dbx 162

[ElectriK Noize]

Is the dbx 162 a stereo version of the 160vu? The frame for the 162 is very similar to the 165. So I'm a little confused.

Was searching through the archives but couldn't find anything definitive on the subject.

-noize

[AudioGaff]

Is the dbx 162 a stereo version of the 160vu?

Yes. Not to be confused with the NEW dbx 162SL Purple series which is cheaper version for the 160SL Blue series.

[Fletcher]

Originally posted by ElectriK Noize
Is the dbx 162 a stereo version of the 160vu?

Yes.

It has only one set of controls, so it can be used stereo or mono, but dual mono use is not suggested... unless you're using it as an effect box...

Best of luck with it.

[ElectriK Noize]

Great!! Thanks guys, this is what I wanted to hear.

-John

[Jim Williams]

Once again, yes, but no. (I'm beginning to sound like Kerry?)

The 160's have the discrete transistor 202 vca, the 162's have a unique vca based on a matched transistor pair wrapped around a slow 1968 vintage LM301 op amp. These vca's and rms detectors are on vertically mounted cards via molex connectors and can easily be rebuilt into something special. After rebuilding I much prefer the clarity and punch of the 162 over a cleaned up 160 VU.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

[dlmorley]

Originally posted by Jim Williams
Once again, yes, but no. (I'm beginning to sound like Kerry?)

The 160's have the discrete transistor 202 vca, the 162's have a unique vca based on a matched transistor pair wrapped around a slow 1968 vintage LM301 op amp. These vca's and rms detectors are on vertically mounted cards via molex connectors and can easily be rebuilt into something special. After rebuilding I much prefer the clarity and punch of the 162 over a cleaned up 160 VU.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

I loved the 162 on drums

[Fletcher]

And while you're playing around inside them... adding transformer balancing to a 161, or getting rid of the differential bullshit in the 160 or 162 and putting in some good iron will take those things totally over the top... but frankly, there are things off the shelf now that are better and less expensive than finding a "vintage" one and making it sound better.

As always... YMMV

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

And while you're playing around inside them... adding transformer balancing to a 161, or getting rid of the differential bullshit in the 160 or 162 and putting in some good iron will take those things totally over the top... but frankly, there are things off the shelf now that are better and less expensive than finding a "vintage" one and making it sound better.

As always... YMMV

OK, The tough guy part was just to razz ya But I'M CURIOUS, WHAT DO YOU LIKE THAT IS NEW AND IN THAT DBX 162 TERRITORY...ooh sorry 'bout the CAPS, got sutck.

Anyway, anything to be said for a bit of "vintage" edge to their sound, even if new gear does the same job?

I know this is an old post, but I'd love to bring the subject back from this point of view...

A BIGGER question to Fletcher and any others, what new gear is really better than the vintage gear we all seem to hold in such in regard, but anin't really worth it if you think about it?

-andrews

DIRTY HALO www.dirtyhalo.com

[Dirty Halo]

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