dbx 166 User Manual

dbx
Model 166
Professional
Dynamics
Processor
ATTENTION
IF YOU
BEGIN WITHOUT READING THIS
MANUAL, YOUR NEW 166 MAY SEEM TO BE NOT
WORKING PROPERLY.
NO AUDIO
If you're not getting any audio out
of
the 166,
check
the CATE knob. Is the Threshold off? If not, turn
it off
(full counterclockwise).
If the Threshold isn't off, the circuit
will attenuate
the signal 40
dB,
which wilt
stop
the audio from
passing. Note that signals BELOW the Cate threshold
are gated; signals ABOVE the compression threshold
are compressed. If ifs vice versa, nothing happens.
Refer to the manual.
NO
COMPRESSION
Did you plug into the Sidechain input? Take it out.
Patch in ONLY when
you
have
sidechain
applications
(again,
refer
to the manual). Also check to make sure
the Sidechain Monitor button isn't pushed in.

dbx 166 Specifications

General

Brand	dbx
Model	166
Category	Computer Hardware
Language	English

Summary

Attention and Troubleshooting

No Audio Output Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting guide for no audio output, checking the GATE knob and Threshold settings.

No Compression Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting guide for no compression, checking Sidechain input and Monitor button.

Inspection and Installation

Shipping Damage Inspection

Instructions for checking the unit and carton for shipping damage and notifying the dealer.

Safety Warnings and Precautions

Important safety warnings regarding fire and electric shock hazards, and user-serviceable parts.

Front Panel Controls

Gate Threshold and Release Rate

Explains Gate Threshold settings and Slow/Fast Release Rate switch for signal attenuation.

OverEasy Compressor Controls

Details the OverEasy compressor's Threshold, Ratio, and Gain Reduction LEDs.

PeakStop and Output Controls

Explains PeakStop for peak level control, Output Gain, Bypass, and Stereo Couple functions.

Typical Hookups and Connections

Audio Input Connections

Details balanced and unbalanced audio input connections using various phone plug and cable configurations.

Audio Output Connections

Explains audio output connections for balanced and unbalanced loads using different plug types.

Sidechain Input Connections

Details unbalanced sidechain input connections for balanced and unbalanced sources.

About Gating

Noise Reduction with Gating

Explains using the gate for noise reduction and tightening drum sounds by adjusting threshold and release rates.

Altering Sound Quality with Gating

Describes how gating can alter sonic character by controlling ambience and reverb tails.

About Compression

General Compression Principles

Explains compressor purpose, dynamic range reduction, and OverEasy circuit for natural compression.

Specific Compression Applications

Covers variations in mic levels, instrument levels, and raising signals out of a mix using compression.

Tape Saturation and Speaker Protection

Details using compression for tape saturation prevention and protecting speaker drivers in sound systems.

About Limiting and Soft Clipping

PeakStop Level Control

Explains PeakStop for controlling maximum peak levels, its function, and LED indication.

Sidechain Applications Overview

Introduces sidechain applications for frequency-sensitive compression and monitoring.

Advanced Sidechain Techniques

Explains sidechain use for broadcasting, filtering, anticipatory compression, keyed gating, and selective gating.

Stereo Dynamics Processing

Stereo Couple Functionality

Details the Stereo Couple switch for synchronized dual-channel compression and maintaining stereo imaging.

Block Diagram

Schematic Diagram

Warranty and Factory Service