DBX 266XL volume suck issues

[mark streich]

Hey guys thanks in advance for any help. My live rig consists of bass into hartke vxl attack pedal, ampeg B4R, preamp out to DBX266XL compressor and back into the power section. all mono-bridged into a mesa powerhouse 1000. No matter how I mess with the output gain knobs on both channels of the compressor ( I have them daisy chained so section one is light overeasy compression and channel two takes out a limited number of harsh peaks) My volume is very noticeably decreased with the signal going through the compressor as opposed to without. I can't achieve what I get on 5 without the compressor unless i turn up to almost 8 with it on.....but I like what it adds to my sound and the balance it adds to my attack. Any advice?

[bongomania]

The 266 is pretty crummy IMO. I'd trade up to a 166.

[Geddyfleaharris]

I have a 1066 and a 266 and truthfully have never experienced that kind of a volume discrepancy on the 266. I run through a wireless into my pedals into the 266 and then into a Fusion 550. i am only using one channel of the 266 so I am not sure if that makes a difference. I also am just using the AUTO function and have the compression ratio at around 2/1.

[mark streich]

Thanks guys, I'll experiment with the auto function and maybe using one channel, unfortunately i purchased this before reading bongomania's megathread on compressors. how stupid haha. I'll try things out and maybe dump it or switch to a different one.