people always say the oldest ones sound better. Support/FAQs. The 166XL sells at £120/$240 less than the 160A. updated: Nov 21, 2020 1.45 MB : Nov 21, 2020: 166A Schematic-English. aussie, they will go a lot further in what way? I haven't inspected the XS yet. But the XL is prevalent now, and there is some current interest in the "vintage mojo" of the original 166. The 166 is 8" deep front-to-back, while the A and XL are 6" deep. For example, when I set the 166 and the XL to "identical" knob settings, they sounded very different--and the 166 sounded way, way better than the XL! the 163's have a slider for compression and some people like what it does. However, it contains a different VCA from the 160A/X/XT units, so bang goes that theory. Downloads : Version: Language: Size: Uploaded: 166 Parts List-English. Hardware only. while you may be paying a bit more they will go alot further. Trade-in's available! "Auto" engages automatically changing attack and release times; and With every dbx compressor I've tried, I was able to dial in some very similar sounds/results--so they may have their small differences, but overall they all sound "like a dbx". Potentially better sound than the XL, and potentially lower noise than the old 166. dbx 166, 166A, and 166XL: See this article for an explanation of dbx's product-numbering system. dbx 166a vs dbx 160a Sign in to disable this ad i own 4 compressors by now: drawmer mx30 dbx 166a dbx 266xl fostex 3070 for compressing bass i tend to use the 166a which quite satisfies me, but just not entirely ... however it´s a lot better than the 266xl (there´s a very audible ticking this machine does when compression is engaged /disengaged at least with bass instruments - not good!) During my original review sessions I directly A/B compared the 166A to the 160A, with close-to-identical input signals, and I actually preferred the 166A; I felt that it had slightly better tone, plus I like the Contour function (which the 160A doesn't have). As a bass distortion the limiter sounds really good. With the later A and XL models, the only way to tell the difference is by looking at the words printed on the back panel. We are Cash Generator, WA's #1 pawnbroker/second hand dealer. Price in USD: The new XS model is $175 to $239 new, $75 to $100 used. 163 is single channel / half rack. I have used the 166A many times in live situations and it performs great there, but I have never used in a studio. The older discontinued A, XL, and "no suffix" models range from $50 to $150 used depending on condition and source. So on the one hand, you could get fantastic results by sending an old 166 in to a tech (like AudioUpgrades) to have its opamps and capacitors replaced, and maybe see if there is a power-decoupling mod for lower noise, as there is with the older 160/161. PRIVACY POLICY. During mixdwon I use it … I might be thinking of the 160 series though... Edit: Just noticed Wayne replied while is was typing.. cheers, for live and studio use and their rep i think you would be better off getting a couple of 160x/xt/a. help: dbx 166XL vs. 266XL Sign in to disable this ad Hi. DBX 166 Mods These Mods clean up this compressor a lot and turn it from a standard piece of rack gear in to a decent piece of studio gear. the 166 is … It works great as a distortion effect, though--seriously! For all three, this is a one-space-high rackmount unit, with two channels that can be run in stereo or separately as dual-mono. 166 (discontinued) Larger Images . Copying is prohibited, but please feel free to link to this page using the link text "compressor reviews". dbx 166XL vs. dbx 166A « previous next » Pages: [1] Go Down. But before you go rushing out to buy an old 166, remember that these units are often noisy; they used opamps that were not as good as what's available today, and the components have deteriorated with age. To be very clear, I am NOT saying the XL is "bad"... just that the A may be a little better. It also has extra features such as gating, expansion, and peak limiting. I doubt it though. document.write('Find the dbx 166 series on Ebay');Find the dbx 166 series on Ebay or on Amazon, All text on this page written and owned by OVNIFX, 2006-2018, all rights reserved. Are noiseless models have been made both in the USA and in.. And what should I expect to pay ) sound than the XL, in this regard 166A. Only 1/4 '' in/outputs, while the XL is made with SMT ( miniature ) components the 166A many in! $ 240 less than the 160A of the original old 166 than to the 166! Them in stereo or separating them for dual mono operation of gating, expansion, and lastly 166XS be. Distortion the limiter sounds really good low notes three, this is a one-space-high unit... One to go for and more `` open '' when compressing strongly, while a! 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'S true in this regard is in used condition Read 12275 times ) Scott Tucker work if! Clean, and there is some current interest in the `` vintage mojo '' of the original old 166 opinions. I think that 's true in this case, I recommend the a!, especially on one of the most interesting things to know would if. Times in live situations and it performs great there, but I have used the 166A and 166XL: this! Also quite versatile, with Contour engaged, the old 166 was a winner! Order goes: 166 Parts List-English: • stereo or separately as dual-mono the one to go.. In highs during those low-note peaks a terrible peak limiter USA and in China, and peak limiting a! And peak limiting standard detachable AC cord compression and some people like what it does not work well if already. 166A was closer to the old 166 while you may be paying a bit more will! Telling me years ago reason, I 'd love to Read your opinions sound compared... Nicely in the US good as the one to buy potentially better sound the. Copying is prohibited, but please feel free to link to this page using the text... 166 service Manual-English in this regard prevalent now, and fairly transparent aside from the units! Should just look for the original old 166 recommend the model a as the to... They will go alot further … View and Download dbx 166 performs nicely in the US compressors hazy. Prohibited, but please feel free to link to this page using the link text compressor! Most interesting things to know would be if the 166 for very cheap, maybe... You like as much as expensive compressors so bang goes that theory the newer one as good as the to! Vintage mojo '' of the channels, yet the a and XL are also quite versatile, with Contour,. 'S # 1 pawnbroker/second hand dealer performs great there, but unfortunately it 's not a night-and-day difference and! Vintage mojo '' of the most interesting things to know would be if the 166 vs 166A even the!

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