Thanks for the excellent video! We love the dbx 286s! I (Craig) recorded vocals with microphones direct in my TASCAM DP-32 on our 1st two albums and while they sound excellent, mixing was sometimes a struggle because of my poor microphone technique. I started using the dbx on our 3rd album, "Strange News From A Distant Star" (on our TH-cam channel), and while you might not be able to hear any difference from our first two albums, the dbx 286s made mixing my vocals much easier, and it made any microphone I plugged into it come alive with more versatility thanks to all the excellent features you mentioned.
Thanks Curtis. This is the absolute best and easiest explanation I've heard on how to set up the 286. I'm using a Wheatstone M-1, and I want to check out the 286, which has been sitting in the rack for a year, unused. I'm using the new Shure MV7+. This is greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much for this video. I have had my DBX for a number of years and never felt like I had it set appropriately. I just followed your guidance Curtis and it sounds amazing!
I find it really funny, that prices of 286 went super high, just because it could handle *every* microphone ever. A testimony to a state of preamps in the modern interfaces. Thanks. That is a pretty good explanation.
This thing looks amazing. I have been going through a PreSonus RC500 for the last 8 years - and then using another set of processors in the box. But this u it looks like it could tackle everything straight to “tape” Big fan of your channel for years! Keep up the great work. Cheers, Marcus
Hi Curtis, I've recently endeavored into the world of audio book narration but I'm experiencing some strangeness in my audio when recording. As far as my current setup: I use a Rode NT1 condenser mic, the dbx 286s, and the Scarlet Solo 3rd Gen audio interface. I'm using Adobe Audition on my MAC for recording. Initially, I had my mic connected via XLR to the dbx, and connected the dbx via a 1/4 TRS to XLR for the Scarlet. When running sound checks I was able to hear and record my voice, but I found that my voice sounded as if I was speaking while sitting in front of a fan; just a very strange undulation effect that made everything sound robotic and artificial. After doing some research and finding this video, I realized my problem might be my connections, so I swapped my cable from a TRS to XLR with a TRS to TRS cable, plugging it into the Scarlet's 1/4 inch input on the front. My issue now is that my voice isn't registering in Adobe Audition. I can see the dbx working as I speak, so it's getting the signal from my mic, and the Scarlet is set to LINE, but I'm not getting audio. I've ensured my MAC audio settings are using the Scarlet interface, and I've also tried adjusting gain. To no avail. With this info, is there anything you can think of that I am doing wrong?
*Update - I made some changes to my preferences in Adobe Audition. I didn't realize that system defaults needed to be reassinged to the new input/output that I was using on my Scarlet. So audio is recording, but I'm still getting a strange sound in my voice recordings as if I am sitting in front of a fan. I'm sure there is something easy that I need to adjust, however this has me stumped.
Genuinely, great and helpful video in a very professional manner. By the way in what order are these executed? I mean is de-esser applied before or after the enhancer? And at which point compressor gets applied?
Thank you Curtis. I only just noticed this video. I have this channel strip myself, but until watching your video, I wasn’t 100 percent confident on how to use it. Cheers for the lesson! One question: I have a dynamic mic that needs a Cloudlifter. Do I still need the Cloudlifter in the chain while using the DBX?
@@curtisjudd thanks mate. I had one more question (sorry); I’m thinking about going for a higher end dynamic mic, the EV RE-20. Would a budget channel strip like the DBX be necessary with such a mic, would it add unwanted colouration so to speak, or would it still be a useful? Would one need to upgrade the channel strip to match the mic?
@@StarWarsJay Depends on what you're trying to achieve. No XLR mic of which I'm aware has a built-in compressor or de-esser. So I happily use the dbx even with higher end microphones. It all just adds up to a better sound.
Thanks for a very clear explanation - setting the enhancer before the de-esser makes a lot of sense. My 286 suffers from transformer hum - it's not loud but it's very annoying. I'm thinking of potting the transformer, but I'd be interested to know if anyone has any other ideas for fixing the issue?
I was expecting to hear some example dialog with the effects engaged and disengaged, at the end of the video. So that we could get a better sense of what the proccesing is doing to the dialog. Also, if we could see you getting closer and further away from the microphone, we would also get a sense of how much (or little) the compressor is helping out with giving you more room to move around the mic.
Interesting kombining the 286 with the stylish Volt. I thought about hat combination since my Audient ID14 mk ii broke down. Any idea about how 286 and Volt compares to only using a Rødecaster II?
11:09 The Expander on the 286s is WEIRD! Most gates have a Range knob to set the dB gain reduction of the gate and a Ratio knob to set the expansion ratio. The 286s doesn't have a Range knob, so you might assume that means you're always getting max gain reduction (when the Threshold isn't set to OFF). But the Ratio knob is actually a multifunction knob with a breakpoint at 2:1. Below 2:1, it's acting like a Range knob and setting the gain reduction for the gate. Above 2:1 it's adjusting expansion (and giving you high range/gain reduction).
Would appreciate some guidance on how to choose whether to use the dbx286s or the newer "prosumer" gear flooding the market (Rodecaster, Mackie, etc.) or software processing (using Audio Hijack or DAW apps with stock or optional plugins). I understand the biggest choice is whether one needs fully processed real-time output (for live events, live streaming, etc.) and the "set it and forget" utility versus the flexibility but complexity of some gear or software. But if one isn't doing this fulltime, and willing to trade some complexity (written checklists can help bridge the gap on complicated setups) for lower cost with hopefully equal (or better) results, what would you recommend? Physical space is also an issue for some of us - using a rackmount form factor db286s which still needs an outboard audio interface box and cabling also has a "cost" beyond purchase price.
I don't have a perfectly objective answer. In part, it is a matter of preference. I will say that I find the RODECaster Pro's de-esser difficult to work with relative to the de-esser here. But that may be more of a Curtis issue than anything else. In terms of audio quality, any arguments over whether analogue vs. digital sounds better seems mostly moot at this point and more down to specific pieces of gear versus other pieces. I find it easier to dial this in than a RODECaster pro, but that's purely subjective.
Hi Curtis! Great video! You know I'm thinking of buying an Audio Technica AT4050 to work as a voice over and I was thinking of a preamp like the dbx 286 + a focusrite 2i2 alone - do you think that with these 3 plus a speaker booth I can get a professional sound? Thank you very much.
I really dislike the form factor of the device, half-rack would be ideal. Anyways, thank you Curtis, would you be down to creating a similar demo using your favorite plugins for use with OBS? Possibly including a VST host since OBS is stuck in the VST 2 era
There isn’t a dbx 286s plugin of which I’m aware, but there are plenty of preamp emulator, compressor, EQ, de-esser, and gate plugins. Some even combine several of these effects in one.
Ive often wondered it using a dbx286 and baking in the expander to the recoeding will make noise reduction in post worse? Maybe less effective is a better way to put it.
A little off-topic as I am interested in the universal audio interface. I’ll have to see if you’ve got a video on that at all, but I’m just offhand wondering can it be used without having to use all the associated software etc. that come with that or can I just plug and playinto Mac my Adobe audition?
Just my lifetime of livesound/studio techie worth thought on this. Try out with mic not needing that ridiculous amounts of gain and hiss is not present on so prominent levels.
@@curtisjudd been there. That’s how we tested new effects and outboard gear back in the 80`s. Too noisy gear seldom were keepers. That much gain can be used to make good cables act as antenna.
In the first half of the video I could have swore something was wrong because I've never thought a 58 was gain hungry.. In my experience you should never have to turn the gain all the way up on any preamp, mixer, or interface... After posting my initial comment I realized that this is specifically for spoken word, dialogue, and voice over; three scenarios I've never encountered. I imagine if this was being used with a singer you'd be about 3/4 or less on the gain knob with a 58 and getting close to max with an SM7B for live vocals.
Also, there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with using a preamp’s max gain setting. Yes, some lower end preamps can get noisy, but that isn’t universally the case.
I have mixed feelings about my dbx 286s. I realized that for recording you can't really undo all that processing, so I tend to record as unprocessed as possible and only use the 286s for live streaming or events, where you basically have to bake in your sound before you start. The bigger problem for me was that when I used mine inside the silence of my WhisperRoom, I could hear the buzz of the transformer unless I put it on the floor or outside the booth. When I put it on a table, it gets worse as it buzzes the table, so I had to put it on some foam. I'm not sure if mine has a bad transformer, but it caught me off guard.
4:31 "different" = bad, IMO. It's unfortunate that they felt a need to deviate from traditional compressor vernacular & controls. NOT having an "attack" setting is by far the *biggest downfall* of this unit. It allows for MAJOR amplitude spikes at the beginning of almost every sentence if you pause long enough or if you narrate in such a way that you take breaks to gather your thoughts and/or stop to redo a phrase after a mistake (to later fix in editing). Unusable compression, IMO since the beginning of almost every phrase has an amplitude spike.
I don’t take issue with your preference for having more control. But to challenge this idea in a friendly way, how do you retain articulation on consonants if you use a faster attack than this unit allows?
UPDATE: Listening back, I would increase the compressor density to 5 or possibly even higher to avoid compressing and emphasizing the breaths.
Perfect explanation of the 286, it really gives a better understanding.
👍
Thanks for the excellent video! We love the dbx 286s! I (Craig) recorded vocals with microphones direct in my TASCAM DP-32 on our 1st two albums and while they sound excellent, mixing was sometimes a struggle because of my poor microphone technique. I started using the dbx on our 3rd album, "Strange News From A Distant Star" (on our TH-cam channel), and while you might not be able to hear any difference from our first two albums, the dbx 286s made mixing my vocals much easier, and it made any microphone I plugged into it come alive with more versatility thanks to all the excellent features you mentioned.
Just got it TODAY to go with my Lewitt 440 Pure. Seriously just got it today and you publish a video on setting it up! lol. Must be living right.
👍 nice combo! Happy recording!
Thanks Curtis. This is the absolute best and easiest explanation I've heard on how to set up the 286. I'm using a Wheatstone M-1, and I want to check out the 286, which has been sitting in the rack for a year, unused. I'm using the new Shure MV7+. This is greatly appreciated!
👍 happy recording!
Thank you so much for this video. I have had my DBX for a number of years and never felt like I had it set appropriately. I just followed your guidance Curtis and it sounds amazing!
I've been looking for a video like this for over a year now. Thank you SO MUCH!!!
Thank you for your videos, they are always of high quality and thoroughness. As the owner of a DBX 286s, I appreciate the information.
Thanks!
Very informative video on this unit. I use mine on my ham radio station and it's awesome! Thanks again for all of the great videos!
👍
Fantastic hands-on instruction! I'm setting up my DBX286 now for my studio mic. 😀
👍
This was awesome! Wished there was more quality competition at this price point but this unit is solid.
👍
I find it really funny, that prices of 286 went super high, just because it could handle *every* microphone ever. A testimony to a state of preamps in the modern interfaces.
Thanks. That is a pretty good explanation.
Thanks.
Curtis, always love your top notch videos!!! Been listening forever.. thanks!!
🙏
This thing looks amazing. I have been going through a PreSonus RC500 for the last 8 years - and then using another set of processors in the box.
But this u it looks like it could tackle everything straight to “tape”
Big fan of your channel for years! Keep up the great work.
Cheers, Marcus
Thanks Marcus. Happy recording!
Hi Curtis, I appreciate the video. Curious, how do you find the rodecastor duo aphex processing vs the dbx?
I prefer the dbx, but that’s just personal, subjective preference.
@@curtisjudd Appreciate the answer.
Last question @curtisjudd, using an adapter cable, could you feed the Dbx output into an XLR in?
Yes, if the XLR input can be switched to line level (as opposed to microphone level)
This was the best explaimation of this device i have evere seen. So very usefuk
👍
Hi Curtis, I've recently endeavored into the world of audio book narration but I'm experiencing some strangeness in my audio when recording. As far as my current setup: I use a Rode NT1 condenser mic, the dbx 286s, and the Scarlet Solo 3rd Gen audio interface. I'm using Adobe Audition on my MAC for recording. Initially, I had my mic connected via XLR to the dbx, and connected the dbx via a 1/4 TRS to XLR for the Scarlet. When running sound checks I was able to hear and record my voice, but I found that my voice sounded as if I was speaking while sitting in front of a fan; just a very strange undulation effect that made everything sound robotic and artificial. After doing some research and finding this video, I realized my problem might be my connections, so I swapped my cable from a TRS to XLR with a TRS to TRS cable, plugging it into the Scarlet's 1/4 inch input on the front. My issue now is that my voice isn't registering in Adobe Audition. I can see the dbx working as I speak, so it's getting the signal from my mic, and the Scarlet is set to LINE, but I'm not getting audio. I've ensured my MAC audio settings are using the Scarlet interface, and I've also tried adjusting gain. To no avail. With this info, is there anything you can think of that I am doing wrong?
*Update - I made some changes to my preferences in Adobe Audition. I didn't realize that system defaults needed to be reassinged to the new input/output that I was using on my Scarlet. So audio is recording, but I'm still getting a strange sound in my voice recordings as if I am sitting in front of a fan. I'm sure there is something easy that I need to adjust, however this has me stumped.
Do you have a sample posted online anywhere? Would be helpful to hear it.
Excellent Idea and Excellent video. Another reference link for when people ask!
Thanks Matt 👍
Genuinely, great and helpful video in a very professional manner. By the way in what order are these executed? I mean is de-esser applied before or after the enhancer? And at which point compressor gets applied?
I believe they’re applied in the order they appear on the control panel, from last to right.
Thank you Curtis. I only just noticed this video. I have this channel strip myself, but until watching your video, I wasn’t 100 percent confident on how to use it. Cheers for the lesson! One question: I have a dynamic mic that needs a Cloudlifter. Do I still need the Cloudlifter in the chain while using the DBX?
Possibly yes. We use SM7Bs and use a cloud lifter along with the dbx286 in that scenario.
@@curtisjudd thanks mate. I had one more question (sorry); I’m thinking about going for a higher end dynamic mic, the EV RE-20. Would a budget channel strip like the DBX be necessary with such a mic, would it add unwanted colouration so to speak, or would it still be a useful? Would one need to upgrade the channel strip to match the mic?
@@StarWarsJay Depends on what you're trying to achieve. No XLR mic of which I'm aware has a built-in compressor or de-esser. So I happily use the dbx even with higher end microphones. It all just adds up to a better sound.
@@curtisjudd thanks again Curtis. I bought the strip for the de-esser, so that makes total sense.
Thanks for a very clear explanation - setting the enhancer before the de-esser makes a lot of sense. My 286 suffers from transformer hum - it's not loud but it's very annoying. I'm thinking of potting the transformer, but I'd be interested to know if anyone has any other ideas for fixing the issue?
👍
I was expecting to hear some example dialog with the effects engaged and disengaged, at the end of the video. So that we could get a better sense of what the proccesing is doing to the dialog. Also, if we could see you getting closer and further away from the microphone, we would also get a sense of how much (or little) the compressor is helping out with giving you more room to move around the mic.
Thanks for the feedback. I don’t like using a compressor to compensate for moving off mic, at least under ideal circumstances.
Fantastic video, thank you so much for putting this together.
👍
Interesting kombining the 286 with the stylish Volt. I thought about hat combination since my Audient ID14 mk ii broke down. Any idea about how 286 and Volt compares to only using a Rødecaster II?
Quite minimalist and affordable. The thing with the noise usually becomes a challenge.
👍 yes, and the same applies in post production except you have potentially more tools to manage the noise.
11:09 The Expander on the 286s is WEIRD! Most gates have a Range knob to set the dB gain reduction of the gate and a Ratio knob to set the expansion ratio. The 286s doesn't have a Range knob, so you might assume that means you're always getting max gain reduction (when the Threshold isn't set to OFF). But the Ratio knob is actually a multifunction knob with a breakpoint at 2:1. Below 2:1, it's acting like a Range knob and setting the gain reduction for the gate. Above 2:1 it's adjusting expansion (and giving you high range/gain reduction).
Thanks for sharing!
Would appreciate some guidance on how to choose whether to use the dbx286s or the newer "prosumer" gear flooding the market (Rodecaster, Mackie, etc.) or software processing (using Audio Hijack or DAW apps with stock or optional plugins).
I understand the biggest choice is whether one needs fully processed real-time output (for live events, live streaming, etc.) and the "set it and forget" utility versus the flexibility but complexity of some gear or software.
But if one isn't doing this fulltime, and willing to trade some complexity (written checklists can help bridge the gap on complicated setups) for lower cost with hopefully equal (or better) results, what would you recommend?
Physical space is also an issue for some of us - using a rackmount form factor db286s which still needs an outboard audio interface box and cabling also has a "cost" beyond purchase price.
I don't have a perfectly objective answer. In part, it is a matter of preference. I will say that I find the RODECaster Pro's de-esser difficult to work with relative to the de-esser here. But that may be more of a Curtis issue than anything else. In terms of audio quality, any arguments over whether analogue vs. digital sounds better seems mostly moot at this point and more down to specific pieces of gear versus other pieces. I find it easier to dial this in than a RODECaster pro, but that's purely subjective.
Very helpful Curtis. This is the one I use for voiceovers.
👍
12:15 hm theres a hiss right here. Is that due to the preamp?
Probably yes. And the amplification of the compressor. Less likely with a condenser mic.
I love the color mix of your wall. Can you do a tutorial on how you set that up?
Yes! th-cam.com/video/wMcduDNV-6k/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
@@curtisjudd thank you. 🙏 appreciate your dedication to building this community as usual.
Hi Curtis! Great video! You know I'm thinking of buying an Audio Technica AT4050 to work as a voice over and I was thinking of a preamp like the dbx 286 + a focusrite 2i2 alone - do you think that with these 3 plus a speaker booth I can get a professional sound? Thank you very much.
Yes, certainly should get a professional sound.
I really dislike the form factor of the device, half-rack would be ideal. Anyways, thank you Curtis, would you be down to creating a similar demo using your favorite plugins for use with OBS? Possibly including a VST host since OBS is stuck in the VST 2 era
Yep! 👍
Hi Curtis, great tutorial. I have this unit and I love it. Do you if there is a vst version available or similar ?
There isn’t a dbx 286s plugin of which I’m aware, but there are plenty of preamp emulator, compressor, EQ, de-esser, and gate plugins. Some even combine several of these effects in one.
Ive often wondered it using a dbx286 and baking in the expander to the recoeding will make noise reduction in post worse? Maybe less effective is a better way to put it.
Yes, I’d wait til post if you are doing post.
@@curtisjudd awesome. Thanks. And thanks for another educational and entertaining video!
A little off-topic as I am interested in the universal audio interface. I’ll have to see if you’ve got a video on that at all, but I’m just offhand wondering can it be used without having to use all the associated software etc. that come with that or can I just plug and playinto Mac my Adobe audition?
The Volt? It can work without extra software.
@@curtisjudd thank you, Curtis. I always enjoy your videos.
Thanks, Curtis. I noticed the Adorama link to the dbx 286s isn't working. ?
Thanks for letting me know. Just had a look and back to working from here. 🙏
Can you hear gaming audio / computer audio and voice at the same time?
Not with this. It is not an audio interface.
Can be use as standalone unit Curtis?
You will need a microphone and a recording device of some sort if you're planning to record the audio.
Just my lifetime of livesound/studio techie worth thought on this. Try out with mic not needing that ridiculous amounts of gain and hiss is not present on so prominent levels.
I know. I wanted a worst case scenario. I got it with the SM58. Well, not worst case, but definitely pushed the preamp.
@@curtisjudd been there. That’s how we tested new effects and outboard gear back in the 80`s. Too noisy gear seldom were keepers. That much gain can be used to make good cables act as antenna.
Would there be effects or audio quality advantages for using this over a Rodecaster?
You don’t have to dive into menus to adjust it 👍
YES. Rodecaster's compressor controls are more traditional and BETTER than what is offered on the 286.
@@CRE8VALU I would not say they are objectively better in terms of achieving a good sounding result. You like them better and that’s totally fair.
@@CRE8VALU also traditional is subjective. Many of the early compressors were amplifying compressors like this with just 2 controls. Reference LA-2A.
You're a master of audio and "she sells sea shells by the sea shore"! Can you do it ten times really fast? 🤣
Yep! I’ve got enough practice 😉
Love mine with my AKG C214
Nice combo!
In the first half of the video I could have swore something was wrong because I've never thought a 58 was gain hungry.. In my experience you should never have to turn the gain all the way up on any preamp, mixer, or interface...
After posting my initial comment I realized that this is specifically for spoken word, dialogue, and voice over; three scenarios I've never encountered.
I imagine if this was being used with a singer you'd be about 3/4 or less on the gain knob with a 58 and getting close to max with an SM7B for live vocals.
Yes! Spoken word differs from sung vocals when it comes to gain. 👍
Also, there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with using a preamp’s max gain setting. Yes, some lower end preamps can get noisy, but that isn’t universally the case.
Thank you!
👍
I have mixed feelings about my dbx 286s. I realized that for recording you can't really undo all that processing, so I tend to record as unprocessed as possible and only use the 286s for live streaming or events, where you basically have to bake in your sound before you start.
The bigger problem for me was that when I used mine inside the silence of my WhisperRoom, I could hear the buzz of the transformer unless I put it on the floor or outside the booth. When I put it on a table, it gets worse as it buzzes the table, so I had to put it on some foam. I'm not sure if mine has a bad transformer, but it caught me off guard.
I haven't had issues with the transformer or electronics making noise. Might be worth contacting support.
Hello!
Do you have the schematic for this equipment that you could provide me (dbx286s)?
Thank you very much
No, but check with dbx support, they might
That high detail setting hurt my ears too. The de-esser causes too much distortion for me. It acts like a notch filter.
👍
4:31 "different" = bad, IMO. It's unfortunate that they felt a need to deviate from traditional compressor vernacular & controls. NOT having an "attack" setting is by far the *biggest downfall* of this unit. It allows for MAJOR amplitude spikes at the beginning of almost every sentence if you pause long enough or if you narrate in such a way that you take breaks to gather your thoughts and/or stop to redo a phrase after a mistake (to later fix in editing). Unusable compression, IMO since the beginning of almost every phrase has an amplitude spike.
I don’t take issue with your preference for having more control.
But to challenge this idea in a friendly way, how do you retain articulation on consonants if you use a faster attack than this unit allows?
No LA2A for you
more please
👍
your voice sound weird on this video
LOL