dbx 286 S, User Manual

286

2.1 Rear Panel

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MIC INPUT Jack

The 286s MIC INPUT jack supports professional and home studio microphones by accepting 
either balanced or unbalanced signal through an XLR connector.  Pins 2 and 3 are 
symmetrically balanced and floating; thus, either can be used as “HOT” without difficulty.  Pin 
2 is in phase with the TIP of all 1/4” connectors.  Pin 1 is connected to the 286s chassis 
ground.

Note:

 Use a low impedance mic or a high-to-low impedance matching transformer with a 

high impedance mic.

LINE INPUT Jack

Use a 1/4” TRS phone plug to connect line level sources to the 286s (e.g., mixer outputs, 
effects loops, electronic keyboards, etc.).  The 286s LINE INPUT jack accepts either balanced 
or unbalanced signals.  Input impedance is 10k

Ω

 unbalanced, 20k

Ω

 balanced.

Note: 

In general, this jack does not support microphones with 1/4” plugs.  Use an 

appropriate 1/4”-to-XLR adapter and plug the microphone into the MIC INPUT jack.

LINE OUTPUT Jack

The 286s LINE OUTPUT jack accepts either balanced or unbalanced 1/4” phone plugs.  
Nominal output signal levels is 0dBu into 600

Ω

, and maximum output signal level is >+21dBu 

into 600

Ω

.  Output impedance is 100

Ω

 unbalanced, 200

Ω

 balanced.  The output is tip HOT.

INSERT Jack

The 286s INSERT jack allows you to either add an effects loop directly into the 286s circuitry 
chain or take a separate mic preamp signal out.

To connect one or more external processors or effects devices (e.g., an equalizer, delay unit, 
etc.) between the Mic Preamp Section and the Processing Section, insert a 1/4” TRS plug 
carrying the external device’s output signal fully into the 286s INSERT jack; the TIP acts as 
a Send, carrying the signal from the Mic Preamp Section at an impedance of 100

Ω

, while 

the RING acts as a Return for external devices to feed the 286s processing circuitry (i.e., 
286s compressor, de-esser, etc.).  This operation requires a Y-cable.  When using INSERT as a 
direct-in to the Processing Section, MIC GAIN control, HIGHPASS button and PHANTOM POWER 
will not be active.

Section 2

Operating Controls

4

  Section 2 - Operating Controls

286s