Here is what the 160/161 manual states regarding the difference between the two models:

"The model 160 is a fully professional compressor/limiter with a balanced differential input with an automatic ground-loop compensated output (hum resulting from any ground loop at the output is automatically sensed and attenuated at least 40dB), and with a special protection circuit that blocks power turn-on and turn-off transients from the output.

"The model 161 is nearly the same as the 160, but is priced for the smaller studio, or the semi-pro user. It has the same advanced rms detection and feed-forward circuitry as Model 160, but it lacks turn-on/turn-off transient protection, and ground-loop compensation. The 161’s input and output are unbalanced and terminated in RCA-type phono jacks."

My guess is the main (practical) difference is the use of transformers to balance the O, unless they used opamps to balance them (I can't get the schematic part of the manual to load, so I can only speculate
)

Hope this helps.

Peace,

Joel

i've had a pair of DBX-160's since i was 12 years old (!...i'm now 34)...and i absoloutly love 'em
i've been using them for years on different things.....bass,vocals,kick etc.
there are no input/output transformers in mine so we're talking differential input here

merry xmas

Welcome to Sebatron,

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Hey thanks Kev,
really appreciate it
i'm dashing inbetween christmas family food functions trying to keep my gut full
...bit hung over from mixing a 'punkrock' band last night (THE SHAKES)
i could've used a couple of them 160's !!
merry xmas to all

Hey thanks Kev,
really appreciate it
i'm dashing inbetween christmas family food functions trying to keep my gut full
...bit hung over from mixing a 'punkrock' band last night (THE SHAKES)
i could've used a couple of them 160's !!
merry xmas to all

Thanks guys,

I have since gotten my hands on the schematics and am going to compare them and see just how great of a headache it would be to change the 161 over to 160! Maybe the same pcb stuffed differently?

Thanks for the input!

hey allen let us know how you go
i'd really love to see those schematics
where did you get them?

i just had another peek in mine and it looks pretty straightforward
alot of trim pots though so i guess that means a lot of alignment

I had the originals at the bottom of a stack of schematics.

I will try to make a PDF of them at the very least i can scan them...

i got extremely lazy over the holidays and havent looked at it yet. back in the saddle!

Hi, I am new here, but I have a lot of old gear - I have an old dbx 161 and I would love to bring it up to spec with the 160, at least. Can someone share their expertise here? Thank you!