The latest arrival to Overloud’s Gem Series plug-in range faithfully recreates not one, but three versions of the iconic dbx 160. Said to be capable of delivering everything from punchy drum tracks to tight bass lines and cohesive mix bus control, Gem Comp160 offers the fast, musical compression for which the original hardware is renowned while preserving the clarity and impact of the original audio.
Created using Overloud’s acclaimed modelling technology, the new plug-in meticulously recreates the sound of three iterations of the legendary VCA compressor. First up is a VU version that’s based on the original units, sporting a virtual VU meter and classic control layout. An XT variant then delivers a warmer, more harmonically dense character — something which was attributed to an optional transformer that could be installed in the hardware. Finally, an a version offers a cleaner, more modern sound with a slightly faster response time.
New Additions
As with all of the plug-ins in Overloud’s Gem Series, Comp160 is equipped with some handy modern features that go beyond the capabilities of the original hardware, including:
- Built-in Mid-Side processing.
- Built-in parallel compression.
- User-controllable harmonic generation.
- Low-frequency sensitivity control.
- Ultra oversampling mode.
- Multi-level undo/redo.
- A/B comparison.
- Scribble Strips for adding notes directly to the interface.
- VU meter calibration with four sensitivity settings.
Compatibility
Gem Comp160 is supported on PCs running Windows Vista or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.7 and above. VST, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Gem Comp160 is available now, and is currently (12 March 2026) being offered at an introductory price of $69, reduced from its full cost of $119.
