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Your cart is empty. 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.
- 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
Box Contains
dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip
- 2x 25' XLR Cables NEW
- AC Power Cable
- Two (2) Year Warranty
ValuShopper
August 28, 2025
For newbies to podcasting/audio: You need to understand that when you are new to recording or podcasting or whatever it is that you are doing, background noise filtration is absolutely key. Most people (probably you) don't have adequate sound proof environments to do podcasts or recording, So you wind up picking up tons of garbage sound that pollutes recording and ruins it - so the key is to have a gate. This unit's star attraction is the gate that it provides which is for this price point an absolutely exceptional gate that requires no training to use properly and vastly improve recordings. For the money you absolutely cannot go wrong, this is a must-have piece of equipment for anyone doing podcasting or voiceover work.I think this is really DBX's best product because of out of all of the stuff they make (and I own a TON of DBX gear) this unit is kind of like a swiss-army-knife, it's well balanced and everything WORKS on the unit - there is no superfluous junk on it.High Pass filter: Works fine48v Phantom Power: Works finePreamp: Decent amount of gain, very clear/clean gain! not a noisy preamp.Compressor: Easy to use, works just fine, no complaints (a great FIRST compressor)De-Esser: Works as advertised, not over the top, not muddyEnhancer: Works as advertised a great add-on bonus to the unitGate: This is the STAR of this unit's show, the gate works AWESOME and is worth 200 by itself. Without a gate like this most audio - podcasts/live events/etc - are absolutely terrible. This gate is fast and works flawlessly - really a great gate for the money.Expander: Works as advertised, clean and clear.The ONLY downside of this unit - and it isn't really a true 'downside' its just the realistic limit of the unit itself, is that if you have a dynamic mic that needs a ton of gain (i.e. Shure SM7b) than you will likely need a cloudlifter to utilize with the unit or else you will push the preamp so far it begins to muddy up (LIKE THEY ALL DO!) which is not good.
Jim West
July 24, 2025
I could hardly believe my ears. This device makes ALL the difference in doing voice over work. And it’s so simple to hook up and use. Hardware audio processing is SO much better than software processing. I highly recommend this preamp/processor. Just buy it. You’ll LOVE it!
k.
July 2, 2025
it's nice, dunno why it ships with two xlr-xlr cables, considering it has a trs output, not a xlr one.compressor works perfectly, the de-esser is okay, but can be easily overpowering. the enhancers are the same.the gate is perfect for non-treated rooms with computer noise, and the preamp is very quiet.recommended if you have a dynamic or ribbon mic, but it'll be fine for condensers as well considering it also has phantom power.100% recommend.
VINCENT CHEN
June 10, 2025
Everything you need. 60db of mic gain, phantom power 48 volts. Enhancer and De-esser, and Compressor, and Expander Gate. Whether you want to sound like a radio disc jockey or just give your voice or instrument that just polished and professional sound as it hits your DAW, what is easier than this? Money is not scary at $199.00 too.Built robustly and the controls have a positive click like feel to them. I have used dbx for over 40 years, and they are trusted and there for the duration. You will definitely get more gear before this will ever fail on you. I love how it makes my voice for my voice over work I will be doing so spot on. My mixer a Soundcraft Signature 12 has effects sure, but this dbx 286s makes it so easy. Lots of YouTube videos on how to get the most of the 286s if instructions are not your thing.So recommended I wish I had bought this sooner! XLR Balanced for the mic, and 1/4 inch TRS for your insert and output. Easy peasy. Nothing hard to get, just once you dial it in which takes no time. Your time in post on your DAW is allot less. A winner in all it does. No fails on this device at all.
Djard
February 8, 2025
This piece of studio equipment exceeded my expectations, delivering pristine, studio quality sound. Moreover, it offers the ability to give you what I call a radio voice for broadcasting....very rich and clear. But the main strength of the device is effectively filtering ambient noise. And it will power just about any microphone. No power on/off switch, but that can be managed from a power strip (I'm thinking of adding a fused power switch).. Don't forget to turn down the input gain when turning on the power. The manual, like all electronic product manuals, is sorely wanting. I wrote my own if anybody want a copy, which gives full understanding of the complex controls.
Reveiwer
January 23, 2025
This unit is a BEAST. Combine it with a CloudLifter/etc to get even better sound... but really the DBs this thing puts out are SO clean ...it's really a game changer. Up your game with this. You won't be sorry!"But I'm not a gearhead and I don't know how to set it up!"There are a few videos on YouTube which walk you through the process. It's VERY easy. Do it!
Larry Anderson
December 2, 2024
This is what all podcaster's need to give your voice the proper body and no-noise output. Using an AKG P220 and the software audacity not only took time but difficult. After connecting it to the DBX286S it went from an average condenser mic to high-end sounding. Bottom line is if you want to podcast or do voice over work, and not have to worry about editing in post, this is your product. It does it all for you. Not only will it save time but it gives professional body to your voice. Recent 3-star or less reviews are due to not knowing how to set it up. Instructions are not enough, watch instructional/tutorial videos on youtube and you'll love this product.
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