dbx 160S Stereo Compressor Limiter
January 16, 1997
dbx Professional Products announces the introduction of its 160S Stereo
Compressor Limiter, the company's first product offering in its new world-class Blue Series for the
professional studio and sound reinforcement markets.
Following in the tradition of the industry-standard 160, the 2U 160S' signal path consists of a
high-precision input stage followed by the world's widest dynamic range voltage controlled
amplifier - the dbx V8(TM) VCA - and an output stage with precise phase alignment at all audio
frequencies. The unit features both Hard-knee and classic dbx OverEasy. compression. The user
can select between using attack and release controls, as well as the traditional dbx
program-dependent time constants.
The dbx 160S has a low distortion (<0.002%), high CMRR (>100dB), wide bandwidth (>200kHz)
and wide input common mode range amplifier configuration for its input stage (maximum input
signal level >+30dBu).
The dbx V8(TM) VCA is a state-of-the-art implementation of the David Blackmer deci-linear VCA.
This VCA topology is used by nearly all dynamics processor manufacturers and has been the
dominant VCA topology in the audio industry for 25 years. It has maintained this position for several
reasons: it has extremely wide dynamic range (127dB, max. S/N floor @ unity gain), low distortion,
low noise (THD + Noise <0.008%), low control voltage feed through, maintains this performance
over time and temperature and, most importantly, it inherently sounds very transparent.
The dbx 160S has high-precision, high-drive, transformer-coupled output stages capable of
performing with incredible accuracy and sonic transparency in virtually any audio environment. The
custom-designed transformer, coupled with a discrete distortion-canceling driver circuit is capable
of driving 1000 feet of Belden 8451 cable terminated with a 150 ohm load at remarkably low
distortion levels. Output drive capability is measured at >+30dBm, -while Earth potential isolation is
>200VDC and output CMRR is >llOdB.
Overall unit specifications include:
- Dynamic Range >127dB
- Headroom 26dB (reference = +4dBu)
- Max. Signal Level 30dBu (input or output)
- Signal-to-Noise 99dB (reference = +4dBu)
- THD + Noise <0.008%
- Frequency Response +0/-3dB (2Hz-200kHz maximally flat phase response) +0/ 0.25dB (20Hz-20kHz)
- Deviation from Linear Phase <0.05 degrees
- Power Supply Rails +/-24 volts (low-noise regulated supply)
- Power Transformer 60VA (toroidal in >20dB mu-metal enclosure)
Two output options are available for the 160S; an analog card that parallels one extra high drive
output per channel acting as a premium signal splitter, and a digital Type IV Conversion System
card to provide the best available analog-to-digital conversion. For more information, visit their web site at www.dbxpro.com. | 
