dbx 266xs - Dual-Channel Compressor/Gate with Stereo/Dual Mono Operation and TRS/XLR Inputs/Outputs in White Finish

The dbx 266xs Dual-Channel Compressor/Gate is an essential tool for achieving a polished and professional sound in both live and studio settings. Designed to offer advanced dynamic control, this versatile unit allows for precise management of audio levels, making it ideal for smoothing out inconsistencies, adding sustain to instruments, and enhancing vocal clarity. As an industry leader in compression technology, dbx brings decades of expertise to the 266xs, ensuring it delivers both performance and reliability.

The 266xs features dbx's renowned Overeasy compression technology, which provides a smooth and musical compression experience. This patented technology, combined with AutoDynamic attack and release controls, makes it easy to achieve great sound without complicated adjustments. The compressor can operate in either stereo or dual-mono modes, making it adaptable to various audio setups. It includes true RMS power summing for accurate level handling and is equipped with high-quality XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs for versatile connectivity.

Equipped with separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold, and gate threshold, the 266xs offers clear and immediate visual feedback. This feature allows for quick and accurate setup, ensuring that adjustments can be made efficiently. The unit also includes program-adaptive expander/gates and new gate timing algorithms that provide smooth release characteristics, making it suitable for a wide range of program material.

The 266xs's controls include selectable OverEasy or hard-knee compression modes, a threshold range from -40dBu to +20dBu, and a compression ratio adjustable from 1:1 to Infinity:1. Attack and release times are scalable and program-dependent, offering flexibility for different audio sources. The expander/gate section features a threshold range from -60dBu to +10dBu, an expansion ratio from 1:1 to 4:1, and attack times under 100ms, with release times that adapt to the program material.

In terms of connectivity, the 266xs offers electronically balanced and unbalanced TRS and XLR connectors, with impedance and maximum input/output levels designed to handle a wide range of audio signals. The unit also includes a sidechain insert with normalled connections for further signal processing capabilities. The dbx 266xs is housed in a robust 1U steel chassis with a sleek white finish, measuring 19 x 5.75 x 1.75 inches and weighing 4.84 lbs, with a shipping weight of 6.6 lbs.

With a power requirement of 15 watts and operating voltage compatibility of 100-240VAC at 50/60Hz, the 266xs is designed for global use and stable performance in various environments. The unit operates within a temperature range of 32°F to 113°F, making it suitable for different climates and conditions. Additionally, the 266xs is CSA NRTL/C approved and CE compliant, ensuring adherence to high safety and performance standards.

In summary, the dbx 266xs Dual-Channel Compressor/Gate offers exceptional dynamic control with advanced features and robust performance. Whether used for live sound or studio applications, this unit provides the tools necessary to enhance audio quality and achieve a professional sound.

Features

• Dual-channel compressor/gate with stereo or dual-mono operation modes
• Patented Overeasy compression technology for smooth, musical performance
• AutoDynamic attack and release controls for easy sound adjustments
• Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold, and gate threshold
• Selectable OverEasy or hard-knee compression modes
• Compression ratio from 1:1 to Infinity:1, with a threshold range of -40dBu to +20dBu
• Expander/gate with threshold range from -60dBu to +10dBu, and expansion ratio from 1:1 to 4:1
• Program-adaptive expander/gates and new gate timing algorithms for smooth release characteristics
• Balanced TRS and XLR inputs and outputs for versatile connectivity
• Sidechain insert with normalled connections
• True RMS power summing for accurate level handling
• Dimensions: 19 x 5.75 x 1.75 inches; Weight: 4.84 lbs; Shipping weight: 6.6 lbs
• Power requirement of 15 watts, with operating voltage of 100-240VAC at 50/60Hz
• Operating temperature range: 32°F to 113°F
• CSA NRTL/C approved; CE compliant

Specifications

Inputs

• Connectors: 1/4-inch TRS, female XLR (pin 2 hot)
• Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
• Impedance: Balanced 40kΩ, unbalanced 20kΩ
• Max Input Level: >+22dBu balanced or unbalanced

Outputs

• Connectors: 1/4-inch TRS, male XLR (pin 2 hot)
• Type: Impedance-balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
• Impedance:
  • +4 dBu: Balanced 100Ω, unbalanced 50Ω
  • -10 dBu: Balanced 1kΩ, unbalanced 500Ω
• Max Output Level: >+21dBu balanced/unbalanced into 2kΩ or greater, >+18dBm balanced/unbalanced (into 600Ω)

Sidechain Insert

• Normalled: Tip is Input, Ring is Output
• Tip:
  • Impedance: >10kΩ
  • Maximum Level: >+22dBu
• Ring:
  • Impedance: 2kΩ
  • Maximum Level: >+20dBu

Compressor

• Selectable OverEasy or hard-knee
• Threshold Range: -40dBu to +20dBu
• 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 +10dBu
• Expansion Ratio: 1:1 to 4:1
• Attack Time: <100ms
• Release Time: Program-Dependent

System Performance

• Bandwidth: 0.35Hz - 90kHz, +0, -3dB
• Frequency Response (Flat): 20Hz - 20kHz, +0/-0.5dB
• Noise: <-93dB, unweighted (22kHz measurement band width)
• THD+N: <0.2%; Any amount of compression at 1kHz
• Intermodulation Distortion: <0.2% SMPTE
• Dynamic Range: >114dB, unweighted
• Interchannel Crosstalk: <-95dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
• Common Mode Rejection: >40dB, typically >55dB @ 1kHz
• Stereo Coupling: True RMS Power Summing

Power Supply

• Power Requirements: 15 Watts
• Operating Voltage: 100VAC -120VAC 50/60Hz; 230VAC 50/60Hz
• Operating Temperature: 32F to 113F

Physical

• Dimensions: 19 x 5.75 x 1.75 inches
• Weight: 4.84 lbs
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 lbs