The DBX 160 (also referred to as 160 VU), designed by David Blackmer and released in 1976, is an early VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) type compressor / limiter. This half-rack unit features simple controls (threshold, compression, output) and a large VU meter with switchable function.

It is widely used as a transient-shaping effect for percussive sounds, particularly kick drum, snare drum, and picked electric bass guitar.