®

286A Mic Preamp/ Processor

 

 

0

 

+5

 

CLIP

dB

GAIN

OUTPUT

 

 

 

 

 

+10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-30

 

 

 

 

-10

THRESHOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

5:1

- +

10:1

 

 

2:1

 

-5 1.5:1

 

 

+15 MIN

RATIO

EXPANDER/GATE

-15

 

30

 

 

OFF

THRESHOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

dBu

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

8

 

9

10

DETAIL

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

10 OFF

DETAIL HF

ENHANCER

5

7 3

8 2

 

9 1

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

3

2

 

1

OFF

LF

 

 

 

 

dB

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

8

 

9

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

OFF 10

THRESHOLD

ESSER

4

3

2

 

1

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8k

 

 

10k

 

DE-

 

 

 

 

 

FREQUENCY

 

4k

 

 

 

 

800

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hz

 

 

 

 

1k

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

REDUCTIONdB

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 12 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAIN

25 20

10

DENSITY

COMPRESSOR

5

7

8

 

9

 

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

3

2

 

1

OFF

 

 

 

7

8

 

9

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVE

 

4

3

2

 

1

OFF

 

 

 

 

PROCESS

BYPASS

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIGHPASS

(80Hz)

CLIP010-20

 

 

PREAMPMIC

 

 

48V PHANTOM (dBu)LEVEL

 

 

 

 

 

POWER

 

 

 

 

 

+40

 

-

+60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+30

 

 

 

 

dB

GAIN

 

 

 

+15

 

 

+10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dbx 286A’s Mic Preamp and five processors can be used independently or in any combination. Why mic up vocals and instruments through a noisy, blurry mixer? The dbx 286A’s sonically pristine Mic Preamp has all the fea- tures you need, including wide-ranging input gain control, switchable 48V phantom power and an 80Hz high-pass filter. Use the 286A’s newly designed and patented OverEasy® Compressor to transparently smooth out uneven acoustic tracks or deliver that classic “in your face” rock vocal. Take out vocal sibilance and high frequency distor- tion in cymbals with the 286A’s frequency tunable De-Esser. Fine-tune the Enhancer’s HF Detail control to add sparkle and crispness to tracks. LF Detail control adds fullness and depth to vocals and bass instruments while simul- taneously cleaning up muddy low midrange frequencies. And, the Expander/Gate’s separate threshold and ratio con- trols allow you to subtly reduce headphone leakage or radically gate noisy guitar amps.

The dbx 286A’s full complement of metering and status LEDs visually guide you to achieving the right sound. The floating balanced XLR mic input accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs. An additional 1⁄4" TRS phone jack can accept balanced/ unbalanced line signals to process live electronic instruments or pre-recorded tracks at mixdown. An insert jack between the 286A’s Mic Preamp and signal processing sections can be used to “loop out” to external processors (such as EQ) or to mix the Mic Preamp’s signal out to an external destination.

The cost and hassle of patching together multiple processors for use on one track can be frustrating. The dbx 286A gives you all the tools you’ll need in one box, with the shortest signal path to help keep your music sounding clean.

•New dbx standard internal power supply

•Frequency control for De-Esser

•Expanded meter to show heavy De-Essing

•Above/Below threshold indicator for gate

•+48VDC Phantom Power

•Precision detented controls

8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.

Sandy, Utah 84070

Phone (801) 568-7660

Fax (801) 568-7662

Int’l Fax (801) 568-7583

customer@dbxpro.com

http://www.dbxpro.com

A Harman International Company

18-1666-B 10/98

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dbx Pro 286A manual Harman International Company
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286A specifications

The dbx Pro 286A is a premier mic preamp and processor designed for vocal and instrument recording, delivering professional-grade sound with a host of features that enhance overall audio quality. This versatile piece of equipment is perfect for both studio and live performance settings, making it an invaluable tool for musicians, podcasters, and sound engineers alike.

One of the standout features of the dbx Pro 286A is its high-quality microphone preamp. The unit boasts a gain range of up to 60 dB, which allows it to perfectly accommodate a variety of different microphone types, from dynamic to condenser microphones. The preamp also features a switchable 48V phantom power supply, ensuring compatibility with condenser mics that require power. This flexibility in mic compatibility makes the 286A an essential component in any audio setup.

The dbx 286A also includes a built-in compressor, which plays a key role in controlling the dynamics of the audio signal. This compressor features a simple interface with adjustable parameters such as threshold, ratio, attack, and release times, enabling users to tailor the sound to their specific needs. By managing the dynamic range, users can enhance vocal clarity and ensure that sounds are balanced and consistent.

Additionally, the 286A features a de-esser, which is designed to reduce harsh sibilant sounds in recordings. The de-esser operates in a selectable frequency range, allowing for precise adjustment to target problem frequencies effectively. This results in smoother vocal tracks that are more pleasant to the ears, making it an essential tool for voiceovers and music recordings.

Another notable feature of the dbx Pro 286A is its enhancer circuit. This technology enhances clarity and presence in recordings by applying a specific amount of mid and high-frequency boost, which can significantly improve the overall sound quality. The enhancer is particularly useful for vocals and acoustic instruments, adding a professional sheen to the audio.

In terms of connectivity, the 286A offers both balanced XLR input and output, as well as TRS connections, making it compatible with a wide range of equipment. Additionally, the unit includes a handy "Line In" switch, which allows users to incorporate line-level signals into their processing chain.

Overall, the dbx Pro 286A is a comprehensive audio processing tool that combines high-quality preamp technology with essential processing features. Whether used in a studio environment or for live performances, its ability to enhance audio quality makes it a preferred choice for professionals looking to achieve superior sound.
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