DBX 160X Compressor / Limiter Repair

Quick video discussing a common problem and fix for the DBX 160X and family of compressors.

[@Yupppi]

Nice to see another video!

[@cliftonwright7081]

Welcome back!

[@JTAITSINGER]

I got the 160A. Bought a Jenson transformer to put in it. Can’t wait to hear how it sounds after. Will change the capacitors next, wouldn’t want the same thing that happen to yours to happen to mine.

[@elliotmane8577]

May i ask, after a year how do you find the Jensen transformer?

[@Musinformation96]

Happy to see another great video from you, always eager to watch your them in full (multiple times). Thanks for sharing :)

[@johnvcougar]

I’ve bumped into “fusible links” failure on dbx units in the past. Cool thing was, the local JayCar (like Radio Shack) had the identical transformer for 30 bucks. Made that repair 20 years ago still going strong today.

[@frankie_ghiloni]

Brad Hope you’ve been well! I love the channel and can’t count how many times I’ve watched this video😂 I am in need of your help with a Roland DEP-5 unit from 1986! I’ve done what work I feel comfortable doing and I’ve taken it to my local tech just to be told he won’t work on it cause better stuff is available… I’m willing to pay ya and would love to see it turned into a educational repair video! Thank you for your time and consideration 🙌🏻🔥

[@mickenord1261]

Nice to see you again

[@djbuckstar]

Friend of mine clued me in to your repairs of 1980s gear. I happen to have a couple Pearce heads, a G2r and G1, and am experiencing dropouts/ steep reductions in volume. Can't find anyone willing to work on them. Let me know if you'd be interested in taking a crack. Your channel is awesome.

[@matrix12x]

excited to see this new video!!!!

[@ExilesGate]

Thank you !✨🙏 You just helped me repair my Yamaha DW1500👍

[@JTAITSINGER]

Thanks for the video

[@chasepe5762]

Is there any way you could be convinced to do a preventative recap on an Ensoniq DP/4? Thanks for all of your great videos I use a bunch of the same gear daily.

[@lawrencechristiansen9857]

Great vids sir! I think I might have sold you an electronic drum module years ago on ebay... ;)

[@digitized_music]

More videos on restoration and repair please

[@geezberry8889]

160A was the good one

[@disantlor]

would you ever consider doing a video on the DeltaLab DL5 if I sent you one? one of my favorite pieces, with some interesting history, but becoming difficult to repair due to lack of information.

[@Doctaj54]

Cool. Would a better/thicker power cord help any?

[@holotronixproaudio1444]

same happened to my 166...

[@jojogrooves]

The metering LEDs on my 160A stopped working. Do you know a fix for that, or do you offer repair services? Any insight would be much appreciated! Loved this video.

[@chasepe5762]

Have you ever upgraded the VCA's, high speed opamps, and changed out film caps?

[@therealdjap]

What was the transformer replacement that you ordered?

[@usinganear]

I have a DBX 160XT that arrived with a lot of issues. It powers on but has trouble compressing and with noise introduction. I don't know much about circuitry, but I did notice that the same capacitors that are leaking in the unit you have here have leaked in my unit. Do you have a link or spec for the capacitors you used so I can attempt to replace those and see if that helps the issues my unit is having? Thanks so much for this video! Hopefully this will help me save a unit without having to trash it.

[@MichaelKatonOfficial]

Hello Brad…As the owner of a 160X I found this vid interesting I also own two dbx 160’s…the schematic says they use a 3AG 1/4amp fuse…can you tell me if that should be a slow blow or a fast blow fuse? Thanks for your reply!,MK

[@Sickindian5]

Great video! Its exact same issue ive got in my one. Could you DM me link for transformer replacement? I couldn’t find right one but since you’ve mentioned it I might finally repair the unit. Cheers

[@TheAsthmattack]

@bradthx I would like to know the transformer replacement too. Got a DBX 160xt with the same problem and I already replaced the capacitors. Thank you very much for the video!!

[@APMD96]

Hello Brad, how can someone have you repair their gear? Thanks!

[@KarlHarvey-vl1lk]

Can have a dbx 160A repair

[@thisisevank]

Hi Brad, thanks for this video. My DBX 160X unit is showing Gain Reduction despite no input signal being fed whatsoever. A friend of mine mentioned changing out the VAC Card. Does this check out? Any suggestions?

[@amercer639]

Mines doing the same thing did you fix it

[@motnik]

Great video! I just got a (working) 160xt in Europe, but I want to take it to the States. Any advise how to switch the voltage on these units?

[@mytron1849]

I've got one that was modded from 120V to 230V, simply by swapping out the power transformer. Good to double check, but it seems that's all it needs.

[@bn1studio429]

Most European 160XTs have a voltage selector on the back panel

[@eancurtis9333]

My 160x randomly cuts out in volume and I have to play with the output gain knob to get it back... But when in bypass there is never volume drop

[@wjamyers]

Bass Amp Problem: DBX 160A Crackling, Dropping Down, Dropping Out, Product Number: DBX160ADV, Product Name: "DBX,160AD,STANDARD COMP/LIMITER XLR,US", Serial number on sticker on bottom of unit, not even printed on chassis, think it's early model. Problem was not obvious, it only happens after warm for quite some time, Question: Refurb With DBX/Harmon for around $150? Or get modded by Revive Audio for $250+? Rig: SWR Basic 350 from the 90s playing rock, country and Americana. I thought it plausible that just getting it modded might fix it. What do you all think? Please advise.

[@rick-wg4in]

Hello Brad. Love your channel! How can I get in contact? I have a few items that need attention and would like to send them to you.

[@CollinAnderson-pm2vb]

Hello mi boss i need one of dem right Now can u give a link please

[@matrix12x]

Is that a spot for an audio transformer near the outputs?

[@bradthx]

Indeed!

[@creativedrumcompetition]

Hi Brad, Will you accept my Roland XP 80 keyboard for repair ?

[@josegascon2716]

Hello, Thanks for this video, I have a small problem with a dbx 160 that I have had for a long time... when I press the bypass it makes a "plop" noise that is annoying, and it is not the switch that is dirty, do you have a solution? to eliminate this noise when I press the bypass? I have knowledge of electronics, I would appreciate your help. Thanks in advance

[@bn1studio429]

Audio passes through the bypass switch so the noise is coming from the switch. Switch cleaner will help. Alternatively there may be fault that is putting DC across switch - you can test this with a multimeter

[@josegascon2716]

@@bn1studio429 Thanks for the info, I changed the power supply capacitors and managed to remove approximately 20% of the noise, by putting a general ground it was possible to clean up almost 80% of the noise, although there was a small unimportant click, do you think that if I change the rest of input/output electrolytics, will I be able to leave it totally free of noise? Thank you very much for your attention.

[@bn1studio429]

@@josegascon2716 Audio passes through the switch so I would expect there to always be a click if you are switching audio. If there's no audio passing through you may still get some noise. I doubt you'll ever eradicate the noise completely

[@Valerifon1]

Hello Brad, I'm new to your channel. How do I contact you for a repair? I have a first-generation Yamaha SPX-90 with a power supply issue. If you're available, how do I contact you to discuss shipping my unit to you? I'm in Texas btw... Cheers - Luther

[@meredithariano7316]

😜 Pᵣₒmₒˢᵐ