DBX 160 X vs XT vs A

[Aisle 6]

I agree. The 160X has a nice low tone and subtle harmonics. I own a pair myself and love them. They are great for an individual source, but you would not use them on a mix buss. However, I really love the 160A on a live mix buss. It is a lot cleaner for such things.

On a side note, I find my Symetrix 501 similar to a 160X but a little bit cleaner maybe in between the 160X and the 160A. I think that the Symetrix may have the DBX VCA chip inside. I will open it up one day and check.

[ray_subsonic]

The DBX160XT (which is +4 line level and Transformer Balanced on the Outputs), was usually used for broadcast, recording lines, and FOH PA system compression/ limiting.

The DBX160X while being a similar beast internally, has an unbalanced -10 line level Output and was used on channel inserts. Transformers were an optional extra on the 160X, so your unit might have them or it might not. So not all 160X's are the same, nor do they sound the same. Yadayada ..

This is before you get to any internal or circuit revisions that might have happened between earlier or later units. If someone with good Tech knowledge comes along here he might be able to explain those differences.

160A is a bit of a different beast compared to the other 2, as the circuit was somewhat revised. IC based and differentially balanced. It does well as a FOH PA system compressor/ limiter when used sparingly. I find it pretty tough to listen to when it starts digging in.

There are definite similarities between some of the 160 models and the Symetrix 501 as Aisle 6 says. Not sure about the Dbx VCA chip but would be interested to know. Most of these units are also on a par with things like Ashley and Drawmer compressors.

[emrr]

I recall Jim Williams saying one model used the variable auto timing circuit versus the RMS type. If so, the non-linear cap circuit model would sound very different on percussive material.

---------found the quote from Jim-----------

160X uses a low leakage 10 uf cap off pin 4 for RMS timing. The XT went with the "non-linear capacitor" circuit. It uses a couple of caps and an opamp to emulate a fast and slow timing capacitor at the same time.

[ddageek]

The transformer isn't stock on the XT which is the current model ! This folklore has been proven wrong more often than that the world is flat!

[leaper]

My Symetrix 501 has a Valley People VCA and must admit that I never compared it sonically to a DBX, it sounds like a subtler Dynamite to me.
Well.. most things sound subtler than a Dynamite.
Something about that Valley People chip.
Also I'll use an X or XT for the same jobs and won't notice either of them slacking comparisonationally. The A will not behave similarly and tends to get ignored over X or XT.
So: X=XT while A=X (or XT)+M to da U to da D
Hopefully this has provided a ray of light.

[LeMauce]

Its the -10 on the X version when using +4 that makes the sound I marked in the studio. I love the X version to death for this. Drive the shit out of it can make a huge diff's .

[Aisle 6]

Originally Posted by leaper

My Symetrix 501 has a Valley People VCA and must admit that I never compared it sonically to a DBX, it sounds like a subtler Dynamite to me.
Well.. most things sound subtler than a Dynamite.
Something about that Valley People chip.

Hmmmm! You have given me the inspiration to open up my Symetrix 501 and check. I also have a Valley Dynamite and as you say, the501 sounds nothing like the Dynamite. Those things are like a wild cat off the leash.

[Seditionary]

Originally Posted by Aisle 6

I agree. The 160X has a nice low tone and subtle harmonics. I own a pair myself and love them. They are great for an individual source, but you would not use them on a mix buss.

Man, have you tried running a mix through them? To each their own I guess. Definitely colored, but I think it gives a mix an instantly old school golden era hip hop 90's vibe to tracks. Not right for everything, but on some things, I think the 160x on mix buss sounds awesome. Usually, we'd choose API 2500 (modded with different op amps) or other compressors for mixes, but when a mix calls for it, the Dbx 160x is rad.

Our 2 Dbx 160x channels have balanced 1/4" outs. I haven't opened them up, but I'm assuming there are output transformers in the circuit then. Maybe I'll have to open them up and see.

Congrats on your find, Micah !

[Aisle 6]

Originally Posted by Seditionary

Man, have you tried running a mix through them? To each their own I guess. Definitely colored, but I think it gives a mix an instantly old school golden era hip hop 90's vibe to tracks. Not right for everything, but on some things, I think the 160x on mix buss sounds awesome. Usually, we'd choose API 2500 (modded with different op amps) or other compressors for mixes, but when a mix calls for it, the Dbx 160x is rad.

Our 2 Dbx 160x channels have balanced 1/4" outs. I haven't opened them up, but I'm assuming there are output transformers in the circuit then. Maybe I'll have to open them up and see.

Congrats on your find, Micah !

Hmmm! mine have XLR in/outs, but I am not sure if mine have transformers either.

Maybe I should give them a run on the buss. Not sure mine will stay there long though. ; )

[Seditionary]

yeah, our X versions only have an input transformer, but the output is balanced. Where would you fit the output transformer in the 160X case? there is a little room in front of the input transformer... maybe there? does anyone have an output transformer on their X compressors? would be interested in hearing about how it changes the tone. i really love how our 160x compressors sound, so not even sure we'd want to change it