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dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip

BH #DB286S • MFR #DBX286SV
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dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip
Key Features
  • Single Channel
  • 4 Processors
  • Compressor
  • De-Esser
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.

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dbx DBX286SV Overview

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
UPC: 691991401237

dbx DBX286SV Specs

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
N/A
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
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
Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.45 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
21.8 x 11.3 x 2.5"

dbx DBX286SV Reviews

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