dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip
The 286s from dbx is a full featured channel strip that includes a studio quality microphone/instrument preamplifier, and four processors that can be used independently or in any combination. The hassle of patching together multiple processors for use on one track can be frustrating. The unit delivers the entire microphone processing chain needed in a single box, with the shortest, cleanest signal path.
Features include wide-ranging input gain control, switchable +48V phantom power, and an 80Hz high-pass filter to remove low frequency hum, rumble or wind. The dbx OverEasy compressor can transparently smooth out uneven acoustic tracks, or deliver the classic "in your face" vocal performance. Vocal sibilance can be tamed or even eliminated and high frequency distortion removed from instruments such as cymbals with the frequency tunable De-Esser.
The Enhancer provides both HF Detail and LF Detail controls that can add sparkle and crispness to vocals, while making adjustments to the low frequencies for adding fullness and depth to vocals and bass instruments. Muddy low midrange frequencies can be cleaned and the separate threshold and ratio controls on the Expander/Gate allow for subtly reducing headphone leakage, or radically gate noisy guitar amplifiers.
The channel strip provides a full complement of metering and status LEDs. The XLR microphone input accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs, allowing for easily connecting professional or home studio microphones. The 1/4" TRS line input can accept balanced/unbalanced signals to process live electronic instruments or pre-recorded tracks at mix-down, while an insert jack provides access to the signal flow between the preamp and the processing sections for connection to external processors.
- Studio quality microphone preamp/channel strip processor
- Classic dbx compression puts great sound within easy reach
- Frequency tunable de-esser reduces sibilance and high frequency distortion
- Enhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequencies
- Program adaptive expander/gate
- Insert jack allows you to add an external processor
- Full complement of meters and status LEDs
- +48V phantom power
- Precision detented controls
| Number of Channels | Single |
| Inputs |
1 x XLR Microphone (p2 hot) 1 x 1/4" TRS phone Line 1 x 1/4" TRS phone Insert |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" TRS phone Insert |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz, +0.5/-0.5dB |
| Noise | <-80dBu unweighted (20Hz-20kHz); both gain controls set for 0dB, all processing controls OFF |
| Preamp | |
|---|---|
| Gain Range | 0dB to +60dB |
| Maximum Output | 0.25Vrms, Gain = 30dB |
| Input Impedance | ~4.2kΩ |
| EIN | -125dBu, 22Hz to 22kHz, 150Ω source impedance |
| CMRR | >40dB, typically 55dB |
| Phantom Power | +48VDC, applied to XLR pins 2 and 3 through 6.81kΩ resistors |
| Line Input | |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 10kΩ unbalanced, 20kΩ balanced |
| Maximum Level | >+21dBu, balanced or unbalanced |
| Gain Range | -15dB to +45 dB |
| CMRR | >40dB, typically 55dB |
| Insert | |
|---|---|
| Impedance |
Ring: >5kΩ Tip: 100Ω |
| Maximum Level | >+21dBu, >+20dBm (600Ω load) |
| Noise | <-89dBu, unweighted (20Hz to 20kHz); Line Gain control set to 0dB |
| Distortion | <0.01% THD, 20Hz to 20kHz, +10dBu |
| Line Output | |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 100Ω unbalanced, 200Ω balanced |
| Maximum Level | >+21dBu, >+20dBm (600Ω load) |
| Gain Range | -30dB to +10dB |
| Noise | <-80dBu unweighted (20Hz-20kHz); both Gain Controls set for 0dB, all processing controls OFF |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz, +0.5/-0.5dB |
| Distortion | <0.08%THD, 20Hz to 20kHz, +10dBu, all processing controls OFF |
| Compressor | |
|---|---|
| Threshold Range | -40dBu to +20dBu |
| Ratio | >4:1 for input levels beyond 20dB above threshold |
| Attack Time | Program dependent: >1S for small level increases, down to 10mS for large increases |
| Release Time | Program dependent: adjustable between approximately 1dB/sec and 75dB/sec |
| Slope | OverEasy |
| Sidechain | No |
| Distortion | Typically <0.05%THD, 20Hz to 20kHz, 15dB gain reduction, +10dBu Output, Density @ 0 |
| SMPTE | Intermodulation Distortion: <0.05%; 60Hz/7kHz 4:1, 15dB gain reduction, +10dBu Output Level, Density @ 0 |
| Equalizer | |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Not applicable |
| Frequency Bands | Not applicable |
| Bandwidth | Not applicable |
| Range (Boost/Cut) | Not applicable |
| Light Indication | |
| Threshold Range | Not applicable |
| Ratio | Not applicable |
| Attack Time | Not applicable |
| De-Esser | |
|---|---|
| Characteristics | Wideband Gain Reduction |
| Frequency Range | 800Hz to 10kHz High Pass, 12dB/octave |
| Release Time | Program dependent approximately 1mS/dB |
| Enhancer | |
|---|---|
| HF Detail | Program-controlled shelving equalizer, approximately 15dB maximum HF boost |
| LF Detail | Bell-shaped boost @ 80Hz, bell-shaped cut @250Hz, ratio is approximately 2:1 |
| Gate | |
|---|---|
| Gate Threshold | OFF to +15dBu |
| Expansion Ratio | Adjustable 1.5:1 to 10:1 |
| Maximum Depth | >50dB |
| Attack Time | Program dependent, approximately 2mS (at maximum attenuation) |
| Release Time | Program dependent, approxiamtely 10mS/dB |
| Dynamic Range | Typically 105dB |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Power Requirements |
120VAC 60Hz, 100VAC 50/60Hz 15W consumption |
| Operating Temperature | 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 19 x 5.75 x 1.75" (485 x 146 x 45mm) |
| Weight | 4.5 lb (2.04kg) |
| Specialties | Full compliment of meters and status LEDs |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 4 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (3)
Reviewed by 4 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip:
So God for me
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
- Voice Over
Comments about dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip:
I have always loved dbx products; I own three others, which I purchased in the late 70's. This is the first piece of pro audio gear I have bought; I needed a pre-amp/processor for Voice Over work. To say the least, I'm not disappointed. First of all the pre-amp section is very low noise and can handle anything I throw at it, be it a ribbon, dynamic or condenser microphone cleanly. Surprisingly clean! It has a very effective 80hz high pass filter, which cuts the rumble, not the lows and of course can power any condenser mic with it's 48 volt phantom power.Next, the effects processing, from a very strong compressor, which dbx is known for, to the de-esser, which can do an effective job with out having to go into a DAW to do it. The expander/gate, another dbx triumph, can remove computer fan noise, mic self noise in audibly. That means, if you set it right, you are not going to get "breathing". As with any effects processor, less is usually more, which I find with the enhancer. With all the effects on, the sound out from the 286s remains very clean.Amateurs, be fore warned, to get the best sound from this unit, read the manual, and don't over do the effects. The results will be disappointing to you! It takes a good balance and some learning to get things right, especially with so many options.Overall, for my use, it's perfect. The result is truly a professional studio sound. I can see where the 286s would have other uses, such as live, broadcast and recording instruments and vocalists. For [$] it really can't be beat, I couldn't be more pleased. I researched other units that didn't have the features, value and reliability I have always found with dbx. A well-built unit, that's sure to last as log as all of my still working dbx gear!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip:
using it with one of my ham radios and otehr audio eqpt
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip:
I am only using this to run my talkback mic for the radio show I produce, which it works great for. I'm not sure about the sound quality because, honestly, I never hear it. I also don't know how well all the effects sound because I only use it to gain my mic and nothing else. The one weird thing about it is that on the compressor it has a "drive" and "density" knob which I have no idea what it means.
Displaying reviews 1-4
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- AC Power Cable
- Two (2) Year Warranty
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