1. 160X - balanced or unbalanced input, unbalanced-only output. Terminal block I/O. Has PCB pads for an optional output transformer, the Jensen JT-123-DBX. No units came with the transformer stock. The transformer was the only way to get a balanced output from this unit. It has an LF353 dual as input buffer and I/V converter, and an LF351 single as the unbalanced output amp. There are 4558s in the sidechain, which is RMS-detecting with fixed attack and release times. 2. 160XT - balanced or unbalanced input, balanced or unbalanced output. This one has XLR & 1/4″ I/O. Same transformer option PCB pads, no units came with a transformer stock (everyone seems to think “XT” stands for “transformer” - it does not). The unbalanced output is the same as the 160X; the balanced output is driven by two NE5534 singles (one for each signal polarity). The transformer option pads are on the balanced output and the transformer only adds galvanic isolation to that output; it’s already electronically balanced. The 160XT also introduced the non-linear attack/release characteristic, where the time constant gets faster the more the threshold is exceeded. This sounds pretty different from the 160X (better, IMO), and all subsequent versions have this. Check THAT Corp. Design Note #114 for details. Still LF353 around the VCA and 4558s in the sidechain. 3. 160A (top unit above) - balanced or unbalanced input, balanced or unbalanced output. Mostly the same as the 160XT, except that the LF353 around the VCA is an NE5532, and the balanced output is also an NE5532 dual instead of two 5534 singles. Coupling caps are much larger values, so the 160A has less phase shift in the bottom octave than the earlier models. The unbalanced output is an LF353 dual instead of an LF351 single, with the 2nd amp used as a DC servo to reduce offset on the DC-coupled outputs. With the servo, there is an added offset trimmer to zero the DC offset of the outputs (this is the unlabeled trimmer). Same transformer-option PCB pads. Has a strange internal jumper for “0dB” or “-26dB”. Sidechain is now TL074 quad opamps instead of 4558 duals. The stereo strap input is also changed (simplified) from the 160XT, so even though the functionality is the same, the TRS stereo strapping cable must be unplugged for two units to function independently. Likewise, there is no separate trimmer for gain calibration in slave mode, only for master mode. Hellish to disassemble if it requires repair. Front panel PCB is a single piece mounted to double-stick foam (really), with only a single ribbon cable connection to the mainboard. From: atomiumamps.tumblr.com/post/188357247271/two-dbx-160a-compressorlimiters-these-are-super
I use a 160A on my Bass guitar prior to the Kemper. Just a great compressor. Keeps (me and) the Bass... Fat & Happy! Thank you for the great extensive demo of the dbx gear.
i think the waves 160 emulation sounds more like the 160 a then the 160. Much thinner and less beefy. Would be interesting to see too how this compares to the native instruments 160 emulation or maybe even the uad one
I haven’t done a mid-side micing video yet because that’s not a technique I use very often. There was a time when I used it regularly but these days I find (and this is just personal preference) the finicky nature of setting up that technique is often not worth the hassle in the end result
@@Ascoundrel i got the american one soon after my earlier comment, reeeeally enjoying it. I read that Kevin Parker from tame Impala has the 166xl, though no idea where he uses it.
1. 160X - balanced or unbalanced input, unbalanced-only output. Terminal block I/O. Has PCB pads for an optional output transformer, the Jensen JT-123-DBX. No units came with the transformer stock. The transformer was the only way to get a balanced output from this unit. It has an LF353 dual as input buffer and I/V converter, and an LF351 single as the unbalanced output amp. There are 4558s in the sidechain, which is RMS-detecting with fixed attack and release times.
2. 160XT - balanced or unbalanced input, balanced or unbalanced output. This one has XLR & 1/4″ I/O. Same transformer option PCB pads, no units came with a transformer stock (everyone seems to think “XT” stands for “transformer” - it does not). The unbalanced output is the same as the 160X; the balanced output is driven by two NE5534 singles (one for each signal polarity). The transformer option pads are on the balanced output and the transformer only adds galvanic isolation to that output; it’s already electronically balanced. The 160XT also introduced the non-linear attack/release characteristic, where the time constant gets faster the more the threshold is exceeded. This sounds pretty different from the 160X (better, IMO), and all subsequent versions have this. Check THAT Corp. Design Note #114 for details. Still LF353 around the VCA and 4558s in the sidechain.
3. 160A (top unit above) - balanced or unbalanced input, balanced or unbalanced output. Mostly the same as the 160XT, except that the LF353 around the VCA is an NE5532, and the balanced output is also an NE5532 dual instead of two 5534 singles. Coupling caps are much larger values, so the 160A has less phase shift in the bottom octave than the earlier models. The unbalanced output is an LF353 dual instead of an LF351 single, with the 2nd amp used as a DC servo to reduce offset on the DC-coupled outputs. With the servo, there is an added offset trimmer to zero the DC offset of the outputs (this is the unlabeled trimmer). Same transformer-option PCB pads. Has a strange internal jumper for “0dB” or “-26dB”. Sidechain is now TL074 quad opamps instead of 4558 duals. The stereo strap input is also changed (simplified) from the 160XT, so even though the functionality is the same, the TRS stereo strapping cable must be unplugged for two units to function independently. Likewise, there is no separate trimmer for gain calibration in slave mode, only for master mode. Hellish to disassemble if it requires repair. Front panel PCB is a single piece mounted to double-stick foam (really), with only a single ribbon cable connection to the mainboard.
From: atomiumamps.tumblr.com/post/188357247271/two-dbx-160a-compressorlimiters-these-are-super
Thanks for explaining the different hardware models.
Thanks for watching!
I use a 160A on my Bass guitar prior to the Kemper. Just a great compressor. Keeps (me and) the Bass... Fat & Happy! Thank you for the great extensive demo of the dbx gear.
I love that console. It looks like a Trident. I just purchased a London 24 and love it. Keep making the great videos
John Pineiro It is a trident and it’s a beauty! Love the EQs on there
Tonebone Marone which one is it.
It’s the Trident 24 series
Tonebone Marone that’s the one I have. You on Facebook?
The DBX 160 VU wins on everything. It sounds more 3D on everything.
i think the waves 160 emulation sounds more like the 160 a then the 160. Much thinner and less beefy. Would be interesting to see too how this compares to the native instruments 160 emulation or maybe even the uad one
I agree. I’d also like to see how the 160xt and 160x compare to the rest. They’re all basically the same, yet I’m still curious....
They have a 160x at local music store for $150 should I buy it
i'm selling a stereo pair of dbx 161's, the OG units from the 70's if you're interested in awesome OG dbx compressors!
Did I miss the video where you did that mid side mike placement and recording video ?
I haven’t done a mid-side micing video yet because that’s not a technique I use very often. There was a time when I used it regularly but these days I find (and this is just personal preference) the finicky nature of setting up that technique is often not worth the hassle in the end result
Ever used the original 166? I wonder how does it sound compared to the 160s but there's hardly any video on the 166 by itself...
I have not used the 166, but I might have to check them out. They look pretty affordable and available
@@Ascoundrel i got the american one soon after my earlier comment, reeeeally enjoying it. I read that Kevin Parker from tame Impala has the 166xl, though no idea where he uses it.
Hardware sound's better !!!!
It’s more fun to use too!