dbx 160A, Instructions Manual

dbx 160A  COMPRESSOR / LIMITER

Grounding

For maximum hum rejection with a balanced source, avoid common grounding at the 160A's input and output. Most bal-
anced (3-conductor) cables have the shield connected at both ends. This can result in ground loops which cause hum. If 
hum is a problem, try changing the position of the rear panel GROUND LIFT switch. This switch disconnects the input 
XLR pin 1 (the shield) from the 160A's chassis ground. We advise starting with the switch in the LIFT position (shield dis-
connected at the 160A input). If hum persists try disconnecting the shield on one or more of your cables, preferably at the 
input of a device, not at the output: Ground the shield of the input cable at the source device (leaving it unconnected at the 
160A's INPUT) and ground the shield of the output cable to the ground terminal of the 160A (leaving it unconnected at the 
receiving device). The shield is pin 1 on the XLR, SLEEVE on a 1/4” TRS.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT, FACTORY SERVICE

Technical Support/Factory Service

The 160A is an all-solid-state product with components chosen for high performance and excellent reliability. Each 160A 
is designed, assembled, tested, burned in and calibrated at the factory in the USA and should require no internal adjust-
ment of any type throughout the life of the unit. We recommend that your 160A be returned to the factory only after refer-
ring to the manual and consulting with Technical Support.

Our phone number, fax number and address are listed on the back cover. When you contact dbx Technical Support, be pre-
pared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit  --  this is printed on a sticker attached to 
the rear panel .

Note: Please refer to the terms of your Limited Two-Year Standard Warranty, which extends to the first end-user. After the warranty expires, a reasonable 
charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for transportation charges 
to the factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.

Shipping Instructions: Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper, 
and with the following words in quotes in red: “DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE!” Insure the package properly. 
Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post. (If you do not plan to save the packaging material, please recycle it.)

Registration Card and User Feedback

We appreciate your feedback. After you have an opportunity to use your new 160A, please complete the Registration Card 
(inserted this manual), and return it.

WARRANTY

1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after purchase date to vali-
date this warranty. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.

2. dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and work-
manship under normal use and service. 

3. dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials that show evi-
dence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all 
parts and labor will be covered up to a period of two years. A Return Authorization number must be obtained from dbx by 
telephone. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or 
assembly .

4. dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without incur-
ring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured.

5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes nor authorizes any person 
to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its 
dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes 
beyond their control .

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