266XL Compressor / Gate

Owner/Operator Manual Manuel dutilisation Bedienungsanleitung Manual de instrucciones
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS HEED ALL WARNINGS FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR WATER CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH. DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS. DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER APPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT. ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
A T T E N T I O N : RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR W A R N I N G : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owners manual. These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufacturers warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER CORD. WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED. The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: GREEN andYELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live
Use only with the cart stand, tripod bracket, or table specified by the manufacture, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth symbol, or coloured green, or green and yellow. The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal marked N or coloured black. The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal marked L or coloured red. This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. If the attachment plug needs to be changed, refer servicing to qualified service personnel who should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be connected directly to the units chassis.
Refer all servicing to to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: For products provided with a power switch, the power switch DOES NOT break the connection from the mains. MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug shall remain readily operable. For rack-mount or installation where plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical installation of the rack or building. FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse with same type and rating only. MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service personnel or equivalent. This Equipment is intended for rack mount use only.

CONDUCTOR L N LIVE NEUTRAL
WIRE COLOR Normal BROWN BLUE Alt BLACK WHITE GREEN

E EARTH GND GREEN/YEL

WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth ground are touched simultaneously.

LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING

CAUTION!
This product may contain a lithium battery.There is danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with an Eveready CR 2032 or equivalent. Make sure the battery is installed with the correct polarity. Discard used batteries according to manufacturers instructions.

U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING

A molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET. Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer. Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362.

ADVARSEL!

Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosjonsfare.Ved utskifting benyttes kun batteri som anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukt batteri returneres apparatleverandren.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig hndtering. Udskiftning m kun ske med batteri av samme fabrikat og type. Levr det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandren.
Manufacturers Name: Manufacturers Address:
dbx Professional Products 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

VAROITUS!

Paristo voi rjht, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppin. Hvit kytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.
declares that the product: Product name: dbx 266XL Note: Product name may be suffixed by the II & EU.

VARNING!

Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Anvnd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera anvnt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.
Product option:None conforms to the following Product Specifications:

Safety:

IEC 60065 (1998)
EMC: EN 55013 (1990) EN 55020 (1991)
Supplementary Information:
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: this device may not cause harmful interference, and this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided. use only shielded interconnecting cables.

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC.
Vice-President of Engineering 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA Date: 6/23/03

European Contact:

Your local dbx Sales and Service Office or Harman Music Group 8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070 USA Ph: (801) 566-8800 Fax: (801) 568-7583
MANUAL CONTENTS ENGLISH.2 FRANAIS DEUTSCH ESPAOL

.11.21.31

ENGLISH CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.4 OPERATING CONTROLS.5 COMPRESSOR SECTION. 6 EXPANDER/GATE SECTION. 7 CONNECTING THE 266XL TO YOUR SYSTEM. 9 TECHNICAL SUPPORT / FACTORY SERVICE. 10 REGISTRATION AND USER FEEDBACK.10 SPECIFICATIONS. 41 BLOCK DIAGRAM. 43

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on choosing the dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate. The 266XL provides traditional dbx sonic quality and performance for the working musician, DJ, studio operator or anyone who needs a friendly compressor/gate to achieve quality compression, gating and downward expansion quickly and easily. We recommend that you take a moment and read through the manual as it provides information that will assist you in using your unit to its fullest potential. The 266XL's compressor is packed with just the right features to effectively reduce and control the dynamic range of your audio, add punch to flabby, loose sounds, or add sustain to instruments. The 266XL begins with the classic dbx compression made famous by our 160 line of compressors. Just set the 266XL's Attack and Release controls to 12:00 to get the same response as those units. But there's more. We scaled the program-dependent Attack and Release controls with dbx's AutoDynamic circuitry, so that the 266XL's full range of controls produce voicings that extend from slow leveling to aggressive peak limiting. Common Compressor Applications: Fattening a Kick Drum or Snare Drum Adding Sustain to Guitar or Synthesizer String Sounds Smoothing Out a Vocal Performance Raising a Signal Out of a Mix Preventing Sound System Overload Digital to Analog Transfers The 266XL's gate is ready to tackle all your gating needs, whether you need to remove unwanted noise or other background sounds, tighten drum sounds, or change the characteristic envelope of an instrument. The 266XL's gate provides more flexibility than traditional switch gates because it actually functions as a combination gate/expander. Where switch gates are generally only suitable for a limited number of uses (e.g., gating percussion), the gate on the 266XL acts as a gentle downward expander at low Ratio settings (suitable for vocals, guitar, mixed program, etc.), and can effectively work as a switch gate when used at high Ratio settings. Common Gating Applications: Gating Dry Percussive Sounds (e.g., Snare Drum, Kick Drum) Gating Sounds That Have Longer Decay (e.g., Cymbal, Piano) Gating Hum or Buzz From Live Instruments or Recorded Tracks Downward Expansion to Reduce Noise Under Smooth Sounds (e.g., Vocals, Woodwinds) Refer to the following pages for suggested initial settings. These settings should suffice for traditional compressing and gating requirements. However, the 266XL can accomplish many more changes to sound quality. We recommend that you experiment with the 266XL's controls; take our suggested settings and run with them, try totally different settings, and try unorthodox combinations of compressor and gating controls. You might be surprised at what you hear. Best of all, you may create the perfect sound quality for your needs.

OPERATING CONTROLS

Front Panel
STEREO COUPLE Switch This switch sets the 266XL for Stereo or Dual Mono operation. Press the STEREO COUPLE switch in for stereo operation where Channel 1 becomes the master controller for both channels. All of Channel 2's controls, switches, and LEDs will be disabled (except for Channel 2's GAIN REDUCTION meter), since Channel 2 is the slave. With the STEREO COUPLE switch out, the unit functions as two separate mono compressor/gates, each with its own independent controls. The STEREO COUPLE switch lights red when the 266XL is stereo-coupled. BYPASS Switch Press this switch in to bypass the front panel controls, effectively canceling the function and processing effect of the 266XL's compression, gating and gain settings. The input signal is still present at the 266XL's Output, but is now unaltered by the 266XL's controls. BYPASS is especially useful for making comparisons between processed and unprocessed signals. Note that with stereo operation (STEREO COUPLE switch pressed in), the Channel 1 BYPASS switch controls both channels. The BYPASS switch lights red when BYPASS mode is active. GAIN REDUCTION (dB) Meter This meter displays the amount of signal attenuated from the input signal by the 266XL's Compressor or Expander/Gate. When the Compressor and Expander/Gate are both active, the meter displays the maximum amount of gain reduction for whichever function is greater - Compressor or Expander/Gate. OUTPUT GAIN (dB) Control This control sets the overall gain of the 266XL, from -20dB to +20dB. The OUTPUT GAIN control is especially useful to compensate for the RMS level decrease which results from the 266XL's dynamic processing effects. After you adjust the 266XL's controls for the desired amount of compression, set the OUTPUT GAIN to add the same amount of gain that is shown on the GAIN REDUCTION meters. For example, if the average amount of gain reduction shown on the meters is 10dB, then setting the OUTPUT GAIN control to +10dB will compensate for the 10dB average level reduction at the output.

Note: the 266XL's Compressor and Expander/Gate control settings are interactive and can affect gain, so watch your playback levels.

COMPRESSOR SECTION

Note: Setting the Compressor RATIO to 1:1 will turn the Compressor off, regardless of the setting of the Compressor THRESHOLD control and BELOW/OVEREASY/ABOVE LED status. Setting the Compressor THRESHOLD control to +20dB will prevent all but the highest level peaks from being compressed.
OVEREASY Switch Depress this switch to select the OverEasy compression characteristic. The amber THRESHOLD LED turns on when the signal is in the OverEasy region. When the switch is out, the 266XL operates as a hard-knee compressor, and the amber LED does not light. Compressor THRESHOLD Control and LEDs (BELOW/OVEREASY/ABOVE) Adjust this control to set the threshold of compression from - 40dB to +20dB. In hardknee mode, the threshold of compression is defined as the point above which the output level no longer changes on a 1:1 basis with changes in the input level. In OverEasy mode the threshold of compression is defined as the middle of the OverEasy threshold region, that is, half-way into compression. The three THRESHOLD LEDs indicate the relationship of the input signal level to the threshold of compression. The green LED lights when the signal is BELOW threshold, the red LED lights when the signal is above threshold, and the yellow LED lights when the OVEREASY switch is depressed and the input signal is in the OVEREASY range. The 266XL's OverEasy compression permits extremely smooth, natural sounding compression, without artifacts, due to the gradual change of compression around the threshold. With OverEasy compression, input signals begin to gradually activate the 266XL's internal gain change circuitry as they approach the THRESHOLD reference level. They do not get fully processed by the RATIO, ATTACK and RELEASE controls until they have passed somewhat above the THRESHOLD reference level. As the signal level passes the THRESHOLD level, processing increases until it is fully processed to the extent determined by the control settings. In hard-knee mode, the 266XL can provide abrupt compression effects as well as hardlimiting applications. Note that when in hard knee mode the amber LED will not light as the input signal passes across the threshold. The signal is either being compressed (over threshold) or it is not being compressed (under threshold).
Note: Even though no input signal is being applied, it is normal for the LEDs to flicker on when the power is applied or removed.
Compressor RATIO Control Adjust this control to set the amount of compression applied to the input signal. Clockwise rotation of this control increases the compression ratio from 1:1 (no compression) up to :1 (where the compressor can be considered to be a peak limiter, especially with faster ATTACK settings).

When an input is above the THRESHOLD setting reference level, the RATIO setting determines the number of decibels by which the input signal must increase in level to produce a 1dB increase in the signal level at the output of the 266XL. A setting of 2:1 indicates an input/output ratio wherein a 2dB increase in signal (above threshold) will produce a 1dB increase in output signal. A setting of :1 indicates that an infinite increase in input level would be required to raise the output level by 1dB. Compressor ATTACK and RELEASE Control The ATTACK control sets the amount of time it takes the 266XL to begin compressing a signal once the detector has sensed a signal above threshold. The ATTACK range is from FAST (for a tighter and more noticeable compression effect with very little overshoot) to SLOW (for more delayed, gradual compression). A very fast ATTACK setting will cause the 266XL to act like a peak limiter even though RMS detection circuitry is used. Slower ATTACK settings cause the 266XL to act like an RMS or averaging detecting compressor/limiter. The RELEASE control sets how fast the compression circuit returns the input to its original level. The RELEASE rate is from FAST (where compression follows the envelope of the program material very tightly) to SLOW (for very smooth compression). There is no absolute right way to set the ATTACK and RELEASE controls. However, in general, you will want them set slow enough to avoid pumping or breathing sounds caused when background sounds are audibly modulated by the dominant signal energy, yet the release must be fast enough to avoid suppression of the desired signal after a sudden transient or loud note has decayed. For low frequency tones (e.g., bass guitar), set RELEASE and ATTACK to 2:00 or slower.
Note: ATTACK and RELEASE controls operate together and in conjunction with the RATIO control. Changing one control may necessitate changing another setting.
Auto Switch This switch overrides both the ATTACK and RELEASE controls and enables preset program-dependent attack and release times. These times are derived from the input signal and continuously change to match its dynamics. Enabling this AUTO Function duplicates the classic dbx sound of the 266XLs forerunners which have become standards in the industry.

EXPANDER/GATE SECTION

Note: The Expander/Gate is off when the Expander/Gate THRESHOLD is set to OFF.
Expander/Gate THRESHOLD Control and LEDs (BELOW/ABOVE) Adjusting this control sets the level at which the gate will open and allow the signal at the input to pass through to the output. Turning the knob fully counterclockwise (to OFF) allows the gate to pass all signals unattenuated, effectively bypassing the gate. Turning the knob fully clockwise causes the gate to attenuate input signals below +15dBu. The depth of attenuation depends on the setting of the Expander/Gate RATIO control. The two Expander/Gate LEDs indicate the relationship of the input signal level to the threshold setting. The red LED lights when the signal is BELOW threshold, the green LED lights when the signal is ABOVE threshold.
Expander/Gate RATIO Control This control sets the amount of attenuation applied to the input signal once it is below the threshold, from gentle downward expansion (appropriate for mixed program, vocals, etc.), to a hard gating effect (which can be useful for percussion). Fairly low RATIO (and higher Expander/Gate THRESHOLD) settings work best for downward expansion, whereas higher RATIO settings (clockwise towards MAX) work best for gating. If a setting produces undesirable pumping, readjust the Expander/Gate RATIO or THRESHOLD setting.
Note: The attack and release rate of the Expander/Gate are program-dependent - very fast for transient material (e.g., percussion) and slower for material with slow attack (e.g., vocals). Note: Fast gating of sustained low frequency signals can result in chattering. To eliminate any chattering simply adjust the RATIO control. The proper THRESHOLD setting will also minimize false triggering and chattering.
INPUT Jacks (CHANNEL 1 and 2) Use 1/4 phone plugs or male XLR plugs to connect these inputs to your source. The 266XL's INPUT jacks accept either balanced or unbalanced signals. Input impedance is >40k. OUTPUT Jacks (CHANNEL 1 and 2) The OUTPUT jacks accept 1/4 balanced or unbalanced phone plugs or female XLR plugs. Maximum output signal level is >+20dBu. In the +4dBu setting, the balanced output impedance is 100, and the unbalanced output impedance is 50. In the -10dBV setting, the balanced output impedance is 1k and the unbalanced output impedance is 500. OPERATING LEVEL Switch This switch selects between a -10dBV and +4dBu nominal operating level. When the switch is in the IN position, a -10dBV operating level is selected. When it is in the OUT position, a +4dBu operating level is selected. SIDECHAIN INSERT Jack This jack accepts 1/4 TRS phone plugs and provides a connection to the 266XL detector path. The RING acts as a Send, carrying a buffered version of the signal present at the 266XL INPUT jack, at an impedance of 2k. The TIP acts as a Return for equipment to feed the 266XL's detector circuitry, such as an equalizer for de-essing or frequency-sensitive gating/compression. You can also drive the 266XL Sidechain input with the output of most equipment, by using a 1/4 mono phone plug. Input Impedance is greater than 10k.

Note: When a cable is plugged into this jack, it automatically breaks the connection from the INPUT jack to the 266XL's detection circuitry.

Rear Panel

Basic Connection
IEC - AC Power cord receptacle Plug the AC power cord (supplied) into the 266XL. Plug the other end into a standard wall receptacle. Take care to route power cables away from audio lines. Note that the 266XL does not have a power switch. It is recommended that the 266XL be On at all times. Power consumption is low. If you do not plan to use the 266XL for an extended period of time, unplug it.
WARNING: Be sure to verify your actual line voltage is the same as the voltage level printed below the AC power receptacle. Connection to an inappropriate power source may result in extensive damage which is not covered by the warranty. Caution: Never remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
CONNECTING THE 266XL TO YOUR SYSTEM
The 266XL can be used with any line-level device. Some common examples include mixing consoles, electronic musical instruments, patch bays, and signal processors. For all connections, refer to the following steps: Turn Off all equipment before making any connections. Mount the 266XL in a 1U rack space (optional). The 266XL requires one rack space (height) and 1 rack space (width). It can be mounted above or below anything that doesn't generate excessive heat, since it requires no special ventilation. Ambient temperatures should not exceed 113F (45C) when equipment is powered. Make connections via 1/4 phone or XLR jacks according to your requirements. Typical patch points include: a mixer's channel or subgroup inserts when using the 266XL on individual instruments or tracks; the mixer's main outputs when mixing; an instrument preamp's effects loop when using the 266XL for guitar or bass; main outs of a submixer (i.e., keyboard mixer) as the signal is sent to main mixer; between a DAT's output and an analog cassette input. When using a chain of processors, the 266XL may be placed either before or after effects or dynamics processors. We recommend you use common sense and experiment with different setups to see which one provides the best results for your needs. Connect the AC power cord (shipped with the unit) to the 266XL's rear panel POWER connector and an appropriate AC power source to turn the unit ON.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND FACTORY SERVICE
The 266XL is an all-solid-state product with components chosen for high performance and excellent reliability. Each 266XL is tested, burned-in and calibrated at the factory and should require no internal adjustment of any type throughout the life of the unit. We recommend that your 266XL be returned to the factory only after referring to the manual and consulting with dbx Customer Service. Our phone number, Fax number and address are listed on the back cover of this manual. When you contact dbx Customer Service, be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit. This is printed on a sticker attached to the side panel of the unit.

SPECIFICATIONS / SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNISCHE DATEN / ESPECIFICACIONES
Specifications are subject to change. / Les spcifications peuvent tre modifies. / Technische nderungen vorbehalten. / Las especificaciones
<-93dB, <-93dB, <-93dB, <-93dB, >114dB, >114dB, >114dB, >114dB, <-95dB, <-95dB, <-95dB, <-95dB, >40dB, >40dB, >40dB, >40dB,
typically >55dB @ 1kHz typique >55dB @ 1kHz typisch >55dB bei 1kHz tpico >55dB a 1kHz
True RMS Power Summing Sommation en nergie True RMS Power Summing True RMS Power Summing
OverEasy or hard-knee; -40 to +20dBu -60 to +10dBu 1:1 to Infinity:1 1:1 to 4:1 Scalable Program-Dependent AutoDynamic <100Sec Scalable Program-Dependent AutoDynamic Program-Dependent
100VAC -120VAC 50/60Hz; 230VAC 50/60Hz 15 Watts
Operating Temperature Temprature de fonctionnement Betriebstemperatur Temperatura de funcionamiento Dimensions (H x D x W) Dimensions (H x P x L) Abmessungen (H x T x B) Dimensiones alto x prof x ancho) Weight Poids Gewicht: Peso 32F to 113F 0C 45C 0C bis 45C 0C a 45C 1.75 x 5.75 x 19
45 x 146 x 485 mm Net Weight: 4.84 lbs; Shipping Weight: 6.6 lbs Poids Net : 2,19 kg; Poids brut : 2,99 kg 2,19 kg netto; 2,99 kg brutto peso neto: 2,19 kg; peso bruto: 2,99 kg
8760 South Sandy Pkwy. Sandy, Utah 84070 Phone: (801) 568-7660 Fax: (801) 568-7662 Email: customer@dbxpro.com World Wide Web: www.dbxpro.com
A Harman International Company
18-1794-V-B 11/12/02 Printed in China

266XL Compressor/

Bypass
Most compressor/gates provide less than musical compression, coupled with gating that swallows transientsor 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 266XLs 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 arent 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 266XLs advanced gate circuitry uses a completely new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultrasmooth release characteristicseven 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 266XLs 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 imageeven 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. Designed in the USA, 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 everyones reach.

GAIN REDUCTION dB

Auto SLOW 4:1 :1 +10 OverEasy -30 4:1 1:1.3:1 -60 +10 Bypass Stereo Couple -10 SLOW Auto SLOW 4:1 :1 FAST ATTACK FAST RELEASE -20 dB +20 OUTPUT GAIN OFF dBu +15 THRESHOLD RATIO 0 -40 -40 dBu +20 THRESHOLD 1:1 RATIO 3:1 -1.3:1 -10 2:1 FAST ATTACK -20 2:1

RELEASE

-20 dB +20 OUTPUT GAIN

THRESHOLD

CHANNEL TWO

COMPRESSOR

EXPANDER/GATE
Goof proof operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or tighten up mixes. New gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics. Program-adaptive expander/gates. Great sounding dynamics control for any type of program material Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup.
Stereo or dual-mono operation. Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4" TRS and XLR. Side Chain insert. Classic dbx Auto mode.
OverEasy 4:1 1:1 RATIO -40 dBu +20 THRESHOLD

CHANNEL ONE

8760 S. Sandy Pkwy. Sandy, Utah 84070 Phone (801) 568-7660 Fax (801) 568-7662 customer@dbxpro.com http://www.dbxpro.com

OFF dBu +15 THRESHOLD

A Harman International Company

18-1673-E 01/99

COMPRESSOR / GATE

GAIN REDUCTION dB 3 1

-20 2:1 3:1.3:1 -20 -30
0 -10 +10 Stereo Couple -60

-40 -60

-+10 OverEasy 1.3:1

2:1 4:1

-40 -1.3:1

2:1 3:1

-10 -20 -+10 OverEasy 1.3:1

2:1 4:1 -10

Auto 1:1 RATIO :1 FAST ATTACK SLOW FAST RELEASE SLOW -20 dB +20 OUTPUT GAIN

1:1 RATIO

-40 dBu +20 THRESHOLD
85-2598-Xlineart (1-19-98)

15 WATTS

100V 50/60Hz 120V 60Hz
PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS A HARMAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH MADE IN CHINA MODEL 266XL COMPRESSOR/GATE
PHONE: TIP RING SLEEVE XLR: PIN 1 PIN 2 PIN 3
MANUFACTURED UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING U.S. PATENTS 4,234,804 4,316,107 4,329,598 4,331,931 4,377,792 4,403,199 4,409,500 4,425,551 4,434,380 4,454,433 4,471,324 4,473,793 OTHER PATENTS PENDING

CHANNEL 2

OUTPUTS +4 dBu -10 dBV INPUTS

SIDECHAIN INSERT

TIP=INPUT RING=OUTPUT

CHANNEL 1

#85-2599-P2 266B rear line art (1-19-98)
The compressor/gate shall have two identical FREQUENCY RESPONSE: Flat: 20Hz-20kHz, +0, -0.5dB channels, each with an audio frequency response Bandwidth: 0.35Hz-80kHz, +0, -3dB Input impedance: 40k Balanced/Unbalanced of 5Hz-40kHz, +0, -0.5dB, a balanced input Max Level: +22dBu impedance of not less than 40k, with a maximum OUTPUT: Impedance: Balanced input level of not less than +21dBu and a 1/4" TRS +4dBu: Balanced: 200 Unbalanced: 100 input connector. The output impedance shall be no -10dBV: Balanced: 1.5k Unbalanced: 750 more than 50 unbalanced, 100 balanced with a Max Level: +21dBu into 600 maximum output level of not less than +20dBu, a SIDE CHAIN INSERT: Input Impedance: >10k minimum load impedance at not more than 600 Output Impedance: 2k Max Level: +21dBu and the connector type shall be 1/4" TRS. Total Distortion + Noise: <0.2% any amount of Harmonic Distortion shall be less than 0.2% with compression at 1kHz Intermodulation Distortion: any amount of compression at 1kHz, and <0.2% SMPTE Noise: <-93dBu unweighted Intermodulation Distortion shall be less than 0.2%. Dynamic Range: >114dB, unweighted The unit shall have an output noise level of not Crosstalk: <-93dB @ 1kHz more than -93dBu unweighted, and a dynamic range not less than 114dB. Outputs shall be gain adjustable in the amount of 20dB from nominal gain via front-panel Output Gain controls, and all outputs shall be capable of driving a short circuit indefinitely with maximum input applied. The compressor attack and release times shall be scalable and program dependent. The gate attack time shall be <100sec. The compression threshold shall range from -40 to +20dB. The gate threshold range shall be from -60 to +10dBu. The compressor/gate shall have a stereo coupling switch as well as the following controls for each channel: Compressor Threshold, Compressor Ratio, Attack, Release, Auto switch Output, Gain, Expander/Gate Threshold, Expander/Gate Ratio, Bypass. The following metering LEDs shall exist for each channel: Compressor Threshold (Below, At Above), Gain Reduction and Gate Threshold (Above and Below). The unit shall operate from a power source of 100 VAC 50/60 Hz to 120 VAC 60 Hz for a domestic unit and 230 VAC 50 Hz for a european unit via IEC type AC cable and shall consume no more than 15 W. The net weight shall be 7lbs. (3.2kg). The unit shall be a dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate.

Common Mode Rejection:

>40dB (Any Frequency)

Stereo Coupling:

True RMS Power Summing
Threshold Characteristics: Exp/Gate:
Selectable OverEasy or hard knee Program Dependent Threshold Compressor: -40 to +20dB Expander/Gate: -60 to + 10 dB Compressor: 1:1 to :1 Expander/Gate 1:1 to 4:1

Ratio:

Attack Time: Compressor: Scalable Program Dependent Expander/Gate: <100 sec Release Time: Compressor: Scalable Program Dependent Expander/Gate: Program Dependent Power Requirements:
15watts, 100 VAC 50/60 Hz, 120 VAC 60 Hz, 230 VAC 50/60 Hz

DIMENSIONS:

(H x W x D) 1.75"x5.75"x19" (4.45cm x14.6cm x 48.5cm) WEIGHT: Net Weight: 5 lbs. (2.3 kg); Shipping Weight: 7 lbs. (3.2 kg)
dbx engineers are constantly working to improve the quality of our products. Specifications are, therefore subject to change without notice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: dbx Professional Products 8760 S. Sandy Pkwy. Sandy, Utah 84070 Phone (801) 568-7660 Fax (801) 568-7662 customer@dbxpro.com http://www.dbxpro.com