Squashed Sounds | Gear Nebraska

by Brendan G-W

The DBX 266 Compressor/Gate is a great option for simple compression. It is a dual mono compressor, but can be used in stereo with the push of a button. Whether in the studio or in a live setting, this rackmount compressor is packed with versatility.

Basic control options make dialing in the compressor effortless. Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Output Gain are adjustable. The unit has a string of LED lights to show gain reduction.

Personally, I don’t really use the Expander/Gate built into the unit, as it is pretty worthless. At best it could be used as a very crude noise gate. 

Overall, this compact unit does a nice job of inexpensive compression without coloration. 

Brendan G-W is an Omaha native. Some of his favorite things include finishing his column in time to get out on the golf course. Has he squashed this one too much? Leave a comment here or send it to brendan.gwalsh@gmail.com