Sound for Video Session: dbx286s Demo & Settings
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- čas přidán 2. 02. 2019
- What is a channel strip? The dbx286s is a popular microphone preamp and processor, often called a channel strip, that is helpful in cases where you are live streaming or broadcasting. It can also be helpful when you need to save yourself some time in post by doing the processing while recording. Here we take a look at the 286s and show how to adjust the settings.
Please consider my sound for video classes available over at school.learnlightandsound.com
Gear used to record this episode:
AKG C414 XLS large diaphragm condenser microphone - this is my new, main voice over microphone
Amazon: geni.us/DoO4qT
B&H: bhpho.to/2ry8mmz
dbx 286s Preamplifier and channel strip - new vocal processing channel strip. I’ve had a ton of requests for help setting this up so I had to add one to my collection so I can learn how to use it first.
Amazon: geni.us/zrs0
B&H: bhpho.to/2CvIKfd
Universal Audio Apollo x6 - Thunderbolt 3 audio interface used to take audio signal from the dbx286S channel strip, convert it to digital, and send to my computer for recording.
B&H: bhpho.to/2CwRx3b
Copyright 2019 by Curtis Judd
Outro music from Artlist: Sunday by Rich Young Pixies - Amazing Journey. You can receive a 2 month discount on a subscription to Artlist, a subscription service for stock music you can use with your videos. Check it out at artlist.io/artlist-70446/?art...
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Love these. These analog unit descriptions and tests help with understanding what digital effects do and how they work. Thanks!!
Thank YOU!
Curtis, finally, a truly great set-up video on the dbx 286s! I’ve watched a lot of them over the years, but I never could get it quite right until I consulted with you. Great that you have now demystified this little jewel for folks like me that don’t have time to master sound, but we want to sound good! Keep dishing out the good stuff, and thanks from the folks like me that need folks like you that know the ropes.
Thanks Otis, much appreciated!
👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Well this is one of the best tutorials I‘ve ever seen due to your clear voice and the way you explain everything.
Simply great how you teach!
Thanks Willi!
The best Demo video on dbx 286s. Thanks
Best dbx286s review! Thank-you, Curtis. I was able to hear the effect of each control precisely, and you understood and explained them (not all reviewers do).
Thanks Mike!
I have this device. So versatile, and capable. Best $200.00 I have spent in my project studio. The expander gate also is great if I don't want other noise to intrude as I stop speaking. It does take practice to get the 286s just right. Like cooking, never over do the ingredients. Otherwise, I love how this works. I think my voice is a bit shrill, and for voice over work, this helps allot. It is not a cure all. But for it is, it sure do allot well. Just listen carefully and don't "over bake" any effects, and that will be good. I don't like doing so much in post, so setting this once, saves allot of time for me. Good to see you again Curtis.
Thanks for the insights, Vincent!
I bought it a week ago ($150). amazing device. works really well with the Shure SM7B even though it has a really low sensitivity :)
Hi Curtis, I really want to thank you for this video, and all of your content. I have struggled to get good audio on my CZcams channel, and these videos have been a godsend. - Patrick Boyle
Thank you Patrick. Happy recording!
This is super usefull thanks curtis
Hi sir, I watched many of your videos, all are so great!!
I would like to know is it recommend to pair Rode NT1 with DBX 286s?
Because some review say this DBX device is made for dynamic mic only.
Hope can get your reply. Thanks
The NT1 works beautifully with the dbx286S.
@@curtisjudd thanks for the reply 🙏🙏🙏
I use the DBX 286s with my Sennheiser 416 for voice over and it always sounds great.
Nice combination!
I just picked one up for Voiceover work. I have my RODE NTK going into the dbx 286s and then into my Sound Devices Mix-Pre-6. It makes for really clean voiceover clips going onto the SD card. Best $150 I have spent this year.
Oh, nice!
Sweet. New vid. 👏🏼
👍
Thanks very concise
Welcome!
I use this for voice-over. I like to hear a bit of processed sound for monitoring and have that rather outside of my Mac. I run the Sennheiser MKH416 mic signal through a splitter (ART SPLITCom Pro) so I can record both a raw and processed signal. Sometimes I may even have a MixPre-6 in the chain to get a safety track recorded. So the recorded audio is never destructive processed.
Thanks Hans, that's a good idea!
Just ordered this one today (for my livestreaming scenarios) and who else's video turns up first when looking for some info... Thanks Curtis, such a great walkthrough. I was usually "on the other side of the glass" when recording engineers would brag about the preamp they ran my voice through in the late 80's, and that was a DBX Silver Series 386 dual channel tube mic preamp. So when I looked for a good preamp strip I searched for DBX, and there was the 286s. Such a nice baby I'm sure, and since I cut my teeth on many digital equivalents on my Mac, I thought of getting something that was tactile and could be ran before it hits the audio interface and then the rest of the chain. Prior to this, I sometimes used my (otherwise for guitar) SansAmp Acoustic DI that's a great preamp but no more than that. And you're right, I'd better make sure the processing in 286s is done properly if any of the sound is to be recorded - no way back, it's "baked in" haha. Thanks!!!
Congrats on the new 286s channel and happy recording!
@@curtisjudd A short update for what it's worth if someone will watch your video the first time. It's a Veni-Vidi-Vici situation, very good unit, easy to configure with any of my large diafragm mics as well as with Oktava M012 which is a cardioid pattern and more directional, a breeze. Only with the Røde VideoMic NTG I needed to tinker with mic's own gain and the preamp/compressor/output levels in the DBX286s.. still a challenge but that mic has such narrow pattern and is ideal for streaming into ZOOM or Ecamm, my fans are killing it otherwise.
@@HomesickMac Ah, good job. The VM NTG wasn't made for that but good to hear you were able to get it working!
@@curtisjudd Well, I remembered that my sound engineer always wanted the "healthy" 90% output from my guitar mic (active magnetic Seymour Duncan MagMic) when recording the line-in channel, saying that it would be easier to preamp moderately without increasing the noise. That's why I started with the gain knob at 8/15 on the VideoMic NTG and slowly went up to 13-14, adjusting the DBX along the way. I reach the yellow LED in the preamp, compress it with Drive at 2 and Density at 7. The Expander Gate is at -30 and 2:1. Then I went to Logic and made sure the Output volume from the DBX hit -18db when speaking calmly. This whole setup is only for the talking part and in the livestreams. If I don't mind the mic in the frame I'd go back to Aston Origin or Oktava M-012, that's a much smoother "attack". Thank you for still keeping an eye on this old video, it's highly appreciated.
Im about to order this for my setup
Afturia Minifuse 1
EV RE20
Good video as usual
Would you please create a video tutorial on how you edit your Audio on Adobe audition ? I'd Appreciate .
Is there any more mobile version of this, such as audio recorders that have this per-channel capability? I do on-location live streams that could use this processing but wouldn't be optimal for toting around this slab of equipment.
You have an Apollo interface, I thought that has internal processing in dsp, so everything you do here and more can be done in the box, even more flexible. For many Chanel’s as well.
Hi Asmund, yes, but this was for people without an Apollo.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Thanks for this comment. I recently acquired a used Apollo Duo and was so happy with the clean sound. I was confused why you'd start with the dbx and then go into the apollo with the incredible pre-amps and simulators in the Apollo.
I really appreciate all of your detailed videos. If I use this from sm7b>dbx286s>focusrite>mac for live streaming. Do you think that's a good setup or is this mainly for doing podcasts? When you do live streaming interviews, do you adjust audio coming in from your guest? If so, would I need a second dbs286s?
Definitely a good option for live broadcast. You'll need one for each person with a microphone so you would need an additional 286s for your guest.
Curtis Judd thanks for you confirmation!
Nice walkthrough. I think in this instance you needed to give the siblance frequency a spin - probably around the 5 to 6 K mark. If you get that wrong, your HF detail creates resonance. Just my 2c.
Love your work.
Thanks Terence, agreed. I had long thought that most of my sibilance sat up closer to 8K but I've found more recently it centers around 6K.
@@curtisjudd How can I find out at which level/range my personal sibilance are? Any software you would recommend for this?
@@dirk.4711 I would use an EQ plugin, boost by 6 dB and sweep across 5kHz to 10kHz to find where it sounds worst.
Thank you Curtis! I'm looking to improve my audio and remove noise. I can't get this to work properly with Rode NTG4+ & Tascam dr-40x.
If I turn the line input enough (almost to the max) to even light up the LED's, my audio gets distorted and ends up clipping. I've tried various settings and guides. Any tips? Thanks!
Hi Rob, I don't have a DR-40X on hand to confirm, but it sounds like it isn't going into line level mode. And just to confirm, the the Clip LED right by the output gain knob on the dbx is NOT lighting up?
Curtis, your videos are some are best content on YT. Thanks. I am a singer/songwriter looking at this DBX for my home studio. I record vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, cello, piano, synth and drums. Main mics include Rode NT1 & Shure SM7b. I have been using a 20 year old ART Tube Channel (preamp/comp/eq) for just about everything. My quest for more professional, affordable sound has led me to consider this unit. Aside from voiceover work, what is your opinion about using this for singing? Thanks in advance.
Hi Steve, thanks. Yes, the dbx286s would be a fine addition for a music recording studio, I'd think.
@Curtis Judd Audio. When using the 286X and a USB audio interface, do you want the gain on the audio interface set to zero and then adjust the gain on the 286X since the microphone is run into it?
The dbx286 outputs a line level signal. So you'll want to set your audio interface's input to line level and you *shouldn't need to adjust the gain/trim on the interface - leave it at 0.
Hello Curtis, nice setup! By the way, I just want to ask your opinion on what kind of rack should I buy for the dbx 286s? I will be inserting a maximum of two dbx 286s for that particular rack, thanks.
Thanks! I use OSP cases which you can find here: ospcases.com
@@curtisjudd Thanks!
Hello sir! Do you think i need an power conditioner or a normal socket adapter with switch on / off for dbx286s because it doesn't have the power botton?
I have mine connected to a power conditioner which I use to power the rack gear. But a power strip can do that job as well.
Curtis, thank you for all you do. I appreciate your work and detail explanations. This is the reason I am reaching out to you.
I have purchased this unit and I do not use a rack to mount it into. I am trying to arrange it on my desk but I like to know about stacking electronics and proximity effect to other electronics and signal/ noise interference. I do not know who well-shielded this unit or other equipment are.
Here is my question, If I stack a Motu m2 on thop of this, will it cause issues with noise, hiss, hummm, etc? what if it is close to a Bose soundbar (or one sitting on top of the dbx?
any thoughts? I appreciate any input you may have. Thank you again for all you do.
It should be well enough shielded to place the audio interface on top. I'd just keep power adapters, wireless access points, phones and things like that away from both the dbx and MOTU.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Excellent. Thak you for taking the time to advise. I appreciate all you do.
Which is the sound better dbx 286s or focusrate channel strip? Have you tried the behringer vx2496 (vx2000) and dbx 376? which is the best of these?
The dbx 286s has more processing capabilities vs. the Focusrite and they don't make the Focusrite anymore in 2022. I have not tried the Behringer or the dbx 376.
Hello! Curtis. I have started to learn recording for half a year, and I have successively purchased some equipment.
I using Mackie 402VLZ4 as Mic Preamp, and then connect Alesis NanoCompressor and BBE 382i, and connect to computer recording or live broadcast via Scarlett 2i2.
I found that dbx 286s seems to be able to replace a bunch of devices in front, and it is easy to operate and save cables (this is also a cost). What I think is right?
I have two more questions:
1. Is the implementation principle of Enhancer of dbx 286s and BBE 382i the same? How are they different from other equalizers?
2. I recently found that the second-hand Aphex 230 Master Voice Channe has a similar price to the new dbx 286s. I don't mind using second-hand equipment. Is it wiser to choose Aphex 230 than dbx 286s?
Looking forward to your reply! Thank you very much!
Hi James, I'm not familiar with Alesis or BBE 382i. I'll need to look those up and see what I can learn. Sorry I didn't have answers for you yet. Best wishes!
Thanks for the video. How would this compare to something like a DBX 676 or the older 576 which isn't that much more money than a 286s when picked up used? I'm considering getting something like this to use for livestreaming, webinars, etc. through my MixPre II as a USB interface. Any other alternatives or suggestions are appreciated!
Hi TekGuyAllen, I haven't use the 676 or 576 but from what I can tell, it is a tube preamplifier with an analogue limiter and EQ. The 676 definitely looks like a product aimed at musicians, though it could certainly be used for spoken word audio as well. It doesn't have a de-esser (though the EQ could sort of do a similar thing), nor the enhancer nor noise gate found on the 286S. In short, the 676 looks like a tool aimed at engineers recording music vocals while the 286S seems aimed at those recording spoken word audio.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Thanks for the reply! I'm leaning towards picking up this 286S and using it with an ETHOS mic through my MixPre II. Will see how it goes...
@@skyace888 oh, yes, that sounds like a nice combination.
Hi Curtis, I hope you are well. I've just returned from the Gaithersburg ukulele festival, Maryland and now looking to invest further into equipment for my home set up. I am in the market for something like this for doing livestreams. All of the pre-records that I do are sorted in post. There is now a competitor in the form of a Behringer UV-1 that does pretty much the same. However it has a few additions like an on off switch for starters, a USB interface, a headphone output and a mix knob, I guess to blend the input of the USB and output of the device. My question is, have you had any experience of this model? Cheers, Peter.
Hi Peter, good to hear from you. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to try the UV1 yet, but looks interesting!
Mr Judd, I'm aware this is an older CZcams posting, I'm not sure even for s reply. My question is, have you noticed a subtle hum or buzz emminating from your unit? I have noticed it in mine and were just wondering if it is general of the unit as a whole. I noticed this even when it stands alone, with nothing attached.
Hi Poalo, I haven't noticed. Usually you'll want to evaluate these things with a microphone attached as most preamplifiers will make some buzz when there isn't a microphone attached. But it sounds like it is there when you have a mic attached. How severe is it? Any samples online?
@@curtisjudd Thanks for your reply. I think what I may do, is send the unit back for exchange and see if the new one exhibits the same problem. If so, it maybe something to do with my setup. I have recorded the sound and will try to get a link to you.
dbx286s is cool and popular. But I have a question. Is there a combo device containing two mic inputs(with all the effects like in this one) and USB interface integrated? Of course for a good price.
There is the RODECaster Pro which we’ll review here shortly.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Nice can't wait. They added multitrack. 👍
Excelente......Eso mismo es lo que hace un Plugin Gate, pero en hardware es mas conveniente.
👍
Hi Curtis. Could be possible to have this chain of sound? Shure SMB7=>dbx 206s=>MixPre-3 II=> (trs)A7SIII. I know MixPre3-II could be used as a USB audio interface but never try.
Yes, that would definitely work. I assume you mean dbx286S.
@@curtisjudd Hi Curtis. Your reviews are always relevant and technically clear. Congratulations. This is rare. I have a friend who works in radio and dbx 286s attracted my attention and "ears". MixPre-3 II is exactly what I need for online training. Very versatile. The 833 would probably have more input-output options and probably higher quality circuits, but now the MixPre 3 is just right. Instead, for live streaming, dbx 286s would be quite interesting. Although, for me, dbx 286s is not portable at all and this bothers me a little because I work in several cities. In fact, I would ask you, if you don't mind: during your journey into the audio world - have you encountered anything similar to the dbx 286s (with same functions) but much more compact and portable? My search failed..
In the described chain, how could MixPre-3 contribute (having undeniable qualities when the microphone enters it directly) other than to carry the sound as it comes from the dbx 286s? How would you see this?
Thank you for your effort online. I learned a lot from your channels.
Regards,
Daniel
@@unnxify Some of the smaller Universal Audio Apollo interfaces are more portable and have DSP processing. It isn't analogue processing like the 286S, but digital emulations that produce similar results.
So you've got a $200 mic processor going though a $4,000 audio interface? I'd reverse that. However, having said that, I love the 286s and it's extremely simple to use, affordable, and saves a ton of time in post if it's set right. Also excellent for live sound where no post is possible. Great product. No such thing as a bad review for that thing.
This was only set up this way to do this demo. I have a RND Shelford Channel which I use most of the time in lieu of the 286S. But of course, that's pretty specialized.
cual es mejor para ti el focusite q se ve ahi o el dbx? buen video
El dbx es mejor para mí porque tiene un de-esser y una puerta de ruido.
@@curtisjudd genial . Gracias por compartir . Muy buenos videos. Saludos de uruguay 🇺🇾
Please skip this comment if you have been told a dozen times but I think you missed that the DBX is analog gear using an analog scale. On the gain, you are wanting to peak at 0 dB and it's not a big problem if you go over that some. 0 dB analog is roughly -18 dBFS digital once it gets to the digital interface. That's why 0 dB is merely amber on the scale.
This mostly only matters for the threshold values on dynamic effects but it lets you get more clean gain if you were using something with dirty preamps other than an Apollo.
!
Thanks for clarifying that. The reason I dropped the output gain is that it was clipping in Audition.
I was thinking it would throw off the nonstandard compressor and the expander but the expander is less of an issue. BSW has a setup video with a DBX engineer providing settings for speech and Julian Krause dropped one where he goes into gain staging, of course.
What gain is the Apollo providing? I presume, none.
!
I’ll check those out, thanks. The Apollo was set at line level and unless the trim was set incorrectly, should not have applied any gain.
Can you help me building a good audio setup using ( Audient iD4 < DBX286 < Cloudlifter CL1 < Shure SM7B). i tried best but i could not able to gain a good sound. few questions can you help
1) to reduce noise, is it good to have the pre-amp gain set to 30db rather than driving hard at 45db? and whith that 30db preamp i try to make sound adjustment on output gain at dbx286 +15db
2) i can't drive compression to make a consistent sound wave (strength) if i increase beyond 3 drive it add humming noise (since it boost the gain as well)
3) my sound notes sometime goes too low, hence i set the compression density to low at 3, so that it keep apply compression , should not be too sharp . but on audacity waveform still i see the low notes are still low (my guess was compressor boost low notes) apart from reducing high notes.
4) is it a good practice to operate at low gain at 286 preamp and low gain at output side of 286 and then makeup the required gain at Audacity using normalising to -1 db level. what is your thought
5) One issue i saw (might be not in my knowledge), with SM7b i am getting mono sounf wave , if i record stereo sound then how i can achieve
1) To reduce noise, it is best to turn off the sources of the noise in the room. Good-old physics. Don't rely on your microphone and preamp to reject a bunch of noise that is present in the room. Set the gain so that the peaks are at a reasonable place - often -12dB or so. 2) Get your gain right first. Then apply just a tiny bit of compression to handle the parts where you talk louder. You generally shouldn't push the compressor hard for spoken word or singing content. 3) Back off the compressor to fix this issue. 4) No, go back to step one above. You can boost a bit in post to optimize things in the end, but don't rely entirely on that. 5) Get all the other things working right first. Stereo recordings are not usually something you do for spoken word or singing. It just adds way more complexity and potentially more noise.
@@curtisjudd to be more specific on noise, i mean to say the buzzing sound that comes when i increase preamp boost. So for sm7b (need 60db) if i get 20db from CL1 and 40db from dbx286 preamp i saw the noise. with this i can't further increase the compression(because compressor also has makeup boost) . So what i did was instead of 40 db preamp boost i set to 30db. and with this sound if i try to use compression i was not able to (unless until i drive very hard).
@@mdbaseer361 Hmm, I'm really not sure and it is hard to advise without being there and tweaking the settings in real-time in person. But my best guess is that the secret lies in not pushing the drive very hard. Just use the compressor as a safety tool to prevent clipping, not to change the sound too much. If you find that you need to reduce the output level below 0, I'd instead go back and drop the drive first, and then the gain after that.
@@curtisjudd thanks a lot, yes this makes sense a lot to drive preamp and compressor as little as possible.
And your send advice, if output gain if its negative that indicates you have over boosted preprocessing
Hi, is anyone getting a bit of a buzzing sound when you put your ear to the dbx286s, its only plugged into the mains, any info would be good. Thanks
Not noticing a substantial buzz here.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Thanks for getting back, so you don't hear any noise when you put your ear to the transformer part of the dbx and the preamp area of the dbx. Thanks
@@jayj2702 Right next to it, yes a tiny bit, but nothing that seems to affect my stream or recorded audio.
În primul rând am vrut să văd cum răspunde la reglaj, așa că am conectat la el un preamplificator de căști TOPPING A 30 și am folosit căști SONY, verificate. Am conectat un microfon Shure dinamic și am vorbit în microfon. Cablurile folosite sunt de calitate. Așa am văzut că se aude doar în stânga. Sigur că am verificat atent conectările. Credeam că voi avea sunet pe ambele canale, stânga și dreapta.
Asta m-am așteptat, dar se aude doar stânga. Am conectat și la PC. Același rezultat pe înregistrare.
Am tras concluzia că din dbx plecă sunet doar pe un canal. E corect?
First of all, I wanted to see how it responds to the setting, so I connected a TOPPING A 30 headphone preamplifier to it and used SONY, verified headphones. I connected a dynamic Shure microphone and spoke into the microphone. The cables used are of high quality. That's how I saw that it can only be heard on the left. Of course I checked the connections carefully. I thought I would have sound on both channels, left and right.
That's what I expected, but it can only be heard on the left. I also connected to the PC. Same result on recording.
I concluded that the sound leaves dbx only on one channel. It's correct?
Yes, the dbx286s is a mono processor.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the reply!
very good review. the akg 414 is a nightmare for sibilant voices! it is a very bright mic that goes out of its way to grab high frequency transients. great for grabbing cymbal detail. terrible for managing esses. so it's a great choice to demonstrate a de-esser. but if that's your go-to mic for voiceover... don't torture yourself! get yourself a mic that is less hyper above 2k. you have a ton of equipment, so you probably have something else. but i just wanted to point that out.
Thanks ytb917. 👍🏻
can use for singing?
Sure.
Can you sing?
Can you pls suggest alternatives. I heard this goes bad in two years.
At what price range? I've had my dbx286 for over two years and no problems. I also have a Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel which I like a lot more but it is very expensive.
Under $1000
@@timmark4190 Ok. To be transparent, I have no first-hand experience with any in the $1000 price range. Sorry about that.
There used to be a lot but I can’t find any. Looking for new versions. Here is a pdf www.bswusa.com/assets/pdf/bsw_2009_159-173_audioprocess.pdf
@@timmark4190 I think that analogue channel strips are harder to come by in 2021 because of the onslaught of devices like the Universal Audio Apollo line which essentially emulate all of the high-end analogue channels with DSP. It is a great system and you can get into a desktop model for under $1000.
I don't mean to necro a video, but nearly everyone who demonstrates this device is using it incorrectly, your initial gain input is way to low for the processing of the dbx to function correctly, especially the compressor.
Well Curtis - the more knobs you turn on that device, the less I like the result. When I go back and forth between around 5:00 and 15:00 minutes into the video, I think the former sounds a lot cleaner and more natural.
I think this falls under the general category of, “if it ain't broken, don't fix it”.
I don't doubt that this machine has it's use when something IS “broken” = not optimal. But the take-away from this seems to be not to use it, unless it's necessary.
Don’t judge this based on my poor job of setting it up. Very difficult to do this on your own voice while talking and listening at the same time. 😀
And by the way, I agree, these settings didn’t make me sound better.
If your setup is already strong, the 286s maybe a dubious value for you. Like all things, this will not be for everyone. Curtis' production values are very high, and it does not surprise me that the 286s may make it go backwards, but like I said earlier it takes a bit of practice and experimentation. It may not ultimately work out for you. That is part what making sound great is about. Not everything is always a step forward. You have to listen after your results with good monitors or headphones. For me the 286s worked out great. For others software or another solution maybe better. Besides what is the fun of only having one solution.
It's not suitable for singing?
It can be used for that, but it seems to have been designed for spoken word.
@@curtisjudd The question would be then would it be better than using the preamps in common mainstream audio interfaces.
@@spaceorbison Depends on the audio interface. It seems to be in line with most of the modern USB interfaces $150 and up.