dbx 1046 Quad Compressor

January 18, 1996 -- Equally at home in recording studios and live sound reinforcement venues alike, the new dbx 1046 is a four-channel compressor that combines pristine sonic quality with the classic dbx sound.

The 1046 provides four channels of smooth dbx OverEasy(R) or hard knee compression designed to meet the demands of everything from multitrack recorders to PA systems. The compressor's PeakStopPlus(TM) function is ideal for protecting a system from the oppressive peaks that can take out valuable drivers in a sound reinforcement rig or studio monitors.

Each of the 1046's four channels have the following controls:

Threshold -- set the level at which the compressor starts affecting the gain
OverEasy(R) -- select between soft compression for overall gain control or hard knee compression, based on the classic curve of the original dbx 160
Ratio -- set the slope of gain reduction affecting the signal over the threshold level
Input/Output Meter -- check the input and output levels for maximum signal-to-noise ratio and best level matching
Output Gain -- add make-up gain or adjust the output level for that channel to match the next device's input gain
Bypass -- hard wire bypass allows the user to hear how the compressor is affecting the signal PeakStopPlus(TM) -- set the maximum signal level to pass through this channel (while it's virtually impossible to eliminate distortion, the PeakstopPlus operates gracefully and effectively with minimal distortion)
Stereo Link -- links channels 1&2 and 3&4 for two channels of true stereo compression

All four channels feature balanced gold-plated XLR and 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, and switchable +4dBu or -10dBv operating level to interface each individual channel with any other device.

Summary of features:

Four independent channels of operation, stereo linkable in two pairs
PeakStopPlus limiting control for setting maximum allowable level regardless of compressor settings
Switchable OverEasy(R) or hard knee compression
Selectable Auto (classic dbx) or manual (variable Attack and Release) compression
Differentially-balanced gold-plated XLR and 1/4-inch inputs and outputs
True RMS level detection
Precision metering of input level, output level and gain reduction
Dual True stereo or quad mono operation
Switchable +4dBu or -10dBv operation per channel
Proudly designed, manufactured and tested in the USA

For more information, visit their web site at www.dbxpro.com.