dbx 166A
The repair of this compressor was supposed to be relatively simple, as only the Bypass function switch (mini-ISOSTAT type) needed replacement. It had fallen apart into several pieces and basically made the device unusable. Unfortunately, to replace it at all, it was necessary to remove the main board, but the XLR sockets (Neutrik), which were riveted to the rear panel, were also soldered to that same board. These connectors blocked any possibility of removing the main board, while the board blocked any possibility of removing the connectors from the back (ignoring the existing rivets).
In theory this wasn’t a hopeless situation, because this type of connector was designed to be separated (the PCB-soldered part from the metal shell riveted to the panel) using a dedicated notch and mechanism built into the body of the connector (the visible plastic element). Unfortunately, this mechanism was worn out in two of the four connectors, and I could not separate them despite many attempts.
After a lot of effort, I finally decided to drill out the rivets and cut the connector pins using the proper tool. This made it possible to remove the main board and replace the Bypass switch, although it also became necessary (mainly for aesthetic reasons) to install a new set of XLR connectors (including panel ones) and to change how they were connected to the main board, since I was unable to buy identical connectors with the same mounting method.
As a result, a simple repair became much more time-consuming and focused mainly on mechanical work, and it did slightly increase the final cost. Nevertheless, any future servicing of this unit will certainly be much easier. The inside and the external panel (including the knobs) were also cleaned.
