DBX 266XS Compressor/Gate Processor

Most compressor/gates provide less than musical compression, coupled with gating that swallows transients—or closes early, cutting off decay and reverb tails. The superb engineering in the 266XS ensures that both its compression and gating provide versatility and excellent sonic performance in situations where other compressor/gates typically produce undesirable processing artifacts. 

When using the 266XS’s AutoDynamic™ Attack and Release controls, artists and engineers will find that the center settings deliver classic dbx compression, while the full control range produces voicings that extend from slow “leveling” to aggressive “peak” limiting. The Auto Dynamic™ circuitry continuously adjusts the actual attack and release times to optimally match the program material.

Since users aren’t restricted to using the Attack and Release controls only in “peak” operation, they can tailor the response of the 266XS for individual tracks, mixed program material, special effects or system protection. As a result, production studios can use the versatile 266XS to replace multiple “single-purpose” limiters while sound reinforcement users can standardize on the 266XS for all of their applications. The 266XS’s advanced gate circuitry uses a completely new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultra-smooth release characteristics—even with complex signals, such as voice or reverb decays. dbx engineers went on to take advantage of the wide dynamic range and high precision of the dbx® VCA to design in an extra-wide threshold range and ensure top gating performance for each application.

Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup, while the 266XS’s intuitive operation lets users easily smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, squash drums or tighten up mixes. In Stereo couple mode, the Channel 1 controls become Master controls, and Channel 2 follows precisely to ensure a rock solid stereo image—even with high amounts of compression. Professionals and newcomers will find that the 266XS sets up rapidly and musically the first time it is used, and every time thereafter.

The dbx® 266XS processor is the result of an intensive engineering and product development effort aimed at taking advantage of the latest and best advances in manufacturing technology to deliver true dbx audio performance and reliability to our customers at the lowest possible cost. The 266XS puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone’s reach.

Features: 

• Goof 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 dunamics control for any type of program material 
• Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup 
• Stereo or dual-mode operation 
• Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4" TRS and XLR 
• Side Chain insert 
• Classic dbx® "Auto" mode

Specifications:

• FREQUENCY RESPONSE:  
  Flat: 20Hz-20kHz, +0, -0.5dB 
  Bandwidth: 0.35Hz-80kHz, +0, -3dB 
  Input Impedance: 40kΩ Balanced/Unbalanced 
  Max Level: +22dBu
• OUTPUT  
  Impedance: Balanced +4dBu: Balanced: 200Ω, Unbalanced: 100Ω 
  Max Level: +21dBu into 600Ω
• SIDECHAIN INSERT 
  Input Impedance: >10kΩ 
  Output Impedance: ≤2kΩ 
  Max Level: +21dBu 
  Distortion +Noise: <0.2% any amount of compression at 1kHz
• SYSTEM PERFORMANCE 
  Intermodulation Distorion: <0.2% SMPTE 
  Noise: Dynamic Range: >114dB, unweighted 
  Crosstalk: Common Mode Rejection: >40dB (Any Frequency) 
  Stereo Coupling: True RMS Power Summing™ 
  Threshold Chracteristics: Selectable OverEasy® or hard knee 
  Exp/Gate: Program Dependent Threshold 
  Compressor: -40 to +20dB 
  Expander/Gate: -60 to + 10 dB 
  Ratio: 
  Compressor: 1:1 to ∞:1 
  Expander/Gate 1:1 to 4:1
• ATTACK TIME  
  Compressor: Scalable Program Dependent 
  Expander/Gate:
• RELEASE TIME  
  Compressor: Scalable Program Dependent 
  Expander/Gate: Program Depenedent
• POWER  
  Power Consumption: 15watts, 100 VAC 50/60 Hz, 120 VAC 60 Hz, 230 VAC 50/60 Hz
• PHYSICAL  
  Dimensions: (H x W x D) 1.75"x5.75"x19" (4.45cm x14.6cm x 48.5cm) 
  Weight: Net Weight: 5 lbs. (2.3 kg); 
  Shipping weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)