the dbx model 1066 is a two-channel compressor with expander-gate and limiter. both channels can be used separately or they can be linked together for stereo-processing.

the dbx 1066 offers a full set of parameters for manual control and also a switchable automatic function to emulate the behaviour of classic dbx compressors. the pots allow exact adjustments and the illuminated switches look quite nice. each channel got two level meters and six leds for showing the gain reduction, input/output level and the actual state of the expander-gate, compressor and limiter.

the compressor has pots for threshold, ratio, attack, release and output gain. the expander offers pots for threshold and ratio, while the limiter has a pot for determining the maximum output level. in addition the compressor can be switched into 'auto' mode, where the attack and release times are adjusted automatically depending on the input signal. a 'contour' switch enables a lowcut filter in the detection stage of the 1066, which allows faster attack times and higher compression ratios with less artifacts. the compressor can be switched from conventional hardknee function to 'overeasy' mode with it's typical dbx softknee character. each channel also offers sidechain send and return jacks for external processing of the detector signal. this sidechain signal can be switched in and out of the path, and it can be monitored if desired.

we use the dbx 1066 on single instrument channels. it's very neutral sound makes it the perfect tool for un-noticable compression and also for more creative applications like frequency-dependent or time-dependent compression through the sidechains.