Waves dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter

Waves dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter - The Classic VCA Compressor | Recreate the Legendary Punch of Drums and Bass

Discover the Waves dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter, a plugin developed in close collaboration with dbx® that perfectly recreates one of the most iconic hardware compressors in recording studio history. The original dbx® 160 is renowned for its unique VCA compression circuit, whose lightning-fast attack response and crystal-clear, transparent sound completely changed the industry's perception of dynamics processing. Whether adding fullness to a track or creating an aggressive "pumping" effect, it has been the gold standard for drum compression and bass processing on countless classic records. Now, this legendary sound has not only been precisely brought into the digital realm but also enhanced with powerful new features designed for modern music production workflows.

This plugin is not just a simple emulation; it's a comprehensive upgrade. We have faithfully captured every detail of the original hardware, from gentle shaping to extreme compression, while adding the flexibility that modern producers demand. You will experience why the dbx® 160 became a key tool in defining the sound of an era. From giving bass compression an unparalleled smooth punch to making vocals stand out in the mix, this classic VCA compressor handles it all with ease. With the Waves dbx® 160, you can not only recreate the legend but also unleash the full potential of this Waves plugin with unprecedented control, injecting a classic and powerful musical soul into your productions.

Core Advantages & Use Cases

The Gold Standard for Drums
The design essence of the dbx® 160 lies in its simple and efficient controls. With no complex Attack or Release settings, its signature sound is instantly recognizable upon activation. Its extremely low coloration and swift response speed allow it to gently shape dynamics or "slam" drum tracks for intense punch and energy, which is precisely why it became the standard for drum compression.

But Not Just Drums
Beyond its outstanding performance on drums, the dbx® 160 can also inject power and presence into vocals. And its smooth yet punchy character makes it a go-to tool for processing bass tones. Now, Waves has added a Sidechain high-pass filter, ensuring that even under maximum compression, the fullness and clarity of the low end remain unaffected.

Tame the Transients… or Not
The newly added Mix control knob in the plugin version makes parallel compression easier than ever. You can blend the dry and wet signals to precisely tame overly sharp transients while enhancing the overall thickness and energy of the audio. Alternatively, you can opt for a 100% wet signal to fully experience the unique, clean, and transformerless design characteristics of the classic dbx® 160.

Flexible, Modern Matrixing
To adapt to modern workflows, we've added several powerful features. The Mid-Side (M/S) matrix allows you to process the center and side signals of the stereo field independently; Stereo Link mode provides stereo-linked processing capabilities not found in the original hardware; and the Dual Mono option allows you to process the left and right channels completely independently, offering immense creative freedom.

It’s a Line Amplifier, Too
When you turn the compression down to its minimum and raise the Threshold, you'll hear the subtle coloration from the meticulously modeled analog signal path. This allows the dbx® 160 to also be used as a high-quality line amplifier. For an even more authentic feel, simply turn up the plugin's built-in Noise parameter to add a touch of vintage analog vibe to any setting.

Technical Specifications (Tech Specs)

• Sample Rate Support: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• Channel Modes: Mono, Stereo, Dual Mono, Mid-Side
• Latency: 0 samples (at 44.1/48 kHz sample rates)
• Ratio: From 1:1 to ∞:1 (infinity)
• Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, Audio Units (AU), AAX Native, AudioSuite
• Compatibility: Fully compatible with all major Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, FL Studio, etc. (that support the listed plugin formats)
• Authorization: Online license management via the Waves Central application