DBX 286s + Shure SM7B: Optimal settings

The dbx 286s is a full-featured Channel Strip Processor that delivers a studio-quality microphone/instrument preamplifier and four processors that can be used independently or in any combination.
0:00 Introduction
1:50 Preamp settings
2:40 Compressor settings
4:51 De-essing settings
7:10 EQ Enhancer settings
9:12 Before vs after processing
10:15 Expander Gate settings
14:11 OVERALL SUMMARY OF SETTINGS
The sonically pristine dbx 286s Mic Preamp has all the features you need, including wide-ranging input gain control, switchable +48V phantom power, and an 80Hz high-pass filter to remove low frequency hum, rumble or wind. Use the patented dbx OverEasy compressor to transparently smooth out uneven acoustic tracks or deliver that classic “in your face” vocal performance that only a dbx compressor can. Fine-tune the Enhancer HF Detail control to add sparkle and crispness to your tracks and make adjustments to the LF Detail control to add fullness and depth to vocals and bass instruments while cleaning up the muddy low mid-range frequencies. Plus, the separate threshold and ratio controls on the Expander/Gate allow you to subtly reduce headphone leakage or radically gate noisy guitar amps.
The Model SM7B dynamic microphone has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for music and speech in all professional audio applications. It features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices. In addition to its standard windscreen, it also includes the A7WS windscreen for close-talk applications.
The SM7B is an outstanding choice for the following applications:
Recording Studio-Instrumental and Vocal
Location Recording
Motion Picture and Television Scoring
Television, Talk Shows, and News Desks
Radio Announcing and Production
Narration
Welcome to Home Studio Pro, the channel dedicated to helping improve your production value. Broadcast from home like a pro!
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[@double-f-productions]

Great content. Use exactly this combination 2x in my broadcasting-studio...

[@jesseshaw4495]

Thank you! This video was extremely helpful. Excellent quality and content.

[@vewu2614]

I use the t.bone BC500. I think the microphone sounds a little more neutral and clear than the Shure SM7B. I wanted a warm round voice, which is why I set the de-esser at 1k and threshold at 2.5. The LF is exactly between 1 and 2 and the HF I do not use at all. The gate in my case is at one line below -30 and the ratio is also at one line lower than 1.5:1. So I have an almost completely noise-free recording as well as the soft, warm and round sound I wanted for my voice! Your tutorial has helped me a lot, thank you!

[@HomeStudioPro]

I’ve seen the t bone and heard it used, but never used it myself. That’s an interesting move to de-ess(basically cut) at 1k. Maybe unconventional but, definitely a way to get the sound more v-shaped. Thanks for being here on the channel!

[@serenitybase9888]

@@HomeStudioPro oooh no , no comparriosn t.bone BC500. vs the shure

[@rib2.097]

Congratulations on the video, I just have one question. Did the Friend use the Shure configuration in flirting? I'm talking about the three adjustment options behind the microphone. Hugs

[@HawederePlus]

Very good Guide! Helped me a lot

[@brandonballin]

I’m using the dbx 286s and shure sm7b into a UA Volt 276. The volt is really good, but you know how noisy it gets when you have to crank that gain up on the interface. The dbx cuts that noise right out. Any coloring can be manipulated in the mixing process. Thanks for the vid. Your tips were very helpful.

[@directorsparks6329]

I also use the Volt 276 with SM7B and am having the same problem! I’ve been looking at the DBX 286s for a while, thank you so much for confirming this!

[@HomeStudioPro]

How many of you are using this mic & channel strip combo??

[@mrpillows]

I’m using this setup as of recently and will be revisiting my settings for the dbx after this lol.

[@caroltenge5147]

The Shure sm7 sounds as good as it gets in picking up ambient sound. Ive been on the air 59 years. Currently using NO mike processor. Never did. Use a 98 dollar Shure ball mike, and a Dominator processor. Sounds just great playing the oldies. You want to get the sound you want just get up on the mike or away from it. Costs you nothing. But then you have to have the sound in your voice, to start with. A processer isnt going to make you sound better if you just arent good in the first place. Chucko

[@LTDcrewMoscow]

Thank you bro🤝🔥

[@gripinsky]

Thank you

[@jayharper2888]

Excellent!

[@HomeStudioPro]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gummiberry]

Thanks!

[@matahari1576]

Thanks for your informative well presented Video. Can´t we use the preamp of the dvx and add a bit of gain through the audio interface, rather than using a fathead?

[@AlcoHolix]

Thanks for the vid, but how are you connected to the PC with your setup, does that change things?

[@inneryard]

I am using the Dbx for years and I still love it. For this price it’s a NoBrainer

[@HomeStudioPro]

Agreed. Only compelling “other option” I’ve used is revelator io24 by presonus. Real-time dsp with software control on two channels. Also an interface. And costs nearly half the price right now. Dbx is a staple and perfect if you already use it… just getting competition these days.

[@graf]

I just bought an MV7 and 286s and whatever I do I can't get it sounding better than the cheap USB mic I was using before... super frustrating, at least now I understand what's going on more or less, but once I get it working well it starts sounding garbage again when I move an inch.

[@Kilzu1]

Place thick wall carpet right behind, left and right walls from you and in front of your mic or put some decent treatment to your room. Sounds like your mic pics up some reverb due to room not having decent enough treatment. Another possibility is, that you put too much gain on the DBX which causes first mentioned issue (Dynamic Processors have the downside of rooms requiring proper treatment, especially with condenser mics)

[@JBoy340a]

I noticed you are quite close up on the mic. Does the SM7B work OK if you are a inch or 2 further away?

[@steveaustin8817]

Thanks, this is relevent! Are you using a mic boost for the SMB7? I have this mic & DBX 286s with similar settings - but I need a booster for the mic.

[@SonOfWalhall]

I dont think you need a boost. 286s has alot of gain in the first stage.

[@SSChrisAnthony]

This video is GOATED!!!!! I have a Shure SM7B, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 with the dbx 286s. I wrote a book and would like to record the audiobook version for it. Any recommendations on the best settings for this setup? I'm trying to minimize my post production if possible. Thanks....

[@Przyziemni]

Can i Ask you why u use scarlett? Dbx is not enough to gain up microphone ? regards

[@WTFbell-fx7ju]

​@@Przyziemni Using the Scarlet allows you to use USB.

[@Filow]

Why dont you use a Fethead or Cloud Lifter?

[@HomeStudioPro]

I didn’t here because i knew many folks don’t have them. But normally, i would use one with the dbx. Prefer the fethead btw

[@YDVN]

@@HomeStudioPro I've heard the fethead has a less clean sound than the cloudlifter, i was wondering why do you prefer it ?, I don't want to have that self noise at all i want it to be squeaky clean no background noise, could i get that with both ?

[@HomeStudioPro]

@@YDVN I've used both. they do virtually the same thing, at the same level of quality.

[@BenniOderSoo]

Wen man alles findet! ^^

[@matahari1576]

Why a fathead? Can´t we use the preamp of the dvx and add a bit of gain through the audio interface? @@HomeStudioPro

[@patrickdeventer5055]

Good story, but I miss a small detail, the setting of the switches on the back of the Shure SM7B.

[@MattBrandon]

I am having a very strange issue. I have my gain set to around 50 -ish. When I have the bypass ON. It sounds fine. But when I turn off the bypass, I immediately get some easing. It sort of sounds like a phase effect. But, I have all the dials set to zero (AKA off, far left of the dial). Could my 286s be bad?

[@HomeStudioPro]

unfortunately, it sounds like you have something that seems odd and requires inspection

[@farhaansiddiqui]

Lets do the same with UA Apollo Twin X setting , do we need the DBX Plugin for that , or can we manipulate ?????

[@HomeStudioPro]

I've got a "signal chain" video for the sm7b + uad Apollo coming very soon here on the channel! thanks for being here

[@Mr_Web]

Hey Brodie, you started a new channel?

[@HomeStudioPro]

I did! this is it, you found it. thanks for being here.

[@PhantomNites]

What’s a upgrade from a DBX 286s? I’m looking for the same thing but better quality.

[@HomeStudioPro]

check out a UAD apollo

[@PhantomNites]

@@HomeStudioPro Thanks

[@CreativeNotJustYet]

Do you use the compressor on the 266xs also?

[@HomeStudioPro]

I used to. In this setup... it's not connected.

[@TheOutbackMusic]

why are the lights flashing ever time you speak??? I though the same, He's using the 266X also.@@HomeStudioPro

[@gimptoast]

Wondering if anyone can give me advice on a particular problem involving direct monitoring, I use a 2i2 with a Shure SM7B and the DBX 286s, I do a lot of video game/Twitch content, lots of loud laughing and screaming shenangians, and unless I hit borderline clipping territory I can't hear myself clearly or loudly with the direct monitoring, is there something I can get to exclusively boost the direct montioring through my headphones? I feel like my audio quality is suffering a bit from having to turn everything up so much. Or do I need another piece of hardware that is a limiter of sorts?

[@Dsmoove94]

Why do you need 2i2 if you have dbx?

[@Learnduino]

How connect cable ftom shure sm7b to dbx 286 and rodecaster pro?

[@thearmyguide]

I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but if I set everything up as shown in the video, I get extremely noisy. Can somebody help me?

[@HomeStudioPro]

if you could link to a sample, i'd be happy to take a listen.

[@Hyperdriveuk]

I think the leds on my mic repam are dead... they never light up LOL!

[@sameerroshan9542]

my mic is getting a constant buzz noise for some reason

[@HomeStudioPro]

do the audio cables cross over, or near power cables?

[@andrewjarvis7777]

i need that db display lol

[@MarceloMotorista]

Aos 15:36 eu vir o nome Brazil? rsrsrs