DBX 286s Microphone Pre-amp Processor - DBX286SV

Product Overview

The DBX 286s is a single-channel microphone preamp and signal processor that combines four independent processing sections — compressor/gate, enhancer, de-esser, and expander/gate — into a single half-rack unit, providing a complete front-end channel strip for recording studio, broadcast, and live sound vocal processing. The 286s includes a Class-A microphone preamp with 60 dB of gain, +48V phantom power, an 80 Hz high-pass filter, and a front panel instrument input, providing the signal conditioning and dynamics processing required to take a microphone signal from source to recorder or mix without additional outboard equipment. Its fixed-frequency enhancer and OverEasy de-esser are optimized specifically for vocal sources.

Product Description

The DBX 286s microphone preamp processor provides a complete vocal channel signal chain in a half-rack unit: Class-A preamp, four-parameter dynamics processor, enhancer, and de-esser. The preamp stage provides up to 60 dB of gain from the balanced XLR microphone input and up to 40 dB of gain from the front panel unbalanced 1/4-inch instrument input, with a polarity invert switch, 80 Hz high-pass filter, and +48V phantom power. The balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4-inch outputs allow direct connection to line-level recording equipment and mixing consoles.

The compressor section uses dbx's OverEasy compression curve and true RMS level detection for natural-sounding dynamics control, with adjustable threshold and ratio controls that address inconsistent microphone levels from vocalists, acoustic instruments, and broadcast sources. The expander/gate section provides noise reduction below a selectable threshold, reducing room noise, hum, and bleed between phrases. The enhancer section adds frequency-specific enhancement to the presence and high-frequency content of the signal without conventional equalizer bands, using a fixed-frequency processing circuit optimized for vocal clarity.

The de-esser section reduces sibilance in the 3 kHz to 10 kHz range using dbx's OverEasy processing curve, with an adjustable frequency control for targeting the specific sibilant peak of the source microphone and vocalist combination. An input/output 16-segment LED ladder meter and a compressor/expander gain reduction display provide continuous visibility of signal levels and dynamics processing activity. Available at Creation Networks for vocal recording, broadcast, podcast, and live sound applications.

Key Features

• Class-A Microphone Preamp, Up to 60 dB Gain — Quiet, high-gain Class-A input stage with balanced XLR input and +48V phantom power.
• OverEasy Compressor with True RMS Detection — Transparent dynamics control with natural attack and release behavior based on the signal's true RMS energy.
• Expander/Gate Section — Reduces noise and bleed below a selectable threshold to clean up gaps between phrases.
• Presence Enhancer — Fixed-frequency enhancement circuit adds presence and high-frequency clarity optimized for vocal sources.
• OverEasy De-Esser — Adjustable-frequency sibilance reduction in the 3 kHz-10 kHz range with a smooth, program-dependent response.
• 80 Hz High-Pass Filter — Removes low-frequency content below 80 Hz to reduce handling noise, proximity effect, and low-frequency interference.
• Front Panel Instrument Input — Unbalanced 1/4-inch input with up to 40 dB of gain for direct instrument recording.
• Balanced XLR and Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs — Flexible output connections for direct connection to recording equipment and mixing consoles.
• 16-Segment I/O Meter and GR Display — Continuous input/output level metering and gain reduction display for accurate gain staging.
• Half-Rack Format — 1U, half-rack width; can be paired with a second 286s in a standard 1U rack space.

Typical Applications

• Recording studio
• Broadcast studio
• House of worship
• Auditorium
• Podcast production
• Project studio

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the 286s be used as a standalone preamp without engaging the dynamics processing?

Yes. Each of the four processing sections — compressor, expander/gate, enhancer, and de-esser — has an independent in/out switch, allowing any combination of sections to be engaged or bypassed. The preamp can be used alone with all processing bypassed.

Q: What type of compressor is in the 286s?

The 286s uses dbx OverEasy compression with true RMS level detection. OverEasy provides a gradual transition into compression as the signal approaches threshold, producing a more natural and transparent response compared to hard-knee compression.

Q: How does the enhancer section differ from an equalizer?

The enhancer section uses a fixed-frequency processing circuit rather than a conventional equalizer band. It generates presence and high-frequency content through processing rather than simply boosting existing frequency content, which can add clarity and perceived detail without the harshness of a conventional high-frequency boost.

Q: Is the 286s compatible with condenser microphones?

Yes. The +48V phantom power switch on the front panel powers condenser microphones directly from the 286s input stage.

Q: Can two 286s units be rack-mounted together?

Yes. The 286s is a half-rack unit and can be paired with a second 286s in a standard 1U rack space using a dbx half-rack mounting kit.