dbx 286s Mic Preamp/Processor: Vocal, Guitar, Bass, Kick & Snare

[@SonicPAJ]

Thank you for the live demonstration of knobs.

[@Major00Tom]

This is how you do a demo. It's not about an opinion but about what the thing does and how it sounds.

[@dougsheridanmusic]

Excellent demo, thanks a million LoudBox

[@JetPoweredCloud]

It's weird, I'm looking to expand on my little home demo recording studio (a Fostex 8-track and a mic) by adding some affordable outboard gear to it. I knew I needed an effects processor so, I shopped around and found one in my budget (MX200) and looked up some reviews and found YOUR very thorough review on it. I then started looking for a preamp/processor. Found the 286s to be within my budget and started looking at reviews for it. Low and behold, you have a demonstration of this, too. Then, I considered buying a dedicated compressor, for drums and such. I came across a unit that was full of features and comfortably within the budget. Know what it was? The dbx 266xs. IT'S AS IF YOU KNEW WHAT I WOULD BUY, BEFORE I DID.

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+John S hehe! Strange, isn't it?:)

[@MrJasonMorin]

Thank you Zeb for your video review, you convinced me to buy exactly that model for my small home studio.

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+Jason Morin Great, glad I could help!

[@Drumsdude123]

Great, thanks, but everything goes with strong noise, even vocal! Is this device noisy?

[@ezzel-bendary8762]

First of all I would like to mention that I am one of your fans and I would like to thank you for your effort…I would like you to recommend a smaller version of the DBX 286s in which that it can be easy for traveling and it has almost the same features, thank you and waiting for your reply.

[@kastornorth]

Very cool Thanks,, and nice vocal too ;)

[@LightBlazeMC]

another great tutorial great job also can i jus listen to music through it? will it enhance the music?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Thank you! It's just a mono unit, so music in stereo would not work. I think it is more intended for recording single vocals and instruments, rather full mixes.

[@LightBlazeMC]

@@ZedMartyProduction ok thanks a lot for the info!

[@SanjoyDasGuitar]

It's an awesome product which I know but pls notice 1 thing, I m getting a noise from this video, an example>if I will record 4/5 tracks acoustic guitar or any other instruments , I will get 4/5 times more gain of noise from those tracks. Pls let me know is that noise coming from dbx machine?

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

I know it's an old comment, but if you get noise without the unit, then the unit is not the culprit

[@benuk1480]

Very nice little demo - thanks. Not sure your bassist would appreciate being gated in that way!

[@BeGoodNow5]

Lol 😂

[@adrinaufal4079]

very nice! just want have this gear. thanks for the review :)

[@ZedMartyProduction]

You're welcome! Thanks!

[@daddydanny5588]

wow...have u ever used it in the recording process

[@johanramone]

I realy like mine and it was thanks to your video i bought it. Do more

[@juliobittencourt8689]

I'm thinking to use this processor in my bass rackmount to live shows. What you think?

[@rocksteady903]

Just bought one and it's a great piece of gear! But can you plug your electric acoustic directly into it and if so how?

[@GikiOfficial]

Musicians Music Studio Yes, in the back have a 1/4. but you need a interface or something ID, convert analog to digital added. Luck and search

[@BecomingEugen]

hi, what you recomand from this and a Behringer Virtualizer. considering the Behringer is more complex maybe if it works good it's nice to have more options.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for this!!! Subscribed!

[@jacksimpsoncl]

Thank you very much for the video explains very well, these analog pre amps are better than the plugins or emulations regarding the sound quality ?, that is to say they give a better sound quality ?, are better than the preamp of modern interfaces like audient id14 ?, Thank you very much for your knowledge I would appreciate some response greetings from Chile

[@ZedMartyProduction]

The preamps of the Audient are quite good, but the dbx 286s has features which can come in handy when recording - like a little EQ and Compression to even out the peaks.

[@famGvanDam]

I have both and can say that, even without the extra features, the dbx preamp is way better.

[@MrSeeker42]

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 too?

[@azarlane9553]

The Angelus bells were ringing ⛪️ and you didn’t even stop and make the sign of the Cross?! Madre Mia! What would your great-grandmother say to you?? 😂 Nice demonstration anyway.

[@diegomanosalvas2934]

That's great, thanks

[@dhomta9326]

Why there is digital distortion sound throughout the video

[@NedORec]

Digital distortions appear when connected to a surge protector.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

How are you connecting to your converter?

[@VincentKearney1967]

Why dont you match the volumen when you bypass ?

[@philipps7589]

Hello Zed, first of all thank you for the video! It was very useful to see how the device shapes instrument sounds. There is only one thing I would appreciate if you could help me with...after having watched this video, I bought the dbx 286s for post-production purposes with the intention to edit individual tracks in logic pro x, but somehow I struggle to connect it with the software. The I/O plugin does not recognize the device, so now (since I haven't found much on post editing with the device online) I start doubting whether there is such use for it at all. So, I'm sorry for this kind of question, but can I edit ready audio tracks with the dbx 286s? And if yes, what is the right way to get this working in Logic Pro X? This would help a lot. Thank you

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Yes you can edit tracks with it! Simply connect an output of your audio interface to the line input of the dbx and one input of your audio interface with the line output of the dbx. Insert the I/O plugin on any track and set the input and output to the corresponding input and output you have used on the interface. Make sure to „Bing“ the connection to get the correct latency compensation. That‘s basically it, the track will go trough the dbx and coming back into your DAW. Finally you have to make a real-time bounce of the project or the single track, because the material has to go in real time through the dbx and recorded back into the DAW.

[@philipps7589]

@@ZedMartyProduction Thank you a lot for your quick reply and sorting this out for me! I did as you said but unfortunately once the I/O plugin is turned on, i do not hear the individual track that i'm trying to edit anymore. As well any increase on the mic preamp knob creates a kind of irritating feedback noise. Cannot get this to work for some reason, so I wonder whether you maybe are familiar with this sort of problem or have any idea of what the cause could be? I'm using a newly bought Focusrite Scarlett 4i4, maybe it is somehow related to the output routing? Anyhow, thank you again for taking the time to reply, your previous answer helped a lot. I will keep looking for a solution to the issue

[@philipps7589]

Just wanted to say that the issue is resolved now. In case anyone else faces the problem of a silent track after switching on the I/O plugin, here is a great workaround that did it for me: www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=100222 . The noise issue disappeared after restarting the computer and reconnecting the dbx with the audio interface. Zed, again, thank you a lot! All best

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Alright, cool that it is working now!

[@joekerr8584]

youre probably not gonna reply but i have a shure sm7b microphone and this preamp. im using a UMC202HD interface and i was wondering if you recommend a dbx setting for vocals or pop vocals, like a radio friendly sound. thanks a lot

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Difficult to say because it depends on the input/voice, but try the following: Gain until you reach -10 dB LED, Drive 4, Density 6, Deesser Freq 7k Tresh 3, LF 2 HF 3. Use the Gate carefully otherwise it will chop of words!

[@joekerr8584]

Zed Marty Production im a baritone/tenor but i sing more on the louder side unless the song needs softer vocals. also with this setting, do u have any videos or recommendation when it comes to vocal mixing like radio pop songs, examples are “better by khalkid” or “small talk by katy perry” thanks zed you are awesome!

[@joekerr8584]

Zed Marty Production also idk what to put in gate/expander. im new to this and idk shit about these equipment or the terms lol. any suggestion?

[@tooniceproductions8798]

How do you get audio to come back into the dbx from the DAW after being recorded?

[@jameswallace5967]

That's what I would like to know also.

[@jayj2702]

Hi, is anyone getting a bit of a buzzing sound when you put your ear to the dbx286s, its only plugged into the mains, any info would be good. Thanks

[@khaledelgabrymusic]

How did u connect a guitar or bass? However they say on the manual dont plug anything but mics. Do u have di box connected in between?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Guitar was recorded with a microphone and Bass went through the console and then Line input on the DBX.

[@destamsam]

Are guitar in live or mic rec? Thanks

[@O.W_Films]

too much ambient noise or grounds?

[@SuchaDoofus]

Is that acoustic DI'd or mic'd?

[@carlotheatheist]

Hey. Can i directly connect the Sennheiser e 602-II on it?

[@carlotheatheist]

hey how to connect that if i have a compressor limiter in a vocal? do i need to side chain in compressor to connect that in vocal?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

If you have a mixer you simply connect it to the insert of a channel you like to use it on. You‘ll need a Insert patch cable also known as Y-cable.

[@carlotheatheist]

LoudBox Music ahh okay i got what you mean.

[@carlotheatheist]

i just wonder there's a lot of wholes in mixer maybe they are the way how you connect those processors. by the way are you prefered to use that traditional way using a lot of processors and analog mixers? or you are now using today some digital mixers too?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

My mixer is only analog. But I work hybrid, with plugins, outboard gear and the mixer.

[@rv3homestudiorv393]

That's why the CDs are good quality.

[@PhantomO01]

Thanks for trying, I’m not sure if you did this demo the right “t”. Good effort though

[@ronaldirawan3643]

Can we get the 160a compression on that dbx? Is it noisy?

[@cristianbatelli5873]

the LF Detail Enhancer its not working properly, normally if you move it to +5 the difference is abysmal but here with you unit...no good, it may be defective.

[@carsonrandolph3557]

That was a great guitar commercial....

[@Motivationalmasterminds]

Nice studio!

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+Motivational Mastermind Thanks!

[@madstudi0s716]

Hi, i've a question for you, what do you think about 2200 ultragain? It really make the sound better, or is like a normal transistor pre? I need the beautiful sound of valve but it really work like a valve preamp or you can't hear the difference ?thank you bro ;)

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+Mad Studi0s The Ultragain 2200 is a fine preamp for the money and it has a lot of features. However, you can't really hear the tube, it is pretty neutral. I sold it meanwhile and I'm much more happy with the Fredenstein V.A.S. It's no tube pre, but it sounds much fatter, similar to the Golden Age Project Pres. For me, also the dbx286s sounds better than the Ultragain.

[@HermonSmith]

Thanx! very helpful.

[@calebzacharychial]

What is the bass used?

[@carlotheatheist]

that preamp just only for condenser mic? or you can use it on dynamic microphone specially for dynamic vocal microphone??

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Sure you can use dynamics as well. But don‘t forget to turn off the +48V Phantom power!

[@carlotheatheist]

Zed Marty Production yes. thank you so much. i just wonder what if i have also a condenser mic? should i install another pre amp on my mixer so the other one is for condenser mic 48 volts and the other one is for dynamic mic right??

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Well, do you use both at the same time? Otherwise you can just switch them. Other idea would be to use the condenser on dbx and the dynamic directly on the mixer.

[@carlotheatheist]

Zed Marty Production yes i will do that at the same time. i need that on a live concert event. so the drummers and the other instruments wont screwed up the vocal.

[@woabeatz9717]

i have a joe meek vc3q.....is the compression better on this dbx unit....?

[@GikiOfficial]

AWSOMUS LATEST the DBX is classic on Compress. The most is DBX 160. But the JoeMeek have optical compressor, like another classic. La2. So... i dont know what you need but im JoeMeek all the way

[@GikiOfficial]

AWSOMUS LATEST greets from MX

[@LEDBOO]

Thank you

[@zonastore4922]

Hi..this unit using 110v or 220v

[@sk-go6fq]

Great video!!!

[@spiritphingaz_]

volume before and after processing should be same to truly hear the contrast

[@NoQualmsTheArtist]

If you understood how this processor works you would know it's almost impossible. The compressor doesn't have a threshold the drive knob pushes the signal up into the threshold to compress which always raises the volume. Even when you try to compensate with the output knob the perceived loudness is always more which is true with all compression.

[@ThomasKop]

Offtopic but which guitar did you use to record this?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Recording King RO-07

[@jimmy2tones]

great video. i just ordered one . lol. thanks for sharing.

[@klamtmarco2114]

i have the same its realy goooood

[@cylurian]

+lbmusic what audio usb interface do you recommend I use for the dbx 286s?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

The new Presonus Studio 192 series seems to be pretty good. I have the older Firestudio series and I didn't have any problems so far!

[@GayanDanthanarayana]

How well do you reckon the Dbx will function in a live setting for vocals?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Should work pretty well I guess. The compressor is quite simple and the de-esser works great. You also got a Low-Cut and a 2-Band EQ. If you use it together with a mixing board you should be covered with all you need!

[@GayanDanthanarayana]

Thanks for your opinion. Also, thanks for demonstrating the capabilities of this unit with vocals and instruments as you did. It offered a real look into what this unit is able to do. Much appreciated!

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Gayan Danthanarayana No problem, glad I could help!

[@calebzacharychial]

LBmusic what bass was used in this recording?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+Caleb Chial Harley Benton J Bass

[@umbertofurlan501]

i have a question. can you plug in a bass or a guitar directly into the Dbx preamp and than send it to the audio device? because i don't have any amps.

[@ZedMartyProduction]

No, it does not have a dedicated instrument input, only line level and microphone input.

[@umbertofurlan501]

What is line level input for?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Keyboards, signals coming from a mixer, etc..

[@umbertofurlan501]

@@ZedMartyProduction ok thx. I thought you could plug in a bass at least. Mabye using a DIY? I dont know

[@drippingcolorsound8754]

you can run an instrument direct into it, but you will need a DI box, you can find them for $20 to $1000, if you're buying a budget channel strip i assume you will want a budget DI behringer makes a cheapie DI.

[@servantsochrist]

Can you run a condenser mic into this....Does it provide phantom power?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+Itz Here Yes, of course!

[@Dr.Fingertips]

Cool demonstration thanks man, it would have been even better if that annoying hum wasn't there. Thanks man :-)

[@kayirangasteve1264]

Thanks for the Video , I'm having hummings in recording for the moment I'm using ART TubeMP Studio V3 Valve Mic PreAmp ....Would you recommend me to buy hum isolator instead of dbx 286s Mic Preamp..I could hear a little bit of humming in your video when the lady was singing. Thanks for your time.

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+KAYIRANGA Steve hi! The dbx 286s does not produce the hum, I had some issues with a cable coming from the interface. I noticed that after finishing the video, but the unit itself is fine.

[@kayirangasteve1264]

Thanks somuch ,I really appreciate your reply ....im having a humming problem when I'm recording i don't if you can help me to figure out what to do . this is my installation all my gear are installed to two powerStrips Samson PS10 ,microphone with balanced cable connected to ART Tube MP Studio V3 then balanced cable out from art v3 goes to Alesis 3632 Compressor then to my UdioBox interface USB to logic pro. Please if you have an idea how to remove these humming let me know thanks.

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+KAYIRANGA Steve Try the shortest way first, Microphone to USB interface. Then start adding the gear piece by piece. Most of the times it's a faulty cable. You can also try and use another power socket instead of the Samson.

[@chrisw5742]

@@ZedMartyProduction Or use a dedicated multitrack recorder instead of a PC.

[@rv3homestudiorv393]

This dbx is top

[@grumpyoldmanracing]

Hi there. I got about 10 seconds into your vocalist review before I had to stop. I can hear pretty bad ground loop issues.. Some gear is more susceptible than others e.g anything ART. Good luck

[@ZedMartyProduction]

Hi! Thanks for the input. Yes there's a little hum, had to rewire the unit for the video and something messed up there. However, when used normally with a microphone there's no hum.

[@t3db0t97]

Anyone know of a comparison of the 286s to other comparable channel strips specifically on sung vocals?

[@GikiOfficial]

T3d b0t of you do. Please tell me haha. Greets from MX

[@TheMankyTube]

How much did this cost?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+TheMankyTube Around 180 €, which should be 200 $.

[@iammadeleen]

what does "process bypass" serve to ?

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+Funnymichico Music When pressed, it bypasses the Compressor, De-esser & Enhancer.

[@iammadeleen]

+LBmusic Sorry i didn't understand (i'm french). Thanks for your video, i think i will buy it

[@ZedMartyProduction]

+Funnymichico Music No problem. Great, it's a good preamp for the money!

[@Spasmatic]

Nice demo but there is some 60hz hum...

[@mPDC-gh8jy]

You dodn't show us the actual performance of the "pre-amp" circuit because of repeated Line input signal.

[@Josediazowl]

Nice !!! Dam Test!!

[@myrnacasillan3061]

So we gonna use four compressor to individually customized the vocal, guitar, bass, kick and snare drum?

[@makabad]

Hello i am new using this , i just bought a Shure SM7B and presonus audio interface combine with this dbx286s and seems like im having a problem everytime i turn the gain line like yours am hearing a noisesss loud am i missing something but when i turn it low the lights wont flash if i talk please help thank you have a good day

[@americanshyster]

Are you using the cloud lifter with your mic?

[@Awoken1777]

are you supposed to use a cloud lifter with the dbx? isnt that kinda pointless isnt it one or the other​@@americanshyster

[@lmartincervantest2653]

porque hay un sonido molesto?.. turrrururururuururuururururururururur en todo el video cuando procesas?

[@rv3homestudiorv393]

Friend you press that red button and move the other two but then back the alloy the button is a correct process and why have to turn it on ???

[@drippingcolorsound8754]

I wish you had used real drums instead of samples, so we could here the gate acting against the microphone bleed that comes with tracking a real kit.

[@rv3homestudiorv393]

I´m from brazil

[@Niccks]

Why is this so noisy… Seems like you can’t use it without getting noise in your tracks

[@ThomasKop]

Sounds quite like Dido

[@byus6928]

God I hate the way she says "right" the t at the end lol

[@acousticradio2535]

She doesnt blend "Right" she says "righ...Ta". she probably knows this, just a vocal preference.

[@ukaeyfvkfiayuvefyiu]

I think the annunciation makes for good demo material

[@MusaDays808]

Well, How About You Send Him Your Vocals & Lets Hear How You Do It, Then, Batman 🙄

[@Doodlez4]

There's a new channel strip, like De-ess, it's called, De-Te... fixes things like that. :)

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I like it for the demo tho.

[@johnkowalsky4717]

BRUM!!!!!!

[@mrjn5786]

where should i connect it??

[@Diamond-Des]

Better than 5000 euros preamps

[@markdelpapa6618]

I'm going to Pieces wondering how falling to pieces feels when you're already into pieces in your fine little pieces falling everywhere, get the lyrics right

[@MusicCityWorld]

CHIEF & BEST

[@martinczerwinskee3909]

u need to record trhoug not reamp facpalm

[@luigilugnani7456]

Ripple, Ripple, Ripple...........

[@methylarimatest7067]

bypass is much better