Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $223
Standard/Professional
$100
$501+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Presenting the DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate, the latest addition to DBX's illustrious lineup of industry-leading compressors. This marvel provides seamless, musical dynamic control, effortlessly enhancing your live sound and recording applications. Its patented OverEasy® compression technology combined with its AutoDynamic™ attack and release controls, ensures an almost inaudible, smooth, natural sounding gain reduction. This allows for the leveling of uneven audio and adding sustain and fullness to your mix without losing clarity.
Built with the rigors of live sound in mind, the 266xs features a robust metal construction, durable jacks and switches, and an extremely low power consumption. Its compact, 1U rack-mountable design makes it an ideal addition to any touring or installed sound system.
Key Features:
- Patented OverEasy® compression technology for natural sounding gain reduction
- AutoDynamic™ attack and release controls for precise dynamic control
- Quality XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs
- True RMS Power Summing™ for accurate level detection
- Flexible threshold, ratio, attack, and release controls for tailored compression
- LED gain reduction meters for visual monitoring of levels
- Compact, 1U rack-mountable design, perfect for touring or installed sound system
- Extremely low power consumption for efficient operation
- Durable construction with rugged metal, reliable jacks and switches.
Owner's manual
DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Dual Compressor/Gate |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Controls | Threshold, Ratio (Gate), Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Gain (Compressor) |
| Threshold | -40 dB to 20 dB (Compressor) |
| Ratio | 1:1 to Infinity |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz-95kHz |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" |
| Sidechain I/O | 2 x 1/4" |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Depth | 5.75" |
| Width | 19" |
| Weight | 4.84 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the main features of the DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate?
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The DBX 266xs is a dual-channel compressor/gate designed for both live and studio applications. It features controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and gain, with a frequency response of 35Hz to 95kHz. It offers XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs, and includes sidechain I/O for additional processing flexibility.
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Can the DBX 266xs be used in a live sound setup?
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Yes, the DBX 266xs is well-suited for live sound applications. It helps manage dynamic levels, smooth out uneven performances, and add sustain to instruments, making it ideal for achieving a polished, professional sound in live environments.
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How does the gate function work on the DBX 266xs?
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The gate function on the DBX 266xs allows you to set a threshold level that the signal must exceed to pass through. This helps eliminate unwanted noise or low-level signals, ensuring only the desired audio is heard or recorded.
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What is the threshold range for the compressor on the DBX 266xs?
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The compressor on the DBX 266xs has a threshold range from -40 dB to 20 dB, allowing you to set the level at which the compression begins to take effect on your audio signal.
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Does the DBX 266xs support sidechain processing?
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Yes, the DBX 266xs includes sidechain I/O, allowing for external processing and creative effects like ducking, where the compressor is triggered by a separate signal.
Videos
zeb bach
dbx 266 xs- Compressor
dbx 266 xs- Compressor
zeb bach
Dbx 266xs Compressor & Gate UNBOXING // Dynamic Process Series // SGC Episode 31
The Sound Guy Chronicles
DBX 266XS 2 Channel Professional Compressor with Gate/Limiter LIVE SOUND/STUDIO
Paul Jolly
DBX 266xs Compressor Gate - DJkit.com
djkit®
Reviews
PROS
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Smooth, intuitive controls allow for easy and precise adjustment
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Excellent value for money with high-quality sound
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Offers transparent compression without adding unwanted color
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OverEasy compression provides natural and subtle sound control
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Versatile for both dual mono and stereo applications
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Effective in managing dynamic range for broadcasting and live performances
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Includes a reliable gate feature that enhances sound clarity
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Dynamic control adapts to audio characteristics for smooth processing
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No noticeable noise or distortion in output
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Sturdy, professional build with precise knobs and informative LED metering
CONS
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Does not provide a warm sound, lacks coloration
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Adds noise in some configurations, may not suit all setups
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Lacks a mic pre-amp, only supports line level inputs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate.
Features and functionality
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The dbx 266xs lacks mic preamps and phantom power, requiring line-level input, while the dbx 286s includes these features for direct mic connection.
Source -
The dbx 286s provides an expander instead of a typical gate, allowing for a more nuanced noise reduction by adjusting the ratio rather than just an on/off gate effect.
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The 266xs can struggle with sharp transients, making it less effective on snare/toms and slap bass, but it suits darker vocal tones well when the threshold is crossed.
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The attack speed of the 266xs might allow parts of the vocal to pop through uncompressed, despite setting the attack as fast as possible, affecting clarity.
Source
Comparisons
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The dbx 286s offers low and high tone enhancers, but lacks basic EQ controls, which may limit flexibility compared to the more adjustable attack/decay on the 266xs.
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The Alesis 3630, despite sharing a chip with the dbx 266xs, is considered more transparent under compression by some users.
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The DBX 166XL has a peak limiter that acts like a clipper and is generally considered better for vocals than the 266xs, which requires more aggressive settings for similar results.
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The DBX 166XL shares its compressor circuit with the 1066 and 1064 models, except for the first version of the 166, making it generally more versatile than the 266xs.
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While the Alesis 3630 is not seen as the best compressor, it is appreciated for its distinct sound, similar to the 266xs in terms of being a "cheaper" compressor.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The 266xs is suitable for post-mic preamp processing due to its stereo capability, making it ideal for setups requiring multiple channels without a DAW.
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Users integrating the 266xs in a send/return loop can utilize its attack and release controls effectively for live recording with multiple inputs.
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The 266xs is favored for creating super squashed, radio broadcast-style vocals, especially when set to aggressive gain reduction levels.
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The DBX 266xs may not be ideal for vocals due to its requirement for a steeper ratio and lower threshold to manage peaks effectively, which can result in an unnatural sound.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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For users requiring enhanced EQ control, adding a dbx 215s or a Klark Teknik EQP-KT can complement the 266xs's setup, especially for vocal/acoustic signals.
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Some users explore modifications to improve sound quality, inspired by positive results with other dbx models when modded by Revive.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
At 3:17, The guitar tech states the Water ghoul uses this gate/compressor
Live, Pat uses a mesa dual rec. He runs a DBX 266xs through it. he mainly uses this just as a gate to reduce some unwanted noise
Mike Martin incorporates the DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate into his live setup, as seen on his Instagram.
As seen in Linus' recording rack, from this Instagram photo.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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