Just to clarify; the HP filter at 80Hz is 18dB/8ve, so it's not cutting all the bass. At 40Hz it'll be 18dB quieter, so at 60Hz 9dB quieter. If you are getting any low-end noise you'll need an additional EQ in your DAW.
Great review and demonstration. I’m going to get this pre amp. My question is if I’m not mistaken, you can dial in your settings even after your vocals are recorded in your DAW? If so this is exactly what I need due to the fact that I record my music in my home
Yes. You can run a signal at line level from your DAW through the dbx 286s, process it how you’d like, and then record the final product back into your DAW.
Thomann seems to sell DBX 286 S for 155 EUR so if you live in Europe, this is a no-brainer device. Focusrite devices may have slightly better noise floor and mic amp but you can always get Focusrite device later and connect it's line output to input of DBX 286 S for best results. That allows digital recording of audio without any processing and getting processed output from DBX 286 S at the same time.
I have the same preamp and i would like to connnect to my apollo and using it like you do on the video. I know how to connect it to record with my mic, but what i need in to learn how to use it later for the recording.
What's the song you were using for the demonstrations throughout the video? "I heard you were out with your friends..."? I'm not even usually in to hip hop style songs but that was great and I want to hear the rest. :)
@@theunboxnetwork you just run the audio out of your audio interface, through the dbx, and then back into your audio interface. You’ll want to record the signal back into your DAW.
There are lots of channel strips that provide a mic pre, compressor, EQ, etc. Depending on your budget, there are various different options. Check out Sweetwater's catalog for a list of channel strips: www.sweetwater.com/c665--Channel_Strips
Anyone else have audio cutout or drop signal very low or distort while using dbx 286s? Has anyone had their dbx require a loud initial noise to get the compressor to kick in and actually show meter readings? I am experiencing all the above inconsistently.
Ya, start with a value of 10 for a fast release time. If you’re applying heavy compression, this will generally result in less pumping effects. When applying less aggressive forms of compression, reducing the value of the Density knob can sound natural and musical. Use your ears to determine what sounds best for the vocals you’re processing.
Yup! Most DAWs allow you to do this in one way or another. For example, you can drop Ableton’s External Audio Effect onto a track and use it to route the incoming signal out of your DAW, through the dbx 286s, and then back into Ableton at the point you tapped the signal. The signal flow of a track could look like this: EQ plugin > dbx 286s > limiter plugin. I hope this helps!
@@MitchellFxnesse there’s a little more initial setup involved with Pro Tools, but once you’ve configured your I/Os it’s simple. This article explains how it’s done: www.soundonsound.com/techniques/pro-tools-integrating-outboard
Do you know if DBX 286 S works with "plug-in power" (technically 3-5 V bias voltage which is different from 48 V phantom voltage) microphones without an adapter like Rode VXLR Pro? I would like to use lavalier mics and pretty much all of those need plug-in power. I know that Focusrite audio interfaces do not support bias voltage mics without an adapter.
@@3jackdaw168 that's a valid concern but the dbx 286s doesn't get too hot. Most rack-mounted audio interfaces get pretty toasty though because they use heat sinks to dissipate heat, as opposed to fans-due to the noise. It's generally best practice to leave a 1U space between rack gear but it's not required. I generally make the decision to leave a space based on how hot my gear gets.
@@BlackGhostAudio Understood, thank you so much for that info. My DBX does get warm after hours of use --- so I switch it off when I sleep, I'm glad to that its normal. Appreciate it!
Can I use this for live vocals. Im looking for a preamp, and realized I had this in my goodie room. Would like to take my mic at a live event, and run it in to the dbx asnd into my pa. Will this work for that? Thank you
Can I connect this to zoom h5 as usb interface. My room is untreated and I use sheets to dampen the noise and reverb and do post processing on audition which is time consuming. Would you recommend this for me ? Thanks in advance 🙏🏼
You could record the output of the dbx 286s using the Zoom H5, but you would need to record yourself using a separate microphone; not the microphone built into the Zoom H5. To be as clear as possible, you would need to buy a microphone. The routing would look like this: microphone > dbx 286s > Zoom H5.
@@BlackGhostAudio thanks for your reply. Yes I'm using a Sennheiser e845 dynamic mic, again to avoid as much as noise from outside my room. I end up having to do lot of post processing which is slowing down the edit do you think this is better than a software in terms of avoiding background noise and saving time. Thanks again for your time and content 🙏🏼
Geeat explanation. I’ve been interested in one of these or something similar so I can record better audio for my voiceovers so I’ve watched a lot of videos on it.. this may have been the best one 👍🏽
@@mikymalikboytv8209 If your mic requires phantom power, you’ll just need to engage phantom power on the dbx 286s. You should connect the dbx 286s output to a line input on your audio interface. If you audio interface uses combo input jacks, make sure the input is set to line mode.
@@BlackGhostAudio because I was thinking if I switch on audio interface Phantom power and on DBX as well I can damage mic or not? But my mic require phantom that’s why I ask because I have phantom power on both
The phantom power won’t sum together and overload the mic, if that’s what you’re thinking. It doesn’t really work like that. Most modern recording equipment that doesn’t require phantom power will just ignore it. For example, if you connect a Shure SM57 (which doesn’t need phantom power) to an audio interface that is supplying it with phantom power, nothing bad will happen. In fact, it won’t change the quality of the sound at all. The mic will just ignore the phantom power. It’s mostly certain vintage microphones that can be damaged when supplied with phantom power (if they don’t require it), but if you don’t own any of those, there’s nothing to worry about. Since you’re connecting the dbx 286s to a line input on your audio interface, it’s not going to be provided with phantom power anyways, and even if it were, I would say there’s nothing to worry about.
I'm looking to get a slightly better sound i get from my Motu M4.. what are you opinions about the preamp on this.. is it going to be an improvement over an average entry level interface like Motu m4 if I'm only going to use the preamp part of it.
The sound quality is likely comparable. If you’re looking for a sound improvement, make sure that you’ve dialed in controllable factors like the sound treatment in your recording space, microphone placement, etc.
Hi guy, I wanted to ask you if you can help me as with my dbx 286s I would like to enter the zoom R20 which however does not have a line input. how can I bypass the internal zoom preamps using only the dbx? a digital piano is also connected in the multitrack so the master is at -2 db and the fader at 0. while the dbx input is closed the gain and at 0 the fader is correct? thank for all
The rack is built into a desk called Platform that’s produced by a company called Output. As far as studio furniture goes, the desk is extremely affordable and I highly recommend it: output.com/products/platform
I have a shure sm7b running through a cloudlifter then into the DBX286s and then into a focusrite 4i4 3rd gen. And the 286s is requiring that I use the phantom power. I was wondering why?
The dbx 286s has a line input, in addition to a mic input. All you need to do is route audio from your DAW into the line input, and then route the processed signal back into your DAW. The signal routing looks like this: DAW > Audio Interface Line Output > dbx 286s Line Input > dbx 286s Line Output > Audio Interface Line Input > DAW.
I don't know why, but my dbx 286s doesn't change sound of my mic at all. LF or HF not working, expander/gate too, nothing except main mic volume. Also in Mic Preamp section level lights aren't working at all. And also it gives weird quiet ''white noise'' to my mic. Can someone tell me what to do with it, guys?
For recording vocals: 1. I don't reccomend to engage 80hz cut, it will colors your mic and will add more High Freq aswell. 2. Make sure you don't over compress (15DB MAX) of reduction, when DBX 286 over compress, it's sounds very bad and unnatural on vocals. 3. I don't reccomend to use De-Esser, it's bad quality in this DBX. 4. I don't reccomend to use Enhancer tab also, for clean recording you want be as natural as possible. 5. Gate, you should use it very carefully, personally I don't use it, I can do it in postproduction, and had more control. Overall DBX 286s is amazing tool, just find way to use it :)
Get my music production course for beginners: bit.ly/3Dwmv83
I am using the dbx 286s with the shure sm7B and it’s working perfectly without a cloudlifter.
Clearest description of the functionality of this box that I’ve heard. Well done..
Just to clarify; the HP filter at 80Hz is 18dB/8ve, so it's not cutting all the bass. At 40Hz it'll be 18dB quieter, so at 60Hz 9dB quieter. If you are getting any low-end noise you'll need an additional EQ in your DAW.
Thanks for adding this!
always nice to know
nice clear video with great visuals. Also you know what you're talking about unlike so many other "mixing" channels XD
Great video, really well thought out! Would love to hear male vocals as well
Great review and demonstration. I’m going to get this pre amp. My question is if I’m not mistaken, you can dial in your settings even after your vocals are recorded in your DAW? If so this is exactly what I need due to the fact that I record my music in my home
Yes. You can run a signal at line level from your DAW through the dbx 286s, process it how you’d like, and then record the final product back into your DAW.
@@BlackGhostAudio Thank you!!
Thomann seems to sell DBX 286 S for 155 EUR so if you live in Europe, this is a no-brainer device. Focusrite devices may have slightly better noise floor and mic amp but you can always get Focusrite device later and connect it's line output to input of DBX 286 S for best results. That allows digital recording of audio without any processing and getting processed output from DBX 286 S at the same time.
Thanks for sharing. I have an old dbx. Going to dust it off and give a try.
Definitely! It’s a great piece of gear to keep around.
Great explaining and illustrations. Thanks. Best I’ve found on this dbx.
This is outright useful! thx!! Btw, were the vocals from the track recorded with an SM7B?
What an amazing video! Well explained and demonstrated!
This is an excellent video in all respects. Thanks so much
great overview
It's a common misconception for people to believe that the SM7B needs a Cloudlifter or similar dB boost before any inputting.
How did you get the post-processing ability with this dbx? I mean how to connect it
I have the same preamp and i would like to connnect to my apollo and using it like you do on the video. I know how to connect it to record with my mic, but what i need in to learn how to use it later for the recording.
The signal routing looks like this: DAW > Audio Interface Line Output > dbx 286s Line Input > dbx 286s Line Output > Audio Interface Line Input > DAW.
Bro thank you !! That's all.
What's the song you were using for the demonstrations throughout the video? "I heard you were out with your friends..."? I'm not even usually in to hip hop style songs but that was great and I want to hear the rest. :)
It’s a song I made with my wife. Currently, it’s unreleased but should be coming out soon 😊
Grreat vid. very clear and concise.
well done
super nice content man!
How are you playing thr audio and adjusting the setting live.
Check the comments here. Someone else asked this and provided an explanation 😁
@@BlackGhostAudio I dint get it can you please post it in Fortnite terms. Also my bg noise is still high
@@theunboxnetwork you just run the audio out of your audio interface, through the dbx, and then back into your audio interface. You’ll want to record the signal back into your DAW.
THANK YOU KINDLY SIR! NOW I SHOP!!!
What is a pro version of this?
There are lots of channel strips that provide a mic pre, compressor, EQ, etc. Depending on your budget, there are various different options. Check out Sweetwater's catalog for a list of channel strips: www.sweetwater.com/c665--Channel_Strips
could you do one for the neve 8801
Send me a Neve 8801 and I'll make you a video haha
Anyone else have audio cutout or drop signal very low or distort while using dbx 286s? Has anyone had their dbx require a loud initial noise to get the compressor to kick in and actually show meter readings? I am experiencing all the above inconsistently.
yep! same thing happening to me. seems like a pretty common fault, too. :(
Hello!
Do you have the schematic for this equipment that you could provide to me (dbx286s)?
Thank you very much
For voiceover/audiobooks, is the dbx286s neccesary if you have UAD Apollo unison preamps? Thanks.
Great video! Keep them coming :-)
Thanks Eddie! There are many more on the way 😁
a legend. thank you for being a friend Lol
Do you recommend turn density up to 10? On previous recording I used 5, but it's sounds strange...
Ya, start with a value of 10 for a fast release time. If you’re applying heavy compression, this will generally result in less pumping effects. When applying less aggressive forms of compression, reducing the value of the Density knob can sound natural and musical. Use your ears to determine what sounds best for the vocals you’re processing.
@@BlackGhostAudio Thank you sir ;)
Bro how u mix analog with him? U have inserts on the audio interface or some mixer?
How did you run you DAW into 286s? Would it be the Line-Input Jack or the Insert-Jack?.. Going or coming from the Scarlett...
The signal routing looks like this: DAW > Audio Interface Line Output > dbx 286s Line Input > dbx 286s Line Output > Audio Interface Line Input > DAW.
I have WA-8000 mic and Apollo solo interface
Will this work?
Are you using a cloudlifter here? I heard it wasn't necessary to use one with this...I also have a Shure sm7b microphone.
It’s not required but I’ve still found that it helps reduce noise when used with the dbx 286s.
How do I connect the dbx compressor to my focusrite sound card?
Can you post a link to the Focusrite product that you own?
How do you connect the dbx to your interface so it allows you to run the vocal from your Daw through dbx? I have bumped into some issues with my SSL2+
How do I connect this compressor to work with a wireless mic? let's say all mics in my church.
Do you do mix an mastering for clients
Is it possible to use the dbx 286s as an insert/plugin?
Yup! Most DAWs allow you to do this in one way or another. For example, you can drop Ableton’s External Audio Effect onto a track and use it to route the incoming signal out of your DAW, through the dbx 286s, and then back into Ableton at the point you tapped the signal. The signal flow of a track could look like this: EQ plugin > dbx 286s > limiter plugin. I hope this helps!
@@BlackGhostAudio would you by any chance know how this is done in pro tools?
@@MitchellFxnesse there’s a little more initial setup involved with Pro Tools, but once you’ve configured your I/Os it’s simple. This article explains how it’s done: www.soundonsound.com/techniques/pro-tools-integrating-outboard
@@BlackGhostAudio thank you !
Thanks for the info!
You're welcome. I hope it helps!
Do you know if DBX 286 S works with "plug-in power" (technically 3-5 V bias voltage which is different from 48 V phantom voltage) microphones without an adapter like Rode VXLR Pro? I would like to use lavalier mics and pretty much all of those need plug-in power. I know that Focusrite audio interfaces do not support bias voltage mics without an adapter.
Is there a link to the full song?
Not yet. I have to convince my wife to get back in the studio and finish recording this!
@@BlackGhostAudio Guess I'll have to subscribe to get notified when she does and the song drops ;)
would you recommend it with a Bluebird Microphone and a Focusrite Scarlett USB audio interface??
The microphone and interface that you own doesn’t really matter so for sure!
Hi! Could you please tell me what do you call that wooden shelf thingy where you put your gear? is that custom made?
Sure! It’s a desk called Platform, made by the company Output: output.com/products/platform
@@BlackGhostAudio thank you so much! Btw, the equipment doesnt get too hot inside I hope?
@@3jackdaw168 that's a valid concern but the dbx 286s doesn't get too hot. Most rack-mounted audio interfaces get pretty toasty though because they use heat sinks to dissipate heat, as opposed to fans-due to the noise. It's generally best practice to leave a 1U space between rack gear but it's not required. I generally make the decision to leave a space based on how hot my gear gets.
@@BlackGhostAudio Understood, thank you so much for that info. My DBX does get warm after hours of use --- so I switch it off when I sleep, I'm glad to that its normal. Appreciate it!
Can I use this for live vocals. Im looking for a preamp, and realized I had this in my goodie room. Would like to take my mic at a live event, and run it in to the dbx asnd into my pa. Will this work for that? Thank you
Yes, of course! It would be great for that.
@@BlackGhostAudio Thank you
Can I connect this to zoom h5 as usb interface. My room is untreated and I use sheets to dampen the noise and reverb and do post processing on audition which is time consuming. Would you recommend this for me ? Thanks in advance 🙏🏼
You could record the output of the dbx 286s using the Zoom H5, but you would need to record yourself using a separate microphone; not the microphone built into the Zoom H5. To be as clear as possible, you would need to buy a microphone. The routing would look like this: microphone > dbx 286s > Zoom H5.
@@BlackGhostAudio thanks for your reply. Yes I'm using a Sennheiser e845 dynamic mic, again to avoid as much as noise from outside my room. I end up having to do lot of post processing which is slowing down the edit do you think this is better than a software in terms of avoiding background noise and saving time. Thanks again for your time and content 🙏🏼
Ya, this would work quite well for that. You still might want to apply a limiter to maximize loudness within Audition, but that’s about it.
@@BlackGhostAudio thanks again 🙏🏼
Geeat explanation. I’ve been interested in one of these or something similar so I can record better audio for my voiceovers so I’ve watched a lot of videos on it.. this may have been the best one 👍🏽
Hey, that means a lot! Thanks for the great feedback 🔥 Glad I could help.
I must switch on phantom power on audio interface as well?or just on Mic preamp?
@@mikymalikboytv8209 If your mic requires phantom power, you’ll just need to engage phantom power on the dbx 286s. You should connect the dbx 286s output to a line input on your audio interface. If you audio interface uses combo input jacks, make sure the input is set to line mode.
@@BlackGhostAudio because I was thinking if I switch on audio interface Phantom power and on DBX as well I can damage mic or not? But my mic require phantom that’s why I ask because I have phantom power on both
The phantom power won’t sum together and overload the mic, if that’s what you’re thinking. It doesn’t really work like that. Most modern recording equipment that doesn’t require phantom power will just ignore it. For example, if you connect a Shure SM57 (which doesn’t need phantom power) to an audio interface that is supplying it with phantom power, nothing bad will happen. In fact, it won’t change the quality of the sound at all. The mic will just ignore the phantom power. It’s mostly certain vintage microphones that can be damaged when supplied with phantom power (if they don’t require it), but if you don’t own any of those, there’s nothing to worry about. Since you’re connecting the dbx 286s to a line input on your audio interface, it’s not going to be provided with phantom power anyways, and even if it were, I would say there’s nothing to worry about.
I'm looking to get a slightly better sound i get from my Motu M4.. what are you opinions about the preamp on this.. is it going to be an improvement over an average entry level interface like Motu m4 if I'm only going to use the preamp part of it.
The sound quality is likely comparable. If you’re looking for a sound improvement, make sure that you’ve dialed in controllable factors like the sound treatment in your recording space, microphone placement, etc.
Hi guy,
I wanted to ask you if you can help me as with my dbx 286s I would like to enter the zoom R20 which however does not have a line input. how can I bypass the internal zoom preamps using only the dbx?
a digital piano is also connected in the multitrack so the master is at -2 db and the fader at 0. while the dbx input is closed the gain and at 0 the fader is correct?
thank for all
what rack are you using?
The rack is built into a desk called Platform that’s produced by a company called Output. As far as studio furniture goes, the desk is extremely affordable and I highly recommend it: output.com/products/platform
What daw do you use ? And do I need a apollo for similar results?
I have a shure sm7b running through a cloudlifter then into the DBX286s and then into a focusrite 4i4 3rd gen. And the 286s is requiring that I use the phantom power. I was wondering why?
The Cloudlifter requires phantom power to operate so that’s to be expected. Nothing to worry about!
@@BlackGhostAudio Thanks for the quick reply. Appreciate the help.
Great review! Does anybody knows if I can bypass my preamps on my Audient ID14 mk1 and use this one as my pre? Thanks!
si se puede solo tienes que bajar el volumen, de la.interface
@@NACIONMEXA87 thanks
How are you processing previously recorded vocals with this device?
The dbx 286s has a line input, in addition to a mic input. All you need to do is route audio from your DAW into the line input, and then route the processed signal back into your DAW.
The signal routing looks like this: DAW > Audio Interface Line Output > dbx 286s Line Input > dbx 286s Line Output > Audio Interface Line Input > DAW.
@@BlackGhostAudio thank you so much
I don't know why, but my dbx 286s doesn't change sound of my mic at all. LF or HF not working, expander/gate too, nothing except main mic volume. Also in Mic Preamp section level lights aren't working at all. And also it gives weird quiet ''white noise'' to my mic. Can someone tell me what to do with it, guys?
Are you running through the dbx’s mic input or line input?
@@BlackGhostAudio Mic is connected to dbx and then trough 6.3 jack it goes to audiointerface
@@goofyandywithguitar make sure the bypass button isn’t engaged. If that doesn’t work, the unit could be defective.
@@BlackGhostAudio bypass is turned off, I think it's defective too.
Aight, thanks for help
For recording vocals:
1. I don't reccomend to engage 80hz cut, it will colors your mic and will add more High Freq aswell.
2. Make sure you don't over compress (15DB MAX) of reduction, when DBX 286 over compress, it's sounds very bad and unnatural on vocals.
3. I don't reccomend to use De-Esser, it's bad quality in this DBX.
4. I don't reccomend to use Enhancer tab also, for clean recording you want be as natural as possible.
5. Gate, you should use it very carefully, personally I don't use it, I can do it in postproduction, and had more control.
Overall DBX 286s is amazing tool, just find way to use it :)
Try $275-$300. Where can u get this for $219.???