dbx 160A Description
Since its introduction in the mid 1970's, the dbx 160 series has been the
world's most popular line of audio compressors. After the classic 160 (which is
still used daily in many world class studios), came the 165, the 160X and the
160XT. The 160X/XT were the models that truly became the industry standard.
Solid construction, fool proof operation, great sound, at-a-glance metering and
a bulletproof output stage all contributed to its popularity with musicians,
recording studios, consultants and installers, and broadcast media production
people alike.
The dbx® 160A is a legendary dbx® 160 family of compressor/limiters. The same
classic sound, easy set-up and no compromise metering is now married to an
improved signal path and stronger chassis design. The result is industry
standard compressor/limiter which is digital-ready and road tough.
Featuring switch-selectable OverEasy® and Hard Knee compression curves along
with extremely wide-ranging threshold, ratio and output controls, the dbx 160A
is up to any task. True RMS level detection provides the most natural-sounding
dynamics processing available, from subtle compression to "brick
wall" peak limiting. Choose low ratios and OverEasy® compression to
transparently smooth out fluctuating vocal and instrumental levels. Or use the
160A's Hard Knee compression and high ratios (up to and beyond :1 and over 60dB
gain reduction) for bombproof protection against overload distortion in digital
recording, P.A. systems and broadcast signals.
The 160A is fully compatible with +4/-10dB and balanced/ unbalanced systems,
and its electronically balanced output stage is an outstanding line driver for
long cable runs (an output transformer is optional). The 19-segment, switchable
input/ output LED metering can be easily calibrated to any operating level.
12-segment gain reduction LEDs provide precise analysis at a glance.
The dbx® 160A's unique "INFINITY +" inverse-compression mode actually
decreases the audio output level below unity gain when the input exceeds threshold,
a real lifesaver for correcting overbearing vocal choruses and controlling
runaway house mix levels. A detector input can be used with an equalizer for
de-essing sibilant vocals and selectively smoothing out boomy notes on acoustic
guitar and bass. And two 160As can be stereo-coupled to process an entire mix
or instruments mic'd in stereo, without shifting the left/right image. Its
musical sound, easy operation and unequaled versatility made the original dbx®
160 a world standard. The 160A follows that tradition, while meeting the
challenges of a digital world.
dbx 160A Features
- OverEasy®
or classic hard knee compression with dbx's® ultra-musical program dependent
attack and release times
- Compression
ratio variable from 1:1 through infinity :1 to negative compression
- Precision
dual RMS LED display monitors input or putput and gain reduction over a wide
range and calibrates for different operating levels
- Over 60dB
of gain reduction available
- Exclusive
Infinity+ compression allows negative compression
- Independent
balanced and unbalanced outputs can drive 600 loads to +24dBm simultaneously.
New floating balanced output stage drives any load
- Optional output
transformer capable
- Strappable
with another 160A for true RMS stereo summing operation
dbx 160A Specifications
INPUT
Connector: 1/4"
TRS and XLR, Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin 2 hot Phone: Tip Hot
Impedance: 40k
Maximum
Level: +24dBu, Balanced or Unabalanced (Absolute)
CMRR: >45dB (any Frequency)
Detector
Input: Connector: 14" TRS phone, Floating Balanced
Impedance: >200k
Maximum
Level: +28dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced
Output:
Connector: XLR, floating balanced; pin 2 hot
Impedance: 30
Maximum
Level: (Balanced): +24dBm; <0.3% THD
Maximum
Level: (Unbalanced): +20dBm; <0.3% THD
Noise: <-90dBu,
Unweighted (20Hz - 20kHz)
Frequency
Response: 20Hz -20kHz, +0,
-0.5dB; +0, -3dB 0.5Hz and 90kHz.
THD: <0.2%,
Typical, any amount of compression up to 40dB @ 1kHz
OUTPUT
Connector: 1/4"
TRS phone, Unbalanced
Impedance: 20
ohm
Maximum
Level: +24dBm
COMPRESSION
Threshold
Range: -40dBu to +20dBu
Threshold
Characteristic: OverEasy® or hard knee
Compression
Raito: Variable 1:1 to :1 thru to -1:1; >60dB maximum compression
Attack
Time: Program dependent; typically 15ms for 10dB, 5ms for 20dB, 3ms for 30dB
Release Time:
Program Dependent; Typically 8ms for 1dB, 80ms for 10dB, 400ms for 50dB;
125dB/sec rate
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Dynamic
Range: >113dB
Gain
Adjustment
Range: Variable from -20dB to +20dB
Stereo
Coupling: True RMS Power summing
Summing: 1/4"
TRS phone jack
POWER
Power Cord:
IEC-type connector
Operating
Voltage: DO: 90-130VAC, 50/60Hz; EU: 200-250VAC, 50/60Hz
Operating
Temp: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
PHYSICAL
Dimensions:
1.75" x 19" x 6.5" (4.45cm x 48.2cm x 16.51cm)
Weight: Net/Shipping:
4.452 lbs/6.62 lbs (1.99 kg/2.99 kg)