DBX 286s Microphone Preamp/Processor Review

[@KennethTownsell]

Your camera quality is insane!! 🔥🔥🔥 Great review!!

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! It’s just a Canon M50 with a Sigma 30 prime lens. I appreciate the comment!

[@briangurnett]

That’s all lighting.

[@neutralearth1061]

Thanks for the excellent video! We love the dbx 286s! I (Craig) recorded vocals with microphones direct to my TASCAM DP-32 on our 1st two albums and while they sound excellent, mixing was sometimes a struggle because of my poor microphone technique. I started using the dbx on our 3rd album, "Strange News From A Distant Star" (on our KZbin channel), and while you might not be able to hear any difference from our first two albums, the dbx 286s made mixing my vocals much easier, and it made any microphone I plugged into it come alive with more versatility thanks to all the excellent features you mentioned.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh that’s great! And you’re very welcome!

[@Flippy]

Fantastic video! That was a great analysis, and probably saved me some money! I mainly want to buy one so I can avoid touching things up in post, but I should probably just suck it up and save up for something more special like the ART Voice Channel

[@TheRecordist]

Sounds like a great plan! I honestly never use mine ever. But it’s great if you want everything ready to go on the way in! Cheers!

[@torbenhellborn3175]

Just into the begining your narration wanted me to stay on . . thank for your humor

[@TheRecordist]

Cheers!

[@isaaclaughter]

I'm not sure why my brother sent me this vid, but I made as far as the opening music. Thumbs up just for that! 80's baby! Let's gooooooooooooooo! Now I'll watch the whole thing.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Woo hoo! Cheers!

[@peshrawable]

Thank you so much for all your videos,and I appreciate your time that you dedicated to make video for us .

[@TheRecordist]

You’re very welcome! Cheers!

[@xKingReyx]

Youre right, I didn't search for it. Yet, here I am. Subbed.

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Well thank you very much!

[@doetube9746]

Same here. Great review. Better than what’s out there, and I have watched them all. I dig the aesthetic video background, too. Please make more videos.

[@TheRecordist]

@@doetube9746 well thank you very much! I have another 30 or so videos on my channel (so far) and more coming! Thanks for watching!

[@AironExTv]

Thanks for the detailed look at the unit. Great little piece of kit and just about flexible enough for live voice IMHO. Some streaming folks I know use it to great effect. I'd only used one of DBX's compressors (166 or 266, don't remember) mostly on bass guitars 20 years ago, back when I was recording music. 3:1 med to slow. I'm in post production now. The 286 S costs less than 200 Euros here in Germany, which is why I've always considered it for simple communication duties, Discord and the likes. But it's overkill, and I can loopback my RME through my DAW to get what I need. I don't even use my KMR81 in a Rycote grip , but a Lewitt 140 Air on a mic arm in a cheap shock mount. Overkill is not worth the trouble :) . Yet it's good to know this is a fine unit if need be.

[@TheRecordist]

Sounds like you know what you’re talking about! Indeed, it’ll do the job but overkill a lot of the time. Thanks for watching!

[@HRPL-ej9zo]

Density is the attack and release speed.

[@TheRecordist]

You’re absolutely right. I did notice that when I was watching my video after it was uploaded. I noticed the speed slow down as I turned the knob. Thanks for letting me know!

[@LauwieTech]

Thank you for making this, I bought it and very happy with it

[@TheRecordist]

I’m glad to hear it! It’ll do you well for years. Just make sure to unplug it when not in use. There’s no on/off switch. 😉 Cheers!

[@LauwieTech]

@@TheRecordist yea thats the only thing i dont like that it does not have a power switch

[@TheRecordist]

@@LauwieTech oh well. There are workarounds. Cheers!

[@NTATchannelNickTaylor]

Been using this (paired with a DBX 131s EQ) for about 5 years now. Wouldn't change them out for nothing. Been on Team DBX since the 80's when I was known to duplicate a C-60 or C-90 from time to time... you know... for medicinal purposes. EDIT - no cloudlifter needed to push my Electrovoice RE20.

[@NTATchannelNickTaylor]

And I still have my BBE Sonic Maximizer as well!!! 🤓

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahaha. I know just what you mean!

[@johnlance3860]

😀I have that 3 prong collection happening here as well. Great job

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Don’t we all! Thanks for watching!

[@baroquer]

That's *THE* Holy Grail for any microphone (IMO) Thanks, Sir Jason Bourne, you son of a -gun- mic!

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Cheers!

[@mingusx3440]

Great video! Thank you for the review.

[@TheRecordist]

You’re welcome! Cheers!

[@skiphupp6387]

What about using a cloudlifter?

[@TheRecordist]

You can absolutely use both. Many people do that.

[@torbenhellborn3175]

. . oh and the Love end . . nice attitude . . thanks a lot from DK

[@TheRecordist]

You’re very welcome!

[@A.Darrell.Production]

Great videos...loved the declick video! Question....what is your audio chain for voice overs? do you use a channel strip? or straight into your interface?

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! When doing VO work, I am always using my Apollo Twin X, and thus use a UAD chain. I’ll use a channel strip like SSL 9000 E or Neve 88RS or even the Avalon. Then, depending if I’m using the 416 or the UA DLX Sphere mic, I’ll use the USD Sphere plugin, I always C-Suite C-Vox, then, if I’m not using the channel strip compressors the legacy 1176 compressor, followed by a legacy LA2A compressor. Both compressors use a light touch. Nothing noticeable. Sometimes de-essers, but I usually like doing that in post. A great VO-based channel to watch is The Microphone Assassin. Hope this helps!

[@A.Darrell.Production]

you are awesome!!!..lots of info for me to research! thanks for the recommendation! I have a vast array of mics- from re320's, re20's, lewitt 440, nt1, nt1a and a sound devices usbpre2 interface. and do a podcast with some buddies and use behringer uv1 channel strips for our mics into a uphoria 1820.... and as I watch too many shows my brain wants us to be at the point in society where we can plugin a usb into our brain stem and learn it all...NOW

[@TheRecordist]

@@A.Darrell.Production hahah. I know what you mean! It’s a vast sea to swim in! Processing dialogue is a lot of fun but it also takes experience. The key is taking out the annoying frequencies or at least limiting them, and evening out the audio so it’s all the same dynamics. Then it’s about enhancing the pleasing frequencies. This, of course isn’t the same for every voice as every voice is different. Saturation is also something some people like or hate. It all comes down to what you think sounds good. Trial and error. But a good way to get there is to have a pro, listen to it and give you pointers-and listen to them. Expensive mics are desired not because they are accurate in reproduction of the voice, but because they’re NOT accurate. They tend to enhance the right frequencies and suppress the nasty ones automatically. So less work is needed to get them to sound good. But once again, sometimes an expensive mic doesn’t sound good on one voice and does on another. Haha. It’s a process indeed!

[@dannylightning-audio-reviews]

These things are quite nice, great video

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. They’re great little units! Thanks for watching!

[@ScamsCons-dh9oc]

What do you think about putting a Cloudlifter into the mix before the 286s so that less gain is needed? Would that quiet the amp noise down?

[@TheRecordist]

I know of a lot of people who do that. You’re talking about an SM7B right? If so, it can’t hurt. It might help the noise, but only by a very small amount.

[@ScamsCons-dh9oc]

@@TheRecordist Yep, 7B. I haven't needed it with other dynamics as they have greater gain. The 286s was recommended and I like it for my podcast. I'm not sure a different compressor (other than Auphonic and very minor post production tweeks) would make an appreciable difference. BTW, thanks for the response.

[@ralmslb]

I'm been considering buying a used unit to pair with my Motu M4, as I miss the lack of mic processing. Currently using Reaper and VCable tricks to process the mic before reaching the apps, but I would rather have something more seamless.

[@TheRecordist]

Well this is a great and cheap way to do precisely what you’re looking for! Cheers!

[@OscarMarreroPR]

Thank you very much for the video tutorial. The configuration sounds excellent with my voice on my Shure SM7B microphone. What LF and HF settings do you recommend for an RE27? I would like it to sound as close as possible to the Shure, although I know it's impossible. I mean, so it doesn't sound as bright as the RE27 can be.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey no worries! Hmm. I have never used an RE27. I’ve only used an RE20 and RE320. If I were you, I’d prefer to use EQ match in ProQ 3. Some DAWs come with stock EQ matching capabilities, such as Logic. It’s not just a matter of rolling off the highs or lows. It’s a bit more complex than that. Sorry I could be of more help!

[@rjy8960]

I've come here from a perspective of amateur radio and maximising audio quality on-air. I've read a number of really good reviews and I think I am going to get one because I like what I hear. I am also a sceptical audiophile. I'm after a bit of advice on microphones. I want REALLY nice quality audio. Think of AM broadcast regarding the needed bandwidth - What would a professional AM broadcaster use as a mic to feed this? I have got quite a high-pitched voice (I have a KZbin channel so you can hear me there). I will be going from the DBx unit into an Edirol UA5 to do the A-D conversion and then optically into the transmitter which seems to me to be the sensible interface to use. Radio is the Kenwood TS-990. Any advice very welcome. I'd like to do this nicely :)

[@TheRecordist]

Wow. That’s a serious radio! I used to be into radios in the 90s. I never got as far as Ham but I did operate an illegal boot pumping out a hell of a lot more than the 4 watts allowed. Haha. I used to have an Antron 99 antenna and a Silver Eagle mic. Man. Those were the days. I always wanted to get into Ham. Anyway, to your question. I can fully recommend the ElectroVoice RE20 for your purposes, but even a Shure SM7b or an SM7dB (for more power) would work. These are dynamic mics, and they’re great for minimizing the noise around you and focuses on your voice. If you wanted to go condenser mic (very articulate), it would pick up your whole house. It’ll hear cars outside and everything. I never recommend condensers unless you’re in a totally sound proof room with minimal reverberation. The radio guys have used the RE20 mics for many years. It’s very popular. Sounds divine. Does that help?

[@rjy8960]

@@TheRecordistYes, thank you! You've also answered another question that I had regarding condenser mics. This is something that I was considering because they tend to be quite flat and highly transparent which I'm really keen on. I have a few servers in my office so there is some background fan noise here and I was hoping that the expander/gate may be useful here, so maybe a condenser wouldn't be a good choice. One of the reasons for doing this is that one of my colleagues has really poor hearing which is limited to 5kHz or so and listened to a portable audio system which has planar magnetic headphones and he was blown away by the detail that he could hear, so even with a constrained bandwidth, really good audio performance can be achieved. I'll have to see if I can get an RE20 to try when I get the processor. Regarding the radio, I didn't really have many options. Most of the newer radios are very heavily menu-driven and I personally find it distracting to for example have to go into a menu to change keyer speed or set monitor level etc. so a good control surface was high on my agenda plus the TS-990 is known to have really nice audio and even with a fairly cheap mic I get good reports. I've also been into audio for many years and given that the radio has a SP/DIF audio input it seemed to be an interesting opportunity to meld the two interests together. My only slight concern is that the UA-5 may be the weak link. If you are interested in getting into radio, I think you will find that the requirements to get a beginners license have been relaxed - it is the case here in Europe and I'm sure it is also true in the US. There always has been a lot of camaraderie in amateur circles and finding someone to help you get your ticket shouldn't be too difficult. It's a fascinating time-abyss. Now would also be a great time as we are in a high-point in the solar 11-year cycle, so the higher HF bands are open for really long-distance contacts. I also got into CB back in the day with a friends CB that he had imported from the US and went from there. Some very interesting 11m amplifier designs out there ;) Thanks again for your help and suggestions!

[@rjy8960]

@@TheRecordistI'm begging for a bit more advice - I've been watching a video comparing the ART voice channel and the DBX286. I've realised I will need a separate ADC to give me the TOSLINK output I need and good quality ones seem to be about the price of the ART voice unit. Any experience of this unit or ART as a company in general? Any general thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[@TheRecordist]

@@rjy8960 hey. No worries! I hear good things about the ART Voice Channel. And for the price, you probably be better off just getting the ART, since it’s loaded with TOSLINK etc. The suggestions I’m reading is to replace the tube inside with a higher quality one like a JJ Electronics ECC83. This is common. A lot of tube gear come stock with cheap tubes, and replacing them is cheap and easy. If you haven’t already gotten the DBX, I would suggest the ART would be more up your alley - especially if you need that optical out.

[@rjy8960]

@@TheRecordistThanks :) I've not bought the DBX yet - it does seem like it could be an alternative. Thanks also for the tip on the tube, I think I have some decent ECC83's somewhere in my stash! Once I've got it installed and happy with the results I should do a video......

[@KeshaProduce]

Hola ss2 + dbx funcionara?

[@TheRecordist]

So sorry. Do you mean SSL?

[@butch1035]

Thank you for your nice and clear video. I like this unit, although there is no seperate limiter available in the processing. Do you think (with similar adjustments as you have shown in your video) the compressor is fast enough to get rit of very steepy / maximum peaks, so the output won't exceed my head room of 12 dBU ? What will happen (in terms of the output signal) if you drop the microphone on the floor? Thanks again and best of whishes.

[@TheRecordist]

Good question. The answer is that it is definitely not fast enough to catch a mic drop. Most compressors/limiters aren’t. That would take like 200:1 compression. Haha. But it’s good enough for excited talking, if that’s what you mean. Mainly, if you’re looking at recording, the same or better can be achieved with plugins. But if you want full processing on the way in, then this is the way to go. Nothing comes close to this unit in price. Hope this helps!

[@linusmarron]

Works really great on Bass DI!

[@TheRecordist]

Sure does!

[@boeing757pilot]

Nice video. Definitely underrated gear. It was designed by Bob Orban, who designed some of the highest performing broadcast audio processors.. It works great for voice behind a RE20...

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. It’s a really nice channel strip!

[@boeing757pilot]

@@TheRecordist Indeed! Merry Christmas!

[@TheRecordist]

@@boeing757pilot Merry Christmas!

[@stolichnayo4377]

Sm7b - fethead - dbx286s - id4. Is this setup can work well? Thx

[@TheRecordist]

Hey there! Yes that’ll work great! If you’re doing live broadcasting or recording and don’t plan on doing anything in post, then this is great. But if you plan of finessing and processing the sounds in post, then the DBX is totally not needed. You can get the same or even better results with stock plugins in any DAW. THE ID4 is a nice little interface, the FetHead is great and the SM7B needs no introduction. That combo right there is all you’d need. But you can do whatever your heart desires! Cheers!

[@laverne506]

Can you help me I have 286s preamp and a yamaha mg10xu digital mixer but I wood like to connect 286s to my 6i6interface I have Trs cable on one side on the other side xlr and I have trs can you tell me do I used trs cable for right and Lift side Thank you

[@TheRecordist]

Hey there. I’m. It quite sure what you’re asking, but the DBX 286s is a mono channel strip. It only has one TRS output. You would connect a TRS cable from the 286s to one of the TRS inputs on the back of your Scarlett. Does this help?

[@seansavageca]

FYI -10 Density is fast attack and release, 1 density is slow attack and release

[@TheRecordist]

Yep. You’re absolutely right. My mistake. Cheers!

[@alfonsopereira9333]

Hey !!! I would like to know if this preamp would be worth sending a signal to an Apollo twin?

[@TheRecordist]

If you have one already then no problem. As far as buying one for that purpose, I wouldn’t. It’s just a waste of money. It’s more for broadcasting and live applications. You can do even better stuff with UAD plugins on the way in on your Apollo. That’s my take, anyway. Haha. Cheers!

[@miahdona8161]

I like your Sense of humor 🤣

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Hey thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

[@MrSeeker42]

Thank you Jason! Very informative. Good video! I may need your advice. I already have a 286s that I use for vocals. Lo-fi heaven. In a singer-songwriter scenario where I also want to play a mic'd up acoustic guitar 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 266/166xl? Which dbx unit would you get for just the mic'd up guitar on which you wanted compression? (I want my strumming and finger-picking to sound even). I can only spend under $200 and i cannot record the guitar and vocal tracks seperately because then the guitar-vocal synergy loses some of its magic. So i have to record tbe vox and vocals simultaneously. It also seems that the 286s works fine but would the 266/166xl work better for acoustic guitar? Pretend that I'm recording into a 4-track cassette TEAC 144 (from 1979) recorder. So no DAW, no effects, dry everything except for compression. Just raw but happily lo-fi and even-sounding due to the compression. Which would you choose? I heard the de-esser on the 286s can also work to tame the brightness of brighter acoustic guitars. What do you think?

[@TheRecordist]

Hi Neven! I think either would work. Find for what you’re after. I had the 166xl some years ago and it was great. It is a stereo processor, so that’s cool if you intend on going stereo in the future. I’m not sure I would use a de-easer on taming the highs but I wouldn’t rule it out. I’m a recordist so I generally am always thinking about down the line what I’d want to do and I wouldn’t want anything I couldn’t undo. However, in your situation, it might work. If you don’t ever need stereo then the 286s would be fine. The 266 and 166 are stereo if I recall. Just one of those would work for both guitar and vocals. I would go with the cheapest of the three. Hope this helps!

[@FlikPaintsStuff]

I'm in a unique situation where I have been using the DBX 286s for years on my Twitch stream.. but it recently broke.. simply stopped doing anything beyond a passthrough.. If i don't bypass I get no sound :( So with no personal skills to fix it and an audio repair shop not being close, I'm looking to see if there are newer/better alternatives to it before I simply go and buy another one. My application of it is pretty basic. I twitch stream / voice work.. so I just wanted to tune my sound beyond what I can already do with my MG10XU mixer. so it is AT2020 XLR > BDX 286s > MG10XU mixer > PC via USB. This while I'm aware is overkill produced the sound I loved.. but if there is a 286s replacement.. or even a replacement for the mixer too (i need two xlr channel minimum due to stream guests/dual setup) available in the UK, I would love to hear it. many thanks for this vid and your time.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey. Thanks! Ok. This is a tough one because you’re talking outboard gear and that is such a wide field with very few low cost solutions. The 286s is unique due to its low cost but high functionality. But the 286s seems to be dying on people a lot. Mine still works fine but I suspect it’ll die too. I can’t think of a comparable unit at the same price. The closest was the Symetrix 528e but that’s more money and also a single channel I think. Have you thought about just going to an interface? You can do so much in these things these days. Interfaces by brands like RME or Audient, SSL, or even UA. You’d get at least two channels and some of them come with built in effects like compressors etc, or plugin chains. What’s your budget?

[@TheRecordist]

If money wasn’t a problem, you could also start building a 500 series rack with your choice of modules based on your needs. But we’re talking big money.

[@tinylittlefilms3043]

Many voice over talent have this DBX 286 and other channel strips. Is it important to get an edge over the competition to sound better or is an audio interface and a great mic good enough?

[@TheRecordist]

Hey there. You absolutely do not need the DBX for recording. If you were broadcasting live, this may be a different story. But for recording, you can achieve better results with stock plugins mostly found in any DAW. On the other hand, some people really like owning rack gear because it looks impressive. Haha. So that’s up to you. A good mic, a good interface, a good daw. With skill and a little know-how, you can make anything sound amazing!

[@tinylittlefilms3043]

Thank you! That would save me quite a bit of money. I'm going to look into these plugins.@@TheRecordist

[@chadamskidamus]

love the puns brother haha

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Cheers!

[@Soso-km8er]

The dbx 286s is a problem solver but has some problems. There are 3 THATs (?) VCA chips in there that many people report to fail. Those are also low-cost chips which means they are just okay. You can even buy a demo board with this kind of chip at Mouser. I would rather go for a similar strip from Drawmer MX60.

[@TheRecordist]

The chips fail? Wow. That’s good to know. The MX60 is a very nice unit. A lot more expensive though. Thanks for the comment!

[@Soso-km8er]

I got this info from gearspace, sadly I can’t but the link here as it gets deleted.

[@TheRecordist]

@@Soso-km8er I’ll find it. Thanks!

[@Okman.]

Hey, I have distortion noise on my dbx 286s just got a couple days ago new. My chain is a sm7b xlr - then output 1/4 to focusrite Scarlett 2i2 but I think the problem is that I’m using a fender instrument for the output signal would a 1/4 trs balanced cable fix it? When I press bypass on the dbx there is no distortion noise only when the processing is on.

[@TheRecordist]

Hmm. That sounds like there’s definitely something wrong. You might want to try another cable first. But barring that, that’s a question for DBX. Sorry I could be of more help.

[@Okman.]

@@TheRecordist all good man thank you.

[@francarlofogaca]

Hello! Do you have the schematic for this equipment that you could provide me (dbx286s)? Thank you very much

[@TheRecordist]

Hi there. No, I’m afraid I do not have the schematics. My apologies.

[@toninodicesare]

Hello! A question. I have the Austrian Audio OC-18, can you give me a good result with this microphone? Or would it be better to get the Sm7b? Thank you! 😄

[@TheRecordist]

Hey! The OC-18 is a great mic! I’m not sure what you’re using the mic for and if you’re room is acoustically treated. Let me know and I’ll give you a better answer. Cheers!

[@toninodicesare]

@@TheRecordist Thanks for the answer 😁 I use it for voice over and I have a small space treated acoustically but it is not perfect and sometimes it feels

[@TheRecordist]

You’re probably good with the OC-18. SM7B would be better when not in a treated room. It needs a lot of gain also. Austrian Audio makes some great mics. I think you’re good!

[@toninodicesare]

Thanks!! 😁

[@dukoo81]

I think it's a very good addition for voiceover work, but you would like to hook some other extra stuff to it. I also use it for my SM7B and for my TLM103. Although i am looking for a higher budget preamp for the TLM103, yeah nothing can really beat Neumann if it comes to recording sessions of voiceovers ( my opinion ) anyways, good video, and I am subbing.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks for the sub! For a Neumann mic, you need a worthy preamp. The DBX 286s is not worthy. You’d need something like Neve Shelford Channel or at least a lunchbox with some 500 series modules like the Cranborne stuff or even API. Thanks for watching!

[@sanga783]

I'm using Audient id14 mkii, do i need to use dbx 286s?

[@TheRecordist]

Not usually. What mic are you using?

[@sanga783]

@@TheRecordist Condenser

[@TheRecordist]

@@sanga783 no. You absolutely no not need one. A good channel strip plugin will do you just fine. Just keep the levels peaking no higher than -6db when you’re recording and then you can do the same stuff with a channel strip plugin in post. Far cheaper.

[@sanga783]

@@TheRecordist Thank you

[@sanga783]

@@TheRecordist I already bought this one, i think it works well

[@shingAMarie]

If you recorded this video with a DBX instead of the pre’s of the sound devices preamp would it have sounded any better?

[@TheRecordist]

No. The pres in the MixPre are top notch. High end. It’s kind of a step down to throw a lower-end preamp before it.

[@shingAMarie]

@@TheRecordist great information. Thank you so much!

[@AironExTv]

@@TheRecordist I've used the 7xx series for a long time and agree that they're incredibly clean. The John Hardy of recorders perhaps.

[@TheRecordist]

@@AironExTv quite!

[@doetube9746]

@@TheRecordist Does the same apply to the Apollo Twin X Duo? I mean how does the DBX 286s stack up against the Apollo?

[@untraumatizer3647]

I wanna enjoy a good burger with this man.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Why thank you kindly! I too want a good burger (or three) and some great conversation! Perhaps one day, my friend!

[@peshrawable]

Iam very very bad at learning software and plugins, i want hardware for sound recordings ,its only for voice over for my videos. I have focusrite 2i2 v3 and SM7b, and gaine is not enough for the mice, i want to do all processing in hardware and not software. Under 1000 $ what preamp and compressor do you recomend?

[@peshrawable]

I want to buy 416 mic too🎉

[@TheRecordist]

Hmm. A preamp and compressor? Outboard? First, instead of going with a new preamp, maybe just buying an inline preamp like the Trident FetHead or Cloudlifter. This will increase your gain on any device. It converts phantom power to at least 25dB of clean gain BEFORE it hits your preamp. After that, have you considered a Universal Audio Volt 276 interface? There’s a real 1176 compressor on board. Not digital. It also acts as a 610 preamp. It’s pretty cheap. Together with an inline preamp like the FetHead, you’ve got plenty of gain and also a decent compressor for under $500. Make sure you know what computer you have and the connections you need. Good quality outboard compressors are very expensive and the cheaper ones are hit and miss. The DBX 286s is decent for cheap, but the gain isn’t what you need. Hence the FetHead (Cloudlifter). I hope this helps somewhat!

[@TheRecordist]

Oh yes. The 416! What a mic!

[@peshrawable]

@@TheRecordist thank you so much for your answer, so the solution is 276 volt with cloudlifter and not DBX 286s with scarlett 2i2?

[@TheRecordist]

@@peshrawable oh. I thought you were looking for something other than the DBX. My apologies. Yes, the DBX 286s and your Scarlett will work just fine, but I still recommend an in-line preamp like the FetHead or Cloudlifter. This will amp up your 7B no matter what interface or preamp you use it with. Let me know what you end up doing. Cheers!

[@Slipsch]

The MixPre II is so quiet in terms of noise level. No wonder it's so expensive.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh yes. Very quiet. And world class converters. I liked the MixPre 3 II so much that I bought the MixPre 6 II as well.

[@Slipsch]

@@TheRecordist I have 2 mix pre 3II for my work, now I'm wondering if I should actually use them as my audio interface haha.

[@TheRecordist]

@@Slipsch many do that and they love it!

[@Slipsch]

@@TheRecordist Currently I'm running the MKH50 with DBX286s and the Audient ID4 Mark II for my computer setup, I actually emailed Audient thinking that my Audio Interface is broken because of the noise floor and I watched a bunch of reviews and it shows that the Audient ID4 Mark II has a very low noise floor. Because I'm used to hearing it from my MixPre3 II with MKH50. Little did I know, the MixPre3 II is just next level haha.

[@TheRecordist]

@@Slipsch oh man. The MKH50 is a wicked mic. The ID44 is pretty quiet. The culprit may also be the 286s in that chain. But yes, the MixPre is very quiet. Nice eh?

[@bassface84]

1:47 ...LOLOLOLOL... 🤣😂

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahahahaha

[@murraywebster1228]

It’s more an expander as a gate, and with most DBX gear the program dependency of the functions is part of what made DBX so legendary, especially in broadcast where quick and easy results are required, and I do think that your being somewhat unfair…

[@TheRecordist]

My apologies for being somewhat unfair. I generally do reviews for recording applications here. Anyway, a very cool cheap rack processor.

[@sanga783]

Is it suitable for singing?

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. This can work for singing for sure.

[@sandorm9564]

Great vid, + 1subs. Thanks!

[@TheRecordist]

Thanks!

[@kohashiguchi1454]

Note: I turned on subtitles because "channel strip" ended up sounding like "challscritt."

[@TheRecordist]

So sorry about that.

[@skakdosmer]

Only mono? See ya in the next one.

[@TheRecordist]

Sadly so. Cheers!

[@JayDubYaaa]

Jesus Christ it's Jason Bourne

[@TheRecordist]

😱😱😱😱 great Odin’s Raven!

[@OriginalMixedUpKid]

9:14 I bet you do.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahahaha!

[@garyanderson5609]

Im sorry your setup is wrong for voice! Coming from a broadcaster of 49 years

[@TheRecordist]

Of course. You have much more experience than I do. How would you do it better?