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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

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-1 or UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card available from authorized dealers worldwide

See the UAD Instance Chart here

$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."

    04/2010

    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."

    Review
    05/2010

    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
    10/2009

    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 ..."

    Review
    05/2008

User Ratings

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Average Rating (28 Reviews)
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    by S. Sorensen (Sunday 13 May, 2012)

    I was fully ready to be disappointed. But wait a minute . . . Wow. It sounds just like I remember it. This is the first time I've heard a plug-in sound this smooth and transparent (especially on vocals) ever. I'd been meaning to buy the actual analog unit - but not really a need now. … Read more

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    by R. Patel (Friday 11 May, 2012)

    I have tried this amazing plug-in tool on my kick drum and synth bass...the best compressor for this task. The Kick always thumps like nothing else, and the Bass parts just come to life. Great compressor. … Read more

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    by B. Jester (Tuesday 24 April, 2012)

    I've had a hard time getting that snare and bass guitar sound for a while. The dbx 160 is what I was missing all along. For me that sound of the snare in your face, but feeling sucked back all at the same time and the bass guitar's low end right up front all being controlled. A classic unit that was … Read more

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    by D. Dresdow (Friday 9 December, 2011)

    Thwacktastic. I'd like to write a paragraph about it, but that's pretty much it to me. It's the goto for adding 'twack' on drums in my studio. … Read more

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    by A. Charles (Tuesday 4 October, 2011)

    Probably the most underated software compressor in the UAD range or native even. The most versital capable of the most extremes as well. I can't say enough good things about it. … Read more

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$199.00

Artists

  • 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
Docs

UAD System Manual

UAD Plug-Ins Manual

UA 2011 Product Catalog.pdf

$199.00

6.1

New to UAD Powered Plug-Ins? Learn more here.

Annual Build Your Own Bundle
6.2

Featuring the definitive new 1176 Classic Limiter Collection. More info…

Andrew Scheps

Andrew Scheps

Engineering Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mixing Adele. Read the interview…