1. Uvod
The dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate is a professional audio dynamics processor designed to enhance sound quality in studio, touring, and portable PA sound systems. It incorporates patented Overeasy® compression technology for smooth, musical performance and AutoDynamic™ attack and release controls for ease of use. This versatile unit supports both stereo and dual-mono operation, offering flexibility for various audio applications. It features professional-grade XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs, along with comprehensive visual feedback through gain reduction metering and backlit switches.
The 266xs is engineered to manage uneven audio levels, add sustain to instruments like guitars, and enhance drum sounds. It also effectively brings vocals forward in a mix, ensuring greater clarity and presence. This compressor is a valuable tool for achieving a polished and professional sound.

Slika 1: Spredaj view of the dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate, showing controls for two independent channels.
2. Varnostne informacije
Pred uporabo te naprave preberite in razumite vsa varnostna navodila. Ta priročnik shranite za poznejšo uporabo.
- Nevarnost električnega udara: Ne odpirajte enote. V notranjosti ni delov, ki bi jih lahko uporabnik servisiral. Vsa servisna dela prepustite usposobljenemu serviserju.
- vir energije: Connect the unit only to the specified power supply (100-120V~ 50/60Hz, 15 Watts).
- Vlaga: Za zmanjšanje nevarnosti požara ali električnega udara te opreme ne izpostavljajte dežju ali vlagi.
- Prezračevanje: Zagotovite ustrezno prezračevanje. Ne blokirajte prezračevalnih odprtin.
- Umestitev: Naprave ne postavljajte v bližino virov toplote ali na neposredno sončno svetlobo.
- Čiščenje: Čistite samo s suho krpo.

Slika 2: Zadaj view of the dbx 266xs, showing input/output connections and safety warnings.
3. Lastnosti
The dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate offers a range of features designed for professional audio processing:
- Vsestranska povezljivost: Equipped with quality XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs for seamless integration into various audio setups.
- Izboljšana jasnost glasu: Optimizes vocals to stand out with improved clarity and presence in a mix.
- Profesionalna izvedba: Utilizes patented Overeasy® compression technology and AutoDynamic™ attack and release controls for smooth, musical performance.
- Sidechain Insert: Provides an option for tightening and clarifying frequencies, particularly useful for instruments like bass and kick drum.
- Comprehensive Visual Feedback: Features separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold, and gate threshold, enabling quick and accurate setup.
- Vsestranska uporaba: Ideal for both studio recording and live performances, enhancing instruments and providing a polished, cohesive mix.
- Dual-Mono or Stereo Operation: Can be configured for two independent mono channels or linked for stereo processing.
- Program-Adaptive Expander/Gate: Ensures smooth release characteristics.

Figure 3: Marketing image illustrating key features and typical applications for the dbx 266xs.
4. Nastavitev
4.1 Fizična namestitev
The dbx 266xs is designed for standard 1U rack space installation. Its dimensions are 1.75" H x 5.75" D x 19.00" W. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit when mounting in a rack.
4.2 Povezave
The rear panel of the 266xs provides all necessary audio input and output connections. Each of the two channels features independent inputs, outputs, and sidechain inserts.
- Vhodi: Connect your audio source (e.g., mixer output, microphone preamplifier) to the 1/4" TRS or XLR inputs. Both balanced and unbalanced connections are supported.
- Izhodi: Connect the processed audio signal from the 1/4" TRS or XLR outputs to your next device in the signal chain (e.g., power ampsnemalni vmesnik).
- Sidechain Insert: Use the 1/4" TRS sidechain insert jack to connect external processing devices (e.g., EQ, de-esser) that will control the compressor/gate. This is a Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) jack where Tip is Send (output) and Ring is Return (input).
- moč: Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC power inlet on the rear panel and then to a suitable AC power outlet (100-120V~ 50/60Hz).

Slika 4: Podrobno view of the rear panel, showing XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs/outputs and sidechain inserts for both channels.
5. Navodila za uporabo
The dbx 266xs features intuitive controls for each of its two independent channels. Understanding these controls is key to achieving desired audio dynamics.
5.1 Expander/Gate Controls
- Prag: Sets the level below which the gate will begin to attenuate the signal. Adjust this to eliminate unwanted noise or bleed.
- Razmerje: Determines the amount of attenuation applied once the signal falls below the threshold. Higher ratios result in more aggressive gating.
- Gate LED: Indicates when the gate is active.
5.2 Compressor Controls
- Prag: Sets the level above which compression begins. Signals exceeding this level will be compressed.
- Razmerje: Controls the amount of compression applied. A ratio of 2:1 means that for every 2dB the input signal goes over the threshold, the output will only increase by 1dB.
- Overeasy® Button: Engages dbx's patented Overeasy compression, providing a smoother, more natural compression curve. When disengaged, the compression is hard-knee.
- Napad: Determines how quickly the compressor reacts to signals exceeding the threshold. "Fast" settings react almost instantly, while "Slow" settings allow initial transients to pass through.
- Izdaja: Controls how quickly the compressor returns to its normal state after the signal falls below the threshold. "Fast" settings result in quick release, while "Slow" settings provide a more sustained effect. The 266xs features AutoDynamic™ attack and release for simplified operation.
- Izhodni dobiček: Adjusts the overall output level of the processed signal to compensate for gain reduction caused by compression.
- Merilnik zmanjšanja ojačanja: A series of LEDs indicating the amount of gain reduction (compression) being applied in dB.
5.3 Kontrole sistema
- Stereo Couple Button: Links Channel One and Channel Two for stereo operation. When engaged, Channel One's controls act as the master for both channels.
- Gumb za obvod: Bypasses all processing for the respective channel, allowing the input signal to pass directly to the output without any compression or gating.

Figure 5: Front panel controls, illustrating the Expander/Gate, Compressor, and System controls for each channel.
6. Vzdrževanje
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your dbx 266xs.
- Čiščenje: Za čiščenje zunanjosti enote uporabite mehko, suho krpo. Ne uporabljajte tekočih čistil ali aerosolov, saj lahko poškodujejo površino ali notranje komponente.
- Shranjevanje: Ko enote dalj časa ne uporabljate, jo shranite na hladnem in suhem mestu, stran od neposredne sončne svetlobe in ekstremnih temperatur.
- Prezračevanje: Redno preverjajte, ali so prezračevalne odprtine čiste od prahu in umazanije, da preprečite pregrevanje.
- Kabelske povezave: Periodically inspect all audio and power cables for wear or damage. Replace any faulty cables immediately.
7. Odpravljanje težav
If you encounter issues with your dbx 266xs, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
| Težava | Možen vzrok/rešitev |
|---|---|
| Ni napajanja / Enota se ne vklopi |
|
| Ni zvočnega izhoda |
|
| Popačen zvok |
|
| Gate not working or always open/closed |
|
| Compressor not engaging or over-compressing |
|
If the problem persists after trying these steps, please contact dbx customer support or refer to the official user manual PDF for more detailed troubleshooting.
8. Specifikacije
Below are the technical specifications for the dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate:
| Kategorija | Specifikacija |
|---|---|
| Vložki | 1/4" TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot), Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered |
| Vhodna impedanca | Balanced: 50kΩ, Unbalanced: 25kΩ |
| Najvišja vhodna raven | +22dBu balanced or unbalanced |
| Izhodi | 1/4" TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot), Impedance-balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered |
| Izhodna impedanca | Balanced: 100Ω, Unbalanced: 50Ω |
| Najvišja izhodna raven | +21dBu balanced/unbalanced into 2kΩ or greater |
| Vložek stranske verige | 1/4" TRS Phone Jack (Tip=Output, Ring=Input) |
| Sidechain Impedance | Tip: 1kΩ (Output), Ring: 10kΩ (Input) |
| Kompresor | Threshold: -40dBu to +20dBu |
| Razmerje | 1:1 to Infinity:1 (Selectable Overeasy® or Hard-knee) |
| Napad/Sprostitev | Program-dependent AutoDynamic™ |
| Ekspander/vrata | Threshold: -60dBu to +10dBu |
| Expansion Ratio | 1:1 do 4:1 |
| Napad/Sprostitev | Odvisno od programa |
| Učinkovitost sistema | Bandwidth: 0.35Hz - 90kHz (+0/-3dB) |
| Frekvenčni odziv | 0.5 Hz - 160 kHz (+0/-3 dB) |
| Hrup | <-93dBu, unweighted (22kHz measurement band) |
| THD+N | 0.04% typical at +4dBu, 1kHz |
| Intermodulacijsko popačenje | 0.08% typical SMPTE |
| Dinamični razpon | >113dB, unweighted |
| Preslušavanje | <-90dB, 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Zavrnitev običajnega načina | >40dB, typically >55dB at 1kHz |
| Stereo spojka | True RMS Power Summing™ |
| Napajalnik | 15 Watts, 100VAC 50/60Hz, 230VAC 50/60Hz |
| Delovna zvezatage | 100-120V~ 50/60Hz or 230V~ 50/60Hz |
| Delovna temperatura | 0 °C do 45 °C (32 °F do 113 °F) |
| Fizično | Dimensions (H x D x W): 1.75" x 5.75" x 19" (4.5cm x 14.6cm x 48.26cm) |
| Teža enote | 4.84 lbs / 2.19 kg |
| Teža pošiljke | 6.6 lbs / 2.99 kg |

Figure 6: Official specifications sheet for the dbx 266xs, detailing electrical and physical characteristics.
9. Garancija in podpora
dbx products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official dbx webmesto.
For technical support, service, or additional information, please contact dbx customer support:
- Uradni uporabniški priročnik (PDF): Prenos PDF Manual
- dbx Webspletno mesto: www.dbxpro.com
- Phone (Sales): 1.801.568.7660
- Phone (Int'l Fax): 1.801.568.7583
- Faks (prodaja): 1.801.568.7662
- E-pošta: customer@dbxpro.com
- Naslov: 8760 S. Sandy Pkwy., Sandy, Utah 84070, USA