Universal Audio dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter

VCA Compressor Plugin

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  • $199.00 80% off
  • $39.00
    USD
    Cloud

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    Digital Products


    Digital Products are delivered electronically either via your order status page, or via email.

    No physical product will be shipped to you!

    In most cases, the product you purchase from us is a serial number/license code/activation code to register the product with the manufacturer and download directly from them. This ensures you receive the latest version of products, and the best support when necessary.

    After purchase, your license code and relevant links will appear on your order status page, or they will be sent to you by email.

    For detailed instructions on the registration/download process, you can visit our dedicated page by clicking here: Install Instructions.

Education Proof

Products with education pricing are for students & teachers only. To prove your education status we require that you upload proof in the form of an image/PDF.

Types of proof

Student

Student ID Card, Letter of enrollment, or similar

Teacher/Lecturer

Teacher ID Card, Lecturer ID Card, Payslip, Letter from the school/college

Education proof is submitted to the manufacturer and is accepted at their discretion.

The Basics

iLok is a copy protection method used by many of our brands.

It has 3 types of activations, iLok USB, iLok Machine, and iLok Cloud.

Different brands/products will offer different iLok methods. iLok USB is always an option, but the availability of iLok Cloud and iLok Machine methods is at the discretion of the software developer.

iLok Account

For all iLok protected products, you will need an iLok account. You can create one for free here: ilok.com/#!registration

iLok License Manager

To manage your iLok licenses, there is a dedicated app called iLok License Manager. This app is used to register, activate, and move your licenses between locations.

You can download the latest installers from the iLok website: ilok.com/#!home

iLok USB Key

iLok USB

This activation is stored on an iLok 2 or 3 USB key.

It is the best option for portability, if you frequently move between multiple machines, and offline use.

iLok Machine ID

Machine ID

This activation is stored locally on your computer.

While this is a convenient way to work offline, and does not require the additional cost of an iLok USB, there is the risk of a license being lost in the case of a drive failure.

This option also requires extra care when you upgrade to a new computer, the license(s) must be deactivated on your old machine first to ensure you do not lose them.

iLok Cloud

iLok Cloud

This activation is based online, and requires a "cloud session" using the iLok License Manager.

It requires an active internet connection for the entire time you use the plugin(s).
View System Requirements
Supports Apple Silicon natively
AAX Native - Compatible with Pro Tools 11 and above
AudioUnits Format
UAD-2 Format
VST3 Format
iLok Cloud compatible, dongle optional
iLok Dongle Required
MacOS Logo
Windows Logo

Iconic VCA compressor with all the punch and quirk of the vintage hardware

The dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter plugin is a fully licensed, faithful emulation of the legendary dbx 160 hardware - the most sonically distinct iteration of dbx's cherished line of audio compressors.

Capturing the signature quickness and quirky circuit-level nuances of a sourced "golden unit", now with added controls for modern workflows, the UAD dbx 160 plug‑in boasts sonic authenticity all its own, bringing classic solid‑state VCA compression into a new age.

Features

  • Add a unique voice and flavor to your compressor toolkit with the first solid-state VCA compressor ever made
  • Give acoustic guitars and snare drums in‑your‑face thwack"
  • Harness fat compression textures on bass guitar, drum buses, synths, and more
  • Create with Dry/Wet mix control for quick parallel compression and Sidechain Filter for reduced low-frequency pumping

Included Versions

  • UAD Native - Runs on your Mac or PC without UA hardware (AAX, AU, VST3)
  • Apollo Realtime & UAD-2 - Runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD‑2 hardware (AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3)

Versatile VCA Compression

Whether you’re using it on synths, bass guitar, or a drum bus, the dbx 160 plug‑in emulates the original hardware's grabby, low‑end glue.

With old‑school character for days, the plug-in version features all of the same unique nonlinearities that make it a must-have for any engineer's compressor toolkit.

Simple to Use, Timeless Character

With the same simple control set and at‑a‑glance metering of the original, the dbx 160 plug‑in makes it easy to crush a parallel drum bus, or inject subtle fatness.

It can also add aggressiveness and impact to everything from guitar power chords to a hip‑hop vocal.

Leveled Up for Modern Workflows

Along with graphic enhancements and improved VU metering, the dbx 160 plug‑in's Dry/Wet Mix control lets you easily punch up a drum bus with parallel compression, while the added Sidechain Filter lets you keep the low end tight, enhancing the compressor's impact.

System Requirements

  • MacOS 10.15 Catalina and above
  • Officially supported up to MacOS 14 Sonoma
  • Windows 10 and above (64-bit only)
  • Intel, AMD, or Apple Silicon CPU
  • Free iLok account and iLok License Manager
  • iLok Cloud and iLok USB licensing methods are supported

Plugin Formats

  • UAD Native: AAX Native, AU, and VST3
  • Apollo & UAD-2: AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3

    • Crossgrade Proof

    This crossgrade is for owners of a competing DAW. To prove your DAW ownership, we require that you upload proof in the form of an image/PDF.

    Types of proof

    A copy of your purchase receipt for the original license or the most recent update/upgrade

    A screenshot of your product registration

    A photo of your package (either CD/DVD or printed manual), with the unique serial number included in the photo.

    Get a free upgrade to RX10

    This offer is valid until RX10's release.

    Eligible Products

    Purchase one of the following products:

    • RX9 Standard
    • RX9 Standard - Crossgrade from any paid iZotope product
    • RX9 Standard - Upgrade from any RX Standard, Advanced, or Post Production Suite
    • RX9 Standard - Upgrade from RX Elements/Plugin Pack
    • RX9 Advanced
    • RX9 Advanced - Crossgrade from any paid iZotope product
    • RX9 Advanced - Upgrade from RX Advanced 1-8, or Post Production Suite 1-5
    • RX9 Advanced - Upgrade from RX Standard 1-8
    • RX9 Advanced - Upgrade from RX Elements/Plugin Pack
    • RX Post Production Suite 6
    • RX Post Production Suite 6 - Upgrade from RX Post Production Suite 1-5
    • RX Post Production Suite 6 - Upgrade from RX Advanced 1-8
    • RX Post Production Suite 6 - Upgrade from RX Standard 1-8
    • RX Post Production Suite 6 - Upgrade from RX Post Production Suite 1-8

    Exclusions

    Only the upgrades and crossgrades specified above are eligible. All others listed apply to the full version of the product only. Education versions are not eligible.