How To Remove Background Noise And Get Studio Quality Sound in Realtime with the DBX286s
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- In this video I will show you how to remove background noise and create studio quality sound in real-time with the dbx286s.
My quest for the best audio recording setup has lead me to include the dbx286s microphone pre-amp and audio processor. At under $200 this thing provides 60db of gain (more than enough for my power hungry Shure SM7B microphone) and a host of processing controls that enable you to remove background noise (like computer fans and other humming/whirring environmental distractions) when I am not speaking. It also allows you to add compression, clarity, detail and de-essing to your signal as well.
It might sound complicated but it's really not, and in this video I will take you through each process control and explain what it does.
I am super excited with the results of this inexpensive component as I have finally removed the background noise that has plagued my non-treated room. You can hear this for yourself in this video that features unprocessed audio.
PRODUCT AFFILIATE LINKS:
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▼ The Gear I Use To Create Videos in 2019 ▼
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My Audio Recording Setup
======================
► SHURE SM7B VOCAL DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
[Amazon] amzn.to/2Z1Nrae [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2MkuTRo
► DBX286S MICROPHONE PRE-AMP PROCESSOR
[Amazon] amzn.to/2EN1wkr [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2JR7ILz
► FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I4 USB AUDIO INTERFACE
[Amazon] amzn.to/2WB4GSu [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2M6PmZv
► RODE PSA1 SWIVEL MOUNT BOOM ARM
[Amazon] amzn.to/2JRkgDy [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2MkmQng
The Cables I Use To Connect The Above Hardware
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► GLS AUDIO 6FT PATCH CABLE - XLR MALE TO XLR FEMALE
[Amazon] amzn.to/2JQoUS8
► GLS AUDIO 6FT PATCH CABLE - 1/4" TRS TO 1/4" TRS
[Amazon] amzn.to/2WxXSoF
My Video Gear
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► SONY A6300
[Amazon] amzn.to/2HP1rhM [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HF1XiE
► SONY SEL35F18 35MM F/1.8 PRIME FIXED LENS
[Amazon] amzn.to/2ENbUs6 [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HDDs5e
► SONY SELP18105G E PZ 18-105MM F4 G OSS
[Amazon] amzn.to/2HN7YcS [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HD4iKA
► VANGUARD ALTA PRO 263AT ALUMINUM TRIPOD
[Amazon] amzn.to/2EN1EjV [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HCIE9k
► MANFROTTO MVH500AH PRO FLUID HEAD
[Amazon] amzn.to/2EMNwXY [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HDxUaV
► SHARK SLIDER S1
[Amazon] amzn.to/2Z2BsJs [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HD4SbB
► JOBY GORILLAPOD 3K KIT
[Amazon] amzn.to/2IdhO6X [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HBlfoJ
► ZHIYUN CRANE V2 3 AXIS HANDHELD GIMBAL STABILIZER
[Amazon] amzn.to/2HP1ASm [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HDbt5E
► ATOMOS SHINOBI 5-INCH 4K MONITOR
[Amazon] amzn.to/2YZqWmn [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HBAX3e
► ATOMOS MICRO HDMI TO FULL HDMI CABLE
[Amazon] amzn.to/2W7PnRN [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HDhzCX
► SMALLRIG ARTICULATING MAGIC ARM
[Amazon] amzn.to/2WFionb [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HCBW3b
► SMALLRIG CAMERA CAGE FOR SONY A6300
[Amazon] amzn.to/2Ib4lg3 [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HBN4gS
► GOPRO HERO 7 BLACK
[Amazon] amzn.to/2HPfgx1 [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HCNXFS
► RAVPOWER BATTERY 2-PACK AND CHARGER (NP-F550)
[Amazon] amzn.to/2JS2Czw
The Lights I Use
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► DRACAST LED 500 PRO LIGHTS
[Amazon] amzn.to/2WCGUFs [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2CvBLD2
► DRACAST DLS-805 LIGHT STAND
[Amazon] amzn.to/2ENQaMQ [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2Cx9uME
► APUTURE AL-MX LED
[Amazon] amzn.to/2JNpSOU [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2MklQ2u
► PHILIPS HUE BR30 (FOR PURPLE BACKGROUND LIGHTING)
[Amazon] amzn.to/2EN4zsB [B&H Photo] bhpho.to/2HCCk1D
The Software I Use To Make Videos
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► ADOBE PREMIERE CC (TO EDIT VIDEO) bit.ly/2us7xNK
► ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CC (TO CREATE THUMBNAILS) bit.ly/2UbTni9
ETHICS STATEMENT
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My goal is to share my experience with the products or services I talk about to help you make an informed purchasing decision. The products and services I talk about are ones that I have personally researched, like and use. On occasion items are given to me to review. When that is the case, I will mention that in the video. If I don't you can assume I purchased it with my own money. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
how are you connecting the two that's the real question???
+Katina Kyle The best way to connect them is as follows:
Connect Shure SM7B to DBX286s (via XLR Input On Back) using XLR Male to XLR Femle Balanced Mic Cable (amzn.to/1mEgNIm)
Connect DBX286s (Via TRS Output On Back) to Focusrite 2i4 (via TRS Input on Front) using 1/4" TRS To 1/4" TRS patch cable (amzn.to/2ve8njH)
NOTE: In my video I connect the DBX286s to the Focusrite 2i4 using a 1/4-Inch TRS Male to XLR Male Cable (amzn.to/1qC17rd). It sounds fine (as you can hear in the video) but as has been pointed out, connecting the devices this way has me going through two preamps. By connecting the dbx286s to the focusrite via 1/4 TRS I am able to bypass the Focusrites Preamp.
I'm trying to do that exact setup right now, going, with XLR going into the DBX286 and a 1/4 cable going from the DBX into the Focusrite.. but somehow the signal isn't getting through. The Focusrite has power and is connected to the computer, and I can see the mic signal is being registered by the DBX.. but nothing is happening
Wait.. the front ports double as XLR AND 1/4? I just realized that. That's what I was hanging up on
I followed your video as well as the steps you mention here on connecting the hardware to each other. I can only get it to pick up the mic when the gain is set almost all the way up. When it does, you can only hear the left ear and it doesn't sound great.
How are connecting pre amp to interface ..?? Thanks..!
Quality videos man. Just what I was looking for. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words!
As a "non-professional" self taught audio engineer who's been studying audio and music engineering for almost 3/half years, I can say I highly recommend this method for at home studio recording. It's great for music making and even streaming. The DBX 286s is great because it does what modern VST's would do.. Except it has 0 latency and the quality is better. Hardware always tops digital software in my opinion. This is good if you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on rack gear. This type of gear also has models with multiple microphone preamps!
"Hardware always tops digital software"
Do you have experience with UAD plugins? If yes, how do they stack up to the original hardware? Are they worth the money? Thank you!
I started watching your reviews starting with the Shure microphone review. So far I'm enjoying your reviews and the items you've reviewed and have subscribed. Thanks Mark!
Thanks +David L. Happy to have you on board! :)
You explain everything to the perfect degree of thoroughness, great video.
Thank you +Mat R
Agreed, he is very articulate.
Agreed. I finally understand expander/gate.
I can still, with headphones, hear the background noise when you speak and the gate opens. Nice explanation anyway..
Watched this video, bought the DBX 286s, and the results are amazing! Thank you for your help!
Awesome Keith! Glad to hear it.
I learned more in the nine minutes of watching your vid than I have in a month of reading random junk. Thanks for this!
Thanks +Zeh Zahl
Thank you very much for this great and informative video! Been awhile since I have played with mics and audio equipment and I have been wanting a new setup for streaming. After researching, I decided to purchase your exact build and the rest of my order came in today. I only had just a few minutes to put it together for a test run and I can say I am very impressed! I did manage to confuse myself when recording as playback was only coming from my left headphone. I finally realized that the Focusrite xlr input is the right and left channel, hurray for mono recording!
I look forward to tweaking settings and recording in the future. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!
+Socorro Fernandez Awesome! Glad you are liking it. I am happy with it as well. Once configured it provides hassle-free audio recording.
I am new to this voice processing stuff... I just purchased a DBX and this info will help me out. Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to make this great video!
Thank you!
This is great video and explains everything I need to know. Already have a Focusrite, gonna pick up a Shure SM7B plus the DBX. I am aiming for professional voiceovers and livestreaming, so this setup should greatly help my stream sound quality and cut down on audio post. Thanks very much!
+Ian Phoenix You have the same goal in mind. Glad it helped!
Man I love you.... Pure love.......exactly what I need... others would a video and talk with no demonstration but you deliver...Wooo
Thanks for the love!
Excellent video- found this via your "Shure SM7B Microphone Review". Keep up the good work, liked and subscribed.
Thanks +HyperDrive. I appreciate it. :)
Hi Sir, Can you please tell me or make a video that how to setup multi mic recording system with audio interface, preamp and compressor. I need to record 3 mic and 3 instruments simultaneously. How to set up the "in and outs" with focusrite interface and which focusrite interface will be sufficient for the purpose. Currently i have focusrite 2i4 (i will definitely upgrade as per the recommendations).
I like the effectiveness of the gate, but I can still very slightly hear the room noise while you're speaking (when the gate opens). If post processing and a DAW is available, a more effective solution is to leave the noise in and use a software solution (such as Waves Z-Noise or Izotope De-noise VST plugins). Leaving noise in would help the algorithms identify it and remove it from the rest of the signal. Of course, going that route would require you to also bypass the other cool features it comes with.
Overall it seems like a great unit, a good all-in-one solution for many use cases. I'm surprised how little noise that pre-amp adds when cranked all the way up.
Dude, love your videos. Im always looking to up my game on CZcams and have been eye balling this type of setup, and ya sold me on it finally. Just ordered everything through your affiliate links~
Thank you for your kind words and support. Let me know how it goes or if you have any questions once your stuff arrives.
Amazing review ... I've been trying left and right to get noise out of my recordings for years to no avail. Doing it in post production is hectic and often times ruins the performance after all is said and done. There are many other pre amps that do this for 4 or 5 times the cost. You sold me on this !!Being able to correct noise pre recording makes recording fun again , and I know I'm only recording the parts of the performance I actually want. Takes hours of mixing out of the equation to where I can just work with clear pristine audio. If you're a home studio based musician having trouble with noise this is a must have.
+2DopeTv Thanks for the kind words. Like you said, it's a really great value for the money. I am very happy with it.
Thank you. Your attention to detail and clarity is refreshing.
Thanks +Djard I appreciate it.
got myself one of these thanks to you. it's a beautiful, yet, simple preamp. I'm very happy with this new addition. thanks mate!
Glad to hear it Ricardo!
pre amp is everything man! thanks remember it for us!
awesome vid. Really enjoyed your simple and concise style. Very easy to understand yet comprehensive. Appreciate the work on this vid.
Thank you for your positive feedback. I appreciate it!
i don't have the DBX but i learned so much, thank you.
+Abdulsalam Al-Abdulsalam (Streaming Q8) Glad to hear it.
Thank you sooo much!!!! These are so helpful and informative!!!! It's wild the difference that it makes!!!!
+The Real - Luis Rivera Glad it helped.
Well done in demonstrating how to get sound gated out of the room. Most of the videos I've seen on this sound quiet before and after anyway.
Thanks for the positive feedback. :)
Great demo, thanks. One question: Is there a reason you are using XLR cable (I think) and the "Inst" setting for your input to the Focusrite interface? Elsewhere I am reading that the DBX 286s outputs Line level audio, and also that you should use 1/4-inch TRS plugs at both ends to go from the DBX to the Focusrite. I have ordered a DBX 286s, largely because of your video, so I'm trying to choose the best cables and connections. What have you found about this, in your set-up? Does it not matter here because you have turned the Focusrite's gain to 0, and are not using its pre-amp?
Very informative video! The comparison between the audio quality without, and with the use of the preamp was very surprising. I thought the build in preamps that are built into most audio interfaces would suffice, but this video proved me wrong. I can't wait to purchase DBX286.
+HiM Thanks. The audio processing that the dbx provides allowed me to achieve the sound quality I was looking for. Hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine!
Sounds great! Thank you so much! I'm about to purchase this setup :)
Thanks and good luck! Hit me up if you have questions.
Great job, you explain things very very well
Thank you for your video! Will the dbx286s work well with a CAD e100S mic? I'm not sure if you mostly recommend the sm7b for the dbx286s. Also, I mainly do voiceovers and the only thing I use is a focusrite 2i2 and it works well but sometimes I have to fix things in post like high peaks in my voice that I need to reduce, do you think the gates of the dbx286s will be too aggressive that will cut words/sounds?
+Carpower360Spanish Yes, the dbx286s should work fine. As far as processing is concerned, the beauty is, you can tweak things as much or as little as you like.
I was thinking about replacing my focusrite 2i2 for the Audient i14 in order to get an overall better and more robust sound. Do you think I should get the dbx286s instead?
+Carpower360Spanish I don't have experience with the Audient i14 so I really can't comment on how it compares to the dbx286s. All I can say is I like my setup and the sound it produces. My advice is to go with the setup that produces the quality of sound you are looking to achieve.
p.s. This is One of the Very Best Videos Ive ever seen. added to my Favorites Playlist also. Cheers :)
Perfect explanation man, you confirmed that the dbx is exactly what i'm looking for.
I have just one question for you: with a preamp like this, do you think is still needed a good quality audio interface?
M C ,
you will need a good recorder or audio interface.
But with this dbx ,
you will save a lot of money on the microphone.
thanks for the great video. Pretty much persuaded me to upgrade to this exact setup. keep up the great work
+Tim Younkin Thanks! I appreciate the positive feedback. Hope you like this setup as much as I do.
I've just started learning about recording gear, and this was a terrific, informative review. Thanks for creating and sharing it! I think I'll buy the DBX286S through your affiliate link.
Thank you for this video. I found out the the dbx 266xs does the same for noise reduction as well. With the proper adjustment. Its great for noise reduction as well. Very help ful video..
Excellent instruction for a newbie!!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Very informative ! Thanks for the clear explanation!
I really enjoyed this video! Great informative information that I will surely use! Thank you
+Dess Marvel Thank you! I appreciate your kind words.
no problem bro!
You have very nicely explained the most confusing part of this channel strip, which is the compressor part with its unusual labeling (Drive and Density instead of Threshold and Release, and simple numbers instead of db or time value). Every other review of this piece I watched had lots of technical jargon, and the manual doesn't help here either. So, big thanks!
+Radek Andruszkiewicz Thanks for your kind words. Glad it helped!
So this will only work for one mic? What would you recommend for 2 people recording a podcast? Is there a similar dbx unit with 2 mic inputs?
+Vegetable Police This will work for only one mic; so if you have two mics, you will need two of these. If you are not using the Shure SM7B and don't need the gain then you can try the dbx266xs (amzn.to/2A5wlPV). It supports two XLR mics and has a dedicated compressor and expander gate for each channel, but DOES NOT HAVE THE PREAMP SECTION THAT THE DBX286S (amzn.to/2znBDTw) COMES WITH. Since I am using the Shure SM7B, I need that preamp section to get the mic to line level. If I needed to add a second mic to my system I would get a second dbx286s. Hope that helps.
Whoa! Thanks for this. Literally INSTANTLY boosted my audio quality.
Glad it helped!
Which mic you use bro
Awesome Video dude! Keep up the great work!
Thanks +LukeZgaming!
The Mad Hermit sure
Thank you so much! Very helpful and informative.
Hi Mad Hermit, fantastic video I feel very confident buying it now. Quick question: For what exactly are you using the Focusrite in the Video since you turned the gain down to 0. Excuse my noob question but I currently only have the FiiO Olympus 2 USB DAC and some Audio T Headphones and wanna upgrade my setup to yours. Cheers
GREAT THANKS! in first 2 minutes I recognized how to solve the noise problem
thank you ^^
+Мария Ткачёва Glad it helped!
This was truly amazing
Thank you very much! Solid Gold for me! THANKS AGAIN! !
Thank you I was pounding my head against the wall trying to figure this out.
You are welcome!
How do you connect the Focusrite to the preamp? Did you just use a cable to plug in to the input part of the preamp?
Amazing tutorial. Thanks so much.
I have a ZOOM H6 as my audio interface and have been experience less than great quality sound with my PR40 and BCD-1. I’ve had the DBX 286s and have not tried this combo yet.
My question- should I get another audio interface like yours or will the DBX make up for any shortcomings of the H6?
+Stevie Richards Thanks. I would see what you can get with your existing hardware first. If you can't get the audio quality you are looking for you can always add the focusrite audio interface.
Brilliant Review, loved it.
So with compressors that have the de esser etc. And also a mic preamp in it I can use the compressor and eq stuff without using the preamp? Because I have a preamp already I just want the compression and eq from these kinda pieces.
Fantastic video and explanation. Subscribed!
Welcome to the community!
Awesome video, man!
Thanks +Nathan Shannon!
this has been very beneficial
Thanks to your advice, I have now purchased a Scarlett 2i4 and DBX 286A. I'm testing my friends' mic before dropping the big $$ on a SHURE SM7B, though.
+sgtsmithy100 You're welcome!
Hi, I'm sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm new to all of this. So you need a preamp to boost the gain on the mic and the audio interface is to connect all of that to something else yeah? If this is the case can you get an audio interface that's able to boost the gain up enough on the mic to make it where you want it to be? I'm almost clueless when it comes to all of this but I'm trying to make sense of it all. Great videos though, I enjoyed watching these!
great video!! ive been looking at countless SM7B videos but they fail to show you what you need to make it sound like you do.
+Drippy Beats Thanks. It's precisely why I made the video. I was in the same boat. :)
Great information! I'm having problems with my noise floor in my walk-in closet! range between -47dBs to -58 dBs. To pass ACX audio book submission noise floor can not exceed -60 dBs. So after normalizing, amp'ing, limiter etc effects the background noise is louder. Using the noise reducer effect changes to audio too much. Will this work with a Focusrite solo and a Rode NT1A? And will the investment be worth it ... which it achieve the min. req. for ACX? Thanks! (BTW using Audacity)
Thank you for your video sir.. your review is excellent and i will concider to buy this machine to pair it with my sm7b!! You were very informative!!
Thanks +Thanasis Zardas. I appreciate your feedback.
Great video, awesome info! One question though - I have the exact same setup as you: SM7B, DBX286s & 2i4 all hooked into my laptop, however I'm getting some pretty bad hiss/whitenoise when I record into my audio software. Any idea what the source could be/how I could solve it? Thought I would ask, thanks!
Hey great video, I am looking to get this DBX model 286s, I was on the fence between this and the now discontinued DBX1086,,, but hey, you missed a section in the video to talk about the Expander/Gate feature, guess someone already told you about that, oh well, you did a great job with the video anyway, and you helped me make up my mind solid, thanks,
Thanks +GhostVOX. Glad the video helped. BTW, the expander gate is discussed at 3 minutes and 48 second mark czcams.com/video/FEaivtPrBe0/video.htmlm48s. Looks like you missed it. ;)
Great tutorial buddy you have so much knowledge thanks for sharing
Thank you +Sidhu Superman
thank you so much for this but please i'd like to know what other common preamps would solve the background hiss like dbx 286s. I am in Thailand and have tried to no avail to get dbx...they are out of stuck. have been out of stuck forever. which other common preamp would you recommend? again thanks a lot for this video
Great video. Thanks for the info too. 👍
+Arturo Leal III You are welcome Sir!
wow you explained everything so well. thank you so much.
Thanks! Glad you liked it. :)
Hi! Great video, thank you! My question is, I'm gonna get Shure sm 7b and DBX286S, and I have Focusrite 2i2, does this still work as good as your combination? Just like you, I don't want to process my voice afterwards, too, because I have tinnitus and some other ear problems, so if this will work, it will be life changing for me! Thank you for your reply :)
Thanks!. The Focusrite 2i2 should work just as good as the 2i4 for this purpose.
Wow that DBX really cleans up the background noise! I currently use a Shure SM7B and a Focusrite 6i6 with a cloudlifter. I noticed a huge difference by adding just that but once you showed the DBX it makes me wish I got that over the cloudlifter haha. I guess I will have to check it out on Sweetwater now :) Thanks!
+Glassic Gamer I hear you. I went through the same process. Bought the Cloudlifter but after I found the dbx286s the Cloudlifter is now collecting dust in my closet.
I guess I can donate the Cloudlifter to my Churches worship band once i upgrade ;)
+Glassic Gamer That will work. :)
HD Geek Review, you are a lifesaver! thx for this video!
+Cry of the Prophet You are welcome!
HD Geek Review I purchased this based on your review, I was using a triton fethead (similiar to cloudlifter) with my EVRE320 but really was looking for more of a noise gate and your review of the dbx is consistent with what Ive been hearing, so thanks, make some more vids, you got a great channel ;)
Thanks +Cry of the Prophet. I appreciate your kind words and feedback!
I liked your video, it's very explicative.
Can you use that audio processor to more mics simultaneously?
i.e.: a drum set?
I prefer to still use the cloud lifter with the DBX into my Focusrite Clarett 8pre because I noticed cranking the gain on the DBX without the cloudlifter still provided way too much noise than lowering the gain and using the cloudlifter. The DBX is great and overall pretty quiet, but this was just my preference.
Do you leave your clarett gain at 12 o'oclock and the gain on the dbx when using it with the cloudfilter?
Great video, thanks! Andy idea how to fix ground loop/buzzing issues with one of these?
Ground loop issues are tricky to debug. It all depends on the source. Try replacing XLR or TRS cables. Keep them short in length and make sure they are not running alongside power cables that might bleed into them. See if you can determine what component introduces the noise by breaking your signal chain down and adding components one at a time. Those are some quick suggestions I would try.
Would you recommend this preamp over the Focusrite Octopre ?
Just curious why you don't use the Cloudlifter in this setup? Do you find running the 286s on full gain introduces any distortion into your sound? Also, I noticed you had the input on the 2i4 to Instrument, then had the output on the 286s dialled down to compensate. Any reason you aren't selecting the Line input instead of instrument?
+Timothy Jay Style & Fitness Great questions.
I live near a radio transmission tower that seems to interfere with my Cloudlifter. It's a strange anomalous situation that no-one else seems to have experienced. I even replaced my Cloudlifter to no avail. As a result, I had to go with something else. In this case, the dbx286s, which comes in at around the same price ($199) as the Cloudlifter and brings a lot more to the table.
With regard to your question regarding whether any distortion is introduced by running the dbx286s at full gain? Judge for yourself. The video I uploaded is posted the way I recorded it. I did not run it through Adobe audition or anything like that. Personally I like the way it sounds.
Good catch with regard to my connections. According to the manual, "the Focusrite preamplifier stage is automatically configured for a microphone when you plug an XLR into the input, and for a line or instrument when you connect a jack plug."
The switch only plays a role when you are connecting a 2 pin VS 3 pin TRS connector.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
I'm considering a Shure KSM32 Single-Diaphragm Mic paired with the DBX286s ran directly into a PC. Would I need a focusrite in the chain? And what cables would you suggest? Thanks
+Virtual Media Yes, you still need the focusrite because that's how you get your audio signal into your computer. It's an audio interface and will convert your XLR input signal to a USB digital input.
I use the following cables: GLS Audio XLR Male to XLR female (amzn.to/1mEgNIm ) connects the Shure to the dbx286s. The dbx286s is connected to the Focusrite 2i4 via GLS Audio 1/4" TRS to 1/4" TRS (amzn.to/2w7kdrX ) This is a six pack but was the best quality I could find at a good price so I purchased this pack even though I only needed one.
Hello! Interesting piece of equipment and great video! I want to get into home recording, so I'm a total beginner. From what I can tell this unit is unique in that it has both a preamp and compressing features, is that correct? Whereas most often they are separate pieces of equipment. So is it common that your typical microphone preamp will not have any control over noise? Basically I'm trying to figure out if this would be a better buy because it is 2 in 1. You're knowledge is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
+Marcus Lopez You are correct. Typically microphone preamps are just that, at least in this price range. The dbx286s has a preamp and a variety of signal processing controls (including a compressor) at a really affordable price, which is why I currently use it. I think it's a great buy.
Hi. Just curious if there are newer versions of similar equipment that you would recommend. I like what this does, but the video is 5 years old which means that the tech is even older. I'm sure since then that there is newer, better, cheaper stuff out there. Any suggestions? Thanks. Great video, by the way.
Great video, I'm considering adding this to my current radio rig. Question: How is your Focusrite connected to the DBS unit? Thanks
+Yagga Live Thanks! I use a Monoprice 3-Foot Cable (amzn.to/1qC17rd) to connect the DBX286s (Via TRS Output On Back) to the Focusrite 2i4 (via XLR Input on Front)
I got a Roland octa capture and a couple of mics audio Technica and AkG.. I'm about to buy the dbx heared a lot about .. now by your video I'm fixed .. will buy one very soon..
Thanks a lot .. my question is how you can keep the volume entry of your sound card to zero and still get the sound !!!? It's not obvious for me ! I notice that i never coupled my sound card with any preamp before ..
Would anyone recommend this for a somewhat strong condenser microphone ? I am upgrading to a RODE NT2A and I want a very good amplifier to go with it. Would the cloud lifter do a better job?
Great video. Would this setup work with a scarlett 2i2? I have a mdx4600 compressor that i want to connect to a scarlett 2i2. Will i need a preamp? Or maybe a mixer?
Thanks
great explanation, thank you!
Thanks. I appreciate it.
Thank you so much for this video it has inspired me to upgrade my studio! I was wondering if I were to buy the following how would I go about hooking it up?
-Condenser Mic
-DBX Noise Gate
-USB Audio Interface
Hi love your channel... Wondering how to I connect dbx compressor and behringer multi effects units for use at the same time to focusrite 18i20 ? Would really appreciate any help ? Many thanks
love this setup, what would you recommend if I wanted to multitrack 2 SM7B's simultaneously? Multiple DBX's into the focusrite?
That's what I would do.
You got yourself a subscriber
Man !! It was a knowledgeable video. I have a question...like...is it still recommend to have a Pre-Amp. Mixer despite of the latest Technology DAW Avaliable now a days. I have little knowledge of it, wanna know it. I'm a Rapper...how much am I missing out on my vocals wanna know that ??!.
I basically have the same equipment, focursite interface, dbx and shure sm7b so if I like the way your audio sounds I can just set the knobs on the dbx the same way you have them on the video?
I'm having quite of an issue in trying to connect the DBX onto a Scarlet Solo. Do you connect into the "INST" of the Scarlet with a TRS or in to XLR voice end? I also noticed that the INST gives you a much better signal. Please let me know your thoughts and details.Thanks a lot!
I would still split the line level between both devices (DBX and 2i4) so neither are running hot keeping sure no ground floor is present in any of the preamps
I've got your exact same setup but I am having trouble with this device. I've played around a lot with the dbx but I can't seem to get it so it removes background noise WHILE I am talking. It does a good job of that when I am not talking but I can still here it when I am for some reason. The only thing I have in background is somewhat quiet pc GPU fan.
+McSkillet It takes some adjusting but once you get it right it should be good. You have to find the balance for the various controls where they provide you with the enhancement you need without adding too much enhancement. Less is more! Too much can amplify sounds you don't want. Hard to explain but start by dialing each control to its off position, and then one-by-one adding just enough of a single control. If you notice things are not sounding right you can adjust the control you are working with, or scale-back one of the previous ones.
Something to take into consideration is noise coming from your air conditioner (or similar device). I have a central air system and I find that when it is running, though quiet as it may seem, raises my noise floor. It could be the frequency the blowing air resonates at but whatever the case, I tend to shoot without the A/C blowing to avoid having to tweak things further and possibly making my audio sound artificially processed.
Hope that helps.
What I've noticed is the expander gate seems to just stop sound from coming in if I'm not talking. When I am talking there is still tons of black-noise though. I'm not sure if there is another setting to fix this. What's weird though is I think my setup has even less background noise than yours.
You are exactly right. The expander gate is exactly that. A trigger that reduces the background noise to zero when you stop talking. When you talk, any background noise that exists will be allowed through. I suppose that is the "black noise" you are referring too.
The trick is to use the other nobs to amplify your audio in an acceptable way, and use the expander gate to deal with whatever noise is left over. So when you stop talking, things get quiet quick. It's a delicate set of adjustments that you have to play with to get right. Once you do you will want to leave those settings alone.
Again, less is more with these adjustments. If you are too heavy-handed with the signal processing you will get weird audio artifacts like ringing and such. Took me a while to come to an arrangement of settings that I liked.
As far as you having less background noise then me, that is hard to convey on film. The noise in my room is generally quiet but I do have a lot of fans because of the computer and disk array. They are not as loud as they appear in my video but they are present. The point is, my office is by no means a sound stage and I still feel I get decent sound with this setup. Remember to be really critical of noise in your room. There is some noise that you might not realize exists until you are recording. The more real-world noise you remove, the less work you will have to make your dbx286s do, which will make your audio sound a lot more natural.
I've got (almost) the exact same setup. I'm using a 2i2 (with gain set to zero), a Cloudlifter and the 286s with the gain set to about 37db. When I had the gain set to 45db, I was having the same problem as you mentioned above. You could hear the background noise when I spoke, plus I could detect a hint of distortion. Rolling it back to 37 (+ the 20-25db) of the Cloudlifter gets me enough gain for the mic to come alive, but it gets rid of the background noise. I actually boosted up the compressor to compensate for the lesser gain. Still experimenting though to the get the best sound...not quite there yet.
+Timothy Jay Style & Fitness I would remove the Cloudlifter from the chain entirely. You don't need it with the dbx286s. In fact, as you can see in my video, I have the dbx286 gain at full, Output gain at -10db and my Focusrite gain dialed all the way down. The less components in the chain the better in my opinion. Less opportunity to introduce noise.
Thanks for that. Very informative.
You are welcome.
Thank you for your videos on this mic. I bought most of the equipment you listed and used your referral links. Great video.
Thanks for your support Colin. Hope you enjoy the setup as much as I do. Let me know if you have any questions!
+HD Geek Review Hi, and thanks for the video!
I was wondering, can you hear a buzzing sound from your DBX286S unit itself?
On the right side in particular, closer to the back (where the power transformer is)?
Mine buzzes enough that I can hear it 3 feet away in a silent room.
I am not sure if that is negatively effecting the unit, or indicative of a different problem all other.
I may order the part and try my hand at replacing it as it just doesn't seem right.
If you could listen for that buzzing, I'd appreciate it!
+mpxz999 I don't here any buzzing. I would try to replace the unit to see if it improves.
How are you liking you unit? @mpxz999 I have the same microphone and was wondering if it was worth buying it ($299 for the unit here in Aus and another 20ish for a neutrik trs/xlr m cable).I pick up almost no background noise from my room at all but I do pick up some preamp noise giving a slight hiss in my recordings.I was just wondering if you thought it was worth getting the 286s.Was really considering buying it when I have a little more money but at the same time I have been looking at mic preamps too that could boost my sound while lowering my mixers preamp hiss.
Hi. Does this have a balanced output? i noticed it doesnt have an xlr out but has an xlr in. Also do you prefer t he preamp on this over the focusrite? I have an 18i20 but i'm looking for a compressor and i think this might just do the job.
Outstanding vid, thank you. I wish this thing had two inputs though- do you know any products out there that are like this but have two inputs?
You are welcome. Unfortunately these things are designed so you can make enhancements to a single mic or instrument as the settings you choose might be different depending on the characteristics of the other mic, instrument or speaker. As a result, you will need one for each mic.
Thank you for your interesting comparison of the noise level bwteen the two scenarios (with or without using the processor). I was wondering if you would achieve a similar result of a "much cleaner" sound output when you send a "noisy" sound source through line-in to the DBX286s.
Great question and thanks for your comment. Microphone signals are generally 100 to 1000 times weaker then line level signals. Since I am connecting a mic, I use the XLR mic input. The line level input is used if you are using an instrument with a stronger signal.
Great video thank you. I thought the Shure SM7B requires 48V phantom power? Or is that only if you’re using a cloud lifter without enough dB power
Also, is there any way to avoid having to fill in the right track in Premiere? I fear forgetting that step a few times lol
The Shure SM7B does not require Phantom Power. As you mentioned, the Cloudlifter does, thus your confusion.
With regard to a work-around to avoid having to fill the right channel with the left in Premiere... I have not figured one out. It's not difficult to do, however; and I always proof my work before I publish so I personally never found a need to find another solution. You can do this at the mixer level if that helps. I show you how to do this at the 11 minute and 18 second mark of the following video: czcams.com/video/DPj7uh50MuU/video.html
The Mad Hermit beautiful, thank you very much for answering questions. New sub here, separates your channel from others!
this helped out so much
Glad to hear it! Thanks!
Great video 👍
Thanks!