Most compressor/gates provide less than musical compression, coupled with gating that swallows transients—or closes early, cutting off decay and reverb tails. The superb engineering in the 266XL ensures that both its compression and gating provide versatility and excellent sonic performance in situations where other compressor/gates typically produce undesirable processing artifacts.

When using the 266XL’s AutoDynamic™ Attack and Release controls, artists and engineers will find that the center settings deliver classic dbx compression, while the full control range produces voicings that extend from slow “leveling” to aggressive “peak” limiting.

The Auto Dynamic™ circuitry continuously adjusts the actual attack and release times to optimally match the program material. Since users aren’t restricted to using the Attack and Release controls only in “peak” operation, they can tailor the response of the 266XL for individual tracks, mixed program material, special effects or system protection. As a result, production studios can use the versatile 266XL to replace multiple “single-purpose” limiters while sound reinforcement users can standardize on the 266XL for all of their applications.

The 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. dbx engineers went on to take advantage of the wide dynamic range and high precision of the dbx® VCA to design in an extra-wide threshold range and ensure top gating performance for each application.

Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup, while the 266XL’s intuitive operation lets users easily smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, squash drums or tighten up mixes. In Stereo couple mode, the Channel 1 controls become Master controls, and Channel 2 follows precisely to ensure a rock solid stereo image—even with high amounts of compression. Professionals and newcomers will find that the 266XL sets up rapidly and musically the first time it is used, and every time thereafter.

The dbx® 266XL processor is the result of an intensive engineering and product development effort aimed at taking advantage of the latest and best advances in manufacturing technology to deliver true dbx audio performance and reliability to our customers at the lowest possible cost. The 266XL puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone’s reach.