DBX 286S Review and Features Walkthru - Sound Speeds

It's rare that a professional level product is sold at consumer friendly prices but in this case, I believe I found a good one. Introducing the DBX 286S Mic Preamp and Effects Processor. Packed with features including an audio compressor, de-esser, enhancer and expander/gate you have a one stop shop for all of your LIVE audio processing needs. KZbin gamers, Twitch streamers, Podcasters and anyone doing LIVE sound for internet needs to take a serious look at this!
To buy a DBX 286S: geni.us/DBX286S
DBX 286S info: dbxpro.com/en/products/286s
Pearson Cases: www.ebay.com/usr/pearsoncases
Similar discontinued product: dbxpro.com/en/products/286a
To purchase a Cloudlifter CL-Z: geni.us/CloudlifterCLZ
For info about the Cloudlifter CL-Z: cloudmicrophones.com/products/cloudlifter-cl-z
Full disclosure: DBX sent me this unit gratis to review. The purchase links above contain Amazon Affiliated links.
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[@NOWitsOKto]

Great review I've used DBX audio products since around 1980 (back then for playback), and it was refreshing to see a reviewer that knew/realized that a compressor raised the sound floor. Most don't know that or don't mention it. Surprised that you only had around 1k subscribers, well add one more. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and welcome aboard! Subscribers are slowly finding there way to me. As I do more and more videos, they'll find me easier. If I were a gaming, pranking or stupid human tricks channel I'd have tens of thousands by now. People on KZbin prioritize fun over education. No matter... I'll continue to do my thing and we'll see what happens. Oh, and another thing... I don't beg for likes, shares and subscribes like almost everyone on KZbin. The way I feel about is that if you find value in what I do, you'll think to do all that stuff and if not, then I didn't earn it or it's not your thing. I'm weird though... Another thing I can't stand is intros... Sure, I could greet everyone, spend 10 seconds talking about what I'm going to be doing in the video, add in a 20 second edited intro to the channel then do another intro and waste a minute of your time doing that or I can just get to it. I try to be into my topic within 5 seconds.

[@JHS56247]

Sound Speeds .... Agreed.

[@_placeholder]

This is a really quality run through of the basics of all these effects in general. Subbed

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. Welcome aboard!

[@Mr_Red_Dragon]

What an amazing addition to anyone's audio setup.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Totally is!

[@00solman]

I wanted to thank you again for this review. This is a game changer for me! I'm also very happy with the Pearson case. 36 bucks to my door.!!! Again, thank you. All the effort your putting into to your content is making mine better everyday!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Jon. Just trying to do my part to share knowledge that not everyone can so easily get. I've been blessed so I try to pay it forward.

[@JHS56247]

Sounds like you have a degree in audio engineering. Excellent review, very professional, highly experienced, very technical, extremely thorough and you give great examples. Thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching!

[@matrixate]

I like that you're using the Cloudlifter on the dbx. That is what I intended to do.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I did for a time but no longer. It's not needed.

[@richardansah3913]

best review on the DBX280s - highly educational - thank you

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching

[@RickySweum]

well done tutorial, thanks! I'm definitely considering a purchase of this machine.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. You won't be sorry. I use mine constantly. If you do decide to purchase, please consider using the link in the description.

[@andrewp1513]

Love the review Allan. Thanks, and thanks for the rack mount tips

[@SoundSpeeds]

I still use the rack and love it. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewp1513]

*Allen…apologies 🙏

[@SoundSpeeds]

Apologies? For what?

[@andrewp1513]

@@SoundSpeeds getting your name wrong 🙏

[@SoundSpeeds]

Think nothing of it. I didn't even notice.

[@MelRog]

Helleva video, thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thank you for watching

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

best video on the subject matter on you tube thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

Robbie Speirs Thank you!

[@zioqqr4262]

Very informative, thanks!

[@zioqqr4262]

I was specifically looking for mention about the order of operation. Nobody I found mentioned it, so this is peace of mind.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Order of operation is very important on such a device. I was glad it did that the right way.

[@LesHistoiresdeReiji]

Hello, thank you for your video : I have a problem with the dbx286's gate, maybe you can help me. At the end of my sentences we hear the noise floor a little bit. I heard the same thing in your video since 23:47 It's strange because I didn't noticed it before in your recording, the gate seemed to work pretty well. It's like, at the end sentences, the gate take too much time to close, and we hear some noise. Did you noticed that matter ? Do you have a solution ? I can't get rid of it, even if i push the threshold and ratio further. Thank you for your help !

[@SoundSpeeds]

The 286S is somewhat limited with it's gate control but does a great job as part of this unit. The higher the noise floor, and dependent on gate settings, you very well may hear a gate open and close. The lower the background noise, the better chance you have of not not hearing the gate open and close.

[@LesHistoiresdeReiji]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you for your answer !

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help

[@Filow]

do you have your sm7b on flat as well? or did you use presence boost or bass roll of

[@SoundSpeeds]

Always flat.

[@Filow]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for the quick response :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@Filow Glad to. :-)

[@AntAskew]

Thanks for doing this! I've been debating getting one for my twitch streams. So I'll have it going into a Scarlett 2i2, though I think I'll be using my Fethead rather than the Cloudlifter. Thanks :D

[@SoundSpeeds]

AntAskew You may find the 286S clean enough to bypass the Cloudlifter or Fethead altogether.

[@AntAskew]

Sound Speeds that’s cool! If I use my 2i2 as my monitor point will there be much delay because of the dbx?

[@SoundSpeeds]

AntAskew You have to intentionally add a delay to sound 99.999% of the time when working with picture. It's all hardlines in and out of the DBX so your answer is "not that I've ever heard of or observed". If you're using a wireless system in or out, the wireless will be more. Side note: The best wireless systems I know of over as little as 5 milliseconds of delay.

[@poalotesta7743]

Yes I have now subscribed due to your prompt reply to a previous question. I have another question, how would one insert this into for instance, the Zoom Multitrack 8L, or for any other mixer.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have no experience with the 8L but I'll assume it's similar to other mixers.The 286S is a single channel strip for one mic so plugging a mic directly up to it and then out and into the 8L via a line input would be ideal.

[@gurtz1144]

What is the difference between the dBX 266sx and the dBX 286s? My main use will be for a online radio show, as well some other web television shows. I'll be using a Electro Voice RE20. And finally will it be possible to run two microphones (one as XLR and other as 1/4) at the same time?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Gary Clement The 286S is an all in one preamp and signal processor for one channel of audio. The 266SX does handle two channels but there's no preamp, de-esser or enhancer. The 266XS is great if you want to add a expander/gate and/or compressor to your signal flow but you shouldn't directly plug mics to it. It can process XLR or 1/4" inputs on either side though. The 266XS also has a more traditional Compressor with much better controls.

[@mistered1397]

Hello Allen, Love your video and info on the DBX 286S. I have a question about the 286S. I'm a Newbie in my Voice-Over endeavor. I'm currently rebuilding my recording booth due to too much background noise with what I originally had set up. I use a Rode NT1A and Scarlett Solo. I do not stream yet. My question is would it benefit my signal chain to include the 286S when recording for VO only to be post processed?

[@SoundSpeeds]

No. I only use mine when I am LIVE. Post processing is far better than OTF processors like the 286S but when you need something for LIVE streaming on video, Discord, Skype, etc, I don't think you can beat it for the price.

[@mistered1397]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you my friend for your "Sound Speedy" reply to my question. Your channel is now at the top of my list with Booth Junkie. Y'all are teaching me a lot. Thanks again. From my family to yours have a Very Happy Thanksgiving !!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you sir. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@starttofinishpodcasting3721]

So let me ask you this. I have the Share SM7B going into a Cloudlifter CL-1 which then goes into my DBX 286s. I also have a DBX266xs going into the DBX 286s as an INSERT. So with that setup do I ready have the need for the DBX266xs (Insert)? To me it seems that the DBX 286s already has the same effects that the DBX 266xs has. Should I discontinue using the DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I would. It's redundant unless you use it as a hard limiter or something. An aggressive as hell limiter keeping sound from ever going above 0db. A failsafe.

[@PreciseAimm]

thanks so much for the video , helped alot brother ... Im getting the sm7b, 2i2 3rd gen and Dbx .. do you think thats a good enough combination to get clean (background noise/white noise) and good mic quality overal ?? 😊

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a very similar setup to what I use on my podcast so yes.

[@PreciseAimm]

Sound Speeds oh thank you .. one last question ... if i already have the combo .. SM7B , 2i2 3rdgen and Dbx .. do i also need the cl1 cloudlifter for even beter performance or i dont really need it ?? 🤔

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@PreciseAimm Great question. I have 5 different mic activators and keep none of them in my signal chain when using an SM7b. Personally, I find that if you set the gate properly, it's not needed.

[@PreciseAimm]

Sound Speeds there you go,got it. great response . and just so you know , thanks for taking the time to reply to all of us and thank you for your effort making the video and explaining it clearly 💪🏾😎

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@PreciseAimm Thanks for watching

[@courtcounselor]

What would be a good interface to use with the 286s for podcasts? Thanks forever the review

[@SoundSpeeds]

Could be just about anything really. It just needs to have a line level 1/4" input (preferably TRS).

[@andreaspeas]

im thinking of buying the shure sm7b with the dbx 286 but I see some people using it with a cloud-lifter. Is this really necessary?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't use one with mine. It's got enough gain by itself and when you add a little compression and noise gating, you'll never miss it unless you have a very quiet voice and aren't up on the mic.

[@scotched9682]

Very in depth. I actually re-watched parts to have a better understanding. The way that the compressor and expander work together was also very interesting.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's a great device. Some of the best bang for the buck you can spend. Thank you for watching.

[@SmoothNanners]

Would you say, if one had the option to, that processing in software (OBS with VST filters for live streams and recordings)/post-processing in a DAW is more beneficial than having a hardware processor like the dbx 286s?

[@SoundSpeeds]

That depends. There's a lot that can be said for hardware processing especially if system resources are a concern on your computer. VSTs are usually more powerful for the money and may be software updated easier than hardware. Sometimes getting your audio the way you want it stand alone is best because you can move your audio from computer to computer easier. Latency is also a concern with VSTs if you run too many together or do too much processing.

[@48snapper]

Really full disclosure would be making it clear if you had to send it back to DBX afterwards. If not please state you have been sent a free sample to keep. I use a Tascam DR-40 to record voice tracks. What would be your recommended settings for this type of work?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Point taken. I updated the disclosure in the description. Your question isn't an easy one. It completely depends on your recording environment, voice characteristics, microphone - everything really. The only definite is how I would set the Expander/Gate... I set my ratio between 3:1 and 5:1 depending on what I'm doing and my environment. Then I slowly raise the Threshold until the green light goes red. At this point the background noise is just starting to attenuate. From there I give it two more clicks and you'll hear the background noise drop twice more and bottom out as low as it will go. Now it's set for your noise floor and there's no reason to go higher unless you've brought a noise that will raise the noise floor once you turn it on..

[@kaosdragon]

So does the threshold and compressor work differently here? I thought that the threshold is the level you set where the compressor starts working once audio hits that db. I did not know that the threshold would increase the gain as mentioned at 8m23s

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah, I missed that in the edit or I would have corrected myself. The Threshold is the max level where the compressor starts to work. The attack is how fast it'll catch audio that goes over the threshold, the release is how quickly it stops compressing and goes back to "normal" and ratio is the amount of attenuation over the threshold. Good catch!

[@kaosdragon]

Thanks for the response! I was getting worried that I had my settings off. Thanks to your videos, I have a broader understanding of compression for my live streaming. Thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Agentgoomba Excellent! Thanks again for catching this. I'll be making a Card to correct this later today.

[@whizme604]

Hi, great video. I have a question: The dbx manual says to go in the interface and putting unity gain there. How did you find that spot when there is no mark? Is it even necessary for proper gain staging or should I leave my interface's gain turned completly to the left? Thanks in advance!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Whizme Great question. Yes, proper gain staging is recommended. Which interface are you using? Can you look up the interface and find unity gain for it on Google or the manual? Without proper gain staging, you can either clip or have too much background noise.

[@whizme604]

@@SoundSpeeds I'm using a Steinberg ur22 mkII. It only has a 0 to 10 knob that appears to be non linear. Its manual doesn't mention a specific position and my searches on Google haven't been successful. Only thing I found was connecting the output to the input using TRS cable, play something like a 1 kHz sine and match input +output

[@SoundSpeeds]

Whizme Yeah, that works but then, so does metering the inputs and outputs which is more complicated than most people will want to get. In the analog world, I'd start around 77% of the way up on the gain then adjust from there. You might start there or write Steinberg support and ask them directly. I'd probably take an aggressive approach (which I wouldn't necessarily recommend but you could). On the DBX, I'd set my input level to whatever matches my microphone sensitivity, crank compression all the way up and speak at a normal level with unity output and then adjust the Steinberg to an appropriate input gain level. Then I'd do things the right way on the DBX and see how my level sounds and go from there.

[@whizme604]

okay I will try this out, thanks for your knowledge!

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@whizme604 Certainly. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@McIntec]

HI-pass filter? What about that low end that people who work in the Radio Broadcasting like? That fullness of the bottom end once it passes through the multi-band processor. 😉

[@SoundSpeeds]

McInTEC You can emulate some of that sounds with the LF Enhancer. Not the same thing, of course, but good enough for podcasting and non-professional applications.

[@sirnigelcogs]

That looks like an interesting device. It would be nice if it had an XLR output and if it had the full range of controls for the compressor, but I suppose they just want to keep things as simple as they can.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sir Nigel Cogs Gaming Yeah, it would be nice to have a XLR out but at least the line level 1/4" is a balanced TRS. My other beef is the 1-10 dial on the compressor instead of decibels like on the expander/gate. For the price point though... There's nothing better.

[@Danibluemusic]

Which headphones are you using with the dbx 256s?Mine distort : (

[@SoundSpeeds]

Dani Blue The headphones I use on this channel are the Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones. Here's my review of them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5elh56sosp0qpI

[@poalotesta7743]

Hi, I know this is an older youtube review posting, I'm wondering however, have you noticed a hum or subtle buzzing sound emminating from this unit, even when nothing is attached?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not at all. Sounds like a grounding issue. Check to make sure your audio cables are properly shielded and routed away from your power cables and that all of your audio devices are on the same power leg.

[@poalotesta7743]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for your prompt reply, I will check to and follow your advice to see if this is a problem.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

Do you know if this is totally analog technology or are there some internal AD-DA conversions in the chain?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm pretty sure it's analog only. There aren't any digital outputs

[@bradleysmith681]

AMEN!! To the comment regarding knobs vs menus.. I really like the feeling of knobs and can adjust without staring at a menu...

[@SoundSpeeds]

Bradley Smith It's sad that knobs and switches are being phased out

[@bradleysmith681]

Sound Speeds Indeed, I'm convinced that the designers have never actually used the products in a busy studio environment..

[@SoundSpeeds]

Bradley Smith Seriously! When time matters, nobody wants to deal with menus!

[@bradleysmith681]

Sound Speeds Yes, and who actually stands directly in front of gear in perfect light.. Most of us are reaching across, viewing at an angle.. And knobs allow us to see a setting at a glance without drilling through a damn menu.. Enjoy your dbx286, a fantastic piece of gear designed by the famous Bob Orban.. Bob has designed the audio processors used by most radio stations in the world... www.orban.com

[@SoundSpeeds]

Bradley Smith For the money, I'm not aware of another piece of gear that's more of a must have.

[@AlexJohn2us]

" Thank you ; for Your Helpful Tutorial ! "

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing! Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelW.1980]

I wonder, in which order the DBX286S had the effects connected. Is it compression before gating or gating before compression?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I address that in the video but gate is definitely first.

[@MichaelW.1980]

@@SoundSpeeds Oops - I wasn't awake yet, when I wrote that - thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

No worries. Thanks for watching.

[@Stargazer1331]

I got a couple of questions: First, when connecting a USB interface (in my case a Behringer UMC 202HD) to the 286s, does it matter if you use a 1/4" male TRS to 1/4" male TRS versus a male XLR to 1/4" male TRS? Lastly, as long as the "line" switch is turned on via the interface, will the power from the 286s harm the interface's preamps or will it be okay?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The cable doesn't matter as long as it matches the input level and impedance. What is the "line" switch? There's no such thing on the 286S.

[@Stargazer1331]

Sound Speeds The switch that's on the Behringer that changes the input signal from a line signal to an instrument signal.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@Stargazer1331 Oh, sorry. You did say that. It shouldn't, no. The DBX 286S out is line level which is a tiny, tiny amount of current and it's unpowered.

[@Stargazer1331]

Sound Speeds Cool thing, thanks a bunch. I'm upgrading my audio big time from USB to XLR so I want to make sure I do it right.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@Stargazer1331 Awesome! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@CookeAaronJ]

16:50 - How does this bell-shaped boost at 80Hz work with the 80Hz high pass filter engaged? Aren't they competing?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Good question but no, different frequency ranges are boosted. The roll off takes off frequencies not normally needed in vocal recording while the boost is in the mid to higher fundamental vocal range.

[@caloss2]

Eventually found one at a guitar/musical store for "nearly new" pulled the trigger; will see how I get on with it tomorrow ;)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Let me know your thoughts. I like and use mine everyday.

[@caloss2]

@@SoundSpeeds It arrived today ! Ok the quick version is "I love this thing" so much clean gain for dynamic mics and organic noise-gate/compression really really great.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm very impressed by it too. A very valuable piece of gear for only $200 (now $219 USD)

[@johnf.r6658]

my guitar amp is awful so I hve been plugin my guitar right in the line input from my scarlet 2i4 but there is a LOT of noise /hiss this culd help me reduce that ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

John F.R Honestly, doubtful. If your guitar amp isn't clean, it'll be noisy in the DBX too and expanding it out could work but it's a cheat and if you play quietly, you'll hear that noise creeping back in under the guitar. As a test, you could try recording your guitar on your computer(loud, normal and low volume) and try processing your sound in your DAW (or Audacity if you could use a free one) to see if the results make you happy. If an expander/gate works, then this DBX unit could do the trick. Can you turn the guitar up or down more then adjust accordingly on the Focusrite to reduce the noise?

[@johnf.r6658]

Sound Speeds I tried to record the guitar straight to the Focusrite if I turn de know down the hiss is lower but ... I can barley hear the recording if I turn it up its very annoying and you can only hear it when Im not playing I'm mean if I played a punk song strumming all the song not stopping it's fine if I change the chords more solwly it's there the hiss (sorry if I cant make myself clear English isn't my first language )

[@johnf.r6658]

Sound Speeds my plan it's to use this (the dbx) for direct recording with the Focusrite , not involving my amp at all

[@SoundSpeeds]

John F.R Bypassing the amp sounds promising. Let me know if it works.

[@sizzlemac5785]

does anyone know what gear should be in my audio chain for my SM7B in-order to completely eliminate the need to post process my audio using a Digital Audio Workstation?

[@SoundSpeeds]

There's waaaaaay too many depends in that one. Depends on your voice - both how it sounds and how you want it to, the room you're in, delivery of end product, your mic technique, etc.

[@ConfidenZeTheHumanTorch]

What if i have a townsend L22 stereo MICROPHONE GOING INTO MIC1 & MIC2 of my ua apollo twin & i wanted to add a 1 channel mic pre like a avalon m5 or aphex channel or dbx 286s i dnt want to buy two pres for 1 mic that has dual xlrWould i put a Y cabe on the in put and out put of the unit to maintain my stereo signal for my townsend mic moddeling to keep working?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Just now seeing this comment (thanks KZbin). I'm guessing you have your answer now.

[@brtcobra]

best thing i ever bought to go with my scarlet 2i2

[@SoundSpeeds]

brtcobra They are awesome.

[@GaryClement]

What are the benefits of owning the Dbx 266sx and the Dbx 286s?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Gary Clement If you are producing and performing sound live without a post production, then you should consider either. The 266XS is only a compressor and expander/gate but the settings on the compressor help you to dial in on your settings. The 286S is a live signal processor with preamps, compressor, de-esser, enhancer and expanded/gate.

[@timcity]

Hmmm... Your signal is extremely distorted. I own the SM7b and the 286... But I'm recording into a Universal Audio Arrow... Maybe your digital recorder's inputs are jacked up?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm recording using everything you're seeing without processing. SM7B into DBX 286S into Tascam DR40. All gain staging is correct.

[@simonyates7348]

At 9:39, I was half-expecting you to say it goes from 0 to 11

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's not quite that epic

[@MikkoRantalainen]

27:55 This example alone should be enough to sell this device to all live streamers! It seems to go for 155 EUR here in Europe and second hand units cost about 125 currently so it seems smarter to go with a new unit to get full warranty.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Agreed

[@mangreat71]

if you plug a mic in it can it master your raps ? Cause sometimes I clip and sometimes it needs to be raised up. What I do is record my raps on a sony voice recorder then I want to hook it up to a hardware compressor ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not if you record directly onto the voice recorder. You'd need to go mic to DBX 286S then recorder and it would work great for you in that capacity. Use the compressor and you'll never clip.

[@mangreat71]

@@SoundSpeeds so you saying plug the mic directly in the dbx not the recorder so I dont clip ?

[@mangreat71]

@@SoundSpeeds so if I rap loud as I want it won't clip. Like if I plug the mic in the dbx and rap very loud it won't clip ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@mangreat71 Correct provided you set your gain correctly and use the compressor.

[@petereglitis689]

great vid... could you do it again with a condenser mic ( RODE, NEUMANN, SENNHEISER etc ?? with a usb interface ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

peter eglitis The principals are the same with a condenser mic. The only difference is that you engage phantom power and lower the gain. Is there a particular effect or purpose you're looking for a condenser to be used? Also, a USB mic isn't compatible with a DBX 286S.

[@petereglitis689]

FOR info I am full time VO.. no usb mic here.. usb interface , should have warned myself on.. 2 phantom powers and how to choose gain on the interface and how to set it up with the condenser. and to be careful..didi not want to break my new gear.... with the shure it is almost safe bet.... I just got the dbx today... i have it set up with Rode NT1000 and yamaha ag03 going to mac with logic x( which by the way is all super quiet) set up the dbx and man got tons of noise ( like dirty power) was hoping this would solve the idea of a cloud device looking to get that super silent goal...and a good live mix for ipdtl ect.... i finally got things sorted using at the pad on the yamaha and playing with the settings but I thought I blew something out by being a bit dumb.. but ok live and learn... I am in no way an expert. Learning every day. Thanks for the response.... like the positive vibe very cool and helpful.

[@SoundSpeeds]

peter eglitis I seriously doubt you can break a DBX 286S buy turning knobs. Glad you got it figured out though. I don't think I'll revisit setting up a DBX again but I'll probably go over proper gain staging soon. That's basically what you're asking for.

[@copixel37]

Something sounds off... I've heard the same setup sm7b, dbx286s, cloudlifter cl-1, then into 2i2 1/4inch input but your sounds a bit rough..cant put my finger on it

[@SoundSpeeds]

The Tascam DR-40 isn't nearly as clean as the 2i2. I'll bet that was it.

[@copixel37]

@@SoundSpeeds That's gotta be it! One final question, instead of the 2i2 should I just use a mixer so I can control my game volume/music all at once while streaming so I dont have to mess with volumes on the computer, and would I have to run 3.5 to stereo 1/4 Jack's or could I use the mixer as and output device as well through the USB?

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@copixel37 Completely your choice. Usually once you find a way you like, leave it alone. If you do use a mixer, I'd suggest running stereo out of your mixer into your 2i2 and control your mic from the mixer. That way once your sound is set, you just run two channels into the 2i2 and go. You don't need preamps so go out of your mixer line level and into the 2i2 the same.

[@NewbArchitect]

how much worse is the noise floor without the cloudlifter. can you achieve a good noise floor without it or is it a must? wish you had a review without it. thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

If you have clean preamps with a good amount of gain, you don't need a mic activator. I use a Sound Devices MixPre-6 so I can give it upto 76db of clean gain. That skews so many tests I decided to do this one with the Cloudlifter to show realistic expectations. There's part of the video without it though. A lot more background noise.

[@NewbArchitect]

ok so i guess it wouldn't be safe to say to use the dbx alone without an addition of a cloudlifter or fethead right? i'm planning to use the sm57 with a focusrite 2i2 2nd gen so i guess this would need quite a bit of boost as well?

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@NewbArchitect Actually, I think the DBX should work just fine for you. 60db of gain and it's very clean for the price point. I'd start with just the DBX if I were you. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[@NewbArchitect]

im concerned with what i was about to achieve with a condenser mic with noise floor around -60 and i think i can live with that, but with a dynamic mic, can this be achieved with dbx alone with the 60 db gain to max? no...? you mentioned lots more background noise...so i'd probably have to throw CL or FET in the mix to get to what i'm looking for right? just want to make sure i dont spend it on something i really don't need. the effects are cool but not necessary for me. thank you again!

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@NewbArchitect The trade off with a dynamic is that it helps with background noise. I think you'll be fine on your dynamic mic preamp gain without a Fethead or Cloudlifter and the background noise will be less of an issue at -60db than a condenser. If you'd like, shoot a quick video or pics showing me your environment and email it to me.

[@Podcastforthewin]

You should do a Q&A sometime man

[@SoundSpeeds]

I may schedule one this holiday season. We'll see.

[@LiraeNoir]

One thing surprised me in your review, you using a Cloudlifter. You're talking about a hiss, implying a hiss from the dbx mic amp I suppose, but I don't hear it. Maybe it's KZbin compression doing something, but I can't hear it on my Meze headphones. And I don't hear any hiss on my unit, the only thing I have on mine is an electrical noise: it's not coming through the mic at all, but it push some electric noises in my room. I personally don't use a Fethead or a Cloudlifter with mine and my dynamic mic. And to me that's a huge, huge boost to the dbx 286s value: it's 150€ new here (including 20% VAT), which is the same price as a Cloudlifter. And twice the price of Fethead. And can give you more gain than a Cloudlifter if you really need it for some reason. So in effect, I pay 75€ for all the processors (compressors, expander, etc.)! Incredible value. For beginners, one thing I didn't find that clear in your review, maybe: noise gate and expander. The advantages of an expander (like the dbx has), it's softer than a gate. A gate is binary, it's on|off nothing else. Whereas the expander (with the appropriate ratio) can be softer in noisy environment, letting some of it through when the voice is silent, just enough to avoid that unreal feeling of absolute gated silence in between words or sentences. Or, the ratio can be way up, and expand it so much that's in effect it's gated out. I like that versatility of a dbx. But I do agree with the sentiment. For the price, it's a must have if you do anything live. Hell, even if you're a pro or prosumer doing a lot of VOIP or videoconferencing, it's very useful. For a decent prosumer budget for the whole audio chain of 400€ let's say, in 99.9% of the cases the sound at the end will be better with a dbx 286s and a 120€ microphone, than with no 286s and a 200€ microphone with a Fethead.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I agree and in case it wasn't clear, I was only using a Cloudlifter so that viewers could hear the low preamp noise on the DBX when I turn it up. The SM7b isn't forgiving and if I just went into the DBX, sure it would demonstrate how you don't need a mic activator, but it may make viewers that click thru the video an unfair example of the preamps since they'd be high. I'd like to add that this video was one of the first I released on my channel and I've gotten much better at reviews since then. Please check out some of my more recent videos for an example of this. That's not to say this is a bad review that doesn't serve a purpose anymore, I just streamlined the process much more and provide a lot more tests to consider. Almost too many.

[@LiraeNoir]

@@SoundSpeeds Yup I absolutely noticed it was an old one, I'm still looking your old stock :p I was just curious about your take on the unit, and maybe you would have found something I didn't and I would learn something new :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I use mine everyday. It's an amazing unit! I put mine in a 1U rack and love it! Probably hands down the best $200 someone can spend on a piece of podcast or live streaming gear.

[@jcstrabo]

@@SoundSpeeds Even 3 years later it stills stands as the best explanation of the 286s next to Julian Krause's and Booth Junkie's. Thank's a lot!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-)

[@DannerPlace]

Actually, at 80 Hz, the HPF is attenuating -3dB, and it rolls off -18 dB predictive below that.

[@DannerPlace]

"per octave"

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's correct. I went over HPFs in another video but reminders are always welcome.

[@danboud8135]

Huh... I always thought turning on phantom power with your dynamic plugged in was a big no-no

[@SoundSpeeds]

You'll potentially destroy a ribbon engaging phantom but not a dynamic.

[@danboud8135]

@@SoundSpeeds Learned something new, as is often the case on your channel, Allen! Appreciate the reply.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@danboud8135 Thank you for watching.

[@rebel200794]

7:03 - I practically threw my HD25s into the air to get them off my ears.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Dude... I totally agree! It was unexpected but I caught it pretty quickly.

[@woodhousemusic7176]

Cool... ;)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching

[@scoremoore4280]

What headphone do you recommend for audio editing?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Score Moore What are you editing? Music? Dialogue for motion picture? Voice over? Listening is a very personal and unique experience. If you want a good closed ear headphone that's frequency flat, go for the Audio Technica ATH-M70X headphones.

[@inUR2teeth]

KRK KNS 8400

[@starttofinishpodcasting3721]

Hey Allen, If you get a chance can you listen to the audio in this video link ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/naTEkqt-d7Clr5o ). When you listen, be sure NOT TO USE HEADPHONES. The "sssss" in some of my words are not present as they sound as if they are getting cut. Is this because my Expander/Gate is set just (one notch) under -30 decibels?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sorry, I'm just seeing this comment. Luckily I think I've answered this in an email already.

[@zen_nabu]

"let's not do this anymore" 😂

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yep. :-)

[@shoop6119]

Can i please dm and could you help me with an audio issue im having? :(

[@SoundSpeeds]

Shoot me an email.

[@shoop6119]

Sound Speeds dude iloveyou ill email your right now.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Copy you.

[@djmarinoficial5583]

Te salut prietene.. 🇷🇴❗

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you

[@---ml4jd]

Are those aurlax stuff?

[@---ml4jd]

Hi dont heart me. Answer me

[@SoundSpeeds]

Similar. This was v1 of the studio and designed when I didn't think I'd continue content creation after 100 episodes. Now I'm up v3.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I did.

[@---ml4jd]

@@SoundSpeeds sorry i dont understand. Are they aurlax wedgies?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Auralex is a same brand for a type of acoustic treatment. This was not the Auralex brand but a similar brand that accomplishes the same end result. Not extremely effective.

[@pingpongowo]

Rewatching this because I impulsed bought one on FB Marketplace for $100

[@pingpongowo]

Oh God I forgot how loud it sometimes gets

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ask Eldest. He knows how to clip a dynamic mic with a whisper from 15 feet away using a 286S.

[@AteuCu]

Sounds like Blippi.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'll take your word for it

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

Allen. I want to start an experiment. But not before asking your opinion. I have to record a woman with a very sibilant voice. How about buying a ribbon microphone?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Only buy a ribbon of there's a reason. What would you use it for? Would you use it much? If not, you might rent it. For a woman's voice, I wouldn't use a ribbon, I'd use a condenser or maybe dynamic. I'd only consider a ribbon of two or more people in one mic IF you couldn't put them each on one.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

@@SoundSpeeds it is just that ribbons are warmer. I think sticking gum to the palate won't help enough. I want to stimulate her confidence. In the booth the figure eight won't matter. Well, at least that is what I thought/hoped. Cheers!

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@EdoDijkgraaf They are warmer but the highs can be overpowering. It's your choice, of course, but there are many warm cardioid patterned mics

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

Allen you have way more experience and knowledge. I am still interested in ribbon microphones but I won't buy one now. There must be a microphone out there that will suit her voice well that does not amplifi the sibilance in her voice. KZbin is the second largest search engine in the world. I will find a great mic for her.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@EdoDijkgraaf Consider darker mics with little or no presence boost.

[@petereglitis689]

please

[@SoundSpeeds]

?

[@Bradleybrookwood]

What is the difference between this preamp and the rodecaster pro ii?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Many years of development and innovation, a brain, quality and a lot of software driven functionality for podcasters.

[@Bradleybrookwood]

@@SoundSpeeds so between the two which do you think would be a better bang for my buck? I was looking at that preamp but as well also looking at that audio interface and I can't decide between the two. Which one requires less wires around me I guess is how I will judge this because they both sound amazing but I'm looking for something that doesn't require a lot of wires and I'm thinking that if I were to buy the preamp I'd have a lot of wires to have to deal with but what say you?

[@SoundSpeeds]

They are totally different things. The Rodecaster II is an entire podcast studio for multiple mics with recording. This is a 1U rack space 1 channel preamp and basic processing device. The bigger bang for the buck is the Rodecaster. If you want something simple with controls you can put your hands on, that's the DBX.

[@Bradleybrookwood]

@@SoundSpeeds how much space does each take up on a desk? They're not super huge or super heavy are they?

[@SoundSpeeds]

1U of space and a few inches deep with cables connected