Maker
dbx
American studio dynamics processor maker
dbx is an American manufacturer of professional audio dynamics processors, founded in 1971 in Newton, Massachusetts. The company introduced the dbx 160 VCA compressor in 1976, which established a template for fast, transparent VCA-based compression widely adopted in studios and live sound. dbx is also known for its noise reduction systems and the dbx 902 de-esser.
Models
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dbx 160
Recording equipment · United States
The dbx 160 is a VCA-based studio compressor and limiter introduced in 1976, known for its fast, transparent gain reduction and over-easy ratio control. It established the blueprint for modern VCA compressor design and was widely used on drums, bass, and other transient-heavy material. The 160 line continued through several revisions including the 160A and 160X, and a reissue remains available.
Categories
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Studio Processors
Outboard compressors, limiters, equalizers, and related recording processors.
Representative model
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dbx 160
Recording equipment · United States
The dbx 160 is a VCA-based studio compressor and limiter introduced in 1976, known for its fast, transparent gain reduction and over-easy ratio control. It established the blueprint for modern VCA compressor design and was widely used on drums, bass, and other transient-heavy material. The 160 line continued through several revisions including the 160A and 160X, and a reissue remains available.