Description
The 160A is the current version of the classic dbx 160 compressor. The original 160 was a half-width 2U box and the 160X was the first of the 1U mono compressors, a format that continues today with the 160A
The 160 is famous for drum & ambience compression and it’s equally good on bass. It’s definitely a compressor with its own sound so some will love it more than others. I don’t think there’s anyone who hates the 160…
The 160A sounds very similar to the older X and XT. It’s a superb compressor for bass, very usable on vocals particularly to bring out the quality of a voice and, in a stereo pair, great for drum ambience
The 160A is the latest in a long line of 160 models. It’s not particularly flexible or transparent-sounding but, when it hits the spot, it hits it better than pretty much anything else. It’s a VCA compressor with real character and real warmth, which makes it a rare compressor indeed. It makes most other compressors sound boring & sterile
The 160 is one of the few compressors that makes it into my All Time Top Five Compressor list:
1. UREI 1176
2. UREI LA-2A
3. dbx 160XT
4. SSL 4000E Bus Compressor
5. Valley People Dynamite
Photos show the 160A for sale
