the 118 and the 160vu has the same compression technology unique to older dbx units. but they do have a different coloration - which is quite understandable since the 118 has a transformerless design and runs at -10db consumer level. the 118 has a nice "lofi" touch, sounds darker. great for electric guitars tracked to daw that lack warmth. the 160vu will give a much clearer attack on bass drums for example and has a nice sheen on trebles the 118 doesn't have.