Summary - Audio quality is good. There is some noise on a few of the samples, a couple are quite bad though in the main wouldn't be noticeable if used deep within a mix, you might want to be using some noise reduction processing on some places though. There is a fair degree of quite extreme processing in places, the Gated FX and Live Drums sections in particular, otherwise the processing is quite subtle and effective.

In a way 260dB isn't a true sequel to 160dB, having been extracted from the same sessions, it's more of an addon or supplement I feel to the first volume. I did have some fears for this collection when I realised that it had been created from same sessions as the 160bB volume, but it isn't a bad sample CD at all. I think in the main it suffers from simply not being as good as 160dB. This isn't surprising of course, the very best material is bound to end up on the first release.

The drum loops in the two sections, both live and programmed are very good, and usable, the atmospheres, upright bass and sax sections likewise are good and usable. Some of the other sections are lacking in inspiration a little, rather like all the best bits went in the first volume - not necessarily that they are really bad - especially when compared to third party offerings - but that I thought that the ones on 160dB are much better.

I think this review is really aimed at two sorts of readers, if this CD or 160dB sounds appealing, then I would recommend you get the first CD over this one without hesitation. If you already have 160dB is this collection worth shelling out for?, the answer there is yes I think. 260dB is an ideal compliment to the first volume, if you liked the sounds and styles there, then this volume will increase the range and variety of sounds at your disposal. It's perhaps stuck too rigidly to the format of the first CD, all the sections and number of tracks per section are the same, I would certainly have preferred to see more loops for example.

This CD certainly isn't restricted to the drum and bass market, though obviously that is it's main appeal. Most anyone could make use of a lot of the material here, and the construction kit format makes it an ideal early sample CD purchase. Beginners could certainly make some decent complete tracks from this collection, as ever you'd probably want to add some more unique elements, but the raw material is here.

Overall - Value for money 7/10 - Usability 6/10 - Documentation 6/10 - Sonic Quality 8/10. If your making drum & bass then 160dB should be your first choice, this your second - 7.5/10

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