The dbx 160’s VCA-based compression was a clean break with previous designs. Its savagely fast attack and fresh transparency made it an instant hit, whether used conservatively to add fullness, or slammed for pumping. The dbx 160 became the sound of drums and bass compression.

Designed in close collaboration with dbx®, the dbx 160 models the original hardware’s sound with absolute accuracy, enhancing it with new features designed for the needs of modern studios.

The Gold Standard for Drums

With no attack or release controls, the 160’s signature sound was apparent as soon as you patched it in. The minimal coloration, fast attack, and ability to massage a signal gently—or crush it—set the standard for drums.

But Not Just Drums

The dbx 160 also gave power to vocals, but the smooth punch made it a hands-down favorite for bass. Now, Waves has added a sidechain highpass filter that keeps the low end full, even when slammed with maximum compression.

Tame the Transients… or Not

The dbx 160 plugin adds a mix control for easy parallel compression. Dial back to reduce transients and bring up the sound’s body, or choose only compressed sound for the 160’s distinctive, clean, transformerless character.

Flexible, Modern Matrixing

Modern additions include a mid-side matrix for processing mid and sides individually, a linked stereo mode not available in the original, and a dual mono option for processing the right and left channels independently.

It’s a Line Amplifier, Too

Bring down the compression, turn up the threshold, and you’ll hear the subtle sound of the modeled analog signal path. For an extra air of authenticity with any control settings, turn up the compressor’s noise parameter.