dbx 286 S, User Manual

286

Compressor

DRIVE Control

The DRIVE control determines the overall amount of gain reduction by setting the signal 
level going into the gain control circuitry.  Turning DRIVE clockwise will increase the input 
signal, and therefore increase the amount of applied gain reduction.  Turning DRIVE fully 
counterclockwise (to OFF) allows the compressor to pass all signals unattenuated, effectively 
bypassing the compressor.

Higher DRIVE settings can cause the Compressor Section to add substantial gain to signal, 
especially with low input levels.  For example, setting the DRIVE control to 12:00 can add 
up to 20dB of gain to low signal levels.  With hotter input levels going into the Compressor 
Section (whether from the MIC INPUT, LINE INPUT or INSERT jacks), gain addition due to the 
DRIVE control will be less noticeable.

DENSITY Control

Use this control to speed up or slow down the program-dependent release times.  The scale 
is arbitrary because the release time is automatically varied according to the nature of the 
program material (to minimize audible compression-induced side effects).  The release rate 
is from 0 (a slow release for smooth compression) to 10 (a fast release where compression 
follows the envelope of the program very tightly).

There is no absolute “right” way to set the DENSITY control.  However, in general, slower 
settings are useful for gating out noise present behind vocals and acoustic instruments, while 
faster settings are useful for tightening up the sound of percussion instruments (e.g., a kick 
or snare drum).

GAIN REDUCTION (dB) Meter

This meter shows the true peak gain reduction in dB.  If the red LED at the far left of the 
meter lights, no further gain reduction is available.

De-Esser

FREQUENCY Control

Use the control to set the HIGHPASS frequency of the variable filter used in the De-Esser 
circuitry.  Settings between 4-8kHz will yield the best results for vocal processing, while more 
extreme settings allow the 286s to be used in other non-vocal applications.

THRESHOLD Control

Use this control to set the sensitivity of the De-Esser as a percentage of the average program 
level at the 286s input.  This means that the De-Esser tracks the input level so the amount of 
de-essing remains constant with changes in input level.

The De-Esser 1dB and 6dB THRESHOLD LEDs light when the De-Esser is active.  These indicate 
(in dB) how much sibilance reduction is occurring due to the De-Esser.

Section 2

Operating Controls

7

286s