Distressor or Dbx 160x whats the difference

[Rom]

I know that the distressor is more expensive, but I want to know what you think about each of these beautiful compressor. I only saw good comments on these.

I'm not a profesionnal, but I want to know , why the Dbx 160x doesnt have Attack/Release on it. Only the Ratio and Threshold i think, with the gain of course. Do I need it at all?

Am I ok with this set up???

U195 >>> 312a of Brent Averill >>> dbx160x >>> Motu Traveler >>> Cubase SX

This is for Hiphop Recording! Rap vocal. I wanted to reach Loud and Warm Sound, This is the best i can found with my budget :S
Thx all!

dfegad

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by Rom

This is for Hiphop Recording! Rap vocal. I wanted to reach Loud and Warm Sound, This is the best i can found with my budget :S

There is nothing warm about the DBX... The Distressor may be a better choice.

[electric]

Originally Posted by Rom

I know that the distressor is more expensive, but I want to know what you think about each of these beautiful compressor. I only saw good comments on these.

I'm not a profesionnal, but I want to know , why the Dbx 160x doesnt have Attack/Release on it. Only the Ratio and Threshold i think, with the gain of course. Do I need it at all?

Am I ok with this set up???

U195 >>> 312a of Brent Averill >>> dbx160x >>> Motu Traveler >>> Cubase SX

This is for Hiphop Recording! Rap vocal. I wanted to reach Loud and Warm Sound, This is the best i can found with my budget :S
Thx all!

dfegad

i think your chain sounds pretty good. i have used the above chain w/ great results .(except better lavry ad) eventually maybe step up the ad converter. i like dbx 160x sound. use it more then distressor on hiphop vocals.

good luck,
electric

[t.dizzle]

Originally Posted by electric

i like dbx 160x sound. use it more then distressor.

+1

I feel like a stalker right now, electric...

[DivineMusic]

i perfer the distressor

[Igotsoul4u]

distressor is far more versatile and sounds better overall. You can get a 160 sound out of a distressor. its definetly worth the money. Dist 2 is one of my favorite features. Takes the edge off harsh vocals nicely.

[HIGHENDONLY]

Not to mess up this thread, but what is the difference's of the 160a and 160x?

[DamnYankee]

Originally Posted by HIGHENDONLY

Not to mess up this thread, but what is the difference's of the 160a and 160x?

According to Tom Cram at dbx, "the differences between the 160x, 160xt and 160a are quite minimal...they use the same input circuit and same VCA..."

To my understanding (and someone please correct me if there's an error):

First came the dbx 160

• I don't know if the audiophile-looking wood panel version came before the studio rackmount version.
• I don't know if the two dbx 160 versions are identical.

Second was the dbx 165.

Third was the 160x.

Fourth was the 160xt.

• Supposedly identical to the 160x EXCEPT:
  • that was made in the Far East instead of USA.
  • 160xt uses xlr and 1/4" I/O instead of the terminals as found on the x.
  • According to Jim Williams, "The older 160 X has a lf351 opamp with a couple of really slow output transistors which give the X a cloudy sound. The XT has the identical circuit for the unbalanced output (1/4 jack). The XT's balanced output (XLR) uses a couple of 5534 opamps without the slow transistors. This is the sonic difference between the two. Many folks have commented on the sonic difference on these outputs. With the XT you have options: a cleaner, faster output or a "vintage" cloudy unbalanced output."

Last came the 160a.

• Tom Cram of dbx states the 160a is the same as the 160xt except a different manufacturing process was employed ("a" uses auto insertion vs "xt" was hand stuffing).

Now, there are some who swear there are glaring differences between all these versions - but in all honesty, I wonder how many of these folks actually keep their 160 versions calibrated and up to spec.

I hope that helps...

DY

[proxy]

Originally Posted by Rom

Am I ok with this set up???

U195 >>> 312a of Brent Averill >>> dbx160x >>> Motu Traveler >>> Cubase SX

Based on your description of yourself and the question, I'd say, at least for now, yes.

Distressor is of course a wonderful compressor -- it is one of the most versatile compressors on the market and you can make it do so many great things. BUT, it is quite a bit more expensive than a 160x.

A 160x is great quality as well, but it offers limited control and therefore limited uses. What I do think it can be perfect for though, is vocals, in particular probably hip hop vocals.

Distrossor is a worthy upgrade to a 160x, but a 160x is a great place to start.

Hope that's helpful,

- proxy

[khameln]

Originally Posted by Igotsoul4u

distressor is far more versatile and sounds better overall.

It sounds different, I wouldn't say it sounds "better" than a 160. The 160 sound is an audio standard in its own right.

[electric]

Originally Posted by Igotsoul4u

distressor is far more versatile and sounds better overall. You can get a 160 sound out of a distressor. its definetly worth the money. Dist 2 is one of my favorite features. Takes the edge off harsh vocals nicely.

this is true. however i bought 5 dbx 160xt's for under $1000 before buying a single distressor. great bang for the buck. use all the time.

distressors rock though. best all arounder next to trakker imo. thumbsup

electric

[electric]

Originally Posted by t.dizzle

+1

I feel like a stalker right now, electric...