dbx 286 S, User Manual

286

Section 3

Basic Operation

11

286s

Press the HIGHPASS button In to cut signals below 80Hz by 18dB/octave, effectively filtering 
out mic proximity effects, hum, rumble, wind and other low frequency “undesirables.”

Use the MIC GAIN control to achieve the best definition and character possible from your 
microphone.  The 286s Mic Preamp delivers up to 60dB of sonically transparent gain to reveal 
the detail and audio signature of even the most esoteric mics.  It transforms their low level 
output signal to a high level, high current signal that is internally fed to the 286s main 
processing chain (i.e., compressor, de-esser, etc.)

Using the 286s as a Dedicated Mic Preamp

To use the 286s as a dedicated mic preamp, simply press the BYPASS button to defeat the 
Processing Section circuitry.  This allows you to use the Mic preamp’s PHANTOM POWER 
switch, HIGHPASS button and MIC GAIN control without routing the signal through any of the 
processing circuitry.

Processing Section

The 286s Processing Section consists of four specific processors: Compressor , De-esser, 
Enhancer, Expander/Gate.  These four processors can be used in any combination or the 286s 
can be set as a dedicated single-function processor (refer to the following pages).

Compressor

A compressor is a device that changes its gain in response to the signal at its input.  
Many compressors have a user-selectable level, called THRESHOLD, to help determine 
when compression occurs.  If the input signal is low in level (below the threshold of 
compression) the compressor gain remains fixed.  If the input increases above the threshold 
of compression, the gain begins to decrease (i.e., the amount of gain reduction increases).  
For very large input signals, the gain can decrease considerably.  On the 286s, compression 
occurs as an input level is “driven” into gain reduction by the DRIVE control; as the DRIVE 
setting (adjusted clockwise from OFF) increases input gain, the amount of gain reduction also 
increases.  The 286s does not have a Threshold control; the threshold is established by the 
setting of the DRIVE control.

Use the Drive control to set the amount of gain reduction (i.e., how much the input signal is 
being compressed).  Use the DENSITY control to set the compressor’s release time (i.e., how 
fast the compression circuit returns the input to its original level).

The 286s patented and versatile Compressor can smoothly and unobtrusively ride gain, and 
assertively increase punch and density.  The 286s achieves its outstandingly transparent audio 
performance by finely-tuned control circuitry that eliminates the dynamic distortions present 
in most conventional compressors and limiters.  The use of a quiet, low-distortion dbx VCA 
ensures negligible static distortion and noise.  Compression is especially useful for smoothing 
out a vocal performance, raising a signal out of a mix, fattening kick or snare drums, or 
adding sustain to instruments (such as an acoustic guitar or bass).

De-Esser

A De-Esser is a device that reduces the high frequency energy present in certain vocalizations, 
of which the most common is sibilance.  Sibilance is the hissing or rushing sound produced