DBX 166A vs 166XL

jufros · #1 03-13-2009, 04:54 PM

I know that the XL has added attack and release controls as well as an "auto" function. The A has either normal or "slow" compression and controls for threshold, ratio, and output gain. I'm about to buy the 166A for much less than I would be able to get a used XL, but I was wondering if I would miss having manual control over my attack and release times or if the 166A's "normal" mode was sufficient for controlling bass dynamics and making my low-mid "punch" more "punchy," consistent, smooth, and all those other vague tone adjectives that seem to mean a million different things and absolutely nothing at the same time!

Jazzdogg · #2 03-13-2009, 06:45 PM

TBer "Bongomania" is the resident compressor guro. Here's a link to one of his tutorials:

http://www.ovnilab.com/faq.shtml

Honk'n_down-low · #3 03-13-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jufros

I know that the XL has added attack and release controls as well as an "auto" function. The A has either normal or "slow" compression and controls for threshold, ratio, and output gain. I'm about to buy the 166A for much less than I would be able to get a used XL, but I was wondering if I would miss having manual control over my attack and release times or if the 166A's "normal" mode was sufficient for controlling bass dynamics and making my low-mid "punch" more "punchy," consistent, smooth, and all those other vague tone adjectives that seem to mean a million different things and absolutely nothing at the same time!

I have the 166XL - not having the other one to compare to - I think it is a nice sounding Compressor - I picked mine up virtually new with the Box and Manual from a guy for $100

walterw · #4 03-13-2009, 06:55 PM

i haven't messed with either of those, but i can relate this tangent: i use a compressor for lead vocals on my little club PA system, and i had a 266xl which i traded for a 266a. the xl has more features, but is a newer chinese cheapie. the "a" was the american-made earlier version, and while it was a little more basic (no xlr ins or outs), it just sounded better, a little more natural and transparent.