DBX 286s Microphone Preamp/Processor Review 

Cheers!

Hey thanks! It’s just a Canon M50 with a Sigma 30 prime lens. I appreciate the comment!

That’s all lighting.

You’re very welcome! Cheers!

You’re absolutely right. I did notice that when I was watching my video after it was uploaded. I noticed the speed slow down as I turned the knob. Thanks for letting me know!

Sounds like a great plan! I honestly never use mine ever. But it’s great if you want everything ready to go on the way in! Cheers!

Sounds like you know what you’re talking about! Indeed, it’ll do the job but overkill a lot of the time. Thanks for watching!

I’m glad to hear it! It’ll do you well for years. Just make sure to unplug it when not in use. There’s no on/off switch. 😉 Cheers!

@@TheRecordist yea thats the only thing i dont like that it does not have a power switch

@@LauwieTech oh well. There are workarounds. Cheers!

You’re welcome! Cheers!

Haha. Don’t we all! Thanks for watching!

Haha. Well thank you very much!

Same here. Great review. Better than what’s out there, and I have watched them all. I dig the aesthetic video background, too. Please make more videos.

@@doetube9746 well thank you very much! I have another 30 or so videos on my channel (so far) and more coming! Thanks for watching!

Yes. They’re great little units! Thanks for watching!

Hahaha. Woo hoo! Cheers!

You’re very welcome!

Hahaha. Cheers!

Hi Neven! I think either would work. Find for what you’re after. I had the 166xl some years ago and it was great. It is a stereo processor, so that’s cool if you intend on going stereo in the future. I’m not sure I would use a de-easer on taming the highs but I wouldn’t rule it out. I’m a recordist so I generally am always thinking about down the line what I’d want to do and I wouldn’t want anything I couldn’t undo. However, in your situation, it might work. If you don’t ever need stereo then the 286s would be fine. The 266 and 166 are stereo if I recall. Just one of those would work for both guitar and vocals. I would go with the cheapest of the three. Hope this helps!

Hey thanks! When doing VO work, I am always using my Apollo Twin X, and thus use a UAD chain. I’ll use a channel strip like SSL 9000 E or Neve 88RS or even the Avalon. Then, depending if I’m using the 416 or the UA DLX Sphere mic, I’ll use the USD Sphere plugin, I always C-Suite C-Vox, then, if I’m not using the channel strip compressors the legacy 1176 compressor, followed by a legacy LA2A compressor. Both compressors use a light touch. Nothing noticeable. Sometimes de-essers, but I usually like doing that in post. A great VO-based channel to watch is The Microphone Assassin. Hope this helps!

you are awesome!!!..lots of info for me to research! thanks for the recommendation! I have a vast array of mics- from re320's, re20's, lewitt 440, nt1, nt1a and a sound devices usbpre2 interface. and do a podcast with some buddies and use behringer uv1 channel strips for our mics into a uphoria 1820.... and as I watch too many shows my brain wants us to be at the point in society where we can plugin a usb into our brain stem and learn it all...NOW

@@darrelldoespodcasts6225 hahah. I know what you mean! It’s a vast sea to swim in! Processing dialogue is a lot of fun but it also takes experience. The key is taking out the annoying frequencies or at least limiting them, and evening out the audio so it’s all the same dynamics. Then it’s about enhancing the pleasing frequencies. This, of course isn’t the same for every voice as every voice is different. Saturation is also something some people like or hate. It all comes down to what you think sounds good. Trial and error. But a good way to get there is to have a pro, listen to it and give you pointers-and listen to them. Expensive mics are desired not because they are accurate in reproduction of the voice, but because they’re NOT accurate. They tend to enhance the right frequencies and suppress the nasty ones automatically. So less work is needed to get them to sound good. But once again, sometimes an expensive mic doesn’t sound good on one voice and does on another. Haha. It’s a process indeed!

Well this is a great and cheap way to do precisely what you’re looking for! Cheers!

Sure does!

Yes. It’s a really nice channel strip!

@@TheRecordist Indeed! Merry Christmas!

@@boeing757pilot Merry Christmas!

Good question. The answer is that it is definitely not fast enough to catch a mic drop. Most compressors/limiters aren’t. That would take like 200:1 compression. Haha. But it’s good enough for excited talking, if that’s what you mean. Mainly, if you’re looking at recording, the same or better can be achieved with plugins. But if you want full processing on the way in, then this is the way to go. Nothing comes close to this unit in price. Hope this helps!

Hey no worries! Hmm. I have never used an RE27. I’ve only used an RE20 and RE320. If I were you, I’d prefer to use EQ match in ProQ 3. Some DAWs come with stock EQ matching capabilities, such as Logic. It’s not just a matter of rolling off the highs or lows. It’s a bit more complex than that. Sorry I could be of more help!

Haha. Hey thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

Hahaha. Cheers!

Hey. Thanks! Ok. This is a tough one because you’re talking outboard gear and that is such a wide field with very few low cost solutions. The 286s is unique due to its low cost but high functionality. But the 286s seems to be dying on people a lot. Mine still works fine but I suspect it’ll die too. I can’t think of a comparable unit at the same price. The closest was the Symetrix 528e but that’s more money and also a single channel I think. Have you thought about just going to an interface? You can do so much in these things these days. Interfaces by brands like RME or Audient, SSL, or even UA. You’d get at least two channels and some of them come with built in effects like compressors etc, or plugin chains. What’s your budget?

If money wasn’t a problem, you could also start building a 500 series rack with your choice of modules based on your needs. But we’re talking big money.

Wow. That’s a serious radio! I used to be into radios in the 90s. I never got as far as Ham but I did operate an illegal boot pumping out a hell of a lot more than the 4 watts allowed. Haha. I used to have an Antron 99 antenna and a Silver Eagle mic. Man. Those were the days. I always wanted to get into Ham. Anyway, to your question. I can fully recommend the ElectroVoice RE20 for your purposes, but even a Shure SM7b or an SM7dB (for more power) would work. These are dynamic mics, and they’re great for minimizing the noise around you and focuses on your voice. If you wanted to go condenser mic (very articulate), it would pick up your whole house. It’ll hear cars outside and everything. I never recommend condensers unless you’re in a totally sound proof room with minimal reverberation. The radio guys have used the RE20 mics for many years. It’s very popular. Sounds divine. Does that help?

@@TheRecordistYes, thank you! You've also answered another question that I had regarding condenser mics. This is something that I was considering because they tend to be quite flat and highly transparent which I'm really keen on. I have a few servers in my office so there is some background fan noise here and I was hoping that the expander/gate may be useful here, so maybe a condenser wouldn't be a good choice. One of the reasons for doing this is that one of my colleagues has really poor hearing which is limited to 5kHz or so and listened to a portable audio system which has planar magnetic headphones and he was blown away by the detail that he could hear, so even with a constrained bandwidth, really good audio performance can be achieved. I'll have to see if I can get an RE20 to try when I get the processor. Regarding the radio, I didn't really have many options. Most of the newer radios are very heavily menu-driven and I personally find it distracting to for example have to go into a menu to change keyer speed or set monitor level etc. so a good control surface was high on my agenda plus the TS-990 is known to have really nice audio and even with a fairly cheap mic I get good reports. I've also been into audio for many years and given that the radio has a SP/DIF audio input it seemed to be an interesting opportunity to meld the two interests together. My only slight concern is that the UA-5 may be the weak link. If you are interested in getting into radio, I think you will find that the requirements to get a beginners license have been relaxed - it is the case here in Europe and I'm sure it is also true in the US. There always has been a lot of camaraderie in amateur circles and finding someone to help you get your ticket shouldn't be too difficult. It's a fascinating time-abyss. Now would also be a great time as we are in a high-point in the solar 11-year cycle, so the higher HF bands are open for really long-distance contacts. I also got into CB back in the day with a friends CB that he had imported from the US and went from there. Some very interesting 11m amplifier designs out there ;) Thanks again for your help and suggestions!

@@TheRecordistI'm begging for a bit more advice - I've been watching a video comparing the ART voice channel and the DBX286. I've realised I will need a separate ADC to give me the TOSLINK output I need and good quality ones seem to be about the price of the ART voice unit. Any experience of this unit or ART as a company in general? Any general thoughts? Thanks in advance.

@@rjy8960 hey. No worries! I hear good things about the ART Voice Channel. And for the price, you probably be better off just getting the ART, since it’s loaded with TOSLINK etc. The suggestions I’m reading is to replace the tube inside with a higher quality one like a JJ Electronics ECC83. This is common. A lot of tube gear come stock with cheap tubes, and replacing them is cheap and easy. If you haven’t already gotten the DBX, I would suggest the ART would be more up your alley - especially if you need that optical out.

@@TheRecordistThanks :) I've not bought the DBX yet - it does seem like it could be an alternative. Thanks also for the tip on the tube, I think I have some decent ECC83's somewhere in my stash! Once I've got it installed and happy with the results I should do a video......

If you have one already then no problem. As far as buying one for that purpose, I wouldn’t. It’s just a waste of money. It’s more for broadcasting and live applications. You can do even better stuff with UAD plugins on the way in on your Apollo. That’s my take, anyway. Haha. Cheers!

I know of a lot of people who do that. You’re talking about an SM7B right? If so, it can’t hurt. It might help the noise, but only by a very small amount.

@@TheRecordist Yep, 7B. I haven't needed it with other dynamics as they have greater gain. The 286s was recommended and I like it for my podcast. I'm not sure a different compressor (other than Auphonic and very minor post production tweeks) would make an appreciable difference. BTW, thanks for the response.

Yep. You’re absolutely right. My mistake. Cheers!

Hey! The OC-18 is a great mic! I’m not sure what you’re using the mic for and if you’re room is acoustically treated. Let me know and I’ll give you a better answer. Cheers!

@@TheRecordist Thanks for the answer 😁 I use it for voice over and I have a small space treated acoustically but it is not perfect and sometimes it feels

You’re probably good with the OC-18. SM7B would be better when not in a treated room. It needs a lot of gain also. Austrian Audio makes some great mics. I think you’re good!

Thanks!! 😁

Hmm. That sounds like there’s definitely something wrong. You might want to try another cable first. But barring that, that’s a question for DBX. Sorry I could be of more help.

@@TheRecordist all good man thank you.

Hey there. You absolutely do not need the DBX for recording. If you were broadcasting live, this may be a different story. But for recording, you can achieve better results with stock plugins mostly found in any DAW. On the other hand, some people really like owning rack gear because it looks impressive. Haha. So that’s up to you. A good mic, a good interface, a good daw. With skill and a little know-how, you can make anything sound amazing!

Thank you! That would save me quite a bit of money. I'm going to look into these plugins.@@TheRecordist

Hey there! Yes that’ll work great! If you’re doing live broadcasting or recording and don’t plan on doing anything in post, then this is great. But if you plan of finessing and processing the sounds in post, then the DBX is totally not needed. You can get the same or even better results with stock plugins in any DAW. THE ID4 is a nice little interface, the FetHead is great and the SM7B needs no introduction. That combo right there is all you’d need. But you can do whatever your heart desires! Cheers!

Hey thanks for the sub! For a Neumann mic, you need a worthy preamp. The DBX 286s is not worthy. You’d need something like Neve Shelford Channel or at least a lunchbox with some 500 series modules like the Cranborne stuff or even API. Thanks for watching!

You can absolutely use both. Many people do that.

Thanks!

Hahaha. Why thank you kindly! I too want a good burger (or three) and some great conversation! Perhaps one day, my friend!

Hi and thanks for watching! I’m not sure what you are using the 286s for, so recommending is harder. If it’s recording, then I recommend getting into the Universal Audio ecosystem-even just an Apollo Solo (Arrow) and maybe the Manley VoxBox plugin in the Unison slot. You can take it anywhere and the Unison preamp plugins are insanely good. But that’s for recording.

I want to buy 416 mic too🎉

Hmm. A preamp and compressor? Outboard? First, instead of going with a new preamp, maybe just buying an inline preamp like the Trident FetHead or Cloudlifter. This will increase your gain on any device. It converts phantom power to at least 25dB of clean gain BEFORE it hits your preamp. After that, have you considered a Universal Audio Volt 276 interface? There’s a real 1176 compressor on board. Not digital. It also acts as a 610 preamp. It’s pretty cheap. Together with an inline preamp like the FetHead, you’ve got plenty of gain and also a decent compressor for under $500. Make sure you know what computer you have and the connections you need. Good quality outboard compressors are very expensive and the cheaper ones are hit and miss. The DBX 286s is decent for cheap, but the gain isn’t what you need. Hence the FetHead (Cloudlifter). I hope this helps somewhat!

Oh yes. The 416! What a mic!

@@TheRecordist thank you so much for your answer, so the solution is 276 volt with cloudlifter and not DBX 286s with scarlett 2i2?

@@peshrawable oh. I thought you were looking for something other than the DBX. My apologies. Yes, the DBX 286s and your Scarlett will work just fine, but I still recommend an in-line preamp like the FetHead or Cloudlifter. This will amp up your 7B no matter what interface or preamp you use it with. Let me know what you end up doing. Cheers!

The chips fail? Wow. That’s good to know. The MX60 is a very nice unit. A lot more expensive though. Thanks for the comment!

I got this info from gearspace, sadly I can’t but the link here as it gets deleted.

@@Soso-km8er I’ll find it. Thanks!

Hahahahahaha

No. The pres in the MixPre are top notch. High end. It’s kind of a step down to throw a lower-end preamp before it.

@@TheRecordist great information. Thank you so much!

@@TheRecordist I've used the 7xx series for a long time and agree that they're incredibly clean. The John Hardy of recorders perhaps.

@@AironExTv quite!

@@TheRecordist Does the same apply to the Apollo Twin X Duo? I mean how does the DBX 286s stack up against the Apollo?

So sorry about that.

So sorry. Do you mean SSL?

Not usually. What mic are you using?

@@TheRecordist Condenser

@@sanga783 no. You absolutely no not need one. A good channel strip plugin will do you just fine. Just keep the levels peaking no higher than -6db when you’re recording and then you can do the same stuff with a channel strip plugin in post. Far cheaper.

@@TheRecordist Thank you

@@TheRecordist I already bought this one, i think it works well

My apologies for being somewhat unfair. I generally do reviews for recording applications here. Anyway, a very cool cheap rack processor.

Oh yes. Very quiet. And world class converters. I liked the MixPre 3 II so much that I bought the MixPre 6 II as well.

@@TheRecordist I have 2 mix pre 3II for my work, now I'm wondering if I should actually use them as my audio interface haha.

@@Slipsch many do that and they love it!

@@TheRecordist Currently I'm running the MKH50 with DBX286s and the Audient ID4 Mark II for my computer setup, I actually emailed Audient thinking that my Audio Interface is broken because of the noise floor and I watched a bunch of reviews and it shows that the Audient ID4 Mark II has a very low noise floor. Because I'm used to hearing it from my MixPre3 II with MKH50. Little did I know, the MixPre3 II is just next level haha.

@@Slipsch oh man. The MKH50 is a wicked mic. The ID44 is pretty quiet. The culprit may also be the 286s in that chain. But yes, the MixPre is very quiet. Nice eh?

Yes. This can work for singing for sure.

Hahahahaha!

Sadly so. Cheers!

😱😱😱😱 great Odin’s Raven!

Of course. You have much more experience than I do. How would you do it better?