DBX 286S Mic Preamp/Compressor

Product Information

Within the preamp section, there are several controls. First, is the input gain knob that goes from 0 to +60 decibels, and from -15 to +45 decibels for the line input. Right next to it, there’s a small LED clipping indicator. Nothing too fancy, but gets the job done, alerting you about any potential problems at the input section. So you've made it through the whole device. I could have just told you where I set all my levels, but unless you're using the exact same equipment in a similar environment as me, your settings are going to need to be a little different. The 286s provides you with stellar microphone processing and is easy to use. Its range of features and different processors make a reliable piece of kit that can fine-tune your vocals to produce studio-quality audio. Channel Compressor Gate Comparison: Our Verdict

It’s a single-channel preamp with balanced XLR and line inputs for microphone and line-level instruments. You also get a separate DI channel with its own impedance switch and gain control, great for running DI guitar or bass signals alongside your regular mic capture. Despite its single-channel structure, there are a lot of routing options available, including an insert for adding your EQ or compressor to the signal path as well as an unbalanced out for re-amping. You should get an instant answer on whether your application has been successful, though in some rare cases Klarna or V12 may need to look at the application in more detail. 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.

DBX 286S Channel Strip Mic Pre: Conclusion And Rating

If you’re looking to expand the in/out of your existing audio interface, or you need something to multi-mic a drum kit or record a full band with, the Behringer ADA8200 is a brilliant option on a tight budget. Despite their controversial reputation, Behringer makes some top-quality studio and live sound gear, so don’t let the name put you off.

The dbx 286s microphone processor is a direct replacement for the renowned dbx 286A, offering the same exceptional sound quality, rugged reliability and great value, but updated with a new sleek, silver face plate and the latest electronic components for even better performance. The compressor section is rather simple. To be frank, we would prefer to have more versatility in a compressor. Still, it gets the job done and has drive and intensity (which is essentially compression ratio) controls. There’s also an LED strip indicator that gives some rough info on how much compression is being applied at any given moment. 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.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. Please note that this extended warranty is currently only available on products sold within the UK, EU or EEA, and is subject to the terms and conditions as detailed on the extended warranty certificate provided.

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 The ADA8200 features 8 inputs with Midas preamps, allegedly derived from the famous Midas Venice console. Phantom power is globally switched and only on the XLR inputs. Handily both the XLR and line inputs are summed all the time, with the line input being padded and mixed with the XLR before being fed into the mic pre. The mic preamp gain is the overall volume and application of your microphone. When the level is set correctly when you speak you're not going to clip the red light, but the 2 green lights should be on when talking.

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. The de-esser is quite a useful and most definitely a welcome addition. With it, you’re able to smooth out any excessive high-end noise caused by sibilant consonants in vocals. This new voice channel aims to provide all you need to get a good sound from a mic, at a reasonable price. David Mellor tries it out. Make sure the equipment isn't going into the red section on the metre - Keep your eyes on those metres at all times.