DBX 286s Microphone Pre Amp

The dbx 286s is a full featured Channel Strip Processor that delivers a studio quality microphone/instrument preamplifier and four processors that can be used independently or in any combination.

The sonically pristine dbx 286s Mic Preamp has all the features you need, including wide-ranging input gain control, switchable +48V phantom power, and an 80Hz high-pass filter to remove low frequency hum, rumble or wind. Use the patented dbx OverEasy® compressor to transparently smooth out uneven acoustic tracks or deliver that classic "in your face" vocal performance that only a dbx compressor can.

Eliminate vocal sibilance and high frequency distortion from instruments such as cymbals with the frequency tunable De-Esser. Fine-tune the Enhancer HF Detail control to add sparkle and crispness to your tracks and make adjustments to the LF Detail control to add fullness and depth to vocals and bass instruments while cleaning up the muddy low midrange frequencies. 

The cost and hassle of patching together multiple processors for use on one track can be frustrating. The dbx 286s provides you with all the mic processing you need in one box, with the shortest, cleanest signal path to keep your music sounding its best!

Product Features

• Studio quality Mic Preamp/Channel Strip Processor
• Classic dbx Compression puts great sound within easy reach
• Frequency tunable De-Esser reduces sibilance and high frequency distortion
• Enhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequencies
• Program adaptive Expander/Gate
• Insert jack allows you to add an external processor
• Full compliment of meters and status LEDs
• +48V Phantom Power
• Precision detented controls

Mic Input

• INPUT: Floating balanced, Pin 2 Hot
• Impedance: ~4.2kΩ
• Maximum Level: 0.25Vrms, Gain = 30dB
• Gain Adjustment Range: 0dB to +60dB
• Phantom Power: +48VDC, applied to XLR pins 2 and 3 through 6.81kΩ resistors
• CMRR: >40dB, typically 55dB
• EIN: -125dBu, 22Hz-22kHz, 150Ω source impedance

Line Input

• Input: Floating balanced, TIP Hot
• Impedance: 10kΩ unbalanced, 20kΩ balanced
• Maximum Level: >+21dBu, balanced or unbalanced
• Gain Adjustment Range: -15dB to +45 dB
• CMRR: >40dB, typically 55dB

Insert

• (1/4" TRS phone): Normalled; tip is Send, ring is Return
• Ring: Impedance: >5kΩ
• Maximum Level: >+21dBu
• Tip: Impedance: 100Ω
• Maximum Level: >+21dBu, >+20dBm (600Ω load)
• Noise: <-89dBu, unweighted (20Hz-20kHz); LINE GAIN Control set to 0dB
• Distortion: <0.01% THD, 20Hz-20kHz, +10dBu

Line Output

• 1/4" TRS phone: Balanced/Unbalanced
• Impedance: 100Ω unbalanced, 200Ω balanced
• Maximum Level: >+21dBu, >+20dBm (600Ω load)
• Gain Adjustment Range: -30dB to +10dB
• Noise: <-80dBu unweighted (20Hz-20kHz); Both Gain Controls set for 0dB, all processing controls OFF
• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, +0.5/-0.5dB
• Distortion: <0.08%THD, 20Hz-20kHz, +10dBu, all Processing Controls OFF

Compressor

• Threshold Range: -40dBu to +20dBu
• Threshold Characteristics: OverEasy®
• Compression Ratio: >4:1 For input levels beyond 20dB above threshold
• Maximum Compression: 30dB
• Attack Time: Program-Dependent; >1s for small level increases, down to 10ms for larage increases
• Release Time: Program-Dependen; adjustable between approximately 1dB/sec and 75dB/sec
• Distortion: Typically <0.05%THD, 20Hz-20kHz, 15dB G/R, +10dBu Output, DENSITY @ 0
• SMPTE Intermodulation Distortion: <0.05%; 60Hz/7kHz 4:1, 15dB G/R, +10dBu Output Level, DENSITY @ 0

De-Esser

• Characteristic: Wideband Gain Reduction
• Frequency Range: 800Hz to 10kHz High Pass, 12dB/octave
• Release Time: Program-Dependent approximately 1ms/dB

Enhancer

• HF Detail Characteristic: Program-controlled shelving equalizer, approximately 15dB maximum HF boost
• LF Detail Characteristics: Bell-shaped boost @ 80Hz, bell-shaped cut @250Hz, ratio is approximately 2:1

Expander/Gate

• Threshold Range: OFF to +15dBu
• Expansion Ratio: Adjustable 1.5:1 to 10:1
• Maximum Depth: >50dB
• Attack Time: Program-Dependent, approximately 2mS (at maximum attenuation)
• Release Time: Program-Dependent, approxiamtely 10mS/dB
• Dynamic Range: Typically 105dB

Power

• Power Requirements: 15watts
• Operating Voltage: DO: 120VAC 60Hz, 100VAC 50/60Hz; EU: 230VAC 50/60Hz
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)

Physical

• Dimensions: 1.75" x 5.75" x 19" (4.5cm x 14.6cm x 48.5cm)
• Weight: Net Weight: 4.5 lbs/2.04 Kgs. Shipping Weight: 6.54 lbs/2.97 Kgs

Manufacturer: DBX