dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter by Waves compressor plugin interface

dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter: VCA Compressor Plugin by Waves

dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter is a compressor plugin by Waves that models the classic dbx 160 hardware, known for fast VCA-based compression on drums and bass. It runs in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Waves developed the dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter in close collaboration with dbx, modeling the original hardware unit. The plugin focuses on the punchy, fat compression associated with 1970s drum and bass processing. Its controls are kept straightforward, so producers can dial in a result quickly. Added features include a mix control for parallel compression, a sidechain hi-pass filter, and selectable linked stereo, dual mono or mid-side operation.

Best for

Drum bus compression
Bass compression
Parallel drum compression
Rap vocal aggression
Acoustic guitar thickening
Mid-side mix processing

Developer: Waves
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Models the classic 1970s dbx 160 VCA compressor sound
Punchy, fat results for drums and bass
Adds aggression from drum bus to rap vocal
Straightforward controls for quick settings
Mix control for quick parallel compression
Sidechain hi-pass filter for a full low end
Linked stereo, dual mono and mid-side modes
Transparent sound with ultra-low distortion

03In depth

Sound and Character of the dbx 160 Compressor

The plugin is built around the VCA-based compression of the original dbx 160, which the developer describes as a clean break from earlier designs. Waves says the model reproduces the hardware's sound closely while the new features extend it for modern studios.

The compressor is intended for drums, bass, synths and acoustic guitar, where it adds thickness and body. Pushed harder, it can add aggression, from a drum bus to a rap vocal.

The developer also describes the processing as transparent, with ultra-low distortion when used more conservatively.

Controls, Parallel Compression and Stereo Options

The interface uses a small set of straightforward controls intended to reach usable settings quickly. The mix control blends the compressed signal with the dry signal, which allows quick parallel compression without a separate bus.

The sidechain hi-pass filter keeps low frequencies from triggering the compressor too heavily, helping kick and bass keep a full low end.

Stereo handling can be set to linked stereo, dual mono or mid-side operation, so the plugin can work on a full mix or on individual channels.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Waves
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter used for?

It is used to add punch and thickness to drums and bass, and to add fat texture to synths and acoustic guitar. It can also add aggression to sources such as a drum bus or a rap vocal.

Which formats and operating systems does it support?

The plugin is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS. On Mac, the listed system requirements cover macOS Monterey 12 through Sequoia 15, and on PC, Windows 10 and later.