dbx Pro 266XL Compressor / Gate, Basic Connection, Expander/Gate RATIO Control

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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 impedanceRear Panel is >40kΩ.

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 100Ω, and the unbalanced output impedance is 50Ω. In the -10dBV setting, the balanced output impedance is 1kΩ and the unbalanced output impedance is 500Ω.

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 pre- sent at the 266XL INPUT jack, at an impedance of 2kΩ. 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 10kΩ.

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

Basic Connection

266XL Compressor / Gate