Dbx 166XL on a Hartke LH1000

[AleMorken]

Hey bass-talkers!

Just got a dbx 166XL that I plan to use with my Hartke LH1000. I downloaded the user manual but after I finished reading it I think I'm more confused than I was before I started.

I believe the best way to connect it will be through the Send and Return FX Loop in the back of the amp, right? So far so good.

But I've no experience whatsoever with bass compression. Could anybody help me with guidance and kind of a ballpark settings configuration?

I've see other threads with detailed settings suggestions on similar compressors, but none on this particular model.

Like this one from 2004 for the dbx 166 for instance, where Finger Blister provided an excellent starting point:

Help me with DBX 166 compressor settings?

Maybe he's still around and listening...

Thank you in advance. Alex

 

[silky smoove]

That unit has three dynamics processors onboard. A gate, a compressor and a limiter. The controls for each are pretty typical for the device types. Read any online guide for each type then start experimenting with your setup and trust your ears.

Regarding the connection: That unit isn't necessarily intended to be a guitar/bass effect with a 1/4" input on the front panel. I would likely connect it via the effects loop as you've indicated. Read the Hartke's manual as well to see how the effects loop functions since they're not all identical from amp to amp.

 

[AleMorken]

That unit has three dynamics processors onboard. A gate, a compressor and a limiter. The controls for each are pretty typical for the device types. Read any online guide for each type then start experimenting with your setup and trust your ears.

Regarding the connection: That unit isn't necessarily intended to be a guitar/bass effect with a 1/4" input on the front panel. I would likely connect it via the effects loop as you've indicated. Read the Hartke's manual as well to see how the effects loop functions since they're not all identical from amp to amp.

Thank you so much Silky S! I did play with it a little and I got pretty decent results already. Just wanted to hear from more experienced users, hoping to avoid the obvious newbie mistakes.

I did read the Hartke Manual and I believe that'll be the right way, yes. There's one thing that still puzzles me, though: The Hartke FX Loop connectors are 1/4" TS (unbalanced), while the dbx's are 1/4" TRS (balanced). Can I use TRS cables to connect them together, or should I go with TS..?

Also, what would be the setting for the "Operating Level Switch" in the back of the 166XL? It switches from +4dBu for Pro Level Equipment to -10dBV for "Semi Pro or Low Level" equipment (see pic).