dbx 160A ...

I'm using a dbx 576 pre right now. I was thinking of getting the 160A because of all the good things I heard about it. Would that be considered an upgrade? I was surprised when I saw it was only $350. Also, I've seen that there is a 160, and a 160A. How much difference does an 'A' make?

ummm.... to the best of my knowledge, 160's of all vintages are just compressors, and do not have mic pre-amps, so if you're looking for a mic pre upgrade, look elseware.

Correct, all the 160 DBX series are compressors only.

The one to look for is the old one whith the VU meter,160X ? No pre though.

ok, thanks for the info. I guess the cat at Guitar Center really wanted to make that commission cause he sure didn't mention that and I told him that I was looking to upgrade my pre. Would it make any sense for me to get it anyway and just use it instead of using my 576?

I think I saw a newer DBX 160 that had a silver front plate, and was 2 or 3 rack spaces high. That may be a 160S or an "A" or something. That one's different than the one I've used in the past (ouch, back in 1985 or so). The one's I've used with good success are the older, single space (I believe black panel) ones; it may be a 160 "X" model? ...I think you'd only find them used.