Harman 286 user manual Suggested Settings/Usages, Off

Section 3 Basic Operation

286s

slow the compressor’s release time, set the DENSITY control to 0.

Set the De-Esser frequency control to 4kHz (12:00 position).

Adjust the De-Esser THRESHOLD control to reduce the vocalist’s sibilance.

Use the HF DETAIL, to taste, to add life to the vocal. Defeat the LF DETAIL by setting it to

OFF.

Set the Expander/Gate THRESHOLD and EXPANSION RATIO controls starting with a setting of around 11:00. Adjust these controls so that background noises are gated out when the vocal part is low or not present.

Because minimal processing levels often produce the best results, the 286s processing should initially be applied conservatively (to taste); avoid overusing an effect, unless it is absolutely necessary. (For example, use De-Essing for sibilance or high frequency distortion only; otherwise, turn the control OFF. Or, for material already rich in high frequencies, set the HF DETAIL to Off, or use it minimally.) This will ensure that the 286s circuitry produces superior audio without any artifacts.

Suggested Settings/Usages

Expander/Gate

Note: The Expander/Gate is OFF when the Expander/Gate THRESHOLD is set to the “off” position.

Suggested Initial Gate settings:

Gating Sounds that have Longer Decay

Gating Dry Percussive Sounds(i.e.: Cymbal, Piano)

(i.e.: Snare Drum, Kick Drum)

	Downward Expansion to Reduce
Gating Hum or Buzz from Live
	Noise Under Smooth Sounds
Instruments or Recorded Tracks
	(i.e.: Vocals, Woodwinds)

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