To see product details, add this item to your cart.
Ships from: Proaudiostar Sold by: Proaudiostar
To see product details, add this item to your cart.
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: MobAsh
Other Sellers on Amazon
dbx 266xs Professional Audio Compressor/Gate Dynamic Processor Silver 1.75 x 5.75 x 19.00 inches
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | dbx |
Style | Compressor/Gate |
Color | Silver |
Product Dimensions | 19"L x 5.75"W x 1.75"H |
Item Weight | 2.6 Kilograms |
About this item
- Error proof operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or tighten up mixes
- New Gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics
- Program-adaptive expander/Gates
- Great sounding dynamics control for any type of program material
- Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and Gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup
- Inputs: ¼” TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot)
- Outputs: ¼” TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot)
Frequently bought together
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
- dbx 286s Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor, Mono 4-wayAmazon's Choicein Microphone PreampsFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
- ART SCL2 Dual/Stereo Compressor/Limiter Expander/Gate, Black (SCL-2)FREE ShippingGet it Mar 29 - Apr 1Only 3 left in stock - order soon.
- Behringer Super-X Pro CX2310 V2Amazon's Choicein Power AmplifiersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31Only 20 left in stock (more on the way).
- dbx 231s Dual Channel 31-Band EqualizerFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31Only 6 left in stock - order soon.
Product information
Item Weight | 5.72 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 19 x 5.75 x 1.75 inches |
ASIN | B004NDFRVC |
Item model number | 266xs |
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #24,316 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #5 in Effect Processor Compressors |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | February 11, 2011 |
Color Name | Silver |
Signal Format | Analog |
Size | 1.75 x 5.75 x 19.00 inches |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Voltage | 9 Volts |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Product Description
Adding a dbx 266xs Compressor/limiter/gate to your live sound rig or studio gives you more dynamic control to help create a more polished, professional sound. Having compression in your audio chain gives you the ability to smooth out uneven levels, add sustain to guitars and fatten up your drums. It also makes it easy to bring vocals to the front of your mix - adding greater clarity and making them stand out from the surrounding instruments. dbx knows compressors. After all we invented them! The 266xs is the latest in a long line of the world's most successful compressors from the inventors of the technology. Its patented overEasy compression technology provides smooth and musical performance while the autodynamic attack and release controls, found only on dbx compressors, puts great sound within easy reach. The 266xs can operate in stereo or dual-mono modes, has true RMS power summing and features quality XLR and 1/4" Trs inputs and outputs. It cuts no corners on visual feedback with gain reduction metering and easy-to-read backlit switches.
From the manufacturer
dbx knows compressors. After all, we invented them
Part of the Harman group of sound companies, dbx was founded in 1971 by David E. Blackmer with this goal: 'To get closer to the realism of a live performance'. Now dbx tape noise reduction systems are used in professional recording studios around the world.
dbx 266xs
Compressor / Gate
Adding a dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate to your live sound rig or studio gives you more dynamic control to help create a more polished, professional sound. Having compression in your audio chain gives you the ability to smooth out uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, and fatten up your drums. It also makes it easy to bring vocals to the front of your mix - adding greater clarity and making them stand out from the surrounding instruments.
- Classic dbx 'Auto' mode for nearly error-proof operation
- New gate-timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics
- Program-adaptive expander/gates
- Great sounding dynamics control for any type of program material
- Stereo or dual-mono operation
- Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4" TRS and XLR connectors
- Side chain insert
Who uses this product?
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
The 266xs's transparent sound lends itself perfectly to guitars, drums, vocals, and virtually any other sound sources. |
When you add a dbx 266xs compressor/gate to your live sound rig, maintaining a polished and professional edge to your dynamics is incredibly easy. |
Bright and easy-to-read LED indicators let you easily keep an eye on levels and gain reduction. |
Classic dbx auto mode makes smoothing out levels nearly 100% fool proof. |
dbx 166xs | dbx 1066 | dbx 266xs | |
---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars
310
|
— |
4.7 out of 5 stars
310
|
System Type | Compressor/Limiter/Gate | Compressor/Limiter/Gate | Compressor/Gate |
Output Type | Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered | Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered | Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered |
Maximum Input Level | >+22dBu balanced or unbalanced | >+24dBu balanced or unbalanced | >+22dBu balanced or unbalanced |
Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz, +0/-0.5dB, Typical 3dB points are 0.35Hz and 110kHz, unity gain | 0.35 Hz to 90 kHz, +0/-3 dB | 20Hz - 20kHz, +0/-0.5dB |
Noise | <-90dBu, unweighted (22Hz to 22kHz measurement bandwidth), unity gain | <-96 dBu, unweighted (22Hz to 22 kHz measurement bandwidth) | <-93dB, unweighted (22Hz to 22kHz measurement band width) |
Dynamic Range | >115 dB, unweighted | >118 dB, unweighted | >114dB, unweighted |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1.75” x 19" x 6.75” (4.5cm x 17.15cm x 48.26cm) | 1.75" x 19" x 9" (4.4cm x 48.3cm x 20.1cm) | 1.75” x 5.75” x 19” (4.5cm x 14.6cm x 48.26cm) |
Weight | 7.20 lbs (3.27 kg) | 5.1 lbs. (2.3 kg) | 4.84 lbs (2.19 kg) |
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, performance, value, and compression of the sound and recording equipment. For example, they mention that it works fantastic, produces excellent results, and is great value for money. They appreciate the compressor, saying that it allows the application of large amounts of compression without sounding obtrusive. Customers are also impresseded with the ease of use, saying it's simple to set up and the manual is thorough.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the sound and recording equipment. They mention that it has outstanding quality, it's a good sounding cheap compressor, and that it perfectly completes an analog sound system. It doesn't add its own noise into the signal flow, and it controls noise with ease. It adds punch and clarity to the signal, and allows them to speak in a cadence and rhythm that is closest.
"...time constants, and find that all to work very well, keeping the sound quite natural despite the fairly heavy-handed compression I have dialed..." Read more
"...this latest adjustment yields the best results, and allows me to speak in a cadence and rhythm that is closest to the way I would speak without all..." Read more
"...over-easy" a nice DBX feature. No noise or coloration noted of significant amount enough to hear at a gig...." Read more
"...I also am now protected from overly loud advertisements and poorly supervised control rooms on small local TV stations...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the sound and recording equipment. They mention that it works fantastic, produces excellent results, and is great for any studio application. Some say that it does a great job on a broadcast transmitter and suppresses air conditioning units and fans inside their house. Additionally, customers say that the gates work perfectly when set correctly.
"...I am using the automatic attack/release timing switch, which seems to work very well, choosing the right attack and release time constants to make..." Read more
"This is a very good compressor for the price. It has worked extremely well for me on vocals, mic'ed guitar amps and pre-amp'ed bass guitars...." Read more
"...Smooth out dynamics and control noise with ease. Works great for any studio application including drums and more. Excellent value for the money." Read more
"The product itself is great! Works exactly as it should...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the sound and recording equipment. They say it provides a decent sound for the price in a 1U package, and is reliable.
"...And I felt that the price was quite reasonable for what you get...." Read more
"...I LOVE it! I love the Price! I’ve been using it for over a month. Now ordering 6 more!!!" Read more
"This is a very good compressor for the price. It has worked extremely well for me on vocals, mic'ed guitar amps and pre-amp'ed bass guitars...." Read more
"...Excellent value for the money." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the compression of the sound and recording equipment. They mention that it is a nice, solid, and perfect product for playing from MP3s. It allows the application of large amounts of compression without sounding obtrusive. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...It pairs great with my CloudLifter 4 channel unit and gives me all the gating and compression I had from the 286 units. Thrilled with it so far!" Read more
"...It allows the application of large amounts of compression without sounding obtrusive, which is just what I needed...." Read more
"Great and simple Compressor/Gate...." Read more
"Excellant product, just do your homework and use the adjustments as intended and it works fantastic!" Read more
Customers find the sound and recording equipment simple to use and set up. They say the manual is thorough and the controls are easy to get to. Customers also say the auto function works out a very natural approach to attack and release. They mention that the product is easy to install and adjust.
"...The instruction booklet gave me a place to start and did a good job of explaining what each of the settings meant...." Read more
"EZ connections. No frills, has what you need. "over-easy" a nice DBX feature...." Read more
"...a lot better than the Alesis 3630 or the Behringer mdx 2600...more natural maybe because of the dbx's overeasy function which is great for the..." Read more
"...This DBX compression is transparent and unnoticeable and very easy to set up...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
My application is probably not the usual one because I'm not using these for recording or studio work, although I can see how they'd be excellent, especially for digital recording where you absolutely must prevent clipping in the recording process.
In my case, I got tired of never being able to understand the quiet dialog when watching TV or movies at home without setting the listening levels so high that it was annoying during the loud scenes. This is related to why I never go out to see movies at a movie theater. When you need hearing protection to avoid hearing damage, that's not my idea of entertainment, and certainly not entertainment I have to pay for!
With some custom built cables, I connected one of these units between the audio outputs of our TV and one set of inputs to our receiver while allowing the "straight" TV Outs to feed another input pair on the receiver.
When watching shows that are already highly compressed, we can switch to the "straight TV" inputs, but when watching many movies, and lots of newer TV shows, we can switch to the "compressed TV" inputs and enjoy being able to hear and understand the quietest dialog while preserving our hearing during the loud scenes.
Of course, you may still need to use the closed captioning to decipher the "English" spoken during many BBC productions, but the compression does help there, too! ;)
In this application, I am not using the downward expansion (noise gating) at all because noise reduction in the quiet parts is not really needed.
I am using the "over-easy" function, and the automatic setting of the attack and release time constants, and find that all to work very well, keeping the sound quite natural despite the fairly heavy-handed compression I have dialed in.
In addition, the ability to link the two channels so that the RMS sum of the signal levels into the two channels determines the compression applied to both channels simultaneously is very handy, and I have that engaged as well.
My wife and I really are enjoying this setup and it's made our TV viewing much more pleasurable.
I'm using a second one of these compressors to process the audio from a police scanner to bring the quiet talkers' voice levels way up so they can be heard while keeping the normal and loud talkers from blasting our ears off. That signal, too, can be selected as one of the inputs to the receiver. Without the compression, it would be downright dangerous to feed the audio from such a source into a good audio system for fear of what kinds of horrible noises might be fed, at high power, through your "good" speakers.
Again, for this channel, I am using the automatic attack/release timing switch, which seems to work very well, choosing the right attack and release time constants to make for good intelligibility without pumping or subjecting us to bursts of loud noise. It's very tame, indeed. And as with the TV system, I am not using the downward expansion/noise gating function. When the radios are unkeyed, the output is pretty much silent anyhow.
In this scanner system, I am not using the "over-easy" function because I want a sharper cut-off transition to really bring up the very soft talkers while holding the loud sounds (Plectron alerts and the like) down to sane levels. This source doesn't need to sound "natural".
In general, I'm not a huge fan of compression of music during playback. I want to hear the full dynamic range that the orchestra conductor and recording engineer wanted me to hear. But then, when I listen to music, it's under controlled conditions, in a quiet room, and I am free to turn things up to whatever level I prefer.
However, I can see how some compression might be handy for such cases as listening in a car, where you've already got 75dB or so of road noise to overcome, or during a party or get-together where people will want to hold conversations, yet might want some background music.
And, of course, for recording, particularly live performances where the artists may get a bit over-enthusiastic during the real performance and play louder than they did during reherasals/sound checks, I can see where having some compression set up could really save the day and prevent a recording from being totally spoiled. Not to mention the obvious guitar sustain or other effects possible with a compressor.
Anyhow, I've been running these for a month and a half, and have had no problems or issues of any sort. They've been reliable so far, and perform the functions I need quite well. And I felt that the price was quite reasonable for what you get.
The controls feel solid, the build looks very nice, the connectors seem reliable, etc. And the various displays are very handy for setting levels and knowing where you're at.
This unit seems like a solid, well thought-out design.
UPDATE, Nov. 20, 2013.
I continue to enjoy using this machine. My recordings would be quite inferior without it. I have noticed, however, that the more I use it and understand what each control is actually doing to my sound, the more I want to adjust the controls even further. I think I've made three or four major changes to the controls since I purchased the machine, all in an effort to perfect the recording quality. I believe this latest adjustment yields the best results, and allows me to speak in a cadence and rhythm that is closest to the way I would speak without all the electronics, but at the same time removing the background noise and hiss.
There is no one correct control setting(s). You really have to do a lot of trial-and-error tuning to get the right amount of compression/expansion for the project you are working on. But it does make a major difference in my recordings. I almost want to go back and re-record all the projects I completed before installing the 166XS . . . NOT!
The only drawback is that the power switch is on the back, not in the front. I have it installed in an enclosed portable rack and getting to the power switch is next to impossible. So I took a star away for that. If you are not mounting this or if it will be in an open rack it won't be an issue for you.
Top reviews from other countries
The DBX 166XS is a multifunctional work horse that has all the controls for shaping Attack and Release, Ratio etc., instead of using plugins for occasions that I want to sculpt e.g. toms, bass, or reducing bad sounds in ways that are beyond the abilities of my other compressors. Balanced cable ins and outs which is great on a compressor because bringing up any unbalanced cable noise and circuit noise with all the gain of a compressor is awful ... just ask any guitarist.
At first I managed to make some horrible sound with the limiter but I backed it off and have not noticed any problem since.
I am getting on fine with the very simplified noise gate, which was a surprise because I have often struggled with hardware noise gates in the past.
I definitely prefer this as a workhorse multifunctional compressor all the way up to £600 and even if I had a £1000 to £2000 compressor I would still definitely keep and use the dbx 166XS.
I have no noise problems, get the levels right and it seems close enough to silent to me.... it is far quieter than some other compressors I have used. And it is by far the most fun compressor I have used.
Does it do that sweet invisible but clear SSL bus mastering thing ? it seems like it kinda almost could ish, I confess I use the SSL stereo bus compressor on the SiX for that. But to my crude ears it delivers bucket loads of that classic dbx 160A punch and slam, and with the side chain and the built in gate and limiter it becomes way more controllable and musical.
So to me the dbx 166XS is great as a line or track compressor generally, but also especially for those moments when you just wanna choke something to the ground or when you want to surgically zero in on a specific issue.