True dbx audio performance and reliability at the lowest possible cost.

The dbx 266XL Compressor and Gate features stereo operation with OverEasy compression, True RMS Power Summing, and XLR ins and outs. It also cuts no corners on visual feedback. The processor has a full complement of input/output metering as well as gain reduction metering and easy-to-read backlit switches.

The 266XL provides traditional dbx sonic quality and performance for the working musician, DJ, studio operator or anyone who needs a friendly compressor/gate to achieve quality compression, gating and downward expansion quickly and easily.

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 266XL 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 266XL 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 you aren t restricted to using the Attack and Release controls only in peak operation, you can tailor the response of the 266XL for individual tracks, mixed program material, special effects or system protection. As a result, you can use the versatile 266XL to replace multiple single-purpose limiters while sound reinforcement users can standardize on the 266XL for all of your applications.

The 266XL 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 266XL 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 266XL sets up rapidly and musically the first time it is used, and every time thereafter.

The dbx 266XL 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 at the lowest possible cost. The 266XL puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone s reach.

dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate Features:

• Goof-proof operation to smooth uneven levels,
• add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or
• tighten up mixes.
• Gate timing algorithms ensure the
• smoothest release characteristics.
• Program-adaptive expander/gates.
• Great-sounding dynamics 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-mono operation
• Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4" TRS
• and XLR.
• Side Chain insert.
• Classic dbx Auto mode

Click or call now to put some sound refinement into your productions!

dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate

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Average of 17 User Ratings

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Great addition to my guitar rig.

Posted by Evil from New York, NY on May 5, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Ever-evoloving

Reviewer's Play Style: Metal

I bought this unit to use in the first spot in my amp's effects loop and I got a big improvement in my sound right off the bat. I have it set on Auto and Overeasy for the "classic" dbx style compression with the threshold at about -4 and the ratio just over 1.3:1 (I don't use the gate). With these settings the unit is extremely transparent. I have it feeding into a rack effects unit and the peaks I used to get on that unit's meter are completely under control now. Before I got the dbx I'd always have problems with the effects unit clipping from the preamp dynamics. The 266XL also adds some nice juicy sustain to the tone without squishing the signal; something that's always turned me off to compressor stomp boxes that go in the front end of the amp. It also gives my playing more clarity. A great product that I wish I had gotten sooner.

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great sounding compressor

Posted by DRB from St. Louis on Dec 29, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: musician/band member

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock/Alternative

This is a great compressor but remember that it's hard to get compressors set up correctly without knowing how to do it. Go out to Youtube and watch a video on setting up a compressor and remember to start light before trying a heavy setting.

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Great Expectations

Posted by Mick from Albuquerque, NM on Jun 5, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Seasoned Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Country

Several of my friends (pro musicians) use this product and recommended that I consider purchase of

dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate. They rave about the notable difference they have found in their sound. And now with the sale price saving me an additional 4 cents, It is time to take advantage of the opportunity.

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Can't find anything better

Posted by Leon from Pennsylvania on Jan 16, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Professional basist

Reviewer's Play Style: Jazz, Funk, Hard Rock

I am a very picky bassist. This is still the best all-around compressor I've yet found. I run it with an Ampeg SVT-4PRO, Ampeg SVP-BSP, and an ART Parametric Tube EQ in the clean channel. The only complaint I have with it is that the noise gates are a little harsh. I use a lot of harmonics in my playing, and if you've got the gate's thresholds up to where they're of any use, they squash your signal a little too quickly for the harmonics to sustain long enough. Other than that, if you're looking for very life-like, transparent compression to fine-tune your dynamics, forget those useless stompboxes. Get yourself a rack and put this in it!

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Comps are not for controlling feedback

Posted by Anonymous Musician on Dec 14, 2007

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: N/A

Reviewer's Play Style: N/A

Do not try to use this or any compressor or limiter to eliminate feedback. That's rediculous. First try to eliminate the feedback at the source ie move the mic or adjust gain stages or speaker positioning. If that still doesn't work, use an eq. If you still can't control feedback get someone who knows what they are doing. If anything, a comp will make feedback worse.

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dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate

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