dbx 266XS

dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate — Dynamics Control for Live and Studio

The dbx 266xs is a dual-channel compressor/gate that brings the company's dynamics-processing heritage into a single 1U rack unit. Adding it to a live rig or studio chain gives engineers tighter vocal levels, longer guitar sustain, and fuller drum sounds. This processor suits anyone who needs transparent, repeatable dynamics shaping on stage or in a control room.

What Sets This Compressor Apart

At the heart of the unit is dbx's patented OverEasy® compression curve, switchable to a hard-knee response for more aggressive limiting. AutoDynamic™ attack and release are program-dependent, so the processor continuously adjusts its time constants to match the incoming audio. A sidechain insert on a 1/4\" TRS jack lets engineers key the gate or compressor to an external EQ.

Compressor Specifications

The compressor section offers enough ratio headroom for gentle leveling and brick-wall limiting.

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• Threshold Range: -40 dBu to +20 dBu — covers whisper-quiet sources up to line-level hot signals
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• Ratio: 1:1 to Infinity:1 — from gentle leveling to true limiting
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• Attack and release use Scalable program-dependent AutoDynamic™ circuitry that adapts to the source material
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• Engineers can choose between OverEasy® or hard knee for the Slope parameter to get the exact compression response needed.
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Expander/Gate Specifications

The built-in expander/gate on each channel silences drum bleed, cleans unused channels, or tightens a vocal mic.

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• Threshold Range: -60 dBu to +15 dBu
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• Ratio: 1:1 to 4:1
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• Attack Time: <100 µs — fast enough to catch transients without click artifacts
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• Release is program-dependent for natural-sounding decay
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Connectivity and Build

The hardware is built for studio and touring use, with balanced connections on every input and output and a 1U chassis that fits a standard 19\" rack.

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• Inputs/Outputs: 1/4\" TRS and XLR (pin 2 hot), balanced
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• Max Input/Output: >+22 dBu in / >+21 dBu out into 2 kΩ or greater
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• Dynamic Range: >114 dB unweighted
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• Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
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• The 1U chassis measures 4.45 × 14.6 × 48.26 cm, weighing exactly 2.19 kg
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