Buy new:
To see product details, add this item to your cart.
Ships from: Focus Camera LLC
Sold by: Focus Camera LLC
To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
Ships from and sold by Audiosavings.
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Other Sellers on Amazon
Added
Sold by: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
Shipping rates and Return policy
Added
Sold by: Kellards
Sold by: Kellards
(82130 ratings)
97% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy
Added
Sold by: Sam Ash
Sold by: Sam Ash
(32589 ratings)
86% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy

dbx 286s Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor, Mono 4-way

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 781 ratings
Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.
Amazon's Choice in Microphone Preamps by dbx

To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime shipping.
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand dbx
Style with Mic XLR connectors
Product Dimensions 19"L x 5.75"W x 1.75"H
Item Weight 5.1 Pounds
Voltage 48 Volts

About this item

  • Studio quality mic preamp/channel strip processor
  • Classic dbx compression puts great sound within easy reach
  • Frequency tuneable de-esser reduces sibilance and high frequency distortion
  • Enhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequencies
  • Program adaptive expander/Gate. Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
  • 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)

Frequently bought together

$249.00
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$399.00
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$9.11 ($1.52/Foot)
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Product information

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

Feedback

dbx

dbx 286s Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor, Mono 4-way


Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.

Where did you see a lower price?

/
/
/
/
Please sign in to provide feedback.

Product guides and documents

What's in the box

  • Quick Start Guide
  • Product Description

    Product Description

    dbx 286s Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor

    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.


    From the manufacturer

    dbx 286s

    dbx 286s

    Microphone Preamplifier/Channel Strip Processor

    The dbx 286s is a full-featured Channel Strip Processor that delivers a studio-quality microphone/instrument preamplifier and four processors that can be used independently or in any combination. The sonically pristine dbx 286s Mic Preamp has all the features you need, including wide-ranging input gain control, switchable +48V phantom power, and an 80Hz high-pass filter to remove low frequency hum, rumble or wind. Use the patented dbx OverEasy compressor to transparently smooth out uneven acoustic tracks or deliver that classic “in your face” vocal performance that only a dbx compressor can. Fine-tune the Enhancer HF Detail control to add sparkle and crispness to your tracks and make adjustments to the LF Detail control to add fullness and depth to vocals and bass instruments while cleaning up the muddy low mid-range frequencies. Plus, the separate threshold and ratio controls on the Expander/Gate allow you to subtly reduce headphone leakage or radically gate noisy guitar amps.

    • Studio quality Mic Preamp/Channel Strip Processor
    • Program-adaptive Expander/Gate
    • Frequency tunable De-Esser reduces sibilance and high frequency distortion
    • Enhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequencies
    • Full compliment of meters and status LEDs
    • Insert jack allows you to add an external processor
    • Precision detented controls
    dbx 286s

    Who uses this product?

    dbx 286s Stereo 2-Way, Mono 4-Way Crossover with Mic XLR connectors dbx 676 Tube Microphone Preamp Channel Strip dbx 580 Compact, Professional Mic Preamp
    dbx 286s Stereo 2-Way, Mono 4-Way Crossover with Mic XLR connectors dbx 676 Tube Microphone Preamp Channel Strip dbx 580 Compact, Professional Mic Preamp
    Customer Reviews
    4.6 out of 5 stars
    781
    2.7 out of 5 stars
    7
    4.4 out of 5 stars
    50
    Mic Input Floating balanced, Pin 2 Hot Female XLR (Pin 2 Hot) Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
    Impedance ~ 4.2kΩ Balanced 1.9 kΩ 1.7 kΩ
    CMRR >40dB, typically 55dB >85 dB from 20 Hz to 3 kHz, >70 dB from 3 kHz to 20 kHz >60 dB; typically >70 dB from 20 Hz – 20 kHz
    Power Requirements 15 Watts 20 Watts 2.56 Watts
    Instrument Input Floating balanced, Tip Hot Tip-Sleeve ¼” Jack (Front Panel) Tip-Sleeve ¼” Jack (Front Panel)
    Output Type 4” TRS phone (Balanced/Unbalanced) Male XLR and Tip-Ring-Sleeve ¼” (Pin 2 and Tip hot) Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
    Low Detail Bell-shaped boost @ 80Hz, bell-shaped cut @250Hz, ratio is approximately 2:1 100 Hz, Low-pass shelving filter 0 to +15 dB boost, simultaneous bell filter boost (125 Hz center frequency) and bell filter cut (400 Hz center frequency)
    High Detail Program-controlled shelving equalizer, approximately 15dB maximum HF boost 10 kHz, High-pass shelving filter 0 to +15 dB boost, high-shelving filter (10 kHz corner frequency)
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 1.75” x 5.75” x 19” 3.5" x 19" x 8" 5.25” x 1.5” x 6”
    Weight 4.5 lbs 8.1 lbs 1.3 lbs

    Looking for specific info?

    Customer reviews

    4.6 out of 5 stars
    4.6 out of 5
    781 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the sound quality, performance, quality and value of the guitar effect device. They mention that it makes a difference in sound quality and that it works very well. They also appreciate the value for money, saying it's a great budget pre-amp/processor. Customers also say it brings your microphone to life and that its one of the best microphone upgrades.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    98 customers mention83 positive15 negative

    Customers like the sound quality of the guitar effect device. They say it makes a difference in sound quality, the audio is smooth, and the shelving EQ works nicely. They also say their voice sounds clear, and that the audio has a professional sound. Customers also appreciate the decent de-esser, tone enhancement, and low noise floor. They love the noise gate and compressor, and are amazed at how much it improves their voice-overs.

    "...I found the background noise level to be very low (virtually inaudible), even at high mic preamplifier gain settings, and I found the frequency..." Read more

    "...It's a clean, very low-noise preamp; compressor/limiter; noise gate to reduce breath, mouth and room noise; simple EQ (lo and hi-tone) and even a de-..." Read more

    "...The audio is very smooth and the shelving EQ works very nicely allowing a lot of control over lows and highs...." Read more

    "...The audio is untreated - directly recorded and uploaded, so you can hear how my settings sound...." Read more

    57 customers mention54 positive3 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the performance of the guitar effect device. They mention that it works well, is functional, and is a very versatile piece of gear. Some say that the compressor and expansion/gate work great, and the de-esser works better than a software plug-in. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

    "...settings, and I found the frequency response surprisingly wide and pleasant...." Read more

    "...in' on my USB audio interface and once I've set levels it's a very consistent device...." Read more

    "...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..." Read more

    "...bonus was some basic EQ. my pleasant surprise was the gate. it just works™ ! leave a mic open, tweak it until it closes and you're set...." Read more

    43 customers mention32 positive11 negative

    Customers like the quality of the guitar effect device. They mention it's a great piece of gear, brings out the better qualities of several dynamic and condenser microphones, and is truly professional grade. The compressor is extremely solid and adds that "studio quality" to recordings, with plenty of gain.

    "...This processor brought out the better qualities of the several dynamic and condenser microphones that I auditioned through it...." Read more

    "As other reviewers have mentioned, this is a solid and professional mic processor.I'm preparing to start doing YouTube videos...." Read more

    "...People constantly ask me how did I record my music it has great quality. Great buy !" Read more

    "...and this pretty much makes that a frustrating, cumbersome and fruitless waste of time. Super bummed." Read more

    33 customers mention31 positive2 negative

    Customers appreciate the value of the guitar effect device. They say it provides excellent bang for your buck, is a great budget pre-amp, and is well worth it.

    "...exceed the same level of performance offered by the dbx 286S. Strong bang for the buck. Highly recommended!" Read more

    "...Considering what it does, it's a pretty great value. It provides phantom power to mics that need it...." Read more

    "...It’s worth the money way cheaper than building sound booths or putting up sound deadening material...." Read more

    "...They should rename this piece the "room attenuator". Worth every penny...." Read more

    31 customers mention31 positive0 negative

    Customers find the power of the guitar effect device incredibly useful for mic audio. They say the effects work great and bring their microphone to life. Some say it's one of the best mic processors ever, a workhorse preamp for any microphone, and an excellent channel strip style microphone pre amp. It's also a great combination for voice recording, with excellent gain in the mic pre section.

    "...The dbx 286S Audio Processor packs a lot of features and performance for the approximately $200 that I paid for it...." Read more

    "...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..." Read more

    "As other reviewers have mentioned, this is a solid and professional mic processor.I'm preparing to start doing YouTube videos...." Read more

    "...through it (might find out it's terrific), but it's perfect for a dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B. Gain, gate, compression, decent de-esser, tone..." Read more

    19 customers mention19 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the preamp quality of the guitar effect device. They mention that it's a fantastic preamp and processor, it does a marvelous job, and it offers very clean preamplification. Customers also say that the unit is an excellent entry-level processing chain for broadcasting, radio, and other applications. The preamps are very capable and the processing is also great.

    "...It is a very agile and effective preamp and voice processing unit." Read more

    "...sound quality is pretty decent for most purposes. the processing is really good for PA, radio and even studio TV ( news, talk show ) use." Read more

    "...I measured the gain stage and the dbx 286s offers very clean preamplification...." Read more

    "...The pre-amp does a marvelous job with my Sennheiser 416..." Read more

    17 customers mention14 positive3 negative

    Customers like the ease of setup of the guitar effect device. They mention that it makes the process easier, has a very easy learning curve, and the settings are easy to dial in. Some say that the product has saved them time.

    ".../limiter; noise gate to reduce breath, mouth and room noise; simple EQ (lo and hi-tone) and even a de-esser...." Read more

    "...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...." Read more

    "...This has cut at least half of my editing time away. Easy to setup, and put into use...." Read more

    "...It has some amazing features. The gate is pretty amazing, easy to set. There's an ocean of gain to add to a microphone from this thing...." Read more

    10 customers mention7 positive3 negative

    Customers like the built-in compression and EQ in the guitar effect device. They say it's a great intro to audio compression, with professional scope of control. Customers also mention that the device is a powerful mic pre amp and has a high pass filter.

    "...but it's perfect for a dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B. Gain, gate, compression, decent de-esser, tone enhancement, all ready to roll and it sounds..." Read more

    "...I was initially very impressed with the built-in compression and EQ...." Read more

    "...basically everything that doesn't sound like you; however you lose some fidelity, which you can use the dbx with tweaked settings to restore it..." Read more

    "...does it give my mic a good gain boost, but now I can control compression and the noise gate all without using software...." Read more

    This is the secret ingredient to professional sounding vocals
    5 Stars
    This is the secret ingredient to professional sounding vocals
    I live in Wisconsin and I remember the first time I bought a car with heated seats. After that car it ruined me for all other cars I bought because I needed to buy heated seats as it was a feature I could not live without during the winters. This is my heated seat for vocals. I don't know why I went so long without this device when it took my locals to a whole other professional level. If you're on the fence like I was for so many years I'm buying this device it's time to stop the hesitation and just get it. You will thank me for it.
    Thank you for your feedback
    Sorry, there was an error
    Sorry we couldn't load the review

    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2014
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2020
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2014
    15 people found this helpful
    Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Translate all reviews to English
    Txema Alonso
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lo mejor en su rango de precio
    Reviewed in Spain on January 15, 2024
    Justin Solomon SJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars DBX - Name says it all
    Reviewed in India on July 25, 2023
    Marco il Grande
    5.0 out of 5 stars MUST HAVE PER REGISTRAZIONI!
    Reviewed in Italy on February 1, 2021
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
    Lenhard Hardie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pro Results, Great Price Point
    Reviewed in Canada on April 29, 2019
    One person found this helpful
    Report
    AmazonKunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gute Qualität, kein rauschen.
    Reviewed in Germany on May 5, 2020
    7 people found this helpful
    Report