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
In excellent, used condition with minimal marks. Case top repainted and new knobs fitted. Photos show the compressor for sale
