DBX 286S Mic Preamp/Compressor

Product Information

Collection and delivery costs are included for the first 2 years in the event of an item becoming faulty Enhancer LF Detail Characteristic: Bell-shaped boost @ 80Hz, bell-shaped cut @250Hz, ratio is approximately 2:1 The de-esser has two controls: one for the frequencies between 800 Hz and 10 kHz, and the other one for the threshold. This way, you can control both the frequencies and the intensity at which they get filtered out. For vocals, the best setting is somewhere between 4 and 8 kHz.

For self-recording for VO and narration, it really does save time. I really wouldn't be doing it this way if it didn't. Well, if it works it works - as I said, I don't really see how but I can certainly see it might not cost you any in that circumstance! On the front panel, the 286S features six separate sections. On the very left is the classic mic preamp with its basic controls. Next is the compressor with its controls and the gain reduction indicator.While it’s not exactly a fully high-end channel strip, the DBX 286S provides the sound quality and great features that any studio setting needs. On top of all this, you get some additional functionality with the option to insert other external effects and effects loops into the equation. That said, this is not the model you’d want if you’re building a state-of-the-art fully professional studio. It just won’t bring out the full potential of your other gear, and you might want to go with something more advanced in this case, like Avalon’s VT-737SP.

The best way to set this is to say " S-ssss", then adjust it until you're happy with the result and it works with your voice. Enhancer If an item can not be repaired, a similar alternative product or cash discount (as defined in this policy) will be offered Well, if it works it works - as I said, I don't really see how but I can certainly see it might not cost you any in that circumstance!Right next to the preamp section, we have the bypass switch. This completely overrides the effects and turns the DBX 286S into a simple preamp. Compressor Distortion: Typically <0.05%THD, 20Hz-20kHz, 15dB G/R, +10dBu Output, DENSITY @ 0 IMD SMPTE: <0.05%; 60Hz/7kHz 4:1, 15dB G/R, +10dBu Output Level, DENSITY @ 0 Going further, there are also a de-esser, an enhancer, and the noise gate (or expander) effects. At the very right end, is the main output gain knob with its clipping indicator. The frequency control sets the highpass frequency of the filter used in the de-esser to help remove the sssss sound when talking. 4 to 8 kilohertz is best for vocal processing.

When I'm done, I put the end covers on the Gator case, and put it away, out of sight until I need it again. The process bypass disables all other settings mentioned below. It's recommend you disable this setting when you don't want to highly process your audio. Compressor Hello! I don't have much hardware I only have my interface a SSL 2+ and I was looking to boost my vocals a bit with a simple hardware compressor, and found the dbx 286s I was attracted to it as it also has a few extras like the noise gate, I'm trying to treat my room as best as possible but I might have to move to a different room as it is really small and the echoes go crazy, I've tried using the plug ins gates and they help but it can still be improved. So you mention you don't see a point in using this noise gate, do you think it would benefit me at all to buy this piece? I'm rather new in music hardware so I just need to know if you think this would be good as an entry level channel strip at least to get the hang of it.I think it's all been said that needs to be said. The enhancer is also a noteworthy addition, although it’s not an essential one. While not exactly complex or intricate, you can use it to enhance low-end or high-end frequencies. The low-end knob boosts anything between 80 and 250 Hz, while the high-end control works dynamically, depending on the input.Next you have the process bypass button. If you turn this on it essentially disables the compressor, de-esser, enhancer, and gate that we're about to set up. You would really only use this for making comparison between processed and unprocessed settings or using this only as a dedicated pre-amp. We'll leave it off and move along. Compressor I bought this unit because I had a specific need for this exact feature set. I hesitated initially, however, because its extremely low price point made me second-guess its quality, both build and sound. the gate is the only thing I have no complaints about. If the unit didn't have such bad / unmusical distortion then it would useful.

While the overall design is a bit dull, that is far from a deal-breaker. The functionality and the overall features definitely make up for it. And the low price helps too. This is one of the best values on the market. Period. This was the first channel strip that I ever owned. I've used it to record podcast dialog, studio vocals, and guitar. It's reliably gotten the job done, time and time again. Years ago I decided I wanted this pre, but through unforeseen circumstances I never got to buy it. Since then, I have upgraded my signal chain from a 1st gen Scarlett 2i2 to a Clarett. As I am starting a new production I thought: what the hell, just buy it. At this price you really can't go wrong. Finally, you set the Output Gain control to the decibel volume level you want to output the signal at. This will really depend on what levels you're getting from your input at this point and how much you are going to boost them additionally in your audio interface or mixer that you're plugged the DBX 286s into next. Final Thoughts heheh yeah how I wish I could... let just say around 1Ks. I'm really looking for the "enhancer" and "gate" functionality in it or a sort of "upgraded version" of the dbx 286s like preamps. ThanksI would never recommend gating on the way in. Why would you? Just delete extraneous noise in the DAW.

Sure.... the 528e voice processor has both a mic and line input, and both are xlr (balanced inputs). Just MAKE SURE you DO NOT put a balanced line input into mic input with phantom power active... Not sure what would happen but I'd not be surprised if you at that point manage to release the smoke that seems contained in these devices and is only released when you do something dumb or wrong. It would be great if you could run multiple mics in and out using the same settings without having to buy one for each mic, but I understand the limitations of that.