Maybe in Scotland, Jacc.

I agree, they are good on drums.. They have different character than the 160x, xt, a units. But, they are great units that I would love to have in my rack. I just can't justify the cost of them at this point.

The 160X smokes them for drums. Not to say that the 160 ain't good, but the 160X has the ummm, "X-factor". I'm not just basing this on my own judgement/opinion. I couldn't even count how many sessions I assisted where the 160X was used on the drums. On the flip side, not one engineer or producer EVER used the 160's for drums on my sessions. Rock, rap, r&b....they all used the 160X's. "They" would be huge names, too. All this took place at a big studio in Hollywood that had the reputation for having the most gear in town.

"yeah, well..... thats just like....your opinion, man."

The Dude

Sweet! Now I got the fucc'n POOL GUY telling me that I'm mistaking my experience for an opinion.

Gearslutz....gotta love it.

lol

dont sweat the small stuff

Wow...I guess there are a lot of 160x fans out there.

Well...the 160x just seems to have waayy more edge to it. It really makes the vocals punchy. Also, control-wise it is a no brainer and you can really hear the results right away. I kind of found that the RNC needed a lot more fine tuning to really make any difference. It was a nice piece of gear...but a bit wimpy when it came to rap vocals IMO.

the t in the xt stands for transformer as it can be added as an option to the outs .....

Ease up there, diz. I don't doubt your experience. But if you say this is better than that, I dont care who you are, it's your opinion.

Maybe, while you're sifting through my profile, you'll notice the "working engineer" part. This was 10 years of real studio experience. World class facilities - not project studios. This is where I have experience with the dbx compressors. I don't know how it is in Purgatory, but in New York, when I was working, it was the 160 VUs that I was patching in when assisting the big boys, Jacc. Maybe they were LANDSCAPERS... I dunno.

Jeez - apologies to the innocent bystanders here. I simply saw that in a discussion about 160X and XT units, the terms 160 and 165 were being used. I saw this as an opportunity to chime in with some potentially helpful info for people curious these compressors. Please excuse my participation.

Found this thread maybe it can help people that are searching for facts about these dbx comps > https://www.gearslutz.com/board/showt...light=dbx+160a

I was looking for an 160a, and the only thing I came across is the following:
160AD

Is this the 'a' we're talking about, or is this another version?
If it's another version, what's the difference?
I can't find an '160a' here in Europe stores online.
I took a quick peek at the dbx-site but could not find anything on that moment.

thumbsup

This is the DBX 160A:

http://highprofileaudio.com/DBX160A.html

i agree, can't justify the cost.

but i did buy a couple of 160a comps straight outta D & D Studios...the nostalgia factor was HUGE.

There seems to be conflicting information about that, as I have read several times that the 160X could have the optional transformer fitted as well.

Jim Williams explained the differences between the 160X and 160XT in the thread that Roestvogel linked to above.

Thanks Tony

Yeah, I think most of the Premo-Stuff has been done with it. I've seen the DBX @ D&D Studios the first time and instantly fell in love with them.

It's hard to describe but in general you can compress drums pretty hard pretty simple and it has it's own unique sound which I've never found on any other compressor.

Usually I just eq my kick and compress it with the dbx and use my lexicon after that to give it a small room.

I'll never sell those again!

Hi!

What about the newer 160ADV on the drum bus?

Volker

The newest 160 family products I know of are the 160 SL & 162 SL...

Tony, i did a google search and for some reason the 160a comes up as the 160adv in a lot of european stores online. Must be a marketing thing.

I think you're right... I've seen that designation before, but it doesn't appear to be a DBX Pro designation. I think their European distributor added it to clarify the PSU at 220V. I'm just guessing...

Whats up Stitch......I have 176...it's not set up in my rack though and it's in mint condition...not for sale though...where you at in Phila.?

I have a Purple
MC77 and getting ready to get another one (I love them)great on vocals , guitar,bass , bass synth.....and on and on

I have had the original 1176 also black face.....also amazing!

My dbx 160a sits right next to my Chandler's
I sold my Tube Tech Cl1b (Much regrets)

Actually, to the best of my knowledge, the XT version is transformerless.


Has anyone mentioned whether they are using OverEasy when tracking a vocal. I recently used a 160XT in OverEasy while tracking a Rock vocal. It was the best compressor at my disposal, at the time. I think there was an RNC available too.

Chain was: SM7->OSA MP1C->DBX 160XT->APOGEE PSX


Sounds great.

To my knowledge the 175 b are the upgrades to 176.

I like the sound a lot but I remember you could find one 10 years ago in the $800
to $1200 dollar range ...Sh%t is crazy. Just like Fairchild compressors ...do you need one to make your tracks bump..? hell no!!!

I could think of a lot more things to spend $8500 with then a pair of 175b's,
On the other hand if you have that kind cake to get some specialty comps thats cool!! I'm hear in Phila. and I have a tech that did work on my 176 and it sounds STUPID!

I'd spend that money on a pair of La 3a's, pair of purple audio Mc77's, Cl1b, la 2a
Just my thoughts.

i'll post a pic of my 176 soon!!!

Both X and XT can have a transformer added. I know, I have both (my X is fitted w/ xfrmr)

XT has XLR outs.

If I'm interested in getting a couple 160s for drums, is it worth looking for an older 160x or 160xt (and which one), or will I attain the same end with a new 160a?

(The x and xt versions often go, used, from reputable dealers, for right around the same price as the new 160a models.)

Thanks...