An ultimate compressor.

Extended information

Dual Channel Vacuum Tube Compressor dbx's traditional spot atop the pro audio industry continues with the introduction of its new ""Silver Series."" The inclusion of 2 vacuum tubes makes the 566 Vacuum Tube Compressor no ordinary compressor. Of course, it's loaded with all the features you'd expect from a compressor, including custom designed analog VU meters that monitor tube level, gain reduction, or output levels. The 566 Vacuum Tube Compressor also has full sidechain functionality, including sidechain monitor, and our unique Contour function, which allows low frequency material to pass through the threshold without triggering unmusical compression effects. It also includes the dbx OverEasy« threshold characteristic, and Auto attack and release. Line/Instrument and mic inputs make the 566 versatile enough to use with virtually any source device. Add to this impressive list of standard features extras like a sidechain insert loop, True RMS Power Summing, and the new patent-pending PeakPlus limiting topology and you have a compressor that strengthens dbx's outstanding reputation.

The premium 12AU7 vacuum tubes are hand selected for ideal triode gain matching, distortion, microphonics and drive characteristics. You get the best tube sound with the most versatility available today. And with the optional dbx TYPE IV Conversion System output, you can translate the essence of tube processing directly to the digital world, without leaving the box. The digital output offers the ability to communicate in either AES/EBU or S/PDIF at 16, 20, or 24 bit word lengths. In addition, TYPE IV offers the ability to select noise shape algorithms and dither types that best suit your music and your medium. The 566 also has all the rear panel versatility and connectivity that make it easy to setup and patch into any system. Gold plated Neutrik« connectors for the audio ins and outs ensure solid connections and pristine sound every time. Separate 1/4"" connectors for the sidechain sends and returns, as well as +4/-10 operating level switching make it a snap to use.

Technical specifications

¸ Hand selected Premium 12AU7 vacuum tubes in path
¸ +4/-10 operation
¸ Drive control for a wide variety of great tube effects
¸ PeakPlus limiter on each channel
¸ Complete sidechain, OverEasy«, and Auto functions
¸ Optional TYPE IV Conversion System outputs
¸ Separate 1/4"" sidechain insert send and return
¸ Custom designed analog VU meters monitor tube drive, gain reduction, or output levels

dbx 566 Specifications INPUTS
Connectors: Female XLR Pin 2 hot and TRS 1/4""
Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced
Impedance: 20.1 k Ohm nominal, or 470 k Ohm with rear-panel INST switch engaged
Maximum Input Level: > +30 dBu, or +22 dBu with rear-panel INST switch engaged
OUTPUTS
Connectors: Male XLR Pin 2 hot and TRS 1/4""
Type: Servo-balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
Impedance: Balanced 120 Ohm, unbalanced 60 Ohm
Maximum Output Level: +21.5 dBu, balanced or unbalanced
SIDECHAIN
Connectors: TRS 1/4""
Type: Impedance balanced/unbalanced (SEND), electronically balanced/unbalanced (RETURN)
Impedance: 100 Ohm bal./50 Ohm unbal. (SEND), 20k Ohm(RETURN)
Nominal Send Level: +4 dBu
Nominal Return Level: +4 dBu
COMPRESSOR
Threshold range: -40dBu to +20dBu
Ratio: 1:1 to inf:1
Threshold Characteristic: Selectable OverEasy« or hard knee curves
Attack/Release Characteristic: AutoDynamic
Attack/Release Modes: Selectable Manual or Auto
Manual Attack Time: Scalable program-dependent. Typically 3dB/ms to .04dB/sec
Manual Release Time: Scalable program-dependent. Typically 250dB/sec to 5dB/sec
Auto Attack Time: Program-dependent. Typically 15ms for 10dB, 5ms for 20dB, and 3ms for 30dB
Auto Release Time: Program-dependent. Typically 125dB/sec
Output Gain: -15 to +15dB
PeakPlus« LIMITER
Type: Two-stage proprietary
Threshold Range: +4 dBu to >+ 22 dBu (off)
Ratio: inf:1
Stage 1 Attack and Release Time: Zero
Stage 2 Attack Time: Program-dependent, typically < 5ms
Stage 2 Release Time: Program-dependent, typically 22db/sec
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
DRIVE Control Range: +10 dB to +60 dB
LEVEL Control Range: -15 dB to +15 dB
0.5 dB Bandwidth: 15 Hz to > 90 kHz +0/-0.5 dB
Frequency Response: <10 Hz to >200 kHz +0/-3.0 dB
EIN: Typically -126 dBu, 150 source impedance, unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz measurement bandwidth
THD + Noise: 0.04% typical at +0 dBu out, 1kHz, 33 dB gain, 3.5% typical at +21 dBu out, 1kHz, 35 dB gain
Deviation From Linear Phase: < 20 degrees, 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Interchannel Crosstalk: Typically -98 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
POWER SUPPLY
Operating Voltage: 100V, 120V, or 220-240VAC 50/60 Hz.
Power Consumption: 30 Watts maximum.
Fuse: 100V: 315mA 250V Slow Blow 5mm X 20mm
120V: 315mA 250V Slow Blow 5mm X 20mm
220-240V: T160 mA 250V 5mm X 20mm
Mains Connection: IEC 320 Receptacle

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