DBX 160A
 DBX 160A - Call for pricing - Compressor/Limiter
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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.
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 output 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
| Specifications |
| Input (¼" TRS Phone and XLR) |
| Type | Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin 2 Hot, Phone: Tip Hot |
| Impedance (bal./unbal.) | 100 kΩ / 50 kΩ |
| Max. Input Level | +24dBu balanced or unbalanced |
| CMRR | >45 dB (any frequency) |
| Detector Input (¼" TRS Phone) |
| Type | Floating Balanced |
| Impedance (bal./unbal.) | 400 kΩ / 200 kΩ |
| Max. Input Level | +28dBu balanced or unbalanced |
| Output (XLR) |
| Type | Floating Balanced; Pin 2 Hot |
| Impedance | 30 Ω |
| Max. Output Level (bal./unbal.) | >+24 dBm / >+20 dBm |
| Noise (unweighted) | <-90 dBu |
| Frequency Response (+0/-0.5dB) | 20 Hz 20 kHz |
| Frequency Response (+0/-3dB) | 0.5 Hz 90 kHz |
| THD+Noise @ 1 kHz | <0.2%, typical, any amount of compression up to 40 dB |
| Output (¼" TRS Phone) |
| Type | Unbalanced |
| Impedance | 20 Ω |
| Max. Output Level | +24 dBm |
| Compression |
| Threshold Range | -40 dBu to +20 dBu |
| Threshold Characteristic | Selectable, OverEasy™ or hard knee |
| Compression Ratio | Variable 1:1 to ∞:1 thru to -1:1; >60dB max. compression |
| Attack Time | Program-Dependent; typ. 15ms for 10dB, 5ms for 20dB, 3ms for 30dB |
| Release Time | Program-Dependent; typ. 8ms for 1dB, 80ms for 10dB, 400ms for 50dB; 125dB/Sec Rate |
| System Performance |
| Dynamic Range | >113 dB |
| Gain Adjustment Range | Variable from -20 dB to +20 dB |
| Stereo Coupling | True RMS Power Summing™ |
| Summing (unweighted) | ¼" TRS phone jack |
| Miscellaneous |
| Power Requirements | 90-250V 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Temp. | 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F) |
| Weight | 1.99 kg (4.45 lbs) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 4.45 x 48.3 x 16.5 cm (1.75" x 19.0" x 6.5") |
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DBX 160A Cut Sheet (pdf)