dbx 266XS - Digital Zone Processor

dbx 266xs - Dual Compressor/Limiter and Gate with OverEasy® and AutoDynamic™ (1U)

The dbx 266xs is a two-channel compressor/limiter and gate designed for live, studio, and installation applications. It features classic OverEasy® (soft knee) or Hard-Knee compression and program-dependent AutoDynamic™ Attack/Release controls for musical, predictable behavior with vocals, drums, bass, guitars, and mix buses. It can operate in Dual Mono or Stereo Link with True RMS Power Summing™ , and includes a sidechain insert per channel for detection EQ (e.g., de-essing or ducking compression).

Connectivity is professional-grade with electronically balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs , plus dedicated front-facing indicators – Gain Reduction , Compression Threshold , and Gate Threshold per channel – for quick setup. It delivers >114 dB dynamic range , flat 20 Hz–20 kHz (+0/−0.5 dB) response , and extended bandwidth up to 90 kHz , all in a compact 1U chassis.

Main features

• 2 compression/restraint channels with OverEasy® (soft knee) or Hard-Knee .
• AutoDynamic™ : Adaptive attack and release times based on the program.
• Expander/Gate program-adaptive with new gating algorithm for soft release.
• Stereo Link with True RMS Power Summing™ for a faithful link between channels.
• Sidechain insert on each channel (normalized TRS) for external detection or equalization.
• Clear metrics : LED bars for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold.
• Connectivity : Electronically balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS I/O (RF filtered).
• 1U rack , 15 W consumption, 100–120/230 V~ power supply.

Product benefits

• Consistent sound : controls peaks, enhances vocal presence and adds sustain to instruments without artifacts.
• Quick Setup : Dedicated LEDs and OverEasy/AutoDynamic modes reduce setup time.
• Versatility : duo or stereo compression, sidechain for de-essing /ducking, gate for cleaning channels.
• Professional integration : balanced I/O, true stereo linking and wide dynamic range.

Use cases

• Lead and backing vocals : Reduce sibilance with sidechain EQ and lock your vocals into the mix.
• Drums and Bass : Controls snare/kick transients and gives sustained body to the bass.
• FOH and monitors : stereo bus compression or line cleaning with program-adaptive gate .

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the 266xs also a limiter? Yes. By adjusting the high ratio and threshold, it behaves like a peak limiter .
• What does Stereo Link do? It uses True RMS Power Summing™ so both channels share the same level detection and maintain stereo imaging.
• What is the sidechain used for? It allows you to process the detection signal (e.g., boosting 6–8 kHz for a de-esser , or injecting vocals for music ducking ).

Description for projects

dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate ; 2-channel, Dual Mono or Stereo Link operation ( True RMS Power Summing™ ); compressor with OverEasy® /Hard-Knee, −40 to +20 dBu threshold , 1:1 to ∞:1 ratio , AutoDynamic™ attack/release ; expander/gate with −60 to +10 dBu threshold , 1:1 to 4:1 ratio , <100 μs attack , program-dependent release; normalized TRS sidechain insert (TIP=In, RING=Out; >10 kΩ / >+22 dBu at TIP); Female XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs (balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered, 40 kΩ , max. >+22 dBu ); male XLR and 1/4" TRS outputs (impedance balanced, RF filtered; +4 dBu: 100 Ω bal./50 Ω unbal. ; −10 dBV: 1 kΩ bal./500 Ω unbal. ; max. >+21 dBu at ≥2 kΩ, >+18 dBm at 600 Ω); Performance: 20 Hz–20 kHz +0/−0.5 dB ( 0.35 Hz–90 kHz +0/−3 dB bandwidth), THD+N <0.2% (@1 kHz, any compression), IMD <0.2% SMPTE, DR >114 dB (unweighted), crosstalk <−95 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz), CMRR >40 dB (typ. >55 dB at 1 kHz); Indicators: Gain Reduction , Compression Threshold , and Gate Threshold LEDs; Power 100–120/230 V~ 50/60 Hz , Power Consumption 15 W ; 1U Form Factor, Dimensions 44.5 × 482.6 × 146 mm (H × W × D), Weight 2.19 kg (Shipping 2.99 kg ).