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Customer Reviews 53 Reviews

4.79 out of 5 stars

by L. Diaz (12/31/2013):

I used this compressor on a side chain buss on my drums  and  the same on my bass on a side c ... Read more

44 Reviews
7 Reviews
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Overview

dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter Plug-In

Faithful Plug-In Emulation of First Commercially Available VCA Compressor

The dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter is a fully licensed and faithful emulation of the legendary dbx 160 hardware compressor/limiter — still widely considered the best VCA compressor ever made. “VU” is the common nickname for this highly regarded studio staple, famous for its simple control set and firm, distinct compression characteristics. The dbx 160 also has unique nonlinearities not found in other VCA compressors, giving it a sonic distinction from later models. The dbx-endorsed UAD Powered Plug-In version of the VCA VU captures all of the sonic nuances from our “golden” modeling unit, plus the simple control set of the original hardware.

$199.00

Reviews

Reviews

  • Neil Mclellan

    (TapeOp)

    "My favortite [UAD Powered Plug-In] is the VCA VU Compressor/Limiter. I love it so much. It's absolutely unbelievable."

    Hans Zimmer

    (The Dark Knight, Gladiator)

    "For years I used an old dbx 160 compressor for drums. So when UA came out with the VCA VU, I was very happy."

    Ed MacFarlane

    (Friendly Fires)

    "I really like it [VCA-VU] & it's really simple... it beefs up the sound & makes the signal from an 808 more interesting."

    Review

    (Computer Music)

    "It's easy to get the VCA VU pumping away. Correctly adjusting the Threshold knob to get the unit working is simple ..."

User Ratings

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Average Rating (53 Reviews)
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    The best bass and drums compressor by far
    by L. Diaz (Tuesday 25 December, 2012)

    I used this compressor on a side chain buss on my drums  and  the same on my bass on a side chain to make everything more punchy. This is the best compressor by far, it's giving me the sound that no other compressor can do  … Read More

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    Phenomenal !
    by V. Kuzeva (Tuesday 6 November, 2012)

    This is the best software compressor of its type ever created ! The punch of this one is fantastic ! With this tool no more lack of punch ! Essential tool in our arsenal ! Universal Audio are the kings of processors for real punch ! … Read More

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    by C. Delaney (Tuesday 7 May, 2013)

    I've only used it on vocals and its GREAT on transients.. It just works man...Put a Fairchild on top of it and see what happens.. Well, I love what happens. … Read More

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    dbx 160 - that's what I was missing
    by T. Cerniglia (Sunday 21 April, 2013)

    First day I downloaded the compressor I put it on the kick and bass guitar. I found a preset for each as a starting point and dialed them in to taste. That was it, that was what I was missing from my mixes. Things never seemed quite right before. I'd get close but something was always missing. It pu … Read More

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    dbx 160VU review
    by M. Lord (Tuesday 2 April, 2013)

    Great Plug-in, really close to the actual unit. FAR too expensive tho, as are almost all the UAD plug-ins. … Read More

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$199.00

Artists

  • Top Engineers Top "Desert Island" Plug-Ins

    If you were stuck on a desert island with your recording studio, what UAD plug-ins could you not live without?… Read More

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    Learn how Culture Club producer Steve Levine used UAD Powered Plug-ins to recreate the classic sound of 1960s soul. Read More

    R&B Engineer Tremaine Williams

    Tremaine reflects on how UAD Powered Plug-Ins have helped to further his quest for audio perfection. Read More

  • Audio Legend Joe Chiccarelli

    The Grammy-winning producer, mixer, and engineer is responsible for capturing some of modern times’ most beloved sounds. Read More

    Andrew Scheps on Engineering the Chili Peppers

    Andrew Scheps’ engineering and mixing credits read like a who’s who of popular music. Read More

    Thievery Corporation's Chris “Stone” Garrett on UA

    Chris Garrett mixes and engineers Thievery Corporation's spacious organic elements and electronic grooves. Read More

  • Dave Isaac

    There were many recording techniques used in my years as an engineer back in Detroit in the various recording studios. Read More

    Matt Knobel

    Matt Knobel has a great job. A job that many of us covet. He is the head engineer at South Beach's Setai Recording Studio. Read More

$199.00
Features & Specs

dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter Plug-In

Features:

  • Plug-in model of dbx 160; first solid-state VCA compressor
  • Modeled discrete version with unique nonlinearities
  • Same simple control set of its analog counterpart
  • Threshold, Compression and Output controls
  • LED threshold indicators just like the original
  • Input/Output/Gain Change VU meter
  • Modeled from desirable ‘non-monolithic’ original design, adding unique nonlinearities
  • Requires a UAD DSP Accelerator Card or Apollo Interface available from authorized dealers worldwide

See the UAD Instance Chart here

$199.00

Docs

UAD System Manual

UAD Plug-Ins Manual

UA 2012 Product Catalog.pdf

$199.00

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