The 160SL combines the best features of all the great dbx® compressors, past and present, and gives you more versatile performance than ever before. In addition to having the auto attack and release as well as the hard knee threshold characteristics of the classic dbx 160, the 160SL now offers AutoVelocity manual mode, in addition to our classic OverEasy® mode. dbx AutoVelocity technology allows you to find the exact attack and release effect you are looking for. Still on board is the venerable dbx Auto mode. Now you can set your maximum preferred settings in manual mode, and let the 160SL do the rest for you. The heart of any dynamics processor is its VCA.The dbx 160SL features dual proprietary V8 VCA modules. This state-of-the-art implementation of dbx's original Blackmer decilinear VCA boasts an unheard-of 127dB dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. Encased in a specially designed aluminumzinc housing for shielding and thermal characteristics, the V8 maintains its superior performance even in the harshest environments. The 160SL takes full advantage of the most technologically superior components available today.The 160SL offers a plethora of features which include: variable attack and release controls, as well as dbx's latest limiting algorithm PeakStopPlus™, precision 0.1% and 1% resistors, gold-palladium-nickel contacts, Jensen® transformers, gold plated Neutrik® XLRs, and rare earth magnet relays with gold contacts. These features are housed in a hermetically-sealed nitrogen environment and mounted on military-grade glass epoxy circuit boards. The end result is the most technologically advanced compressor in the world, which offers pristine sound quality that will bring new life and dimension to any audio piece be it live or in the studio.