Would anyone be interested in a DBX 163X and SSL Buss Compressor comparison?

Sean Sullivan · 10th November 2009

I've read on a couple threads that the dbx 163X is a "poor man's SSL"

So, I found a pair for sale and bought them, as well as all the components Jim Williams recommends for upgrading them (hopefully the caps I bought fit, I ordered Elna 1000uf aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which were almost $3 each (compared to 78 cents for others!) and was thinking about doing an A/B with a SSL G384.

Would anyone be interested in hearing this?

JSpark · 10th November 2009

I would love to hear this comparison. I have a 166A dua;l compressor. I think it is the same as the 163 but with 2 compressors.

shaneoconnor · 10th November 2009

whoa, so far from each other it is scary.

Sean Sullivan · 10th November 2009

I'm just going by what others have said. I just think it might be fun to actual do a comparison others can hear.

If Jim has any other suggestions for improving the dbx 163X beyond what I've been able to find in other post, let me know

Mertmo · 10th November 2009

I'd love to hear this comparison.

I'm a big fan of the 163x. Never heard an SSL bus compressor.
I wouldn't be surprised if A) they sounded very similar. B) they were totally different.

Either way, it would be an entertaining comparison. Bring it on!

Sean Sullivan · 11th November 2009

Cool. I'm guessing the fairest comparison would be the SSL in "auto" mode?

What kind of material would you like to hear? Anything and everything?

I like SSL style compression on piano and drums, but I'm sure I can round up anything.

UPRYZ · 11th November 2009

Just Do It.

I've got 2 163's - one I got for free, the other for $40. On a couple occasions I've had startlingly good results with the 163 as a bass di. When used after a preamp I have noticed some unpleasant high frquency wierdness they impart however.

But super low end boxes vs SSL - who wouldn't love that matchup? (right - people who paid big money for the SSL gear...)

drtechno · 11th November 2009

it would nice to find out since the only real difference between the two circuits is the a/b push pull output line stage on the ssl in tansistors and the dbx op amp (pushpull internal) linestage.

I've done a comparison between a my g series SSL and a stereo linked DBX160A and they Identical, except I don't have the autofade funtion, but I do fade somewhere else anyways.

Sean Sullivan · 12th November 2009

Well, I got half the parts I ordered (I had to order from Digikey and Mouser) and the caps I bought are huge (same width as my thumb, about half as long) so I don't think those are going to fit

frankencat · 12th November 2009

Oh yeah, I would like to hear that but I think I already know what the results will be.

10th November 2009	#1
Sean Sullivan Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nashville Posts: 3,408 Thread Starter 1 Review written	Would anyone be interested in a DBX 163X and SSL Buss Compressor comparison? I've read on a couple threads that the dbx 163X is a "poor man's SSL" So, I found a pair for sale and bought them, as well as all the components Jim Williams recommends for upgrading them (hopefully the caps I bought fit, I ordered Elna 1000uf aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which were almost $3 each (compared to 78 cents for others!) and was thinking about doing an A/B with a SSL G384. Would anyone be interested in hearing this?

11th November 2009	#7
UPRYZ Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lynn, MA Posts: 335	Just Do It. I've got 2 163's - one I got for free, the other for $40. On a couple occasions I've had startlingly good results with the 163 as a bass di. When used after a preamp I have noticed some unpleasant high frquency wierdness they impart however. But super low end boxes vs SSL - who wouldn't love that matchup? (right - people who paid big money for the SSL gear...) __________________ "For the rest of my life I want to reflect on what light is." -Albert Einstein 1916

11th November 2009	#8
drtechno Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 596	it would nice to find out since the only real difference between the two circuits is the a/b push pull output line stage on the ssl in tansistors and the dbx op amp (pushpull internal) linestage. I've done a comparison between a my g series SSL and a stereo linked DBX160A and they Identical, except I don't have the autofade funtion, but I do fade somewhere else anyways. __________________ In live sound, we make the band one with the environment, In recording, we define the environment in which the vision of the song is recorded.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
ssl buss compressor which?	spektor	High end	1	14th September 2007 04:06 PM
BEST SETTINGS ON WAVES RENN COMPRESSOR - TO EMULATE SSL MIX BUSS COMPRESSOR?	Rockman	So much gear, so little time!	19	27th June 2007 10:16 PM
anyone use a DBX 163x compressor on Vocals?	Ginazgifs	Low End Theory	10	17th March 2007 05:07 PM
DBX compressor comparison...	The Marrvel	Rap + Hip Hop engineering & production	0	3rd February 2006 04:06 AM

10th November 2009	#2
JSpark Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 136	I would love to hear this comparison. I have a 166A dua;l compressor. I think it is the same as the 163 but with 2 compressors.

10th November 2009	#3
shaneoconnor Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NYC/ Boston Posts: 799	whoa, so far from each other it is scary.

10th November 2009	#5
Mertmo Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 942	I'd love to hear this comparison. I'm a big fan of the 163x. Never heard an SSL bus compressor. I wouldn't be surprised if A) they sounded very similar. B) they were totally different. Either way, it would be an entertaining comparison. Bring it on!

12th November 2009	#9
Sean Sullivan Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nashville Posts: 3,408 Thread Starter 1 Review written	Well, I got half the parts I ordered (I had to order from Digikey and Mouser) and the caps I bought are huge (same width as my thumb, about half as long) so I don't think those are going to fit

12th November 2009	#10
frankencat Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 10	Oh yeah, I would like to hear that but I think I already know what the results will be.