1. تعارف
The dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate is a professional audio dynamics processor designed to enhance sound quality in studio, touring, and portable PA sound systems. It incorporates patented Overeasy® compression technology for smooth, musical performance and AutoDynamic™ attack and release controls for ease of use. This versatile unit supports both stereo and dual-mono operation, offering flexibility for various audio applications. It features professional-grade XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs, along with comprehensive visual feedback through gain reduction metering and backlit switches.
The 266xs is engineered to manage uneven audio levels, add sustain to instruments like guitars, and enhance drum sounds. It also effectively brings vocals forward in a mix, ensuring greater clarity and presence. This compressor is a valuable tool for achieving a polished and professional sound.

شڪل 1: سامهون view of the dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate, showing controls for two independent channels.
2. حفاظت جي ڄاڻ
Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating this device. Retain this manual for future reference.
- اليڪٽرڪ شاڪ جو خطرو: يونٽ نه کوليو. اندر ڪو به استعمال ڪندڙ جي خدمت لائق پرزا نه آهن. سڀني سروسنگ کي قابل سروس اهلڪارن جي حوالي ڪريو.
- طاقت جو ذريعو: Connect the unit only to the specified power supply (100-120V~ 50/60Hz, 15 Watts).
- نمي: باهه يا بجليءَ جي جھٽڪي جي خطري کي گھٽائڻ لاءِ، ھن سامان کي مينهن يا نمي ۾ نه لڳايو.
- وينٽيليشن: مناسب وينٽيليشن کي يقيني بڻايو. وينٽيليشن جي سوراخن کي بند نه ڪريو.
- لڳائڻ: يونٽ کي گرمي جي ذريعن جي ويجهو يا سڌي سج جي روشني ۾ نه رکو.
- صفائي: صرف سڪل ڪپڙي سان صاف ڪريو.

شڪل 2: پوئتي view of the dbx 266xs, showing input/output connections and safety warnings.
3. خاصيتون
The dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate offers a range of features designed for professional audio processing:
- ورسٽائل ڪنيڪشن: Equipped with quality XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs for seamless integration into various audio setups.
- Enhanced Vocal Clarity: Optimizes vocals to stand out with improved clarity and presence in a mix.
- پيشه ورانه ڪارڪردگي: Utilizes patented Overeasy® compression technology and AutoDynamic™ attack and release controls for smooth, musical performance.
- Sidechain Insert: Provides an option for tightening and clarifying frequencies, particularly useful for instruments like bass and kick drum.
- Comprehensive Visual Feedback: Features separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold, and gate threshold, enabling quick and accurate setup.
- ورسٽائل ايپليڪيشن: Ideal for both studio recording and live performances, enhancing instruments and providing a polished, cohesive mix.
- Dual-Mono or Stereo Operation: Can be configured for two independent mono channels or linked for stereo processing.
- Program-Adaptive Expander/Gate: Ensures smooth release characteristics.

Figure 3: Marketing image illustrating key features and typical applications for the dbx 266xs.
4. سيٽ اپ
4.1 جسماني تنصيب
The dbx 266xs is designed for standard 1U rack space installation. Its dimensions are 1.75" H x 5.75" D x 19.00" W. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit when mounting in a rack.
4.2 ڪنيڪشن
The rear panel of the 266xs provides all necessary audio input and output connections. Each of the two channels features independent inputs, outputs, and sidechain inserts.
- داخلائون: Connect your audio source (e.g., mixer output, microphone preamplifier) to the 1/4" TRS or XLR inputs. Both balanced and unbalanced connections are supported.
- آئوٽ پُٽ: Connect the processed audio signal from the 1/4" TRS or XLR outputs to your next device in the signal chain (e.g., power amplifier, recording interface).
- Sidechain Insert: Use the 1/4" TRS sidechain insert jack to connect external processing devices (e.g., EQ, de-esser) that will control the compressor/gate. This is a Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) jack where Tip is Send (output) and Ring is Return (input).
- طاقت: Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC power inlet on the rear panel and then to a suitable AC power outlet (100-120V~ 50/60Hz).

شڪل 4: تفصيلي view of the rear panel, showing XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs/outputs and sidechain inserts for both channels.
5. آپريٽنگ هدايتون
The dbx 266xs features intuitive controls for each of its two independent channels. Understanding these controls is key to achieving desired audio dynamics.
5.1 Expander/Gate Controls
- حد: Sets the level below which the gate will begin to attenuate the signal. Adjust this to eliminate unwanted noise or bleed.
- تناسب: Determines the amount of attenuation applied once the signal falls below the threshold. Higher ratios result in more aggressive gating.
- Gate LED: Indicates when the gate is active.
5.2 Compressor Controls
- حد: Sets the level above which compression begins. Signals exceeding this level will be compressed.
- تناسب: Controls the amount of compression applied. A ratio of 2:1 means that for every 2dB the input signal goes over the threshold, the output will only increase by 1dB.
- Overeasy® Button: Engages dbx's patented Overeasy compression, providing a smoother, more natural compression curve. When disengaged, the compression is hard-knee.
- حملو: Determines how quickly the compressor reacts to signals exceeding the threshold. "Fast" settings react almost instantly, while "Slow" settings allow initial transients to pass through.
- ڇڏڻ: Controls how quickly the compressor returns to its normal state after the signal falls below the threshold. "Fast" settings result in quick release, while "Slow" settings provide a more sustained effect. The 266xs features AutoDynamic™ attack and release for simplified operation.
- پيداوار حاصل ڪرڻ: Adjusts the overall output level of the processed signal to compensate for gain reduction caused by compression.
- حاصل گھٽائڻ وارو ميٽر: A series of LEDs indicating the amount of gain reduction (compression) being applied in dB.
5.3 سسٽم ڪنٽرول
- Stereo Couple Button: Links Channel One and Channel Two for stereo operation. When engaged, Channel One's controls act as the master for both channels.
- بائي پاس بٽڻ: Bypasses all processing for the respective channel, allowing the input signal to pass directly to the output without any compression or gating.

Figure 5: Front panel controls, illustrating the Expander/Gate, Compressor, and System controls for each channel.
6. سار سنڀال
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your dbx 266xs.
- صفائي: يونٽ جي ٻاهرين حصي کي صاف ڪرڻ لاءِ نرم، سڪل ڪپڙو استعمال ڪريو. مائع صاف ڪندڙ يا ايروسول استعمال نه ڪريو، ڇاڪاڻ ته اهي ختم يا اندروني حصن کي نقصان پهچائي سگهن ٿا.
- اسٽوريج: جڏهن گهڻي عرصي تائين استعمال ۾ نه هجي، ته يونٽ کي ٿڌي، سڪل جاءِ تي، سڌي سج جي روشني ۽ انتهائي گرمي پد کان پري رکو.
- وينٽيليشن: باقاعدي طور تي چيڪ ڪريو ته وينٽيليشن جا سوراخ مٽي ۽ ملبي کان صاف آهن ته جيئن وڌيڪ گرم ٿيڻ کان بچي سگهجي.
- ڪيبل ڪنيڪشن: Periodically inspect all audio and power cables for wear or damage. Replace any faulty cables immediately.
7. مسئلا حل ڪرڻ
If you encounter issues with your dbx 266xs, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
| مسئلو | ممڪن سبب / حل |
|---|---|
| ڪابه بجلي ناهي / يونٽ آن نٿو ٿئي |
|
| ڪوبه آڊيو آئوٽ |
|
| خراب ٿيل آڊيو |
|
| Gate not working or always open/closed |
|
| Compressor not engaging or over-compressing |
|
If the problem persists after trying these steps, please contact dbx customer support or refer to the official user manual PDF for more detailed troubleshooting.
8. وضاحتون
Below are the technical specifications for the dbx 266xs Compressor/Gate:
| زمرو | تفصيل |
|---|---|
| داخلائون | 1/4" TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot), Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered |
| ان پٽ رڪاوٽ | Balanced: 50kΩ, Unbalanced: 25kΩ |
| و In ۾ و In داخل ٿيڻ جي سطح | +22dBu balanced or unbalanced |
| ٻاھر ڪڍڻ | 1/4" TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot), Impedance-balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered |
| ٻاھر نڪرڻ واري رڪاوٽ | Balanced: 100Ω, Unbalanced: 50Ω |
| وڌ ۾ وڌ آئوٽ ليول | +21dBu balanced/unbalanced into 2kΩ or greater |
| Sidechain داخل ڪريو | 1/4" TRS Phone Jack (Tip=Output, Ring=Input) |
| Sidechain Impedance | Tip: 1kΩ (Output), Ring: 10kΩ (Input) |
| ڪمپريسر | Threshold: -40dBu to +20dBu |
| تناسب | 1:1 to Infinity:1 (Selectable Overeasy® or Hard-knee) |
| حملو / ڇڏڻ | Program-dependent AutoDynamic™ |
| توسيع/دروازو | Threshold: -60dBu to +10dBu |
| Expansion Ratio | 1:1 کان 4:1 تائين |
| حملو / ڇڏڻ | پروگرام تي منحصر |
| سسٽم جي ڪارڪردگي | Bandwidth: 0.35Hz - 90kHz (+0/-3dB) |
| تعدد جواب | 0.5Hz - 160kHz (+0/-3dB) |
| شور | <-93dBu, unweighted (22kHz measurement band) |
| THD+N | 0.04% typical at +4dBu, 1kHz |
| Intermodulation Distortion | 0.08% typical SMPTE |
| متحرڪ رينج | >113dB, unweighted |
| ڪراسٽالڪ | <-90dB, 20Hz to 20kHz |
| عام موڊ رد ڪرڻ | >40dB, typically >55dB at 1kHz |
| اسٽيريو ملائڻ | True RMS Power Summing™ |
| بجلي جي فراهمي | 15 Watts, 100VAC 50/60Hz, 230VAC 50/60Hz |
| آپريٽنگ جلدtage | 100-120V~ 50/60Hz or 230V~ 50/60Hz |
| آپريٽنگ جي درجه حرارت | 0°C کان 45°C (32°F کان 113°F) |
| جسماني | Dimensions (H x D x W): 1.75" x 5.75" x 19" (4.5cm x 14.6cm x 48.26cm) |
| يونٽ جو وزن | 4.84 پائونڊ / 2.19 ڪلو |
| شپنگ وزن | 6.6 پائونڊ / 2.99 ڪلو |

Figure 6: Official specifications sheet for the dbx 266xs, detailing electrical and physical characteristics.
9. وارنٽي ۽ سپورٽ
dbx products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official dbx webسائيٽ.
For technical support, service, or additional information, please contact dbx customer support:
- سرڪاري استعمال ڪندڙ دستورالعمل (PDF): PDF Manual ڊائون لوڊ ڪريو
- dbx Webسائيٽ: www.dbxpro.com
- Phone (Sales): 1.801.568.7660
- Phone (Int'l Fax): 1.801.568.7583
- فيڪس (وڪرو): 1.801.568.7662
- اي ميل: customer@dbxpro.com
- ائڊريس: 8760 S. Sandy Pkwy., Sandy, Utah 84070, USA





