dbx 160X - Page 18

160XT
CONNECTING THE 160XT TO YOUR SYSTEM
Using External Level Detector Inputs
To control the compressor by signals other than the audio input (via an
auxiliary device), connect the auxiliary device’s output to the 160XT’s De¬
tector Input jack, and feed the auxiliary device’s input with the same sig¬
nal fed to the 160XT’s Signal Input (Figure 10). This will require a
Y-adaptor, or you can take advantage of the 160XT’s parallel input jacks.
In certain situations, the auxiliary device may need to be inserted in the
signal path, not in the detector path. In such cases, signal is fed to the in¬
put of that device, and also to the detector input, and the auxiliary de¬
vice’s output is fed to the 160XT signal input (for example, using a delay
to create “negative” attack times) (Figure 10).
Figure 10: Using the 160XT with a Sampler
Specific System Connections
The 160XT has balanced inputs and outputs, and can be used with any
line-level device. Some common examples include: mixing consoles, mu¬
sical instruments, patch bays, and other signal processors.
Mixing Board
If you wish to compress a particular track of a multi-track recording or one
channel of a live performance mix, the 160XT output can be directly con¬
nected to a line input jack (balanced or not), or wired to an Insert point. In
the latter case, the signals will most likely be unbalanced.
Musical Instruments (i.e., Electric Guitar, Bass, Keyboards)
The output of an electric guitar is sometimes not “hot” enough to drive the
160XT’s input. When this is the case, you should use the “PREAMP OUT”
of your guitar amp (if so equipped), or the output of some other device
that is designed to accept low-level instrument inputs (including various
stomp boxes and rack mount audio products, like the dbx Performer Se-
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