DBX 163x

[mertmo]

I made an entire record one time with nothing but a 163x, every single overdub. A couple of the mixes are still up there with the best I ever did...

Those things totally rock.

[tylerbcrawford]

Is there any difference between the faux wood 163x and the newer looking black one? The newer one appears to have a DI input on the front. Anything else different?

[soundguy]

does this use the same discrete vca as the 160? anyone know?

dave

[Slider]

Anything like an alesis microlimiter?

Nope... The 163x is what I call thwacky sounding for lack of a better term.
Great on bass or vocals, it has that signature DBX tight sound.
It's not an explosive out of control compression sound.
That's where the alesis ML shines.
The MLimiter will make the whole room come through your snare mic if you want.
Completly over the top 1176 cranked style compression.
Both are great.
I have a few 160A's that I love. They do pretty much the same thing as the 163's and much more, and they sound better, so I don't really use the 163x's anymore.
The 163x is a great buy.
So is the micro Limiter.

[tylerbcrawford]

Im still wondering if anyone has compared the old 163 (faux wood) to the newer black one (with the DI input)??

[E-cue]

I main thing I use them on is electric guitar when mixing. Doesn't always fit the bill but when it does, it's stellar.

The newer black one has higher fidelity and less grit that the old 163. Also, almost every older 163 I've tried had a scratchy slider.