Best Settings and How To Connect - get started with the dbx 286s

[@JulianKrause]

Important point when calibrating the audio level with a dynamic mic: Put the smartphones speaker as close to the mic as possible and better turn the volume of your smartphone to about 3/4. Otherwise you might turn up your preamp gain to the maximum and can't reach the level to light up the yellow LED. Dynamic mics have a low sensitivity, so the tone has to be quite a bit louder than with condenser microphones.

[@poltermouse]

With the Heil PR-40, iPhone set to max, phone speaker up against the mic, was not able to get anywhere near yellow or any reasonable level for that matter. Instead I used my own voice at a steady, average tone and level typical of the mid-range of my overall voice output. Seems to have worked to calibrate to my output. Any reason why this was not a suitable calibration option, outside of the fact that the levels aren't exacting?

[@JulianKrause]

@@poltermouse One reason might be that the iPhones loudspeaker is not very loud at lower frequencies. Maybe try again with the tone generator set to around 1000 Hertz. Get the speaker as close to the mic as possible and then turn up the preamp gain on the dbx 286s. This should light up the yellow LED. The Heil PR40 is a relatively insensetive mic, that's why you need so much more volume to reach the yellow LED. Your procedure with the voice can work, though it is not really precise. Which interface are you using?

[@39zack]

Another tip for dynamic mics, do you have a pop filter on it, take it off

[@baxbeast5044]

Hi Julian, do you mind sharing your Shure SM7B Settings with the dbx286s? I have a UMC 202HD interface

[@baxbeast5044]

Also great video as always. You are the best reviewer ive seen so far. Amazing quality/explanations

[@Dalamain]

The thing that differentiates Julian's DBX286s video from the rest is the signal gain calibration at the beginning. I was trying to avoid using too much gain for fear of noise on the DBX but having followed Julian's method on getting the final gain to around -18db I now have amazingly clear recordings with a great signal. I highly recommend watching Julian's video on 'gain myths', it explains why we target -18db. Thanks Julian 👍

[@maxxfatal]

I said the same thing! 👏👏👏👏

[@SuspiciousPixels]

What distance should phone be held from microphone? Why Other Forum say use 1khz test tone? Also why should phone volume be set at half? Please help julian doesn't respond thank you

[@johnyang799]

@@SuspiciousPixels Do so that the yellow 0dBu led is light up. 440hz or 1khz and the distance of the phone doesn't matter.

[@johnyang799]

@@SuspiciousPixels But in the end as long it doesn't clip the front end of the audio interface it doesn't really matter. Set output to noon or according to the audio interface input like setting up a mic and you will be fine.

[@davidvalens3337]

should you always record at -18db?

[@bricetrophardy]

Thank you so much for this video. I bought the dbx 286s to basically kill the noise from a busy street, and you saved my life. Now, I can finally record myself in the (fake) silence of my office.

[@patronofthepocket]

Julian I know this video is 5 years old, but I just got the DBX 286 and man, your video was amazing and well thought out. Thanks for making this, really helped me out a lot.

[@JulianKrause]

Glad it's still useful after all these years! Enjoy your 286s :)

[@pauliestorm]

I agree. I just got my 286s. Hooked it up following the video and it's perfect. However I am using this by mixing my 2x12 so I hope I get good results. Thanks Julian!

[@joev4483]

yep, me too! Many thanks!

[@imagecrystalia1418]

@@JulianKrause Thanks for this. with this setup does it now mean the audio interface is just acting as a medium to get audio to the PC only? or does the audio interface's internal preamp add to the quality of the audio being recorded as well?

[@dudeinthesea]

How did i miss this video? Had mine for half a year already. This is truly the best 286s video available. keep up the great work.

[@DarkPa1adin]

totally agree!

[@natevirtual]

never seen a more detailed video on audio calibration. Sir, you have my respects

[@nicktamin]

After watching almost every tutorial, guide or written text about this device, I was about to get another compressor and a better EQ because I didnt quite like the sound of it fully. Now with your video I did not only really understand what every single nob is doing but also took almost an hour to fine tune it to my voice. Thank you so incredibly much for the information density and the kind way you where presenting it!

[@KROWNCHAKRATV]

on the phone with my aunt and unconciously played with my settings..thankful for this video

[@JulianKrause]

Timestamps! -Connection and audio level calibration 0:31 -Preamp section 4:17 -Bypass button 6:09 -Compressor 6:37 -De-Esser 8:39 -Enhancer 9:55 -Expander/Gate 11:14 -Output 13:32

[@carlotheatheist]

Hello. May i connect it thru mixer auxiliary output and return to stereo channel of mixer?

[@TukeShark]

i cant find a trs to trs cable lol

[@Boumi]

You should add this to the description so it automatically shows the segments in the video player :)

[@apostolicbible1]

I purchased a DBX286a twenty five years ago along with a Beyer DT290 headset. But I was never ale to understand how to set up the 286 with their manual. I then gave the 286 to a friend who didn't know how to use it and he gave it back to me where it stayed in storage for twenty years until I ran across this video, and it has resulted in my sound being great. So people can look for videos on what interface to use or what mic to buy, bu who you should listen to above all is Julian Krause...thousands thank you.

[@TGriner]

This was the best I have heard on this subject and device. Thank you so very much for your expertise. So very good.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

This is amazing and one of the most comprehensive examples of how to set up this equipment and very relevant to me for voice over. Thank you for taking the time to record and explain this equipment for novices and experienced recorders.

[@tinkertime577]

Very nice to watch videos from anywhere in the world. Thanks everyone, from the USA.

[@baronvonderg]

Man I could have used this a week ago when I was helping a friend set his levels after he accidentally made changes and didnt take original photos! - now becuase I am a perfectionist, I will go back to him and help him to set it properly XD Thankyou so much!

[@jamestdawson]

Thank you. This is very helpful. Here's some copy that when read is perfect for checking for sibilance. "Please call Stella. Ask her to bring these things with her from the store: Six spoons of snow peas, five thick slabs of blue cheese, and maybe a snack for her brother, Bob. We also need a small plastic snake and a big toy frog for the kids. She can scoop these things into three red bags, and we will go meet her Wednesday at the train station."

[@CyanideLovesong]

This video helped me get started with my dbx 286s years ago. The dbx 286s offers outstanding performance for the price. I recommend it frequently and send people to this video to learn how to use it. The simplified controls are such that even people without a deep understanding of compression/expansion can dial in a good sound.

[@WiseIntellectsCrew]

Wow this was the best how to video on this equipment! Didn’t even know how to set up the levels at the beginning but it made it that much more exciting to get started. Very quick to the point and on topic, no rambling on about your opinions too much. Thanks for the video!

[@RedBearAK]

This is by far the best, most detailed and helpful guide to properly using the DBX 286s that I've seen on YT so far. Your clear explanation of precisely what each control does and why to use certain settings is fantastic and helps me understand the 286s. After my previous comment on having issues with connecting a 2i2 and a DBX 286s, I can't help but think I might have inspired the content of this video. If so, you put together a very well-thought-out video with remarkable speed. As usual. Two thumbs up.

[@JulianKrause]

I might have chosen the 2i2 specifically because of your comment ;)

[@redrobbosworkshop]

Another superb video. So many people abuse compression and noise gates by setting them far too high - usually paired with bright and harsh sounding microphones to create what they perceive to be a professional radio sound. Such settings are designed, when used intelligently, to make audio intelligible in noisy environments such as cars and on public transport. You need subtler settings for playback in a normal listening environment and your video makes this case perfectly.

[@iammcdaniel]

Thanks so much! I have my audio tuned perfectly now! I appreciate you taking the time! By far the best video on this unit!

[@benjaminsantiagosstuff]

This was super helpful, super clear, no dang mularkey just right to the relevant information explained in a way that is both extremely clear, practical and allowed me to know when to make my own choices. Thank you so much!

[@engelhorns]

Julian, I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate this video. Your explanations are very easy to follow and I got mine set up in no time. I would also like to thank you because out of everyone on youtube who has their own way to set up the processor and pre-amp, NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE really shows how to hook up the 286s to a focusrite. Some try to explain with words, but never show the back of the 286s and actually show you where and what to hook up. Love your help, thank you so much.

[@TheHalfmanofOz]

Used your guide to successfully set mine up. The difference is subtle but evident. Super happy with how well it reduced the sound of breathing in my recordings!

[@StarrTouch]

This is fantastic! I never seen any tutorial videos properly calibrate the DBX for the audio interface. I was doing this wrong for over two years. Your setting advice for the processing was spot on for what I needed. Thank you!

[@MaxxZimonick]

Thank you. 5 years later this video is still helping people out :)

[@justjoshiehd3530]

I recently bought one of these baby's I love it, makes the mic sound so clean and crisp. Would highly recommend to anyone for voice over.

[@VIIIC333]

Julian, you are a life saver! Thank you so much for this very detailed and easy to follow video!

[@DarkPa1adin]

I learn more about effects from your this 1 video than any I have watched so far!

[@MattMGK]

Can I just say, you have been such a help to me while I've been deciding what equipment to get for my new setup. Thank you very much!

[@NotJustBikes]

This helped me a lot, thank you.

[@stanmanmedia]

Tremendous work Julian. Huge help and the fact that you not only give the meanings of everything but give your suggestions or what you do makes a huge help. You are one in a million!!!

[@stanmanmedia]

Here's what I'm into, music and art. I do oil paintings. I want my audio to be better so I listen to you often. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJOtaZRqoZutd5I

[@pizzapaul8113]

This is the video to watch when trying to setup the dbx 286. Thanks very much for a clear tutorial.

[@Red_PlaysYT]

This is the most easy to follow instructions on something that's so complex to me. Thank you for the great video! :D

[@nickbnash]

I was trying to find a trustworthy video about how to set up the 286s-I was really excited when I saw that you had put one together. This video is incredibly helpful. Thank you for putting it together!

[@edclevel402]

IMO, this is the *best* 286s tutorial video on YT! Thanks for sharing your considerable expertise and making the world sound better. 🙂

[@justicemoody]

I thought same.

[@tjphillips]

Great job, Julian! Perfect setup explanation for non-engineer types, like me.

[@nabi.dastaran]

By far the best DBX 286s tutorial I ever watched. Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@elkipalki00]

I've been using the version "DBX286A" for many years ... Good machine!!!

[@flipperpitstudio]

Bless you! 😁🙏 After trying out several mics, I think I've decided on the SM7B. But the fethead I just received is going back to Amazon. I've ordered the dbx 286s, instead. Figured I'd be better off spending an additional $125 to get the hardware processing for a much better result, and begin my rack collection. lol Audio interface is Scarlett Solo. Plan on doing voice work. And I am SO happy I found your video!!! Viel dank! 😊

[@jason_west]

I watched every video I could find about setting up the 286s. This video brought the best results for me. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I truly appreciate it.

[@alanrayner1862]

The best video guide on how to setup the DBX286S

[@kmacradio]

Best instructional video I've seen on the DBX 286S Microphone preamp.

[@poltermouse]

Finally a comprehensive explanation of the purpose and application all controls and smart setup guide to optimal settings for voice recording using the DBX 286s with a USB audio interface. Nicely done.

[@JulianKrause]

Thank you, glad I could help you out!

[@richardvieux1473]

Julian, YOU-ARE-JUST-GREAT!!! You are the best teacher I've listened to on this subject. Now I can have the best settings for my already beautiful :-) voice Thanks a lot!!! Keep up the good job

[@TerryWrightMusic]

Excellent video!! I highly recommend if you're just unboxing the 286s, or even coming back for a refresher. Julian, you have helped SO much. Thank you!!

[@matahari1576]

Great spoken user manual, Julian. You are a great teacher.

[@innercynic2784]

Very good explanation, Julian. One of the most frustrating, and I must admit almost never explained features, is the difference between a noise gate or expander. For some mysterious reason you will see the words gate and expander printed on the device but nobody takes the time to detail just how these setting are applied in the real world with practical examples. Also... when is this actually applied in the signal flow? There is a debate about applying the gate/expander before or after the compressor. And so it goes. You're actually one of the few on KZbin , along with Gerald Undone, who take a methodical and thorough approach to testing.

[@agnelomonteiro5464]

Absolutely brilliant! Look and hear how a clever brain can simplify complex tasks. Thank you very much, Julian Krause! Cheers.

[@DarkraiQ8]

Thanks man.. The methodical execution of this video is amazing.... It made setting up my 286s super ez ... u rock .. Keep up the great work

[@Celsian]

There's a reason this video has over two thousand likes and less than 20 dislikes. What a perfect walk through, thank you.

[@Inconsistense]

Recently moved around my desk and lost all my settings, this video was great thank you so much!

[@steven_charles]

Julian, thank you so much for this video. I just bought a DBX today and your instructions help me dial everything in perfectly

[@pricingfueragenturen]

That´s by far the best explanation for the dbx286s. Thank you very much.

[@stephenszlaniciii540]

Nailed it! Amazing guide that combines the technical with the anecdotal (your preferences). Best audio gear guide I have seen in two years of learning this stuff well. THank you!

[@catsven1973]

I guess it's pronounced Youlian... You made my day... This is the most accurate tutorial about this device... Thanks a million times. Thumb up till the end of this year.

[@JulianKrause]

Yeah, in germany you would pronounce it Youlian. Glad you liked the video!

[@jaybeetdown]

I just got mine yesterday, thanks for this tutorial!

[@TwippleNine]

This changed everything Julian, I appreciate it! Granted I had to wing the first part because it was somewhat difficult, but I liked the idea of setting the focusrite to zero and the output nob to zero, so I just kinda elected to put the gain between the black +30 and +45. This is the first time I've had this setup actually feel legit, thanks thanks thanks bud

[@wxexw]

Fantstic setup video with excellent detail on what each knob does. Answerd all of my questions. Thank you!

[@keithdbee3874]

Thanks Julian it was a great help watching you video I have been trying to get my settings sorted for weeks now, but I now have a better understanding of how it works and what every knob dose .

[@saschaschwarztv]

Got my device today and your video was indeed the key to understanding the knobs and buttons. Thanks a lot!

[@TheBinaryWolf]

Excellent tutorial...clear and pleasantly concise. Thank you for the valuable information.

[@XxUndeadXTacoXx]

Thanks for this being an audio recording/editing noob the setup tips helped a lot. Never would have thought I'd need so much crap to get my microphone to work, but it sounds great so I guess the headaches were worth it in the end.

[@JunkyardSam]

Wonderful guide, and the settings are explained very clearly. Thank you.

[@DerickSnow]

Thank you for making this incredibly easy to follow breakdown!

[@vasileiospgr]

Just realized that the Output from the dbx is **Line level** and in Presonus Studio 24c i have it on the Input with XLR so it reads it as **Mic level**. just changed it to TRS. omg how did i miss that lol. i have it like this for over a year. Best dbx - 286s video i've seen.

[@AstroSam]

I would have been lost without your explanation. Absolutely worth gold, thank you very much for this extremely helpful video!

[@Kurzei]

Hey Julian, just wanted to send you a big thanks. This is a huge help in setting up the 286. Or in my case, going back over and checking my settings which I like to do from time to time :)

[@thomas3768]

For a second i was so afraid i messed up and had a wrong audio interface lol. Thanks for the video.

[@kanesongs]

Helped so very much, I've been guessing for years, and your ear is way better than mine. Thank you!!

[@vicm3161]

Thank you very much, Julian! Very informative and clear! Best regards from the Black Sea coast!

[@lionheartroar3104]

Thank you Julian. I received by dbx box today and used your advice. I now have beautiful sound on my microphone!

[@seanloctv]

Wow how did I miss this...wish other channel strips were detailed like this...great video

[@qianbang_]

I really love your videos. They make me smarter.

[@oursroux8100]

Thank you, i'm about to change my microphone but with your advice i will think twice about it. Your solution is very adaptive and this is great for anyone, we setup the pre-amp in our sound environment, and with our gear. So when i apply this advice, i think i can setup any mic on the DBX 286S. Thank you one more time for the help.

[@unpluggeddoug2550]

Excellent tutorial! Very clear and concise. You make it easy. Thanks! :)

[@maloycastillo3473]

Thanks Julian, I watched the 'gain myth' video and this one after. It was so revealing! Thank you so much for your work and patience - Regards from Perú

[@pilotengineering]

-18dBFS is typically +4dBu in studio equipment and not 0dBu Now lets think if 0dbu is our maximum analog level - what will be the max level after compression, and other processing. What will be if we will speak louder or even yelling or screaming? By Setting it to -18dBFS you reduce your dynamic range especially if you are recording in 16bits. I think that it will be correct to set the mic gain that when you sream or yelling as louder as you need during voiceover so the yellow light lights at peak, but not red light. Next you set all processig you need to do with your voice and next - yell or scream again and set input gain of audio interface so that it peaks something at -12...-10db. If you set up like this you normal voice level will be near -22...-18 dBFS and you will get maximum dynamic range and also have enough headroom for yelling and screaming and will never clip.

[@Just_Samson]

This was great. Best 286s vid so far. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@PianomanDarrell]

Thanks very much for this run-through. Your best practices for finding the best settings work really well.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

One tip worth mentioning is that if your audio interface can accept too hot signal without distording audio, you can slightly reducing the noise floor by using too high signal (e.g. +3 or +6) level from 286 S and using less gain in the interface input. The whole point of the calibration is to get the yellow led in the mic preamp to match the -18 dB in your digital audio recorder without the audio getting distorded in any part in between. And the higher (but still below clipping/distortion) you can keep the signal for the whole chain, the better noise floor you'll have. And -18 dB is not a hard rule either. I'd personally calibrate closer to -12 dB to potentially improve noise floor by 6 dB but then you have more risk with clipping if your actual audio source gets much louder.

[@inneraesthetics]

Well done, great camera work and details Julian!

[@TheBoiSos]

One of the most detailed vids I've ever seen on YT. Thanks for the descriptive breakdown. I for sure wasn't going to do that tone calibration test when I got it in the mail. Excited though, I'm adding the 286s to my new set-up of SSL S2+ (sound interface) & Rode NT1A (condenser mic). Watching product vids to see the best ways to utilize it asap. Appreciate the review.

[@predmond]

Great job, this video helped me understand each knob on the DBX 286!

[@ronniegogs]

Thank you for this... It was a great guide. Helped me setup my unit today.

[@nerdaxic]

A great tutorial, I managed to make my SM7B sound good. I had issues with the output gain, had to turn it way down and about as much up from the audio interface or the audio would get distorted. I would still recommend a fet-head or a cloudlifter combined with DBX 286S if you are using SM7B. It apparently needs some +55 dB of gain which is better to get near the mic or cables will absorb all the noise from the universe.

[@DoctorNoFGC]

I would pay so much to have someone help me set up mine because I am just COMPLETELY lost. I am going to try ordering a cloudlifter to hopefully help my issues but with the 286s and a Scarlet 2i2 I have been STRUGGLING to figure out what is going on. Hopefully having a cloudlifter fixes the quality issues!

[@nerdaxic]

@@DoctorNoFGC Was no miracle cure, but gave the unit much more control. Would recommend.

[@vasileiospgr]

@@DoctorNoFGC yesterday i tried moving the cables and checking in Ableton's Spectrum and iZotope Insight and saw the noises that the cables pickup from power chargers that were nearby etc. i was amazed 😂also with the fact that for like a year i was sending a Mic level signal from dbx's Output to the Input of my Presonus (XLR cable) instead of a Line level (TRS cable)... 😳

[@vasileiospgr]

I was curious about why always connecting fetheads etc. to Mic end, instead of the other end of the cable. That gain near the mic for not picking up noises that you said is pretty intresting.

[@LesHistoiresdeReiji]

Great video ! The best I've seen on KZbin about the dbx 286s. Don't miss the test at the beginning of the video to calibrate your microphone (good idea). The first time I went directly to 4 minutes... :P

[@levalecook3565]

Best video on KZbin for this device

[@AlecArmbruster]

Thanks, Julian. Well needed video, very thankful you took the time to carefully produce an excellent guide such as this.

[@ishJJx3]

Thank you so much for this! I'm really happy with my settings, and more importantly I understand everything. This was a fantastic video, great job!

[@dmargittai]

Julian, I just wanted to let you know that this is a GREAT video. I have a 286s and have watched a million videos on it to get it dialed in -- but this is the ONLY video I've found that mentions anything even remotely about calibrating it with your interface. I had no idea until this video. Come to find out that I needed to turn my interface up to about 25% because the level in Audition was only reaching -30ish dB with the interface turned all the way down. Mind blown.

[@JulianKrause]

Glad you liked the video! The reason why nobody talks about the calibration is because the 286s puts out a line level signal and an interface is designed to record a line level signal. This suggests that there is no calibration needed. But audio interface manufacturers leave different amounts of headroom above the nominal level of the professional line level signal. So, a calibration ensures that you get the highest possible dynamic range out of the system. Just out of curiosity, which interface are you using?

[@dmargittai]

@@JulianKrause That makes a ton of sense, it's just something I've honestly never thought of before (and clearly many others haven't, either), so thank you for putting it out there for all of us. The interface I was referring to in my comment is a UMC404HD.

[@JulianKrause]

@@dmargittai One more question: Do you have the PAD on your UMC404HD enabled or disabled?

[@dmargittai]

@@JulianKrause Interface is and has always been set to line with pad NOT engaged. XLR from mic into the DBX, then a TRS-TRS from the DBX output to the UMC input. Maybe it has to do with me using a TRS-TRS instead of a TRS-XLR?

[@dmargittai]

​@@JulianKrause *edit* Got it figured out. Thanks for all you do, buddy!

[@fletchermusician3365]

I enjoyed this video very much Julian as I now have learned from your video how to use a mic preamp processor correctly Thank You for sharing this information..

[@starjacko]

Wonderful video, Julian! Very helpful and appreciated!

[@andrewjarvis7777]

see I knew I bought this thing for a good reason(s)...excited now, finally, to get started. thanks for the super helpful breakdown!

[@woksrandomchannel]

Just set it up just now with your guide. I am very happy now.

By far the best guide out there!

[@seppous]

This will always be my go to video when I fuck up my 286s knobs. Thank you Julian krause!

[@selten-so-gedacht]

Thank you very much for your precise, competent and friendly explanations - great work!

[@andrewhacko9211]

So helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@GerardWassink]

Thanks you very much Julian, for this extensive explanation. My dbx 266 is coming in a couple of days and I will surely use this video to set i up. Thanks again!

[@kevc6115]

Excellent detail as always Julian! I watched this a few times before. I just ordered 1 from Thomann and am back to watch again to get the run down. Would love to see a follow up for music related use. Also what the insert is for and how to use it.

[@fckfmrocks]

Same here. There are many vids for voice compression, but it´s hard to find for music styles. Would highly appreciate too a music-related use.