DBX 286s Mic Preamp and Processor REVIEW (noise and more stuff tested!)

The dbx 286s provides a low noise microphone preamplifier and incorporates four effects. Audio running through the DBX 286s is processed in real-time.
The provides a compressor, a dynamic equalizer, a de-esser and an expander / gate. This can be very useful to have, if real-time audio processing is needed.
Especially streamers or podcaster can benefit from such a device.
Amazon | dbx 286s Channel Strip: amzn.to/3j2fF1h *
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[@Podcastage]

You put the rest of us reviewers to shame. Great job.

[@JulianKrause]

Thanks, that means a lot to me!

[@DarkPa1adin]

Brandrew, I see that JK supplements your mic reviews!

[@rumorscameras]

brandon send me the mic for testing shame on you

[@inaifdz]

but JK dont have songs of the ítems XD. fan of both UwU

[@MikeG-js1jt]

I use the 286 for 1 thing...the noise gate, it is really designed well and works very transparently

[@metal571]

Woah, now this is a review channel! From one engineer to what I can only assume is another engineer, seriously, bravo. I hope this channel takes off in a big way very quickly because it deserves it. Thanks for all the info.

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, I really dig your channel and have been subscribed for years. Getting such a compliment from you means very much to me. Thank you!!!

[@metal571]

@@JulianKrause that's amazing, thanks so much. I was really curious about testing EIN and measuring it and sure enough you've got all that stuff here. Almost too good to be true. Saw your 202HD review also, and I'm using the 404 with an NT1 right now. Looks like I picked the right setup for minimum noise after all, hah. Maybe I need a 286S now also...

[@JulianKrause]

@@metal571 Yeah, the NT1 in combination with a 404 is as low noise as it gets. The 286s might be interesting for you when you live stream. That said, OBS for example also has a built-in audio compressor and gate which you could try out too. Btw, I'm going to make a video on how to test EIN in the near future. If there is anything else you want to know or want me to make video about, let me know!

[@bobbob123ful]

I saw Podcastage plug you today, was cool to see this channel again. Keep it up man!

[@chike1866]

"Do you need a DBX 286s ? YES YOU DO! Heck this thing saved me a load of work and headache. I am a music producer and post processing without the DBX 286s was tedious. I have to battle all sorts of noise and vocal volume variations during post processing. Some good things this equipment has done for me 1) With this equipment, my CPU has one less plugin to worry about - De-esser 2) You can get away with an open back headphone if you have this equipment 3) You have no need to worry about the tonal character of a particular microphone because you can always adjust the enhancer to suit the vocalists preferred tone realtime. This thing makes life easier.

[@angeltensey]

The fact that this thing can do hardware noise cancelation on fly flawlessly already makes it worth buying. Sure, for sound production its something obvious, but i bought it to advance my sound quality in voice conversations and voice chats. Hearing that someone label me as streamer or voice actor always gives me diamonds.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Smashed this review out of the park Julian! Great job

[@lifeshapers-integratedheal2266]

You have a brilliantly structured method of presenting your knowledge and wisdom to the world. Keep it up, brother.

[@redrobbosworkshop]

Great review Julian. I like your review methodology - talking about the build quality, features and very importantly the technical performance with real world comparisons to other devices. This is far superior to most 'reviews' which are often poor. keep up the great work. I picked up a 202HD after watching your review to replace a Scarlett Solo. I was considering adding a fethead since I run a Shure SM57 but for the price of the fethead the 202HD provided enough low noise gain for the same cost, and you get an entire interface!

[@chrisogle001]

I wish I would’ve seen this video a couple months ago before purchasing (and then returning) the ART Voice Channel. I had an issue with added noise when using it and can’t have that with voice over and audiobook narration. It looks like this one will do the job quite nicely. Thank you for such a concise review. The results from your tests really made the difference.

[@bobblair4205]

Julian: Thanks for the fantastic very detailed reviews that you have provided for us over the years! I have done Voiceovers for many years, beginning in my days at AM/FM radio stations in 1966. I still own and use a DBX286s for Voiceover's. ( also own a 286a, I do not hear any difference in the overall performance, just a different face panel color). They are indeed a great piece of audio equipment. I only use the De-esser and Gate functions. EQ and a tiny bit of compression are done in Post. Fab Filter Q 3 & Pro MB are my most used plug ins with AA 2022 as my DAW. It would be interesting to hear the difference in audio quality between the DBX286s and the new Behringer UV1 clone. All functions are identical, with the UV1 having additional functions such a built in USB interface, and yes, even a front panel power switch. My sales guy at Sweetwater Sound here in the U.S. advices me that don't expect another shipment from Berhringer of the UV1 until August ! Keep up the great work!

[@StarryNightAudiolibri]

Nice job! Just bought one. :-) I really like your style. Thank you very much indeed.

[@aloha4522]

BEAUTIFUL REVIEW.. THANKS A TON

[@BensTechLab]

Well done! It really helped me to see the frequency response graphs to illustrate what the "LF Detail" and "HF Detail" features were doing. And nice to see real data for the noise floor (instead of "reddit opinions" on whether it is noisy or not).

[@DawahDigital]

This is the best video on the 286s - period!

[@MichaelW.1980]

Great review! More detailed than 99.9% of all the reviews I’ve found on KZbin so far. I almost makes me pull the trigger on this thing! The real-time voice processing is definitely nice to have. That being said, I’d like to add: This only makes sense, if the CPU of the PC is heavily pushed and/or if you listen to yourself. As for the CPU load: The effects in this device - if realized on the PC - barely create additional delay, let alone creating a noticeable load on the CPU. Windows uses a buffer size around 10 ms for simple playback in any case and a microphone input forwarded to the playback device creates a much higher delay. So the only situation, in which it really makes a difference in terms of delay on a Stream, is running all the sound through an audio mixer. This may be actual hardware, where you have pretty much real-time input from the microphone. But it also may be Software. Voicemeeter comes to mind, using an audio interface’s ASIO driver at a really low buffer size (64 samples and below) for audio delay low enough for many, if not most users, to be unnoticeable.

[@SDH2023]

Great review. Thanks! 😎👍

[@markfung6418]

Another great review!

[@JulianKrause]

Damn, you're really binge-watching :) Thank you for your support!

[@RickHunter811]

Bought this little unit as a back-up unit. Amazing. My main chain is a 500 series pre amp and EQ before going into a Wheatstone M1. Personally I think this DBX properly dialed in is can sound very very close.

[@chrissullivan1673]

Great review Julian. The best I've seen on this piece of gear. I love how you do your analysis on things, and explain it in your videos. I find with my 286Ss (I have three), that when I use the compressor drive , I get the typical pickup of the noise floor. These units seem to bring it up considerably, so I always need to use the expander\gate to filter the noise out. I just have to watch that I don't gate too much. But I need it some anyway as I am in an apartment and do have a fair amount of noise to deal with. Overall, I'm happy with the audio I get, which is quite clean, the noise floor staying under the threshold of normal hearing.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

Great review. Subscribed and thumbs up 👍

[@JulianKrause]

Nice!

[@Shortdood]

amazing review, thanks man buying one second hand!

[@davidxiu8020]

Great detailed review. Audio God.

[@martialsonnend7845]

Hello Julian, the dbx 286s is a great device. Because of your videos about him, I bought him. Only the missing switch to turn on and off and the missing XLR output are not so great. That's probably what the engineers at Behringer thought and tried to improve the dbx by exactly these features. The result is their UV1, which also has an integrated audio interface. Despite the improvements, the price is the same as the dbx. With such a challenge, a test of the UV1 and a comparison with the dbx 286s is almost inevitable. PS: You make the best reviews!

[@clash1469]

Great review, thank you. This is a good unit, especially for the price. It’s high quality and it works well. My only complaint is that there’s no power switch. Serious drawback, but otherwise it’s quite good.

[@RobertLinthicum]

Thanks for posting this. (Damn, you are busy!)

[@JulianKrause]

No Pain no Gain :)

[@RobertLinthicum]

@@JulianKrause Pain is just weakness leaving the body . . .

[@DemetriYoung]

killed me @ "fetlifter or cloudhead" xD

[@JulianKrause]

Haha, you noticed 😁

[@christopherkiyui8071]

😂😂😂

[@Gipeamusic]

So clear ! Merci beaucoup

[@steveaustin8817]

Thanks for a great job. I like the graphic outputs you use to tell the real story. I have one with my Shure SMB7. It still needs some preamp power to get a decent output. Now I use a Yamaha MG06x that I happen to have around. Its not great but its OK for now. For live streaming I output to my SONY pxw-z90 video cam. Then I don't have to do post sound edits. My next step is upgrading all XLR cables to high quality, well shielded types. Also added Furman power condition/surge protection to cut out interference on the line. However... I still hear some slight hiss! But overall, pretty good. Thanks again!

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, I'm there is really no need to have another preamp in in front of the 286s. It has quite a bit of gain and adding another preamp might make the noise performancr worse.

[@JamesBermingham]

Top review. Great video. Purchased from Thomann👍

[@Rocket510]

Great info man! You've explained what others couldn't about this device. Thanks! ✌🏾 🚀

[@MartinKatscan]

Glad I don't need a 'fat lifter' or a 'cloud head' (2:08) 😋 But seriously though, love your in-depth reviews and walkthrough videos. I already ordered the dbx286s and already own a focusrite 18i20, but still watched all your videos on these 2 bits of kit anyway, just because they are so well researched and presented! Danke!

[@atisma5037]

Eq charts made my day

[@santosespantos2124]

Great setup vid.. one question tho.. in windows, under recording, what level should the audio interface be at? Thanks in advance!

[@talkingbuffalo]

This just convinced me I don't need a Fethead with my SM7B and DBX.. Thanks!

[@PreciseAimm]

so wat do yu need inbeetween them , a 2i2 scarlet??

[@biteme263]

@@PreciseAimm You don't need anything between the mic and the DBX. It should have enough gain built into it to run just about any mic even the SM7. You could still use a cloudlifter or something if you wanted though, just so don't have to turn your gain up as high. Your 2i2 or any other interface would go between the DBX and your computer. And you will need an interface, the DBX does not do this. So you would need a mic, an XLR to XLR cable between the mic and DBX, the DBX itself, a TRS to TRS cable for between the DBX and 2i2 and your 2i2 or some other interface of course. If your interface doesn't have line level inputs you can use a TRS to XLR cable instead.

[@5181500]

Great tutorial ..really great... is it possible to expand and explain how to link dbx286s with a audio interface and a mixer unit for online radio broadcast TIA

[@MrSeeker42]

Thank you Julian! Very informative. Good video! I need your advice. I already have a 286s that I use for vocals. In a singer-songwriter set-up where I also want to play a mic'd up acoustic guitar simultaneously as I'm singing but also want to have the acoustic guitar mic to have a seperate compression with its own tweaked levels, do I get another 286s for this purpose or a dbx 166xl? Which would you get for just the mic'd up guitar? It seems that the 286s works fine but would the 166xl work better for this purpose? Pretend that I'm recording into a 4-track cassette TEAC 144 (from 1979) recorder. So no DAW no effects, dry everything. Just raw but even-sounding. Which would you choose? I heard the de-esser also works to tame the brightness of brighter acoustic guitars.

[@jimz987]

Great review Julian! I was wondering, does the direct monitoring in the audio interface work/have any latency issues? I direct monitor during live conference calls but I can hear my wife talking behind me (shared office). I'm hoping that the dbx286s will noisegate her speech from my headphones, and let me hear myself. The noise gate in voicemeter has solved problems for everyone in the call except myself. My setup's sm7b>>fethead>>scarlett 2i2 3rd gen.

[@biteme263]

Yes, this will do that and it is one of the upsides to using it. It is the main reason I plan on getting one. Sure I can do it all with VST's for OTHER people but I hate hearing the unprocessed signal in my ears and the background noise in my room. Shouldn't be any lag with it since it is mostly analog and plugs directly into your interface. When monitoring your voice it should be pulling it directly from the input on your interface pre amp and not looping it through the computer. I believe this is why its called "direct" monitoring.

[@DavidHarry]

Hi Julian. That compressor section used to be what DBX called 'over easy' compression. I used to have eight channels of it and it's surprising how well its auto attack/release etc. works. It worked very well on everything from vocals to drums. I suspect that the 286s will also have a soft knee characteristic. LA Audio used to do something similar called a C8, which was eight channels of 'over easy' type compression in a 1U box, it also allowed up to four ganged pairs. Can you set the compressor on the 286s to act more like a limiter? I'm not that familiar with what's available as far as modern hardware dynamics processors are concerned and am looking for something with an effective ceiling limiter in it. Basically, I'm after something that I can set and leave for my V/O mic when doing indoor pieces to camera. At the moment I apply a ceiling limiter in post via a VST plug-in, LoudMax kzbin.info/www/bejne/gInUhXyFq7aMqas but would much prefer to get a set sound for the acquisition. Do you have any recommendations for something like a voice-channel strip? Although I don't particularly need eq, compresion, de-essing or gating, these things are usually on such devices but I could always bypass them. I'm interested in something with a quiet clean pre, phantom and limiter. I I have a budget of up to around 300 euro/pounds but would prefer to pay less if there's anything available. Another great, well made and informative video. Cheers, Dave.

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, I don't think there is a way to use the compressor as a limiter. The compression ratio is not adjustable and varies depending on the input signal. But according to the manual the highest it will go is a ratio of 4:1. As a compressor this works very well, but the ratio is not high enough to be used as a limtier. If I come across a channel-strip with a true limiter I will let you know!

[@chrissullivan1673]

I output multiple 286Ss to mixer channels, then run the main stereo outs to linked channels on a DBX 166XL (the model with a limiiter) to catch peaks. It's not quite the serial compression chain that is ideal, but I think it does a pretty good job. The 166XL then outputs to a Focusrite 2i4 for recording to a PC. With just one 286S, one could do the same thing by going from the 286S to a 166XS/XL (XS is the current version) or similar compressor. I realize it's not one complete self contained package. But there are plenty of good to excellent condition used DBX compressors like this for a really decent price. Of course, I am rack mounting all this gear! ;)

[@DavidHarry]

Hi Chris, I'm actually working through the night editing and just seen your reply, thanks. That setup you're talking about looks good and would be fine for typical patching in a studio scenario but is a bit too cumbersome for my particular use. That said, I've got a couple of self powered condensers that'd probably drive the 166XS, or I could feed it with a small power/pre unit. It's defo worth a look as that final peak limiter looks like it's exactly what I need and looking around there doesn't seem to be an cheap voice channels with peak/ceiling limiting. Interestingly, I used to have the original 166 and before that a couple of 160 units that I'd put behind a pair of LA4 units. I used to produce a lot of music in the early 90s and had a commercial studio with analogue 24 track and one of the first affordable 24 track tape based recorders, 3x original ADATS with a BRC and a enough outboard to sink a ship :) These days it's all done in the box, hence the lack of outboard. I basically use my living room as my video editing space kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5rcY5SXl5uUicU so am a bit limited as to how much kit I can use. Cheers, Dave.

[@kedacicd]

Hi Julian, i know this is an older video but i was wondering could you tell me you opinion in using this with SSL 2+? As SSL 2+ has preety good and low noise preamp's would the use of DBX 286s "downgrade" the performance of the final recording? More the as the preamp im considering the DBX 286s in between the mic and SSL 2+ for other functions it has (deesser, gate/expander and 2 band eq). Basicly was wondering will it downgrade the final product in term of noise and quality? If yes can you recomment a channel strip that has the above mentioned functions without a preamp? Thanks in advance.

[@DjSmoothNY]

Sometimes music has high sibilance in it, especially hip hop and r&b which is why I think and hope the de-easer pulls everything down. That feature will hopefully benefit my broadcast output. Since no matter what I’ve tried I’m not able to increase the volume without sibilance cutting my ears!

[@tonyp1945]

Hi again Julian, Sorry to be a bore but would like your advice. I record from Scarlett Solo (not the AIR) into Logic pro x with my vocals. I am a senior guy and like to record ballads from the the 60' and 70's era. I really have lots of trouble taming my high's and low's and "Soft and Loud" going straight in with the Scarlett and I end up with the wave file all over the place that needs compressing when going in, I can hear guys screaming "well use the Compressor Plugins". Unfortunately I've tried them and they make the vocals sound boxy and somewhat un-natural. If I used the dbx 286s, do you think I would get a cleaner more natural vocal after the compression and then using a little EQ? does the dbx add colouring. Or is this really for pod casting rather than serious recording.Thank you, Tony

[@sebasgranda2635]

I bought my self one and it makes a buzzing noise almost like a tattoo maschine but with less gain is that normal? or do you think my unit is damaged? It’s sad cause my mic is close to the preamp and the mic takes the noise

[@MichaelW1980randoms]

As i would love to have a fully treated signal when it reaches my PC, ready to use with whatever application (recording, streaming, voice chat, you name it!) the DBX 286 S sounds like a real good deal to me. Also, it seems to be reasonably easy to configure. I’d say its quite likely, that I get myself such a device, if I upgrade to a new microphone setup. Right now im using a Blue Yeti, but i am thinking about upgrading to something better for month now anyway.

[@JulianKrause]

Yeah, for real-time processing the dbx286s is hard to beat.

[@biteme263]

Since this was a year ago you probably already upgraded but I can tell you what I use. I use a sennhieser e 835 running into a focusrite 2i2. I am thinking of getting the DBX as well. And you could save yourself some money by getting a less expensive mic and interface. Like a sure sm48 for like 40 bucks or something similar and a less expensive interface. Especially if you are going to use the DBX since it won't matter how good the pre amp is in the interface if you are by passing it anyway.

[@alexbrunt897]

New subscriber

[@najiahgriffiths4216]

what's the difference between this and a rodecaster pro 2? maybe do a video on the RCP2 or both this and that compared?

[@generalawareness101]

I have tried to recreate the chain of the 286s using VSTs but I can't find the magic sauce they have built in that box. Have you attempted this with VSTs or maybe you could for a future video idea if not? I am surprised we haven't seen a DBX286s VST by now.

[@biteme263]

Funny you brought this up, I spent quite a bit of time the other day looking for just this lol. Didn't find anything. And like you, I tried to piece one together as well. Ended up being overly complicated and didn't work as well.

[@TheRealFinlander]

Outstanding review, but for the love of god, please BLINK once or twice! :D Keep up the good work!

[@biteme263]

Another scenario or plus to using this is you will hear the processing effect in your headphones if you are using direct monitoring. It is all stuff you can do with VST's in equalizer apo, reaper or whatever but you won't hear it in your monitor since its after the pre amp/interface. Since this comes in before the interface the noise gate and everything is added to your monitor. Which in my case is nice because I won't hear all the background noise and crap in my ears. Is 250 bucks and a more complicated set worth it for that feature? Depends on how much it annoys you I guess lol.

[@antoineinniss5586]

Mr Krause...I really appreciated and learnt a great deal from this review....can you walk me through, how you connect a dbx processor to your audio interface, before connecting to your pc......then how is the gain set, or, how much gain is applied on the audio interface after the dbx is connected to it

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, I will be posting a full setup guide of this device in the next week. If you cannot wait that long, here is a short version to get you started: You connect the dbx 286s to an audio interface via a TRS to TRS cable. You turn the gain on your audio interface down all the way. Set the output gain of the dbx 286s to the 0 position. Connect a microphone to the dbx 286s. Speak into the mic and turn up the input gain until the two green LEDs are blinking and just occasionally the yellow LED lights up. Like I said, a more detailed version will be coming soon :)

[@MichaelW1980randoms]

This announcement made me subscribe your channel! 😃👍

[@antoineinniss5586]

@@JulianKrause Hey thanks so much Mr krause...so let me just get this straight ....when I turn the output gain to 0 on the dbx, you said to speak into the mic and start turning the input levels up, until the two green led lights appears , along with the occasional presence of the yellow led light...my questions are.....what about the output level that you said , must be put to 0 on the Dbx?.....apart from turning the gain way down on the interface, do I make any adjustments after that before I begin my recording?

[@JulianKrause]

@@MichaelW1980randoms Nice, I'm currently working on the video!

[@JulianKrause]

@@antoineinniss5586 When I said "turn the output gain on the 286s to 0" I was talking about the most right knob on the 286s. This knob is labeled output and controls the output gain. This knob has to be set to the 0 position which is at 12 o'clock.

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

So Julian you mentioned how the de-esser pulls down the whole frequency range. If I understand the unit correctly, employing the high-pass filter first should roll off low noise rumble and when that signal hits the de-esser, the frequency range is narrower so it wouldn't; 'be pulling down as large a range of signal. Correct?

[@gregorloffler1153]

Yes, it wouldn’t attenuate the whole frequency range but the difference would be quite minimal

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

@@gregorloffler1153 Thank you for the clarification

[@bambusbjoerntech6932]

Hey Julian, thanks for the great review. When using the dbx on an interface, I am not loud enough for for instance discord while streaming. Is it legit to turn up the interface gain a little bit to boost? (The DBX Preamp Gain is on +30, if I turn it higher its clipping all the time..)

[@JulianKrause]

Yes, that's ok, but normally you shouldn't have to do that. Where is your output knob set at, Which cable are you using to connect to your interface and which interface are you using?

[@thatchinaboi]

Just turn up the volume on your speakers or headphones.

[@noveltystylus6703]

Is there a unit that does this... but can individually process multiple inputs? I consistently do a podcast regularly with about 3 to 5 people locally and have wanted one of these... it would help with the amount of time i have to put into post. Great video!

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, check out the RØDECaster Pro according to Rode it will have vocal processing for all 4 inputs built into the device. Might be the right thing for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYa3pJevjdOHqrs

[@noveltystylus6703]

Thanks. I heard tell of this on Podcastage. I'll definitely keep that on the radar. Hopefully there'll be an answer to my 5+ input issue in the future.

[@HOUSESANDCONDOSoCOM]

Hi Julian, I have the Audient id22 which I bought in part because I had seen reviews about the amazing mic pre amp it has. When using the DBX 286s mic pre-amp and then going into the Audient id22 via the return am I downgrading the recording quality because I am bypassing the mic pre amp of the Audient id22? Can I connect my microphone directly into the Audient id22 and then use send with a TRS cable from the id22 into the insert on the DBX 286s to do the processing, Gate, Compressor, Enhancer etc. Then come back into the Audient id22 through Return so I get the benefit of the 286's processing but still get to use the mic pre-amp of the id22? Thanks for any input about this.

[@biteme263]

I would look for a precessor that does the same thing but doesn't have a pre amp in it. Will probably cost less too. I have seen them in the 150 dollar range with two mic input channels. berringer I think makes some?

[@DaveSoltura]

Hi Julian! When using this in tandem with a Motu M2, which preamp would be used? And if it's the dbx's preamp, would you consider that a downgrade from the Motu's preamp?

[@srbh1233]

Good question.. I was wondering the same.. I have a motu m4 and was thinking of adding the dbx 286s..

[@josephfrancisteves6865]

We need this answered dear sir Julian. 😢

[@rr88821]

What is the interface recommended and what should be the interface output when this dbx is plugged in?

[@JulianKrause]

I recommend pretty much any audio interface which has a balanced line level input. The output of the 286s should be at the 0 position (12 o'clock). Make sure to use a TRS to TRS cable for a proper balanced connection.

[@behnamnazari7639]

Hi sir Thanks for your answer I have a question about dbx and forceright If I turn on 48 v dbx, i don't have to do it on interface?

[@dreddydreson5676]

No you don't.

[@vasylsaftiuk1867]

do i currectly understand if i use SM57 connected to umc404hd therefore buying fethead will be useless idea due to difference between EINs of Behringer and Fethead preamps in near 1 dB? :)

[@JulianKrause]

That's correct. There only a miniscule gain in noise performance for your setup with a FetHead.

[@SalesforceCasts]

Super duper useful! Julian I was trying to get in touch with you any email I’d or Twitter handler that I can use?

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, you can find my email adress in the about tab on my channel :)

[@via_negativa6183]

Has anyone got a recommended alternative that isn't so massive? I don't really have space for some thing rack mount size in my workspace.

[@dtnguyen75]

How do I setup a DBX 286s to use with Presonus Quantum 2632?

[@androidgameplays4every13]

This is the 220V version?

[@StudioNalli]

Can this be plugged into a mixer?

[@pamboscharalambous3770]

What about it using it live.. is it a good idea???

[@TheGreekPoet]

I'm not an expert. But I find it works excellent live. I've used it doing lives on TikTok with great results.

[@jgvtc559]

Can you bypass the mic pre and still use the compressor eq

[@JulianKrause]

Yes, this can be done. This is how you do it according to the manual: "To use the INSERT jack to MULT the preamp out, insert a Mono 1/4” plug fully into the INSERT jack, then pull the plug out one click. Plug the other end of the cable to the appropriate load. This will still allow the original signal path to continue to the Processing Section without interruption." For more details check the manual on page 4. 3e7777c294b9bcaa5486-bc95634e606bab3d0a267a5a7901c44d.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/product_documents/documents/1665_1475869363/286s_Manual_18-0728V-B_original.pdf One more possibility would be use the line level input of the 286s and set the input gain to unity. This does not bypass the preamp but it does not amplify or attenuate the signal. This way the preamp in the 286s has a minimal effect on your signal.

[@bintus]

Hallo Julian, zuerst ein mal sei gesagt, dass du in dem Bereich in dem du tätig bist, wohl die besten Videos auf KZbin bringst. :-) In verschiedenen Videos von dir wird immer mal wieder das Grundrauschen, der richtige Gain-Pegel und das Signal-to-Noise Ratio thematisiert.. ich steige da ehrlich gesagt immer noch nicht ganz durch. Ich besitze ein SM7b und würde dies gerne so rauscharm wie möglich betreiben, ohne einen Kredit aufnehmen zu müssen. ^^ Ich würde mich sehr freuen, wenn du mir hier weiterhelfen würdest. In deinen Videos gibst du an, dass der Wert von etwa -130 dbu, den ja einige Interfaces um die 150€ auch erreichen, wohl so ziemlich das Maximum ist, das erreicht werden kann. Soll das heißen, dass es gar nicht möglich ist, einen leiseren PreAmp zu bekommen? Heißt, es ist gar nicht möglich, das SM7b rauschfrei oder zumindest weitestgehend ohne Rauschen zu betreiben? Soweit ich weiß, bekommen richtige "Studios" das ja scheinbar hin. Auch habe ich schon Videos gesehen, in denen kein Noisegate aktiviert wurde und ein scheinbar rauschfreies Signal erreicht wurde.. In dem Video, in dem du verschiedene Interfaces vergleichst und mit dem SM7b betreibst, ist jeweils ein hörbares Rauschen vorhanden.. Podcastage betreibt das SM7b in manch einem Video aber auch schon mal quasi rauschfrei, bzw. zumindest deutlich rauscharmer, als es in deinen Videos oder bei mir zu Hause der Fall ist. Beispielsweise das Yamaha AG03 scheint hier (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpKzq2qrhJdkjKM) ein recht rauscharmes Ergebnis zu liefern - darauf hin habe ich es mir gekauft und es ist bei mir doch deutlich lauter .. ich kann mir das nicht wirklich erklären. Falls du eine Ahnung hast, woran das liegen könnte und vielleicht sogar einen Tipp hättest, wie ich das SM7b ohne Rauschen betreiben könnte, würde ich mich freuen. Danke im Voraus!

[@JulianKrause]

Freut mich, dass dir meine Videos gefallen :) "Soll das heißen, dass es gar nicht möglich ist, einen leiseren PreAmp zu bekommen?" -> Mit einem dynamischen Mikrofon ist das Grundrauschen durch die Impedanz des Mikrofons limitiert. Die Molekule in der Spule vom SM7B erzeugen ein thermisches Rauschen von ungefähr -133 dBu(A). Weniger rauschen ist also physikalisch nicht möglich. (Es sei denn du kühlst das Mikro mit flüssigem Stickstoff xD). Jetzt kommt zum Rauschen vom SM7B noch das Rauschen vom Vorverstärker hinzu und in der Praxis landet man dann meißtens so um die -130 dBu(A). (ein FetHead kommt auf -131 dBu(A)) Ganz rauschfrei wirst du ein SM7B also nie bekommen. Was aber auch das Rauschen in der Aufnahme stark beeinflusst, ist die Signalstärke von dem was du aufnimmst. Angenommen das Mikrofon steht neben einem Jet-Triebwerk, dann ist das Rauschen des SM7B vernachlässigbar klein. Wenn du dagegen in das SM7B reinflüsterst, dann wird das Grundrauschen eher hörbar sein. Also, wie bekommt man rauschfreie Aufnahmen mit dem SM7B hin? 1. Mikrofon nahe an der Tonquelle platzieren um ein starkes Signal vom Mikrofon zu erhalten. 2. Das Gain vom Vorvertärker richtig einstellen, sodass man so zwischen -18 und -12 dBFS peakt. 3. Evtl. ein Noise Gate nutzen um das letze bisschen Rauschen zu unterdrücken. Hoffe das hilft!

[@ahfimiwonawun]

What microphone did you use to record your voice?

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, the whole video was recorded with a Schoeps CMC641.

[@DarkPa1adin]

@@JulianKrause wow! when I can't pronounce its name, it cost $1600...

[@JulianKrause]

@@DarkPa1adin Hehe, that's because it is a german name and we use the letter ö which is sometimes also written as oe.

[@PreciseAimm]

DarkPa1adin 😂

[@thelinthicums3295]

Who downvotes something like this? Pack sand!

[@mayorovofficial]

Dbx suitable for itrack solo?

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, the iTrack solo does not have a TRS line level input. But you could connect the dbx to the iTrack solo with a TRS to XLR cable. Turn the gain of the iTrack down all the way. Then you will also have to turn down the output gain of the 286s a bit. It should work fine.

[@mayorovofficial]

Thank you very much! that is, theoretically, can I connect shure sm7b via dbx 286s? to itrack solo with a TRS male XLR male cable through the itrack solo microphone input?

[@JulianKrause]

@@mayorovofficial Yes, you connect the SM7B to the mic input on the dbx 286s with an XLR cable. Then connect the 286s with a TRS to male XLR cable to your iTrack solo. This way the audio of your SM7B goes through the 286s and is then recorded by your interface.

[@mayorovofficial]

Successes to the channel!

[@JulianKrause]

@@mayorovofficial Thanks!!!

[@mroctober3657]

Now can we get the same tutorial but featuring Focusrite ISA One please. Haha, I kid... but can we?

[@JulianKrause]

If you send me one I'll make a video about it ;)

[@mroctober3657]

@@JulianKrause It's en route via carrier pigeon, haha. Thanks for the vids.

[@DarkPa1adin]

How does the quality of real-time audio effects compare to post-processing effects? Is it cleaner? "no/less compression"? also, If you have a few pre-amps down the chain, like 286s -> iD14, will it compound the noise of the preamps?

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, I would say that proper analogue and digital effects are equal in quality. The advantage of an analogue effect is, that there is essentially no latency. When you need your audio processed right away, for example for a live stream, an analogue effect is the way to go. If you don't need that, I think you're better off with digital effects, because you can tweak them to your liking after the recording. With the analogue effect this is impossible, because once the audio went through it, it is baked into the signal. When you have multiple preamps in a chain and the first preamp amplifies the signal, then the first preamp is the dominant source of noise. The noise of following preamps in the cain is pretty much irrelevant.

[@DarkPa1adin]

@@JulianKrause thanks a lot JK! I learned a lot from you. And I just realised that with 286s, the settings of compression/gate/eq are sort of preset (meaning less variables to play with) as compared to digital plugins where I have to play with every variable.

[@biteme263]

@@DarkPa1adin Yes, they specifically designed it to be more simple/easy to use and less complicated yet still sound really good. To do this some of the functions and variables are pre set. At one time the name for this processing was actually called "over easy" lol.

[@SatanicJamnic]

Looking at your jawline I can say, you really like to chew diamonds xD Another nerdy video! Verrry niiice. Thanks!

[@generalawareness101]

Thanks to the human malware these companies seem to be working overtime cranking their products out and I have had DOA and near DOA with everything I have purchased. Received this today (I loved it) but the AC transformer was buzzing and gets louder the longer it was on. :(

[@honeste6652]

Did you just say FetLifter and Cloudhead? Shouldn't that be Cloudlifter and FetHead?

[@JulianKrause]

Haha, this might even have been on purpose ;)

[@honeste6652]

@@JulianKrause As tired as I was when I saw this video, I figured it might as well have been me.

[@purupearl]

Thanks for your great informative video, but please blink your eyes at least once.