266XS 2-Channel Compressor/Gate

The dbx 266xs puts two channels of compression and gating between your sources and your mix. The compressor evens out uneven levels so a vocal sits forward without constant fader rides, guitars hold sustain, and drums keep weight without pinning the console meters. The expander/gate on each channel shuts out headphone bleed, amplifier hiss, and open-mic noise during the gaps.

Patented OverEasy compression rounds the transition into gain reduction, keeping the effect musical rather than obvious. A hard knee setting is there when you want the opposite: firm level control that clamps the moment the threshold is crossed. AutoDynamic attack and release adapt to the program material, so one setting tracks a full set instead of needing changes song to song. Threshold runs from -40 dBu to +20 dBu with ratios from 1:1 to infinity:1, covering everything from gentle levelling to hard limiting.

The program-adaptive expander/gates use gate timing algorithms tuned for a natural release, so gated channels close without chattering on note tails. Threshold covers -60 dBu to +15 dBu with ratios up to 4:1.

Run the 266xs as two independent mono channels or link it for stereo with True RMS Power Summing, which holds the stereo image steady when one side takes a loud transient. A sidechain insert on each channel opens up frequency-dependent work such as de-essing or ducking a music bed under a voice.

Separate LED displays show gain reduction, compression threshold, and gate threshold, and backlit switches stay readable in a dark venue. Balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS connections are on both inputs and outputs. Dynamic range measures greater than 114 dB in a 1U chassis weighing 4.84 lb.