Product ReviewsDBX 286s Microphone Pre-amp Processor

Powerful, easy to use, cost-effective - what more do you want?

This product is increasingly hard to find, but offers exceptional audio processing power for both broadcast and music applications and at a good price.

We've bought these units primarily for broadcast voice applications and so cannot comment on their use in music recording or via the line input. However the unit provides what is essentially a complete channel strip consisting (L to R) of the following:

A Mic Pre with gain control, a basic 4-LED level indicator, phantom power and 80Hz HPF, plus a button to use the mic pre on its own;
A VERY powerful but very easy to use compressor with input level and release controls;
A de-esser (which I've never used);
An LF/HF enhancer which boosts bass and/or treble without muddying the sound;
An expander/gate that lets you remove room background noise below a certain threshold and by a chosen amount; and
An output gain control that enables you to maintain a good gain structure for the signal path into your mixer.

There are tutorials on the web for how to set this unit up as a starting point for broadcast applications - BSW has a video and cheat sheet that springs to mind - but in fact once you get the hang of what the controls actually do, it's very easy to set up.

"Gotchas" include: Don't apply too much Drive to the compressor or it will remove all the dynamics in a voice and can be noticeable. Follow the maxim that if you can hear what it's doing you've turned it up too much; Be careful with the Expander/Gate ratio. Too much noice reduction here can sound a little "papery" on speech as the gate flutters in and out on breaths and other sounds when you are using a lot of compression. Try to set the Threshold so that it gates out room noise but only just, so the minute you speak or breath it opens up.

My one complaint with this unit: they should have included a main power switch, even if it was round the back attached to the power socket. While a larger studio may well have a big power switch that brings everything up at start of day, and while there are arguments for leaving gear on all the time, if you are NOT using it all the time it would be nice to be able to switch it off. I bought an IEC in-line switch to do the job, but a built-in switch associated with the power socket would have added almost nothing to the cost - and you could still leave it on if you wish.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: e_studio_star

dbx 286s preamp is just as good as Focusrite ISA One.

Having owned the dbx 286s and a Focusrite ISA One preamp for about 2 years, I have come to a conclusion, I will just have to sell the Focusrite. I was shocked to tell you the truth, after comparing the two today. I bought the 286s just for the compression and deesser feature alone, never have I tried its preamp for the microphone. The ISA One have been doing its duty as the preamp for my microphone these past 2 years. Today I had the thought of comparing the two side by side, and let me tell you, I was shocked, the preamp in the dbx 286s is warmer, just as clear, and just as powerful as the ISA One. I am sad that my favorite preamp will be set aside however, but I will love my dbx more from now on. As a note, I am using the preamp strictly for vocal works, my mic is AE5400, into the dbx 286, to dbx 215s equalizer, and finally to the yamaha MG10XU.Read full review...

Verified purchase: No

Great mic processor for home studio use!

Using it for on air work. The processor’s easy to use and very effective as a compressor limiter. The gating is easy to dial in to remove computer and hvac noise from home use. Separate hi lo EQ is nice and the D Esser will smooth out all the rough edges. Only downside is 1/4 out only. Be nice if it had both XLR in and out but it’s an easy adaptation. Highly recommend!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: hotbeatnewyork

dbx 286s works great

So far so good....easy to use and it does make a difference.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: sweetwatersound

A true classic!

Although you could certainly build a signal chain with a better mic preamp, a better compressor, a better gate/expander, a parametric EQ, etc. you wouldn’t have the same dependable simplicity in a 1 RU unit. The 286A is a classic because it’s easy to get a great sound quickly, and you won’t get bogged down with option paralysis.Read full review...

Once you figure it out, it works great.

A little tricky for a first time user. Instructions weren't great but in the end it produced a great consistent sound. Worth the price.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: audiosavings

Love This Product!!

This mic pre-amp gives me a clean crisp sound while leaving the background noise completely out with the proper settings. How do I know this? I tested it with the tv on...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: sweetwatersound

DBX Pre

DBX 286 preamp it may not have some functionality of higher price preamps but it is “Good Enough” as Ray would say. I use it for a Tom pre with an additional eq.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: sdaudioandrv

Makes me sound professional on Zoom

Perfect for zoom and streaming with a Shure SM7B. I was able to find a professional sound and completely tune the gain, compressor, and gate to perfectly reject the sound of my keyboard and mouse from my audio feed. Perfect for work meetings.

Because my soundcard was noisy I paired this with a Scarlett 2i2 to bring the audio into my PC.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: e_studio_star

Great Pre-Amp

Great Pre-Amp paired with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Rode Procaster Mic. All connected, at various points in time, to M-Audio studio monitors and Audio Technica ATH M50X headphones along with a Macbook Pro. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: proaudioland