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dbx, 1 286s Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor, Silver, 1U (DBX286SV)
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | dbx |
Style | Rack Mount |
Color | Silver |
Product Dimensions | 5.75"L x 19"W x 1.75"H |
Item Weight | 2.3 Kilograms |
About this item
- The dbx 286s is a full featured Pre-Amp for Microphones, and Instruments - a Channel Strip Processor with 4 Independent Effects - Compression, De-Esser, Enhancer, Expander/Gate. Plus Loop-Out for adding additional processors.
- Classic dbx Compression - Reduces the dynamic range of signals with loud and quiet elements so that both can be heard clearly. Perfect for bringing vocals to the forefront of your mix, ensuring they stand out with greater clarity and presence.
- The additional 1/4" TRS Line Input can accept balanced/unbalanced signals to process live electronic instruments or pre-recorded tracks at mixdown. Use the Insert jack to interface between the Mic Preamp and the signal processing sections to "loop out"
- Enhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequencies adding punch and shimmer to a mix. De-Essers are specialized compressors that focus on a specific frequency range. They reduce harsh high frequencies and sibilance.
- Full array of status LEDs - Monitor audio levels and processor status at a glance, ensuring optimal performance. Floating balanced XLR Mic Input accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs to connect to microphones.
- Rack mountable 1U Dimensions: 1.75" x 5.75" x 19"
- Input: 1/4" TRS (x2) and XLR (x1); output: 1/4" TRS (x1)
- Operating voltage: 120VAC 60Hz, 100VAC 50/60Hz
- Purchase includes: dbx286s, power cord, operation manual, and rack mount screws and washers (x4)
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Product information
Item Weight | 5.06 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 19 x 5.75 x 1.75 inches |
ASIN | B004LWH79A |
Item model number | DBX286SV |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #15,405 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #21 in Microphone Preamps |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | February 11, 2011 |
Color Name | Silver |
Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio |
Signal Format | Analog |
Size | 1U |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Voltage | 0.4 Volts |
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dbx, 1 286s Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor, Silver, 1U (DBX286SV)
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Product guides and documents
What's in the box
Videos
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DBX 286s Mic Pre-Amp Review - You should know this...
Dave’s Faves
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Customer Review: Solid Mic Pre-amp for my Shure SM7B
Caleb Wojcik
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7:40
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Use This For Pro Sound on Your Lives, Podcasts, & VOICEOVER
Earl Hall
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Can This be Used for Radio Broadcasting?
Dara Starr Tucker
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dbx 286s 2 in 1 Mic Preamp and Live Sound Processing
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Product Description
Product Description
Transform your vocal recordings with the dbx® 286s Channel Strip Processor / Mic Pre-Amp Processor. It's a top-tier pre-amp combined with four processors that can be used independently or in any combination, making the 286s a versatile piece of equipment designed to elevate audio quality, and simplify set-up. Whether you're recording in a professional studio or setting up a home studio, the dbx 286s ensures pristine sound with its sonically superior mic preamp, making it an essential tool for any serious musician or producer. The dbx 286s features classic dbx Compression, making it easy to achieve that polished, professional, punchy sound. Its frequency-tunable De-esser effectively reduces sibilance and high-frequency distortion, ensuring your vocals and instruments are clear and crisp. The Enhancer boosts the detail and definition of both high and low frequencies, adding depth, richness, sparkle, and punch. Additionally, the program-adaptive Expander/Gate can subtly reduce headphone leakage or completely gate noisy guitar amps, providing you with flexibility and control over your sound. The insert jack also allows the addition of an external processor seamlessly. The dbx 286s also comes equipped with a full complement of meters and status LEDs, making it easy to monitor your levels and adjust settings on the fly. Plus, with +48V phantom power and precision detented controls, this preamp/processor is ready to handle any microphone or instrument you throw at it. Say goodbye to the hassle of patching together multiple processors. The dbx 286s offers all the mic processing you need in one compact box, ensuring the shortest, cleanest signal path for your music. The dbx 286s is the perfect secret weapon to add to your setup, ensuring your music always sounds its best. Rack mountable 1U Dimensions: 1.75" x 5.75" x 19"
From the Manufacturer
The cost and hassle of patching together multiple processors for use on one track can be frustrating. The dbx 286s provides you with all the mic processing you need in one box, with the shortest, cleanest signal path to keep your music sounding its best! The floating balanced XLR mic input Accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs to easily connect to professional and home studio microphones. The additional 1/4" TRS line input can accept balanced/unbalanced signals to process live electronic instruments or pre-recorded tracks at mix down. Use the insert jack to interface between the mic preamp and the signal processing sections to "Loop out" to external processors (such as EQ or delay unit) or to mix the mic preamp's signal out to an external destination.
Top Brand: dbx
From the manufacturer
dbx 286s
Microphone Preamplifier/Channel Strip Processor
The dbx 286s is a full-featured Channel Strip Processor that delivers a studio-quality microphone/instrument preamplifier and four processors that can be used independently or in any combination. The sonically pristine dbx 286s Mic Preamp has all the features you need, including wide-ranging input gain control, switchable +48V phantom power, and an 80Hz high-pass filter to remove low frequency hum, rumble or wind. Use the patented dbx OverEasy compressor to transparently smooth out uneven acoustic tracks or deliver that classic “in your face” vocal performance that only a dbx compressor can. Fine-tune the Enhancer HF Detail control to add sparkle and crispness to your tracks and make adjustments to the LF Detail control to add fullness and depth to vocals and bass instruments while cleaning up the muddy low mid-range frequencies. Plus, the separate threshold and ratio controls on the Expander/Gate allow you to subtly reduce headphone leakage or radically gate noisy guitar amps.
- Studio quality Mic Preamp/Channel Strip Processor
- Program-adaptive Expander/Gate
- Frequency tunable De-Esser reduces sibilance and high frequency distortion
- Enhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequencies
- Full compliment of meters and status LEDs
- Insert jack allows you to add an external processor
- Precision detented controls
Who uses this product?
dbx 286s Stereo 2-Way, Mono 4-Way Crossover with Mic XLR connectors | dbx 676 Tube Microphone Preamp Channel Strip | dbx 580 Compact, Professional Mic Preamp | |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars
800
|
2.8 out of 5 stars
6
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
56
|
Price | — | $1,299.00$1,299.00 | $340.00$340.00 |
Mic Input | Floating balanced, Pin 2 Hot | Female XLR (Pin 2 Hot) | Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered |
Impedance | ~ 4.2kΩ Balanced | 1.9 kΩ | 1.7 kΩ |
CMRR | >40dB, typically 55dB | >85 dB from 20 Hz to 3 kHz, >70 dB from 3 kHz to 20 kHz | >60 dB; typically >70 dB from 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
Power Requirements | 15 Watts | 20 Watts | 2.56 Watts |
Instrument Input | Floating balanced, Tip Hot | Tip-Sleeve ¼” Jack (Front Panel) | Tip-Sleeve ¼” Jack (Front Panel) |
Output Type | 4” TRS phone (Balanced/Unbalanced) | Male XLR and Tip-Ring-Sleeve ¼” (Pin 2 and Tip hot) | Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered |
Low Detail | Bell-shaped boost @ 80Hz, bell-shaped cut @250Hz, ratio is approximately 2:1 | 100 Hz, Low-pass shelving filter | 0 to +15 dB boost, simultaneous bell filter boost (125 Hz center frequency) and bell filter cut (400 Hz center frequency) |
High Detail | Program-controlled shelving equalizer, approximately 15dB maximum HF boost | 10 kHz, High-pass shelving filter | 0 to +15 dB boost, high-shelving filter (10 kHz corner frequency) |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1.75” x 5.75” x 19” | 3.5" x 19" x 8" | 5.25” x 1.5” x 6” |
Weight | 4.5 lbs | 8.1 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the guitar effect device provides good sound quality with low background noise. They say it works well and is a functional piece of gear. The quality is stellar, adding a studio-quality feel to recordings. Many consider it a great budget preamp/processor that's worth the price.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers appreciate the sound quality of the guitar effect device. They find the background noise level low, and the noise gate and compressor are helpful. The volume stays constant even when off the mic. The expander/gate reduces breath sounds, and the tone enhancement features are appreciated. It offers more options for sound manipulation and allows voice processing anytime while using the computer.
"...I found the background noise level to be very low (virtually inaudible), even at high mic preamplifier gain settings, and I found the frequency..." Read more
"...It's a clean, very low-noise preamp; compressor/limiter; noise gate to reduce breath, mouth and room noise; simple EQ (lo and hi-tone) and even a de-..." Read more
"...Not only did it meet my needs as a pre-amp, Noise Gate, and Compressor... but the de-esser is an awesome bonus, as well as the Low and High..." Read more
"...was produced using this channel strip so you'll get a good idea of the sound quality and what the capabilities are...." Read more
Customers appreciate the product's functionality and performance. They find it a functional piece of gear that makes tracking vocals easy. The de-esser and pre-amp perform well, handling key elements like gain, de-esser, and light. Some customers mention issues with reliability, but overall they consider it a fine and versatile piece of hardware. The different processing effects work great and bring their microphone to life.
"...settings, and I found the frequency response surprisingly wide and pleasant...." Read more
"...in' on my USB audio interface and once I've set levels it's a very consistent device...." Read more
"...The results are just magical...." Read more
"...Nice, clean gain that will run most microphones. I'd recommend a Cloudlifter device with Shure SM7B and similar microphones...." Read more
Customers appreciate the guitar effect device's quality. They say it adds a professional sound to recordings and is well-built. The device enhances dynamic qualities and provides a polished recording experience.
"...This processor brought out the better qualities of the several dynamic and condenser microphones that I auditioned through it...." Read more
"...or voice-over artist this device will instantly help you create better audio recordings...." Read more
"...Excellent!! Has EQ for both Hi & Low Freqs ... VERY impressive unit ... wish I'd got one earlier" Read more
"As other reviewers have mentioned, this is a solid and professional mic processor. I'm preparing to start doing YouTube videos...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value for money of the guitar effect device. They find it a great budget pre-amp/processor that offers powerful LF and HF options, as well as phantom power and high/low tone controls. Some say it's intimidating to set up at first but well worth the time. The 286S is described as a fully featured channel strip with an output gain, excellent limiter, and powerful LF and HH options.
"...I admit that I was prepared to find fault with this relatively low cost device. However, I have since found it to be a very competent performer...." Read more
"...Considering what it does, it's a pretty great value. It provides phantom power to mics that need it...." Read more
"...Excellent!! Has EQ for both Hi & Low Freqs ... VERY impressive unit ... wish I'd got one earlier" Read more
"...You get compression, a gate/expander, phantom power, and high/low tone controls...." Read more
Customers like the microphone preamp. It's a workhorse for any microphone, condenser or dynamic. The excellent gain in the mic pre section allows them to lower the output gain on their Mackie. They say it brings their microphone to life and is a solid and professional mic processor.
"...device contains a microphone preamplifier with switchable phantom power for condenser microphones, a limiter, expander/gate, and a two-band effects..." Read more
"...It provides phantom power to mics that need it...." Read more
"...The dbx 286s has blown me away. Not only did it meet my needs as a pre-amp, Noise Gate, and Compressor... but the de-esser is an awesome bonus, as..." Read more
"...Nice, clean gain that will run most microphones. I'd recommend a Cloudlifter device with Shure SM7B and similar microphones...." Read more
Customers find the guitar effect device easy to use and set up. It makes big jobs simple, saves time, and has a few options to make life easier. The instruction manual is included, and the product offers clean preamplification without using software.
".../limiter; noise gate to reduce breath, mouth and room noise; simple EQ (lo and hi-tone) and even a de-esser...." Read more
"...It's very easy to set up. The settings are very easy to dial in, depending on how anal you are. The results are just magical...." Read more
"...I measured the gain stage and the dbx 286s offers very clean preamplification...." Read more
"...It's easy to use and a quality build. The processing sounds good and allows me to dedicate software resources to other things." Read more
Customers appreciate the compression feature of the guitar effect device. They find it powerful and a good introduction to audio compression. The preamp/compressor is described as amazing, with just the right amount of low-end.
"...It's a clean, very low-noise preamp; compressor/limiter; noise gate to reduce breath, mouth and room noise; simple EQ (lo and hi-tone) and even a de-..." Read more
"...Not only did it meet my needs as a pre-amp, Noise Gate, and Compressor... but the de-esser is an awesome bonus, as well as the Low and High..." Read more
"...You get compression, a gate/expander, phantom power, and high/low tone controls...." Read more
"...but it's perfect for a dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B. Gain, gate, compression, decent de-esser, tone enhancement, all ready to roll and it sounds..." Read more
Customers appreciate the audio control of the guitar effect device. They find it easy to adjust settings without over-processing their audio. The expander, phantom power, and high/low tone controls provide ample control over lows and highs. The knobs work well together, making audio tweaks fairly simple to accomplish. The frequency response is flexible enough to cover most basic needs.
"...level to be very low (virtually inaudible), even at high mic preamplifier gain settings, and I found the frequency response surprisingly wide and..." Read more
"...It's very easy to set up. The settings are very easy to dial in, depending on how anal you are. The results are just magical...." Read more
"...►► THE GOOD ◄◄ The compressor evens out the volume so it is great for those that don't use a microphone often...." Read more
"...that pretty much anyone could operate them by ear and the default settings "just work."..." Read more
Reviews with images
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2014When it first arrived, I admit that I was prepared to find fault with this relatively low cost device. However, I have since found it to be a very competent performer. The dbx 286S Audio Processor packs a lot of features and performance for the approximately $200 that I paid for it.
This one rack space (1.75") high device contains a microphone preamplifier with switchable phantom power for condenser microphones, a limiter, expander/gate, and a two-band effects equalizer. All of the processing sections are interconnected such that a signal inserted at the front end passes through all of the sections before emerging at line level out of this device. The amount of audio limiting, expansion/gating and equalization can be set to taste and even individually turned off if you need a particular function. All of the sections "play" well together, making audio tweaks fairly easy to accomplish. Keep in mind that this is a monaural device that can accept balanced microphone or line level input signals.
I found the background noise level to be very low (virtually inaudible), even at high mic preamplifier gain settings, and I found the frequency response surprisingly wide and pleasant. This processor brought out the better qualities of the several dynamic and condenser microphones that I auditioned through it. Everything comes through clear and clean at low to moderate control settings, although it is possible to significantly modify your audio, for better or for worse, at higher control settings. Download the manufacturer's manual for this device to learn about its individual features and functions, and how they are used.
I find that I really have no complaints about the dbx 286S Audio Processor. It is now in daily use in my modest studio. The 286S does what the manufacturer's literature says it's supposed to do, and it does it crisply and cleanly without added noise or fuss.
You can buy high end separate mic preamplifiers, limiters, expander/gates, and equalizers, then connect them all together to do what this little dbx box does. But, you will spend very much more money to achieve or exceed the same level of performance offered by the dbx 286S. Strong bang for the buck. Highly recommended!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2020I use this to enhance my voiceover audio for some projects. Considering what it does, it's a pretty great value. It provides phantom power to mics that need it. It's a clean, very low-noise preamp; compressor/limiter; noise gate to reduce breath, mouth and room noise; simple EQ (lo and hi-tone) and even a de-esser. The knobs have a little 'click' as you rotate so you can perfectly gauge where your settings are from one project to another.
I patch out into the 'line in' on my USB audio interface and once I've set levels it's a very consistent device. There are days when you need a little warmth and fuzz without any software plugins, or you have a live internet session with a client and you need a little compression from your mic and this does it great!
Some people use this for podcasts or game streaming but I don't.
Negatives: This is a big boy. It's made for an audio rack and fills out the space entirely with lots of weight. I don't have space for a rack in my small studio space so it sits on a side table. If this weren't so darn bulky I'd consider a second one! I also wish this had a power switch so I have one on the plug itself. If you turn off the phantom power on a mic that uses it, it can start feeding back if you're not careful.
Those little annoyances aside, this unit gives great flexibility when I need it for a relatively great price.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019I'm a Twitch streamer and I've fiddled with every sort of software solution I could dig up. I have a Rode NT1 mic with a Scarlet 2i2 interface and a Roland VT3 Voice Transformer. I've struggled with noise in the line, as well as the fact that even on the weakest setting the Noise Suppression filter in OBS colors my voice. I finally broke down and ordered one of these because I'd heard good things. The dbx 286s has blown me away. Not only did it meet my needs as a pre-amp, Noise Gate, and Compressor... but the de-esser is an awesome bonus, as well as the Low and High Frequency Enhancer. My mic is sounding cleaner than it ever has, and my voice is sounding better than ever. When my wife heard my voice over my stream she was instantly moistened. I really don't have enough good things to say about this piece of hardware. You can spend a little bit less to get bits of kit that do some these things individually, but for $50-$100 more having all of these tools in one piece of hardware that works so well is the way to go. From my research you can also spend more on similar pieces of hardware, but for my purposes and for home broadcasting/recording purposes I can't imagine the more expensive solutions being worth the jump in cost. Seriously, if you're on the fence about the dbx 286s, just do it. It's very easy to set up. The settings are very easy to dial in, depending on how anal you are. The results are just magical.
My chain right now is RODE NT1 > dbx 286s > Roland VT3 Voice Transformer > Line6 M13 (mainly just to use a foot pedal for volume control to mute during stream) > Scarlet 2i2 > PC
Top reviews from other countries
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Txema AlonsoReviewed in Spain on January 15, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Lo mejor en su rango de precio
Adquirí este producto para evitar tener que subir la ganancia de mi interfaz de audio a niveles muy altos para usar el SHURE SM7B. Los preamplificadores cumplen su función a la perfección y no tengo ni que subir la ganancia de la interfaz para lograr un nivel de sonido perfecto. Las funciones añadidas de compresor, de-esser, enhancer y expander se agradecen en un producto de este rango de precio y dan al sonido un extra que se agradece. Muy contento con la compra.
- Justin Solomon SJReviewed in India on July 25, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars DBX - Name says it all
Love this product. Best analog sounding and still worth using in a digital world.
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Marco il GrandeReviewed in Italy on February 1, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars MUST HAVE PER REGISTRAZIONI!
Uso questo preamp da ormai un anno in tutte le mie registrazioni! Un grandissimo acquisto che rifarei senz'altro! Lo utilizzo per registrare la voce. Ha un ottimo gain in uscita ed entrata, ottimo anche compressore, de esser e gate. Non ho mai utilizzato la funzione expander ( che sarebbe quella per enfatizzare le basse e le alte) quindi non saprei dirvi se funziona bene. In generale processore top che mi porteró sempre dietro in tutti i miei lavori. Un must have per gli home studio e studi professionali!
- Lenhard HardieReviewed in Canada on April 29, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Pro Results, Great Price Point
It records good, clean audio beautifully. Also there are also many videos online on how to set it up for your purposes. Works exactly as expected for a decent price point.
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AdrianReviewed in Germany on August 30, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr guter Prozessor für einen klasse Preis
Benutze den Prozessor für diverse Vertonungen von Werbe- und Imagefilmen und bin mit der Verarbeitungsqualität, sowie mit dem Klang und Verstärkungseigenschaften sehr zufrieden.