dbx
dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate
Elevate your audio with the dbx 266xs Dual Compressor/Gate, designed for professional dynamics control. This versatile unit excels at smoothing uneven levels, adding sustain to instruments, enhancing drum sounds, and tightening overall mixes. Its intuitive design features separate LED displays for gain reduction, compression, and gate thresholds, ensuring precise and easy setup. Advanced gate timing algorithms provide natural-sounding release, while flexible connectivity options support stereo or dual-mono configurations. Ideal for both studio recording and live sound applications, the 266xs offers reliable performance and exceptional audio control.
$215.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
54
/ 81
#54 in Noise Gates & Compressors
Price vs Category Average
-83%
Below average
Dimensions
1.755.75194.4514.648.26
/ " x " x " ( cm x cm x cm)
Who it's for
- Dual Functionality
- Smooth Compression
- Excellent Value
Who should skip it
- Noise Floor
- Limited Control Precision
- Basic Gate Performance
Key Specs
Dimensions
1.75" x 5.75" x 19" (4.45 cm x 14.6 cm x 48.26 cm)
Frequency Response
Flat: 20Hz-20kHz, +0, -0.5dB
Dynamic Range
>114 dB, unweighted
Input Impedance
40kΩ balanced/unbalanced
Max Input
>+22dBu Balanced or Unbalanced
Operating Voltage
100VAC 50/60Hz; 120VAC 60Hz; 230VAC 50/60Hz
THD+Noise
Typically <0.2% at 1kHz with any compression
Channel Count
2
Features
- Smooths audio levels and adds sustain
- Program-adaptive expander/gates for natural sound
- Precision LED displays for easy setup
- New gate timing for smooth release
- Classic dbx® "Auto" mode for simplicity
- Supports stereo or dual-mono operation
- Balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS connectivity
- Includes Side Chain insert capability
What customers say
The dbx 266xs is widely regarded as an excellent value workhorse for dynamic processing. Users consistently praise its professional level compression and noise gating, making it ideal for home studios and budget conscious engineers. Its intuitive layout, especially the Auto mode, allows for quick, usable results. While it delivers robust performance and build quality suitable for live use, reviewers note it imparts the classic, slightly aggressive dbx sonic character rather than transparent mastering quality. Minor calibration challenges exist with the gate section. Overall, the consensus is that this unit significantly improves mix clarity and performance consistency, offering essential control that far exceeds its accessible price point.
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