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dbx 560A 500 Series Compressor/Limiter

500 Series Compressor/Limiter with Program-dependent Attack/Release Times, Switchable Hard Knee/OverEasy Compression Modes, and Comprehensive Metering
$289.00

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dbx 560A 500 Series Compressor/Limiter
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One of the Most-used Compressors Ever

The original dbx 160A is a compressor standard in studios around the world, and now you can pack that same powerful dynamics control into your 500 series rack with the dbx 560A compressor/limiter module. Engineers at Sweetwater have long respected the 160A's ability to tame audio peaks and solidify tracks with precision and transparency. From subtle smoothing to extreme brickwall limiting, the 560A does it all and sounds great doing it. When you need a dynamics processor you can turn to in any tracking, mixing, or live sound situation, check out the dbx 560A compressor/limiter 500 series module.

dbx 560A Compressor/Limiter 500 Series Module at a Glance:
  • Two compression modes cover drums, vocals, strings, piano, guitars, and more
  • Program-dependent attack and release times that you can trust
  • Beyond-infinity compression ratios protect against extreme peaks
Two compression modes cover drums, vocals, strings, piano, guitars, and more

One reason engineers love the original 160A compressor and this 560A module is the OverEasy compression mode, which enables smoother-sounding compression that sounds more transparent and natural on certain dynamic sources like vocals and woodwinds. Disengage it to return to the classic hard-knee compression, perfect for taming more transient sources like drums, acoustic guitar and piano.

Program-dependent attack and release times that you can trust

Many of us at Sweetwater prefer to dial in our own attack and release times, but when it comes to dbx compressors, we know we can trust them to get the job done right. The 560A module has the same program-dependent attack and release times that made the original 160A such a trusted compressor/limiter for live sound, broadcast, and studio tracking. From fast drum fills to wildly varying sounds like brass and vocals, the 560A will maintain optimum attack and release times with the utmost transparency.

Beyond-infinity compression ratios protect against extreme peaks

When you have extremely unstable signal levels, such as a live sound situation with a less-than-masterful singer, the dbx 560A's "Infinity +" inverse-compression ratios are ready to save the show. Basically, when you turn up the ratio knob past infinity, the 560A will actually begin ducking the output level if the signal exceeds the threshold, allowing dynamics control unlike other compressors - the hotter the input, the softer the output.

dbx 560A Compressor/Limiter 500 Series Module Features:
  • 500 series dynamics module based on the dbx 160A compressor/limiter
  • OverEasy and classic hard knee compression modes for exceptional flexibility with different sources
  • Program-dependent attack and release settings ensure transparent operation plus convenience
  • Infinity + inverse-compression ratios prevent unexpected loud sounds from upsetting your mix
  • Clear metering for input, output, and gain reduction levels
Add amazing dynamics control to your 500 series rack with the dbx 560A!

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Tech Specs

  • Processor Type: VCA Compressor
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Controls: Threshold, Ratio
  • Threshold: -30dB to 20dB
  • Ratio: 1:1 to infinity: 1, to -1:1
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Module Slot Size: Single
  • Power Usage: 60mA per power rail
  • Depth: 6"
  • Weight: 1.3 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: DBX560A

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Great product

This compressor was surprisingly amazing!! I thought for the price it would not be good but it is a great piece of gear!!
Music background: Producer/ Artist
Rated 5/5

Awesome Compressor

These are great compressors, don't be fooled by the price tag, they are well built, easy to use and sounds great, too.

Features:
- Overeasy
- I/O meters
- GR meters
- bypass
- ratio
- treshold
Music background: Pro producer, recording and mixing engineer
Rated 5/5

Beast of a small thing!

I have seen some of the other reviews noting that this thing is not maybe the highest tier compressor out their. But after using it on a couple tracks I can solidly say this lil VCA compressor hits like the best of them. I haven't opened it up myself but I suspect a decently spicy sized output transformer to be in there. its so good sounding, with their program dependent attack/release, it is even faster to get set up and ready to mix.
Music background: DJ/Producer/Audio Engineer
Rated 5/5

Smooth and straight-forward

This is a must-have all around compressor to have in your 500 series. It has a way of compressing without it "sounding compressed" if that makes any sense - as in, it's very smooth and very transparent. VERY easy to dial in just the right settings and you usually hit the sweet spot within just a few minutes of tweaking. Simple operation, clear and forward sounding, great compressor. I'm going to buy a second!
Music background: Owner of Panic Sound LLC
Rated 5/5

Straightforward compressor!

Very useful to record acoustic guitars, piano, vocals and for livestreaming in general! Gets the job done! it compresses in a very musical way. I'm surprised on how well it reacts to piano dynamics.
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