dbx

dbx is a professional audio company founded in 1971 by David E. Blackmer, best known for its dynamic range processors. Its first product, the dbx 117, introduced Blackmer’s patented voltage-controlled amplifiers and was praised for its transparent gain reduction. This success led to the release of the iconic dbx 160 and 165. While dbx later expanded into equalizers, compressors, and mic preamps, its dynamic processors remained the standout. Today, dbx gear is a staple in studios, broadcast facilities, and live sound environments, continuing the company’s legacy for reliable, high-quality audio tools.

Made In Japan

Released in 1982 /

dbx 160X Compressor

Compression Type: VCA

The dbx 160X replaced the now legendary dbx 160 (VU) and added the over easy compression of the dbx 165 and changed the form factor from the half rack size with wood side panels, to a single rack chassis.

Explore the full dbx 160 Series Series

Made In Japan

Released in 1984 /

dbx 120X Subharmonic Synthesiser

The original dbx 120x, released in the 1980s, was a pioneering piece of audio equipment that made significant contributions to the world of professional audio and music production.

Made In Hong Kong

Released in 1986 /

dbx 163X Compressor Limiter

Compression Type: VCA

The dbx 163X Compressor/Limiter provides smooth, natural-sounding OverEasy® compression with easy, hands-on control, versatile inputs for recording and live use, and features like stereo-strapping for balanced stereo compression, making it ideal for enhancing instrument and vocal levels while preventing PA overload.

Explore the full dbx 160 Series Series

Made In Hong Kong

Released in 1986 /

dbx 263x De-Esser

The dbx 263x De-Esser is a highly effective and versatile tool for any audio engineer or producer looking to improve the quality of their vocal recordings.

Made In Hong Kong

Released in 1986 /

dbx 463x Over Easy Noise Gate

The dbx 463X Over Easy Noise Gate offered smooth, downward expansion and creative gating effects in a simple, musical design, ideal for studio noise control and rhythmic sound shaping.

Made In China

Released in 1992 /

dbx 1046 Quad Compressor Limiter

Compression Type: VCA

The dbx 1046 provides 4 channels of smooth classic dbx OverEasy® or Hard Knee compression that are perfectly suited for use on individual tracks of your multitrack recorder.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1992 /

dbx 166 Two Channel Gated Compressor/Limiter

Compression Type: VCA

The dbx 166 Two Channel Gated Compressor/Limiter combined dual-channel gating, dbx OverEasy compression and PeakStop limiting in a 1U rackmount processor. With stereo coupling, sidechain access, hardwire bypass and flexible threshold, ratio and output controls, the dbx 166 Two Channel Gated Compressor/Limiter provided practical dynamic control for recording, mixing, broadcast and sound reinforcement applications.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1995 /

dbx Model 290 Digital Reverb

In the year of 1995, after years in the analogue world, dbx decided to jump into the world of digital effects, kicking it off with the dbx Model 290 Digital Reverb, a single rack size digital reverb designed to be easy to use.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1995 /

dbx 160A Compressor Limiter

Compression Type: VCA

Since its introduction in the mid 1970’s, the dbx 160 series has been the world’s most popular line of audio compressors. After the classic 160 (which is still used daily in many world class studios), came the 165, the 160X and the 160XT. And now, the 160A.

Explore the full dbx 160 Series Series

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1996 /

dbx 160S Compressor/Limiter

Compression Type: VCA

The dbx 160S is a 2U stereo compressor and limiter available by January 1996. It combines classic dbx hard-knee compression, OverEasy operation, variable attack and release, automatic timing, PeakStopPlus limiting, dual V8 VCA modules, transformer-coupled outputs and premium mechanical construction.

Made In China

Released in 1996 /

dbx 266XL Compressor Gate

Compression Type: VCA

The dbx 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.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1996 /

dbx 1066 Compressor Limiter Gate

Compression Type: VCA

At the heart of the dbx 1066 is our new dbx V2 VCA. Developed especially for the 1066, 1046 and other 10 series products to come, this revolutionary VCA boasts superb dynamic range characteristics while maintaining very low distortion and almost immeasurable noise characteristics.