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dbx DBX286SV Instrument, Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor, with Compression, De-Esser, Enhancer, Expander/Gate, Loop-Out. Metering LEDs, XLR and ¼” inputs. Rack Mountable 1U. Silver

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Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Audiosavings
Arrives Sunday, Sep 13
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Size: Mono 4-way


Style: with Mic XLR connectors


Features

  • The dbx 286s is a full featured Pre-Amp for Microphones, and Instruments - a Channel Strip Processor with 4 Independent Effects - Compression, De-Esser, Enhancer, Expander/Gate. Plus Loop-Out for adding additional processors.
  • Classic dbx Compression - Reduces the dynamic range of signals with loud and quiet elements so that both can be heard clearly. Perfect for bringing vocals to the forefront of your mix, ensuring they stand out with greater clarity and presence.
  • The additional 1/4" TRS Line Input can accept balanced/unbalanced signals to process live electronic instruments or pre-recorded tracks at mixdown. Use the Insert jack to interface between the Mic Preamp and the signal processing sections to "loop out"
  • Enhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequencies adding punch and shimmer to a mix. De-Essers are specialized compressors that focus on a specific frequency range. They reduce harsh high frequencies and sibilance.
  • Full array of status LEDs - Monitor audio levels and processor status at a glance, ensuring optimal performance. Floating balanced XLR Mic Input accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs to connect to microphones.
  • Rack mountable 1U Dimensions: 1.75" x 5.75" x 19"
  • Input: 1/4" TRS (x2) and XLR (x1); output: 1/4" TRS (x1)
  • Operating voltage: 120VAC 60Hz, 100VAC 50/60Hz
  • Purchase includes: dbx286s, power cord, operation manual, and rack mount screws and washers (x4)
  • This product is sourced from an authorized dbx North American dealer and includes the official dbx manufacturers warranty. The warranty is valid only for products purchased from authorized dbx North American dealers within the United States.

Description

Transform your vocal recordings with the dbx® 286s Channel Strip Processor / Mic Pre-Amp Processor. It's a top-tier pre-amp combined with four processors that can be used independently or in any combination, making the 286s a versatile piece of equipment designed to elevate audio quality, and simplify set-up. Whether you're recording in a professional studio or setting up a home studio, the dbx 286s ensures pristine sound with its sonically superior mic preamp, making it an essential tool for any serious musician or producer. The dbx 286s features classic dbx Compression, making it easy to achieve that polished, professional, punchy sound. Its frequency-tunable De- esser effectively reduces sibilance and high-frequency distortion, ensuring your vocals and instruments are clear and crisp. The Enhancer boosts the detail and definition of both high and low frequencies, adding depth, richness, sparkle, and punch. Additionally, the program-adaptive Expander/Gate can subtly reduce headphone leakage or completely gate noisy guitar amps, providing you with flexibility and control over your sound. The insert jack also allows the addition of an external processor seamlessly. The dbx 286s also comes equipped with a full complement of meters and status LEDs, making it easy to monitor your levels and adjust settings on the fly. Plus, with +48V phantom power and precision detented controls, this preamp/processor is ready to handle any microphone or instrument you throw at it. Say goodbye to the hassle of patching together multiple processors. The dbx 286s offers all the mic processing you need in one compact box, ensuring the shortest, cleanest signal path for your music. The dbx 286s is the perfect secret weapon to add to your setup, ensuring your music always sounds its best. Rack mountable 1U Dimensions: 1.75" x 5.75" x 19" From the Manufacturer The cost and hassle of patching together multiple processors for use on one track can be frustrating. The dbx 286s provides you with all the mic processing you need in one box, with the shortest, cleanest signal path to keep your music sounding its best! The floating balanced XLR mic input Accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs to easily connect to professional and home studio microphones. The additional 1/4" TRS line input can accept balanced/unbalanced signals to process live electronic instruments or pre-recorded tracks at mix down. Use the insert jack to interface between the mic preamp and the signal processing sections to "Loop out" to external processors (such as EQ or delay unit) or to mix the mic preamp's signal out to an external destination.

Brand: dbx


Number of Channels: 1


Product Dimensions: 1.75"D x 1.75"W x 1.75"H


Item Weight: 2.3 kg


Connectivity Technology: Wired


Number of Channels: 1


Connectivity Technology: Wired


Power Source: Corded Electric


Output Connector Type: TRS


Audio Input: XLR


Voltage: 0.4 volts


Item Dimensions D x W x H: 1.75"D x 1.75"W x 1.75"H


Item Weight: 2.3 kg


Brand Name: dbx


Number of Items: 1


Number of Packs: 1


Manufacturer: DBX


UPC: 632317256193 691991401237 714573520307 632317252874


Global Trade Identification Number: 37


Unit Count: 1 Count


Included Components: Quick Start Guide


Item Type Name: 286s Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor


Model Number: DBX286SV


Manufacturer Part Number: DBX286SV


Warranty Description: This product is sold by an authorized dbx north american dealer and includes the official dbx manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty is valid only for products purchased from authorized sellers within the united states. Full details are available on the dbx website.


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Sunday, Sep 13

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Similar Products

Top Amazon Reviews

    • Excellent bang for your buck
The 286S handles basic voice processing very competently. I have owned other DBX products and found them to be very capable but was a bit skeptical about how a sub-200 dollar all-in-one preamp-compressor/limiter-noise gate unit with EQ would function, but I was pleasantly surprised. One major factor for me was that the unit had to function in the presence of high power RF fields. No worries there as all the inputs and outputs are RF filtered very effectively. Although the DBX over-easy compressor works well, it has always been my preference to have the compressor/limiter as the last component in my audio chain. Unfortunately, other than the side-chain insert jack, there is no patch-panel capability to allow you to move the position of the onboard processing modules as you can with more expensive units like the RANE VP-12. Although the De-Esser works well and tames most of the sibilance now and then a searing high can slip through with the EQ module at the end of the chain. This was not a big problem and all I did was disable the onboard compressor/limiter and use an old DBX-166A compressor/limiter behind the 286S. The audio is very smooth and the shelving EQ works very nicely allowing a lot of control over lows and highs. The short story is that I am very pleased with the performance value of the 286S and have found it to be flexible enough to allow a tremendous amount of adjustment to cover pretty much any basic processing need. If you keep in mind that it is not a Symmetrix 528E you won't be disappointed with what you get in this box. It is a very agile and effective preamp and voice processing unit. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2014 by IIIEnderIII
    • Effortless radio voice
I have a shure sm7db hooked into this, which then runs into a scarlet focusrite, and into my pc, and my gosh does it sound incredible. I get radio quality vocals without any post processing. My microphone is fairly decent, but this thing is doing a ton of heavy lifting. I followed the settings listed in another reviewers Amazon review, which I highly recommend, and haven't needed to tweak it since. The raw audio requires next to nothing done to it after the fact, I'm not an audiophile, but it sounds almost perfect to my ears. Using this on calls is phenomenal, it is super crispy, even over most websites trashy audio bitrate. Shure SM7s and their variations are good at blocking out background noise, but with this thing, it's unbelievable. My recording desk is in an unfinished room, with two large fish tanks directly behind it. I always have a dehumidifier running in the room, and usually a fan. My microphone doesnt pick up on a single sound, even in the background while I'm talking, its actually insane. I bought mine for $200, and even at that price I thought it was amazing. Ive seen it go as low as $150. If youre looking for a stellar processor that doesnt cost a grand, go with this thing. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2025 by Edward
    • A Quality, Low-cost Audio Preamp/Processor
When it first arrived, I admit that I was prepared to find fault with this relatively low cost device. However, I have since found it to be a very competent performer. The dbx 286S Audio Processor packs a lot of features and performance for the approximately $200 that I paid for it. This one rack space (1.75") high device contains a microphone preamplifier with switchable phantom power for condenser microphones, a limiter, expander/gate, and a two-band effects equalizer. All of the processing sections are interconnected such that a signal inserted at the front end passes through all of the sections before emerging at line level out of this device. The amount of audio limiting, expansion/gating and equalization can be set to taste and even individually turned off if you need a particular function. All of the sections "play" well together, making audio tweaks fairly easy to accomplish. Keep in mind that this is a monaural device that can accept balanced microphone or line level input signals. I found the background noise level to be very low (virtually inaudible), even at high mic preamplifier gain settings, and I found the frequency response surprisingly wide and pleasant. This processor brought out the better qualities of the several dynamic and condenser microphones that I auditioned through it. Everything comes through clear and clean at low to moderate control settings, although it is possible to significantly modify your audio, for better or for worse, at higher control settings. Download the manufacturer's manual for this device to learn about its individual features and functions, and how they are used. I find that I really have no complaints about the dbx 286S Audio Processor. It is now in daily use in my modest studio. The 286S does what the manufacturer's literature says it's supposed to do, and it does it crisply and cleanly without added noise or fuss. You can buy high end separate mic preamplifiers, limiters, expander/gates, and equalizers, then connect them all together to do what this little dbx box does. But, you will spend very much more money to achieve or exceed the same level of performance offered by the dbx 286S. Strong bang for the buck. Highly recommended! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2014 by Steven Vee
    • Five stars
Every musicisns need! The dbx offers an amazing tone!
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2026 by marie
    • A1 Status
Work Superb , The Gate Is To Sensitive ,But Awsome
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2026 by Michell Ashley
    • Watch a tutorial on youtube
I'm a big technology geek regardless of being able to fully use it or making use out of it. My setup is a Shure SM7B + Cloudlifter + Yamaha AG03 and I added this dbx286s between the Cloudlifter and Yamaha AG03. Prior to 286s, I would usually be on a call with my friends on discord and they would always have me on 200% because I guess just the original 3 setup wasn't receiving a loud enough signal from speaking voice... (FYI, my speaking voice is usually soft so it was either I eat my mic and talk, or I increase the input and gain to the point you would hear white noise and background chatter) My family watches TV pretty loud, laughs and what not so if I raised the input and gain, it would catch all those signals and boost all that as well, which wasn't really what I wanted. Which is why I chose the SM7B, boost my small signal with the Cloudlifter and use the SM7B comp/eq but that was baaarely enough signal for my friends to hear me. If I were to change the distance to my mic, they would not hear me, etc etc. So it was a good setup to shut out most of my family noises but there were it's downsides to this investment I made. Then I find this dbx 286s, which just seemed COOL. I did my research, put the dbx in part of my setup (FYI- MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE CHECK WHAT CABLES YOU WILL NEED SPECIFIC TO YOUR SETUP) and I looked up a video on youtube on how to use the dials and setup for myself. After that, I didn't tell anybody I changed my setup but they noticed a clear difference in my voice, they said, "You get a new mic again??" (Hence "again" cause I went through a lot trying to shut out the family chatter) I definitely don't regret getting this investment and it makes me want to do a lot more with it like singing, streaming and more. If you're looking to: 1. Boost signals 2. Reduce the dynamics of your soft and loud signals real-time 3. Add an extra noise gate Just get it. You'll still be satisfied with the extra other adjustments you can make as well. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024 by TofuTofuTofu
    • Simply Magic
I'm a Twitch streamer and I've fiddled with every sort of software solution I could dig up. I have a Rode NT1 mic with a Scarlet 2i2 interface and a Roland VT3 Voice Transformer. I've struggled with noise in the line, as well as the fact that even on the weakest setting the Noise Suppression filter in OBS colors my voice. I finally broke down and ordered one of these because I'd heard good things. The dbx 286s has blown me away. Not only did it meet my needs as a pre-amp, Noise Gate, and Compressor... but the de-esser is an awesome bonus, as well as the Low and High Frequency Enhancer. My mic is sounding cleaner than it ever has, and my voice is sounding better than ever. When my wife heard my voice over my stream she was instantly moistened. I really don't have enough good things to say about this piece of hardware. You can spend a little bit less to get bits of kit that do some these things individually, but for $50-$100 more having all of these tools in one piece of hardware that works so well is the way to go. From my research you can also spend more on similar pieces of hardware, but for my purposes and for home broadcasting/recording purposes I can't imagine the more expensive solutions being worth the jump in cost. Seriously, if you're on the fence about the dbx 286s, just do it. It's very easy to set up. The settings are very easy to dial in, depending on how anal you are. The results are just magical. My chain right now is RODE NT1 > dbx 286s > Roland VT3 Voice Transformer > Line6 M13 (mainly just to use a foot pedal for volume control to mute during stream) > Scarlet 2i2 > PC ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019 by linkdead
    • Bought it for the noise gate
Review as a user that only uses for voiceover recording. Does not apply to those that are using for instruments. My primary use is home office, videos, and web conference calls. I have no need to compress voiceover/narration/conference calls, etc.. I have no need for a de-esser. I have no need for a crappy 2 band EQ booster. None of that matters for recording speaking levels. However, I have found that using a bit of the LF boost helps to hide reverb caused by an acoustically untreated room. There is an output gain that I don't understand, it seems like it would be a make-up gain from another processor, but has no clear relation. All of those things aside, I like it because I couldn't find a prosumer noise gate to accompany my USB audio interface outside of this. Why the audio interface makers don't just add a noise gate is beyond me. It is not desired by people who plan to post produce their audio, but for live audio in a home office, it's a great feature. There are a lot of youtube videos on this thing. Most of them seem to be wrong or misguided advice. If you're recording speech for youtube or just web conferencing, turn the preamp gain to drive your mic to one green LED on the preamp in meter, then turn it down a few clicks. Turn your audio interface gain until you are averaging -15 to -12 db on a software meter (you can use a DAW, I just use OBS or Audacity). Turn everything but the noise gate off. For the noise gate, it could really shine if it had an attack and release adjustment. Every youtube guide I've found for setting it up is wrong in my opinion. It has two controls, labeled threshold and ratio. The hardcoded attack and release are not adjustable. Every video I've seen says to turn threshold at room noise level until it closes then turn 4 more clicks. Then set ratio to 2:1. This does not work for me. It leaves the door too far open and causes the attack and release (to slow and fast respectively in my opinion) to trip on each other. Threshold simply says what level of noise to open the gate. Ratio is how much the door is open when the gate is closed. Ratio knob all the way to the left equals door nearly completely open (i.e. gate is doing nothing when active). All the way to the right is door nearly completely closed when gate is active. First, with nothing but ambient noise (try to keep computer fans, etc. as far from your mic as possible), watch your DAW noise meter, start with the threshold and ratio completely to the left. With nothing but your normal ambient room noise, turn the threshold until the light goes red, don't turn any further. Now adjust your ratio until you see your DAW noise meter stay at zero, don't go any further. That's the best you'll get it with this. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2020 by NR

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