The main advantage
This microphone preamp and processor is the perfect purchase for those interested in investing in a unit that can be used for radio broadcasting. Its main advantage is the fact that it gives your voice more clarity and you can even add more warmth to your voice while using it. The compressor that this unit features does a great job at leveling the overall volume. This feature is especially handy if you are a novice and you are not used to utilizing a microphone often.
Therefore, it is a nice device to have around if you want to make sure that your work stands out from all points of view. This can prove practical, especially if you want to achieve that perfect “radio sound”.
As you know, patching together multiple processors can be both time consuming and rather expensive. With the dbx 286s, you get all that you need in a simple box that is compact and very practical to have around.
On top of that, it should be noted that this processor is very simple to use, even if you are a novice. This is true because this model comes provided with a simple, highly intuitive design.
The main con
The one thing that you should know about before purchasing this choice is the fact that it cannot convert the sound to USB. So, you will have to use another device to convert the signal when you are recording on a PC.
Also, because there is not an on and off switch that you can use to turn on and off the unit, you will have to unplug it whenever you are done using it. This is not a drawback that should deter you from using this processor.
Given all the features that this model comes fitted with, it can safely be argued that this is a device that is worthy of your time and attention.
Main features explained
Sound and ease of use
One of the most important features that recommend the DBX 286s as a good investment is its easy-to-use controls. To start, you have the input gain knob that enables you to control the volume and the application of the mic. The knob goes from 0 to +60 decibels, and, for the line input, from -15 to +45 decibels.
Next to the knob, you will see a LED clipping indicator. When you are talking, the two green lights should be on. If this does not happen, this means that you have to speak a little bit louder.
A +48-volt phantom power switch is also incorporated in the design of this model. You can use it to power the condenser mic that you are utilizing. This choice also features a high-pass 80Hz cut out switch that comes in handy when it comes to reducing any background noise.
It also can prove handy if you are talking too loudly and you need your voice to be softened. If you want to get the best results time and time again, it is recommended that you use this setting whenever necessary.
The process bypass switch that the unit comes provided with can be used whenever you want to disable all of the settings and, consequently, it turns this product into a preamp.
Once you get used to operating all these features you will surely come to appreciate the practicality of the DBX 286s. It is simple to use and it is particularly handy for podcasters and voice-over artists who want to create high-quality audio recordings in the comfort of their home. It is compact and it can make for a great purchase if you want to present it as a gift to that friend of yours who wants to start a podcast in his/her free time.
The compressor
If you are well educated in the field of radio broadcasting, you probably already know that a compressor is the one device that can make your voice sound better. This choice includes a compressor that is simple to use given that it includes only two controls, a drive, and an intensity knob. For practicality reasons, this model also features an LED strip indicator that lets you observe just how much compression is being applied to your voice at each moment.
The de-esser that the unit includes is, by all means, a welcomed addition to the product. If you do not know, a de-esser can remove the extra S’s from your speech so that the quality of the audio is not compromised. The best way to adjust this setting is to say the sound s and to continually adjust the knob until you are 100% happy with the result.
The enhancer setting can help you get to that “radio sound” that you are probably interested in achieving as a broadcaster. In other words, this setting works by adjusting both the highs and the lows in your voice.
Moreover, the expander and the gate switches should be used whenever you want to remove any unwanted background noises. Plus, this setting can also prove helpful when you are not speaking into the mic, as, in this case, the expander reduces the sound.
Finally, the unit also features an insert jack that you can utilize whenever you need to add effect loops or any other type of external effects. To do so, you will have to use an external cable.
All these settings are very handy as they allow you to have total control over the quality of the sound you are recording. Because of them, you can utilize the DBX 286s in the comfort of your home.
Design
Apart from all the features that it comes supplied with, the DBX 286s is likely to catch your attention because of its nice and simple design. As we have mentioned before, this unit is fairly simple to use, which is the reason why it is a great purchase for all novices out there interested in recording high-quality audio.
At a close look, it becomes clear that the DBX 286s is a straightforward preamp as well as a channel strip that can fit easily in the space that you have available given its compact construction. Still, it should be noted that, if you are interested in a model that has a bold design or that includes numerous fancy features, this might not be the right option for you.
All in all, the simplicity of the design is a plus and not a minus. Given that it includes so many useful settings, the DBX 286s is a great option for those interested in a product that delivers great results and that is simple to operate.
When it comes to its sturdiness, it should be mentioned that this unit is, by no means, flimsy in its construction. All the knobs that it includes are made of durable materials and they are easy to turn. Additionally, the model also comes supplied with LEDs that can prove quite handy for novices. You can use the LEDs to guide you in the process of obtaining that perfect radio sound that you want.
The mic input that the DBX 286s comes fitted with accepts both unbalanced and balanced inputs and, consequently, you can easily connect your professional microphones to it without a lot of effort. Size-wise, this product measures 19 by 5.8 by 1.8 inches, and it has a total weight of 5.07 pounds. Therefore, it won’t take up too much space.
Versatility
The DBX 286s is practical to use by a wide array of people. For instance, if you are interested in vocal recording, you can utilize it as a microphone preamp. So, if you are a radio broadcaster, a voice actor, or a hobbyist podcaster, this product is just what you need. Once you figure out how to operate, the time you spend in post-production will be vastly reduced.
One of the reasons why this choice is so well appreciated by so many prior users has a lot to do with the quality of sound that it delivers. For example, by investing in this choice, you no longer have to spend extra money on sound-treating your podcast environment to make sure that your recordings are clear of unwanted background noises. In fact, you can get rid of sound turbulence by simply turning a knob.
Moreover, because of the numerous audio enhancements that this product allows for, you can be sure your voice sounds clear enough for your listeners. In other words, this is the device for you if you want to achieve, as we have mentioned before, that broadcast radio sound. Additionally, if you want to get rid of any excess S sounds in your speech, you can use the de-esser setting that it comes fitted with.
Apart from using this model for vocal recordings, the model can also be utilized for instrument recording and music production. Still, it should be added that this unit was not specially built to be utilized for music recordings. So, if you want to get the best results when recording your latest tracks, it might be a good idea to explore the possibility of investing in other similar pieces of equipment. Yet, it can still be used for instrument recordings.
Overall, the DBX 286s is sturdy, functional, compact and it is worth the price considering all the features that it comes with.
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