UAD dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter
The UAD dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter delivers the punchy dynamics control and unmistakable analog character of one of the most iconic VCA compressors ever made. Developed by Universal Audio, this premium compressor plug-in faithfully recreates the fast response, musical punch, and aggressive transient shaping of the legendary dbx 160 hardware unit.
Famous for its ability to add impact and energy without sounding overly compressed, the original dbx 160 became a studio favorite for drums, bass, vocals, guitars, and mix bus processing. The UAD version accurately captures the original hardware’s VCA compression behaviour, analog circuitry, and nonlinear response with exceptional realism.
Classic VCA Compression Punch
The dbx 160 is renowned for delivering:
- Fast and punchy compression
- Tight transient control
- Classic analog VCA character
- Powerful dynamics shaping without harshness
Its highly musical response makes it particularly effective for drums and bass, adding weight, consistency, and attack while preserving natural energy.
Authentic Analog Modeling
Universal Audio’s detailed circuit emulation recreates the original hardware’s VCA gain stages, detector behaviour, and analog saturation characteristics for an authentic vintage compression workflow inside modern DAWs.
Features
- Authentic dbx 160 compressor/limiter emulation
- Classic VCA-style compression
- Fast transient response and punch
- Musical analog dynamics control
- Rich analog coloration and character
- Professional studio-grade sound quality
- Designed for UAD and native production workflows
Applications
- Drums and percussion
- Bass guitar and synth bass
- Electric guitars
- Vocals and parallel compression
- Mix bus dynamics shaping
Plugin Technical Specifications
- Plugin Type: Compressor / limiter
- Modeled Hardware: dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter
- Compression Style: VCA compression
- Processing: Advanced analog circuit and VCA modeling
- Features: Fast attack response, peak limiting, analog dynamics shaping
- Formats: VST3, AU, AAX
- Compatibility: macOS & Windows
- DSP Support: UAD-2 and Apollo DSP systems
- Native Support: Supported via UAD Native software ecosystem
- Authorisation: iLok account required
- Applications: Mixing, mastering, tracking, analog dynamics processing
