Dbx 163x ???

  • Thread starter Thread starter cjacek
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cjacek

cjacek

Analogue Enthusiast
I'm looking for a simple, yet effective, compressor for my vocals going to cassette tape. I know everyone raves over the RNC but that's too expensive for me. Tell you what, I've only enough bucks for a used nano compressor, which most hate here, but what about this DBX 163X that I hear good things about ? I just want a good, coloured or not, compressor that'll do a satisfactory job at compressing in a most simple way. What do you think of the DBX 163X ? How does it stack up against modern, budget, compressors like the nano compressor, 3630, dbx 266xl etc ? Thanks!

Daniel
 
I would say the 163 does a better job than all the other units you mentioned.
 
SmattyG said:
Including the RNC?

As I understand it .. the RNC is a very transparent comp whereas the DBX has a definite colour to it. Personally, I like colour ;)

Daniel
 
I've become a fan of older DBX compressors, although I'm not familiar with the 163X. You also might want to look at the DBX 117, 118, and 119 models, which are stereo and very cheap used.
 
SonicAlbert said:
I've become a fan of older DBX compressors, although I'm not familiar with the 163X. You also might want to look at the DBX 117, 118, and 119 models, which are stereo and very cheap used.

Aren't the ones you mention, "expanders" and not compressors ?

Daniel
 
Both

The DBX 117, 118 and 119 are both compressors and expanders.
 
Oh, and the 163x is a cool little compressor. I've got 4 of them. There may be internal differences I'm not aware of, but the 163x was the updated version of the 163 and added a "level set" knob and Hi-Z input to the front panel. They seem to be getting a little more expensive these days.
 
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