Basic Connection - dbx 266XL Owner's/Operator's Manual

8
Expander/Gate RATIO Control
This control sets the amount of attenuation applied to the input signal once it is below
the threshold, from gentle downward expansion (appropriate for mixed program,
vocals, etc.), to a hard gating effect (which can be useful for percussion). Fairly low
RATIO (and higher Expander/Gate THRESHOLD) settings work best for downward
expansion, whereas higher RATIO settings (clockwise towards MAX) work best for
gating. If a setting produces undesirable pumping, readjust the Expander/Gate RATIO
or THRESHOLD setting.
Note: The attack and release rate of the Expander/Gate are program-dependent - very fast for transient
material (e.g., percussion) and slower for material with slow attack (e.g., vocals).
Note: Fast gating of sustained low frequency signals can result in "chattering". To eliminate any "chattering"
simply adjust the RATIO control. The proper THRESHOLD setting will also minimize false triggering and
"chattering."
INPUT Jacks (CHANNEL 1 and 2)
Use 1/4" phone plugs or male XLR plugs to connect these inputs to your source. The
266XL's INPUT jacks accept either balanced or unbalanced signals. Input impedance
is >40kΩ.
OUTPUT Jacks (CHANNEL 1 and 2)
The OUTPUT jacks accept 1/4" balanced or unbalanced phone plugs or female XLR
plugs. Maximum output signal level is >+20dBu. In the +4dBu setting, the balanced
output impedance is 100Ω, and the unbalanced output impedance is 50Ω. In the
-10dBV setting, the balanced output impedance is 1kΩ and the unbalanced output
impedance is 500Ω.
OPERATING LEVEL Switch
This switch selects between a -10dBV and +4dBu nominal operating level. When the
switch is in the IN position, a -10dBV operating level is selected. When it is in the
OUT position, a +4dBu operating level is selected.
SIDECHAIN INSERT Jack
This jack accepts 1/4" TRS phone plugs and provides a connection to the 266XL
detector path. The RING acts as a Send, carrying a buffered version of the signal pre-
sent at the 266XL INPUT jack, at an impedance of 2kΩ. The TIP acts as a Return for
equipment to feed the 266XL's detector circuitry, such as an equalizer for de-essing or
frequency-sensitive gating/compression. You can also drive the 266XL Sidechain input
with the output of most equipment, by using a 1/4" mono phone plug. Input
Impedance is greater than 10kΩ.
Note: When a cable is plugged into this jack, it automatically breaks the connection from the INPUT jack to
the 266XL's detection circuitry.
266XL
Compressor / Gate
Rear Panel

Basic Connection