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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock the power of precision audio shaping with the Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter plugin. A faithful emulation of the iconic dbx 160 hardware compressor, this plugin brings the classic punch and warmth that have made it a studio staple for decades. Developed in collaboration with dbx, it captures the unique character of the original unit, delivering an authentic analog experience in a digital format.
Perfect for both studio professionals and home recording enthusiasts, the dbx 160 plugin excels in adding that distinct musical edge to any track. Whether you're taming dynamics in vocals or adding punch to drums, this compressor delivers a smooth and natural response that maintains the integrity of the original sound. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners while offering enough depth for seasoned audio engineers.
Experience the seamless integration of this plugin in your digital audio workstation, allowing you to effortlessly dial in the right amount of compression and limiting with precision. With its vintage charm and modern versatility, the Waves dbx 160 is more than just a tool—it's an essential part of your sonic arsenal.
Key Features:
- Faithful emulation of the classic dbx 160 hardware compressor
- Developed in collaboration with dbx for authentic analog experience
- Ideal for vocals, drums, and a wide range of instruments
- Smooth, natural compression that preserves original sound character
- Intuitive interface suitable for beginners and professionals alike
Product specs
| Available since | October 2016 |
| Los artikel / bundelartikel | Los artikel |
| Delay | No |
| Dynamics | Yes |
| Effect Filter | No |
| Encoder/Decoder | No |
| Equalizer | No |
| Guitar amps/-effects | No |
| Channel Strip | No |
| Metering / Analysis / Correction | No |
| Modulation Effects | No |
| Multieffect / Plugin-Host | No |
| Overdrive/Distortion | No |
| Preamp / Saturation | No |
| Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter | No |
| Restauration | No |
| Reverb | No |
| Special FX | No |
| Summer / Mixing Consoles | No |
| Tape Simulation | No |
| Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching | No |
| Transient Processing | No |
| Vocoder / Vocal effect | No |
| Mastering Tools | No |
| Hardware Controller | No |
| Download | 1 |
FAQs
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What kind of audio processing does the Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter provide?
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The Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter offers dynamic range control, allowing users to compress audio signals effectively. It is known for its ability to add punch and clarity to tracks, making it ideal for drums, bass, and vocals.
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Is the Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter plugin suitable for mastering?
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While the Waves dbx 160 is primarily designed for individual track compression, it can be used in mastering for adding punch and character. However, it is more commonly used for mixing applications rather than detailed mastering tasks.
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How does the Waves dbx 160 plugin compare to the hardware version?
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The Waves dbx 160 plugin emulates the classic sound of the original hardware with digital precision, offering the same punchy and aggressive compression characteristics. It provides the convenience of a software plugin with the sonic qualities of the hardware.
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Can the Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter be used with all major DAWs?
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Yes, the Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter is compatible with all major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, as long as the DAW supports VST, AU, or AAX plugin formats.
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What are the standout features of the Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter?
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The standout features of the Waves dbx 160 include its simple control set, at-a-glance metering, and the ability to add aggressiveness and impact to audio tracks. It's particularly effective for parallel compression on drums and adding punch to guitars and vocals.
Videos
Waves Audio
Introducing the Waves dbx® 160 Compressor Plugin
Introducing the Waves dbx® 160 Compressor Plugin
Waves Audio
Review Of Waves dbx160 Compressor/Limiter Plug ins
Production Expert
dbx® 160A vs Waves dbx® 160 | Hardware vs Plugin
Zed Marty
How to use Waves dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter
Andrei Martinez Agras
![Video thumbnail for [OFFER ENDED] Get Waves dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter for FREE! by Audio Plugin Guy](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ABrP58En4OI/mqdefault.jpg)
[OFFER ENDED] Get Waves dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter for FREE!
Audio Plugin Guy
Waves DBX 160 Plugin - Review & Demo
CJ Whaley
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile compressor suitable for drums, bass, vocals, and more
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Provides both subtle compression and aggressive punch
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Offers Mono, Stereo, and M/S configuration flexibility
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Excellent for adding color and character to tracks
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Emulates analog warmth effectively
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Easy to achieve desired sound quickly with minimal adjustments
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Superior performance compared to some competitive plugins
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Highly recommended for drum and bass mixing
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Reliable go-to compressor for many users
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Effective for both mastering and mixing applications
CONS
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Lacks the accurate feedback of real VU meters
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Waves' upgrade policy can be costly and frustrating
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Some users prefer the visual interface of competing plugins
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter.
Comparisons
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The UA DBX160 is praised for its effectiveness on drums and bass, outperforming the Waves version in versatility and sonic impact.
Source -
Softube VCA Comp, although not an exact DBX160 replica, is noted for its additional capabilities, making it a favorite for those seeking versatility beyond classic emulation.
Source
Features and functionality
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DMG Trackcomp offers a comprehensive compressor suite, including a highly regarded DBX160 emulation with advanced features like oversampling up to 16x.
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The dbx 160X's lack of attack and release controls simplifies setup, with fixed constraints enhancing punch on drums and rap vocals.
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The dbx 160X's long row of input/output and GR LEDs offers more instant feedback than compressors with a single VU meter.
Source
User experience
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Owners report the Waves DBX160 can introduce an unusual midrange character, which may not suit all applications compared to other emulations.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Native Instruments' DBX emulation within Guitar Rig 5 is highlighted for its effectiveness on snares and percussion, despite its unconventional choice.
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The dbx 160X/XT models excel with a "super wide, soft knee" on vocals, providing a smooth, LA2A-like effect when applied lightly.
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Users report the 160X/XT's negative ratios and hard knee are effective for enhancing kick drums, allowing transients to pop without excessive distortion.
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The dbx 160 is favored for screaming vocals, providing a unique compression characteristic that suits aggressive vocal styles.
Source
Software and compatibility
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The Fuse Audio Labs DBX 118 plugin is recommended for its impressive sound quality, even though it's not a direct 160 emulation.
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The Waves DBX160 plugin may face issues in Ableton Live 11 if using the AU format; switching to VST is recommended for compatibility.
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Ensure both the DAW and Waves plugin versions are compatible to avoid functionality issues, as version mismatches can cause problems.
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The absence of the VST format in Ableton's folder can prevent the DBX160 from working, suggesting a need to verify installation paths.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
40997
too expensive normally
get this in a bundle or on sale... if you don't have a real 160 this will work... f you have a 160a you might still use this to save a console channel doing the parallel kick trick. At full pricing with the greedy waves upgrade scheme a 160a for non-parallel is a better bet and it has resale. On sale? Well, you'll get your 30 bucks worth. This plugin has the aggressive dbx snap at higher settings, go-to kick shaper and when my snare is already good but needs some nudging with an extreme snap in parallel this is an option over my go-to hardware units that I haven't use parallel since going hybrid due to channel count... liket he hardware VU 160s its kind've a 1 trick pony (that was remedied on the 160a, x, xl etc but at the cost of the magic of the 1 trick which is inferior to most ears though still good.... and no VU)... I also have the arturia 160 and I still kinda prefer this, its meaner. I think softtube ahs one or did one for NI, but this is raw and surprisingly lifelike. Waves hardware emulations are hit or miss usually but this guy? Its not even that sensitive to RMS levels of the track like the more famous stuff. My only gripe is that VUs on plugins even on the best native systems never give you the accurate feedback of real VUs but for an effect like a 160 its not that critical, its barely tickling or full bore, no inbetween or you're using it wrong. Plus it can do stereo like a 162 or sorta M/S if you use multiple isntances cleverly, but why would you do that with a dbx?
3582
Good, flexible and fast compressor but...
I don't know if the Waves DBX 160 actually sound identical to a real DBX 160 but I don't really care as it's the result/sound that counts which is really good, flexible, fast to operate.
Compared to the Native Instruments VC 160, which is actually modeled by Softube, the Waves DBX sounds quite similar at softer settings but can sound more raw and aggressive if pushed harder. The VC 160 sounds a bit more warm, polished and tamed.
This makes the Waves DBX 160 a little bit more flexible than the VC 160, if you're into that sounds at least. But the VC 160 still sounds very good and you can buy the whole VC bundle (during a promotion) for the price of the Waves DBX 160.
Worth mentioning as well is the Waves update program which makes you pay again for plugins which you already purchased (without actually adding functionality to the plugin itself). I also prefer the looks of the VC series as they seem to hint to what they are inspired by rather than having a photo-realistic GUI which is quite easy to the eye. But the Waves DBX 160 does sound good...
40997
raw and aggressive is more correct, 1 trick pony but oh what a trick on snare and kick
Artist usage
Add artist
I use this plug probably not so much for compression, as I assume it was intended – but more as a distortion box! It’s great both in-chain or for crushing tracks after the fact. A trusted squashing beast! Love it on drums and percussion especially. I have a hardware version of this but lean on the plugin many times, as it can be much more convenient… and no shitty dirty pots to worry about!
“I actually have original dbx 160 hardware compressors in my studio – but I only have two of those, so once I run out of analog channels I use the Waves dbx 160 in the box to get that sound.”
In a video titled "How Patrick Carney Gets His Drum Sound" by Reverb, at the 2:42 mark, Patrick Carney’s engineer, Marc Whitmore, is shown demonstrating the use of a Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter connected to the API 1604 mixing console.
Says one of his effects is a DBX 160 Compressor from this 1988 article provided.
In a video posted on Facebook, Jax Jones discusses the challenges of remixing and mentions using the Waves dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter in his process.
"Generally, with the drums, I start out with the SSL E-Channel, which has always been my go-to plugin. Then, I will usually add other compressors to the toms, like the CLA-76 or maybe the Waves dbx-160, depending on how the source sounds."
Used on Minogue's vocals for "Dancing", as stated by producer Sky Adams in this July 2018 Sound on Sound interview.
"My vocal chain on the Kylie bus begins with a Logic Channel EQ, with a high?pass at 69Hz; I also boost 285Hz and 3100Hz. Next is the Waves CLA Vocals, with which I again boost some high end and add some compression, and a tiny bit of reverb; altogether it enhances the vocals a bit. The third plug?in is the Waves Butch Vig Vocals, with the de?esser and compressor both at 50 percent and adding some presence and air, all to give it some sharpness. For some reason Butch Vig gives a nice saturation and clarity on vocals, but I find that it only works on the Aston microphone. With every other mic I’ve used it tends to sound too distorted.
“The next plug?in is a Waves dbx 160 for some more compression, then the Waves SSL G?master bus compressor, set to a ratio of 2, attack 1 and release 3, and the Waves C4 multiband set to the Pensado preset, adding above 8kHz, the Waves API 560 EQ adding yet more high end, and the Waves RVox, with the compressor set to 4.2. I find that the RVox really helps to bring the vocal to the front.
“My main reverb in this session, which I used mostly on the vocals, and my favourite reverb in general, is the Toraverb. It’s really hard to find a good reverb, but I freaking love it, and I use it on almost everything. It has a wonderful tail off, and also a delay that works really well. ‘Crystal Cave’ is a favourite preset, which I use mainly on vocals. I don’t mind using the same reverb on everything, but in addition I sometimes use Logic’s Space Designer, which also has a great sound, and a wonderful tail that you can crank all the way up. The latest update, the Chronoverb, is amazing.”
Album Usage
The Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter has been featured on the following albums:
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 Waves dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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