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Description

The dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate is the latest in dbx's long line of industry leading compressors. With its patented OverEasy® compression technology and intuitive interface, the 266xs provides transparent, musical dynamic control for live sound and recording applications. Available in stereo or dual mono modes, the 266xs features quality XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs and True RMS Power Summing™. Gain reduction metering and LED indicators offer visual feedback for precision setting of threshold, gain reduction and gate.

OverEasy® Compression for Transparent Sound

dbx's OverEasy® compression algorithm provides smooth, natural sounding gain reduction that is nearly inaudible. OverEasy® compression allows you to transparently smooth out uneven levels and add sustain and fullness to the mix with clarity. The 266xs's OverEasy® compression, combined with its musical AutoDynamic™ attack and release controls, makes it easy to achieve polished, professional results.

Tight Gate for Maximum Clarity

In addition to compression, the 266xs incorporates dbx's proprietary AutoDynamic™ attack/release controls, one on each channel. Adjust the attack and release speed to adjust the compressor's reaction to the incoming sound. The attack/release works in tandem with the compressor to create a very clean signal path.

Flexible Controls for Any Application

With threshold, ratio, attack and release controls, the 266xs offers flexibility for any compression application. Threshold and ratio controls allow you to precisely set the amount of gain reduction, from subtle evening to heavy compression. Attack and release knobs let you tailor the speed at which compression is applied and released, enabling natural or aggressive compression based on your needs. LED gain reduction meters provide visual monitoring of levels to ensure optimal settings.

Road Ready Construction

With a rugged metal construction and durable jacks and switches, the 266xs is built to withstand the rigors of live sound. Its compact, 1U rack mountable design makes it ideal for any touring or installed sound system. Ultra low power consumption and optional rack mount kits add to its live sound capability.

Open Box dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate Level 2 197881390815
Open Box dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate Level 2 197881390815
Open Box dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate Level 2 197881390815

Features

  • Error proof operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or tighten up mixes
  • New 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 connectors
  • Side Chain insert
  • Classic dbx "Auto" mode

Specs

  • INPUTS
  • Connector: 1/4" TRS, female XLR (pin 2 hot)
  • Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
  • Impedance: 40kÎ balanced, 20kÎ unbalanced
  • Maximum Level: >+22dBu Balanced or Unbalanced
  • OUTPUTS
  • Connector: 1/4" TRS, female XLR (pin 2 hot)
  • Type: Impedance-balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
  • Impedance (+4dBu): 100Î balanced, 50Î unbalanced
  • Impedance (-10dBu): 1kÎ balanced, 500Î unbalanced
  • Maximum Level:
    >+21dBu balanced/unbalanced into 2kÎ or greater
    >+18dBm balanced/unbalanced (into 600&omega)
  • SIDECHAIN INSERT
  • Connector: 1/4" TRS Phone, Normalled: Ring = Output (send); Tip = Input (return)
  • Impedance: Tip = >10kÎ(Input), Ring = 2kÎ(Output)
  • Maximum Level: Tip = >+22dBu (Input), Ring = >+20dBu (Output)
  • COMPRESSION
  • Threshold Range: -40dBu to +20dBu
  • Threshold
  • Characteristic: Selectable OverEasy or hard knee
  • Compression Ratio: 1:1 to Infinity:1
  • Attack Time: Scalable Program-Dependent AutoDynamic
  • Release Time: Scalable Program-Dependent AutoDynamic
  • EXPANDER/GATE
  • Threshold Range: -60dBu to +15dBu
  • Expansion Ratio: 1:1 to 4:1
  • Attack Time: <100&MICRO;Sec
    Release Time: Program-Dependent
  • SYSTEM
  • Bandwidth: 0.35Hz - 90kHz, +0/-3dB
  • Frequency Response (Flat): 20Hz - 20kHz; +0/-0.5dB,
  • Noise: <-93dBu, unweighted (22kHz measurement bandwidth)
    THD + N: <0.2%; Any Amount of Compression @1kHz
    Intermodulation Distortion: <0.2% SMPTE
    Dynamic Range: >114dB, unweighted
  • Interchannel Crosstalk <-95dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
    CMRR: >40dB, typically >55dB at 1kHz
  • Stereo Coupling: True RMS Power Summing
  • POWER
  • Power Consumption: 15 Watts Maximum
  • Operating Voltage: 100 VAC 50/60Hz; 120VAC 60Hz; 230 VAC 50/60 Hz
  • Operating Temperature: 0C to 45C (32F to 113F)
  • PHYSICAL
  • Dimensions: 1.75" x 5.75" x 19" (4.45 cm x 14.6 cm x 48.26 cm)
  • Weight: Net: 4.84 lb. (2.19 kg); Shipping: 6.6 lb. (2.99 kg)
  • Note: 0dBu = 0.775Vrms

Reviews

4.75

4 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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Reviewed by 4 customers

  • Works great for my needs

    4

    submitted6 years ago

    byEric

    fromAllentown

    I like it because it's dual channel. I run my bass signal from the pre amp into channel one that send channel one into channel two so I'm running two compressors in series. Quite flexible!

  • Great item at a great price!

    5

    submitted7 years ago

    byJon

    fromLancaster PA

    I purchased this at my local guitar center and pretty much knew how to set it up but before buying it the sales guy at guitar center asked what I was using it for and made sure I was purchasing the correct item for what I needed. he did not need to do this and could have just cashed me out but the extra step was much appreciated! after I paid he even went into detail on how to begin setting it up and his recommendations which I also appreciated as it made for a faster setup as I had a baseline on where to start. This all made my experience with this item extremely pleasant and stress free with little to no learning curve. I have since been very happy with the performance of this and if properly setup can be a great addition to the protection of your speakers. I purchased this for weddings and partys and so far it has worked flawlessly. cant recommend this item enough.

  • Another great DBX product

    5

    submitted10 years ago

    bycpricejazz

    fromFair Oaks, CA

    I run my guitar through the 266. I also use for recording. I have several DBX products all perform flawlessly.

  • Great little rack unit

    5

    submitted11 years ago

    byGerald

    fromMays Landing N.J.

    I have had the 266xs for about 2 years now and it has been great for my recording.I use it for everything.Drums,Vocals,Guitar and Bass.The gate works great trust me my 4 year old is very loud and it cuts him right out of my mix when I'm recording Drums and Vocals.Adds killer sustain to my Guitar.When I'm recording my drums I can tweak the volume if it's too high or low also.A great buy for cheap.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byKB

    fromNew Port Richey, Fl

    Is the dbx compressor / gate 266xi good to use on vocals only

    Open Reply - Ronald
    You can use it basically on anything you can plug into it. I've used mine for making my own instrument samples after I use an effect on them.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byNon Dang

    fromBoston MA

    I bought the dbx 266xs Compressor last month $149.95 ,why is it $169.00 today can I get another one for $149.95 ?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please call a Sales Agent for specific pricing inquiries

  • submitted8 years ago

    asked byH

    fromHouma, Louisiana

    i have a soon to be five year old grandson whom I'd love to buy a guitar for but not sure if this is too early. what are your recommendations?

    Open Reply -
    I would recommend a Rogue starter acoustic guitar.