The dbx 160 models the classic VCA compressor whose fast attack made it the sound of drum and bass compression, developed in close collaboration with dbx.

With no attack or release controls, its signature sound is there as soon as you insert it: minimal colouration, fast attack and the ability to massage a signal gently or crush it for pumping. Beyond drums and bass, it adds power to vocals, synths and acoustic guitar. Waves has added a mix control for parallel compression, a sidechain high-pass filter that keeps the low end full even under maximum compression, and linked stereo, dual mono and mid/side operation. With little compression it acts as a line amplifier with the subtle sound of the modelled analog signal path, and an optional noise parameter adds extra authenticity.

Features

• The power and punch of classic 70s drum compression
• Mix control for quick parallel compression
• Sidechain high-pass filter for a full low end on kick and bass
• Linked stereo, dual mono or mid/side operation
• Straightforward controls for fast results
• Transparent sound with ultra-low distortion

Technical details

• Operating systems: Windows, macOS
• Plug-in formats: VST3, Audio Unit (macOS only), AAX
• Architecture: 64 bit
• Licensing: licence key, machine-bound or USB flash drive (via Waves Central)

System requirements

• macOS 14 Sonoma, 15 Sequoia, 26 Tahoe or 27 Golden Gate (Apple silicon or Intel)
• Windows 10 64-bit (version 22H2) or Windows 11 (Intel or AMD, x64)
• 16 GB RAM
• 30 GB free disk space on the system drive

The licence is registered with the manufacturer at https://www.waves.com/downloads/central. You will receive your serial number and the download link by e-mail immediately after purchase.