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DBX 160 VU Compressor/Limiter - Pair #8124/8176 (Vintage)

Mono compressor/limiter pair w/ rack ears

Product Description

Classic white VU 160 compressors with XLR pigtails.

Amazing on kick, snare, bass guitars, with just the right attack/release. Just tap the kick/snare with it before going to ProTools, to get some tape compression feel. Might be the best bass comp on the planet, and it's surprisingly good on vocals.

The dbx 160 is a Voltage Controlled Amplifier compressor that uses a transformerless, solid-state design that has endured for decades. The program-dependent compression, combined with multiple gain stage components, creates a sound that is uniquely its own.

The controls are simple: Threshold (with lights indicating above and below threshold value); Compression ratio from 1:1 to Infinity:1; Output Gain from -20 to +20 db attenuation; and three meter settings for input, output, and gain change.

Servicing of the dbx 160 VU

The dbx 160 VU compressor is a perennial favorite among recording engineers for its classic soft knee/smooth compression sound and ease of operation. First introduced in 1976, many of these units are still around, but due to their age they usually need some work done to make them sound their best. At Vintage King, our technicians are expert at the repair and restoration of these compressors. Unlike a unit that you might be tempted to buy from an auction site, our 160 VU’s have been thoroughly cleaned, repaired and tested by a professional technician.

A typical dbx 160 VU goes through the following stages before it is shipped to our customers:

• Pre-test, to check for any obvious problems
• Cleaning and tightening of all switches and Molex pins
• Cleaning of all potentiometers
• Cleaning all exterior panels
• Replacing all electrolytic and tantalum capacitors ("re-capping")
• Repairing any broken solder joints
• Ultrasonic cleaning of all removable knobs and switches
• Replacing all VU meter bulbs
• Troubleshooting with an initial post-testing
• Aligning and testing the unit according to dbx-specified procedures
• Calibrating all gain reduction, output levels, and metering
• Final testing for harmonic distortion, noise floor and frequency response

If required, the following procedures are also performed on the dbx 160:

• Replacing the original brown lamp cord with a new power cord
• Re-painting the black metal sides and rack ears
• Removing faceplate for cleaning, stripping and re-applying a clear coat
• Replacing the metallic knob and switch covers
• Repairing or replacing any faulty parts or connections


Each dbx 160 requires approximately four hours of tech work, at a minimum, in order for it to be restored and repaired to the Vintage King standard. Occasionally some pieces require even more extensive restoration work. Rest assured that when you purchase one of these compressors from VK, you will receive a piece of gear that has been thoroughly serviced to look and sound its best.

Product Specifications

Condition Used / Vintage

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How do you rate this product?
I would like to thank VK for the wonderful sales assistance, service and prices. This was my first purchase with you and it won't be my last. I only wish I'd discovered you years ago!
Matthew R.
I had two Grammy wins this year - Ray LaMontagne & Carolina Chocolate Drops. Both made with help from Vintage King!
Ryan F.
In almost 20 years in Pro audio buying, never did I receive a unit so well packed and exactly as described. Works flawlessly. The whole process has been so smooth. I will never hesitate to do business with you guys in the future and will recommend you to everyone I know.
Martin C.
This was my first experience buying something from Vintage King (although I surf the "used" categories on the website frequently!), and, despite being on the other side of the world, I had absolutely no trouble and everything went very smoothly.
Phil T.
The speed of delivery exceeded my expectations! I was VERY pleased that my shipment arrived in time for a scheduled vocal tracking session. The packing insured that my order arrived safely. And the sales staff responded quickly to questions regarding the product.
James P.
Thank you so much! Vintage King has been so fair and easy to work with. I can't thank you enough. It feels good to trust such a hefty purchase to folks who are so helpful and knowledgeable. Vintage King is a sound designers dream store.
Noa L.
You guys have excellent customer service and I am excited about the next upgrade I complete on my fifth recording facility. I've been in the studio business for forty plus years. The salesman I worked with at Vintage King was the best of the best. You all rock!
Robby T.
I would recommend Vintage King to any one looking for top-class gear, unbeatable customer service and the best prices on the map!
Jake D.
My experience with Vintage King was excellent. The order was here fast considering it was out of stock. The sales person had SKB send it to me directly and I couldn't have been more pleased.
Michael D.
From the minute I placed my order I was kept well-informed through each step in your process. Even though I was buying a comparatively modest piece of gear, your attention to detail made me feel like I was purchasing a six-figure mixing desk.
Thomas W.
I am a new customer of yours. You guys provided me the absolute best deals in ordering all the equipment to power my brand new recording studio. Your customer service is amazing and i will always deal with you from here on out.
Rob M.
Thanks for your great service and getting this out today. You guys really are the Kings!
Alan B.
Better than expected! Truly impeccable service. Your team was professional, knowledgeable, provided speedy delivery above and beyond standard. Vintage King Audio is definitely my go to for all of my audio and information needs.
James O.