DBX 286S Review and Features Walkthru - Sound Speeds

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  • čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
  • 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. CZcams 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/...
    Pearson Cases: www.ebay.com/u...
    Similar discontinued product: dbxpro.com/en/...
    To purchase a Cloudlifter CL-Z: geni.us/Cloudli...
    For info about the Cloudlifter CL-Z: cloudmicrophone...
    Full disclosure: DBX sent me this unit gratis to review. The purchase links above contain Amazon Affiliated links.
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    Have a question? Write it in the comments below or email SoundSpeeds@yahoo.com
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Komentáře • 221

  • @NOWitsOKto
    @NOWitsOKto Před 6 lety +12

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +5

      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 CZcams 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 CZcams. 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
      @JHS56247 Před 4 lety

      Sound Speeds .... Agreed.

  • @matrixate
    @matrixate Před 10 měsíci +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 10 měsíci

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

  • @Mr_Red_Dragon
    @Mr_Red_Dragon Před 6 lety +8

    What an amazing addition to anyone's audio setup.

  • @_placeholder
    @_placeholder Před 4 lety +3

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

  • @JHS56247
    @JHS56247 Před 4 lety +2

    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.

  • @00solman
    @00solman Před 6 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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.

  • @richardansah3913
    @richardansah3913 Před 4 lety +1

    best review on the DBX280s - highly educational - thank you

  • @bradleysmith681
    @bradleysmith681 Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @bradleysmith681
      @bradleysmith681 Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @bradleysmith681
      @bradleysmith681 Před 6 lety +1

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

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

  • @scotched9682
    @scotched9682 Před 6 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

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

  • @MikkoRantalainen
    @MikkoRantalainen Před 2 lety +1

    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.

  • @andrewp1513
    @andrewp1513 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety

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

    • @andrewp1513
      @andrewp1513 Před 2 lety

      *Allen…apologies 🙏

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety

      Apologies? For what?

    • @andrewp1513
      @andrewp1513 Před 2 lety

      @@SoundSpeeds getting your name wrong 🙏

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety

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

  • @bobsyeruncle4841
    @bobsyeruncle4841 Před 6 lety +2

    best video on the subject matter on you tube thanks

  • @PreciseAimm
    @PreciseAimm Před 4 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

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

    • @PreciseAimm
      @PreciseAimm Před 4 lety +1

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

      @@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
      @PreciseAimm Před 4 lety

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

      @@PreciseAimm Thanks for watching

  • @RickySweum
    @RickySweum Před 5 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety

      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.

  • @brtcobra
    @brtcobra Před 6 lety +2

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

  • @simonyates7348
    @simonyates7348 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @AntAskew
    @AntAskew Před 6 lety +3

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +2

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

    • @AntAskew
      @AntAskew Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

      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.

  • @DannerPlace
    @DannerPlace Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @DannerPlace
      @DannerPlace Před 2 lety +1

      "per octave"

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety

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

  • @LesHistoiresdeReiji
    @LesHistoiresdeReiji Před 3 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 3 lety +1

      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
      @LesHistoiresdeReiji Před 3 lety +1

      @@SoundSpeeds Thank you for your answer !

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 3 lety

      Glad to help

  • @Filow
    @Filow Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @timcity
    @timcity Před 5 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety

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

  • @AlexJohn2us
    @AlexJohn2us Před 3 lety +1

    " Thank you ; for Your Helpful Tutorial ! "

  • @sirnigelcogs
    @sirnigelcogs Před 6 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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.

  • @zioqqr4262
    @zioqqr4262 Před 2 lety +1

    Very informative, thanks!

    • @zioqqr4262
      @zioqqr4262 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @McIntec
    @McIntec Před 6 lety +2

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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.

  • @caloss2
    @caloss2 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety

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

    • @caloss2
      @caloss2 Před 2 lety +1

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety

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

  • @LiraeNoir
    @LiraeNoir Před 4 lety +2

    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 CZcams 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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety +1

      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
      @LiraeNoir Před 4 lety +1

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

      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
      @jcstrabo Před 4 lety +1

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

      Thank you. :-)

  • @zen_nabu
    @zen_nabu Před 6 lety +4

    "let's not do this anymore" 😂

  • @mistered1397
    @mistered1397 Před 3 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 3 lety +1

      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
      @mistered1397 Před 3 lety +1

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 3 lety

      Thank you sir. Happy Thanksgiving!

  • @MelRog
    @MelRog Před 2 lety +1

    Helleva video, thank you!

  • @poalotesta7743
    @poalotesta7743 Před 4 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety +1

      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.

  • @CookeAaronJ
    @CookeAaronJ Před 3 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 3 lety

      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.

  • @iambahrani
    @iambahrani Před 7 dny +1

    Hi, is it ok to use it in live singing performance in a club or something?

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 7 dny +1

      I guess you could but it's not designed for that and there's better things to use in b those situations

    • @iambahrani
      @iambahrani Před 7 dny

      What do you recommend? For simillar budget With thoses rich features? ​@@SoundSpeeds

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 7 dny +1

      That's not my specialty so I don't know

  • @48snapper
    @48snapper Před 6 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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..

  • @andreaspeas
    @andreaspeas Před 5 lety +2

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety

      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.

  • @copixel37
    @copixel37 Před 5 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety +2

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

    • @copixel37
      @copixel37 Před 5 lety

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety +1

      @@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.

  • @MikkoRantalainen
    @MikkoRantalainen Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @SmoothNanners
    @SmoothNanners Před 3 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 3 lety +1

      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.

  • @danboud8135
    @danboud8135 Před 4 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety +1

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

    • @danboud8135
      @danboud8135 Před 4 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

      @@danboud8135 Thank you for watching.

  • @gurtz1144
    @gurtz1144 Před 6 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

      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.

  • @courtcounselor
    @courtcounselor Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

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

  • @Danibluemusic
    @Danibluemusic Před 6 lety +2

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

      Dani Blue The headphones I use on this channel are the Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones. Here's my review of them: czcams.com/video/afBVkvmeAt0/video.html

  • @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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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.

  • @rebel200794
    @rebel200794 Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

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

  • @Podcastforthewin
    @Podcastforthewin Před 6 lety +3

    You should do a Q&A sometime man

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

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

  • @MichaelW.1980
    @MichaelW.1980 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety

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

    • @MichaelW.1980
      @MichaelW.1980 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 2 lety

      No worries. Thanks for watching.

  • @kaosdragon
    @kaosdragon Před 6 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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
      @kaosdragon Před 6 lety +1

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

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

  • @NewbArchitect
    @NewbArchitect Před 5 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety +1

      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
      @NewbArchitect Před 5 lety +1

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety

      @@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
      @NewbArchitect Před 5 lety +1

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety

      @@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.

  • @GaryClement
    @GaryClement Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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.

  • @whizme604
    @whizme604 Před 6 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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
      @whizme604 Před 6 lety +1

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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
      @whizme604 Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

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

  • @johnf.r6658
    @johnf.r6658 Před 6 lety +1

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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
      @johnf.r6658 Před 6 lety +1

      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
      @johnf.r6658 Před 6 lety +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

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

  • @Stargazer1331
    @Stargazer1331 Před 6 lety

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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
      @Stargazer1331 Před 6 lety

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      @@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
      @Stargazer1331 Před 6 lety +1

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

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

  • @poalotesta7743
    @poalotesta7743 Před 4 lety

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety +1

      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
      @poalotesta7743 Před 4 lety

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

  • @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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

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

  • @woodhousemusic7176
    @woodhousemusic7176 Před 4 lety +2

    Cool... ;)

  • @petereglitis689
    @petereglitis689 Před 6 lety

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety +1

      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
      @petereglitis689 Před 6 lety +1

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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.

  • @sizzlemac5785
    @sizzlemac5785 Před 5 lety

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

      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.

  • @djmarinoficial5583
    @djmarinoficial5583 Před 4 lety +1

    Te salut prietene.. 🇷🇴❗

  • @mangreat71
    @mangreat71 Před 4 lety

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

      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
      @mangreat71 Před 4 lety +1

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

    • @mangreat71
      @mangreat71 Před 4 lety

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

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

  • @scoremoore4280
    @scoremoore4280 Před 6 lety +2

    What headphone do you recommend for audio editing?

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 6 lety

      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
      @inUR2teeth Před 6 lety

      KRK KNS 8400

  • @pingpongowo
    @pingpongowo Před 3 lety

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

    • @pingpongowo
      @pingpongowo Před 3 lety +1

      Oh God I forgot how loud it sometimes gets

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 3 lety

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

  • @starttofinishpodcasting3721

    Hey Allen, If you get a chance can you listen to the audio in this video link ( czcams.com/video/gsaaxHBKry8/video.html ). 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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 4 lety

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

  • @shoop6119
    @shoop6119 Před 4 lety

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

  • @AteuCu
    @AteuCu Před 4 lety

    Sounds like Blippi.

  • @EdoDijkgraaf
    @EdoDijkgraaf Před 5 lety

    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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety

      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
      @EdoDijkgraaf Před 5 lety +1

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety

      @@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
      @EdoDijkgraaf Před 5 lety +1

      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. CZcams is the second largest search engine in the world. I will find a great mic for her.

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @---ml4jd
    @---ml4jd Před rokem

    Are those aurlax stuff?

    • @---ml4jd
      @---ml4jd Před rokem

      Hi dont heart me. Answer me

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před rokem

      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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před rokem

      I did.

    • @---ml4jd
      @---ml4jd Před rokem

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před rokem

      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.

  • @petereglitis689
    @petereglitis689 Před 6 lety

    please

  • @Bradleybrookwood
    @Bradleybrookwood Před rokem +1

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před rokem

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

    • @Bradleybrookwood
      @Bradleybrookwood Před rokem

      @@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
      @SoundSpeeds  Před rokem

      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
      @Bradleybrookwood Před rokem

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

    • @SoundSpeeds
      @SoundSpeeds  Před rokem

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