dbx 286S - Digital Zone Processor

dbx 286s - Channel Strip with Mic Preamp, OverEasy® Compressor, De-esser, Enhancer, and Expander/Gate (1U)

The dbx 286s is a complete channel strip that integrates a studio-quality mic/instrument preamp and four daisy-chained processors for shaping vocals and instruments in a simple, straightforward flow. The preamp offers 0 to +60 dB gain , switchable +48 V phantom power , and an 80 Hz high-pass filter to eliminate wind, footsteps, and rumble noise, with an equivalent input noise floor of −125 dBu (150 Ω, 22 Hz–22 kHz) that preserves the detail of any microphone.

Following the preamp, the 286s features dbx’s classic OverEasy® compressor ( –40 to +20 dBu threshold, program-dependent timing), a tunable de-esser ( 800 Hz–10 kHz , wideband) for sibilance control, an enhancer with HF Detail (programmable shelf, up to approximately +15 dB) and LF Detail (boost at 80 Hz and clean at 250 Hz), and an expander/gate with OFF…+15 dBu threshold, 1.5:1 to 10:1 ratio , and >50 dB depth to reduce headphone leakage or ambient noise. A TRS INSERT jack places external processors between the preamp and the rest of the chain for maximum flexibility. All of this is monitored via level/clip and section status LEDs , with global bypass for instant comparison.

Main features

• Low-noise microphone/instrument preamp : gain 0–60 dB , phantom power +48 V and HPF 80 Hz (18 dB/oct).
• Musical and transparent OverEasy® compressor ; threshold −40 to +20 dBu , self-adjusting timings.
• Broadband de-esser with a frequency of 800 Hz–10 kHz ; eliminates sibilance without affecting timbre.
• Enhancer with HF Detail (brightness and definition) and LF Detail (body at 80 Hz and cleanliness at 250 Hz).
• Expander/Gate program-adaptive: threshold OFF…+15 dBu , ratio 1.5:1–10:1 , depth >50 dB.
• INSERT TRS between the preamp and the processing section to integrate EQ, delays, etc.
• Electronically balanced inputs/outputs : XLR for microphone, 1/4" TRS for line/insert/output.
• Performance : 20 Hz–20 kHz (±0.5 dB), THD < 0.08 % (processing OFF), max. output > +21 dBu .
• 1U rack format (4.5 × 48.5 × 14.6 cm) and 2.04 kg ; consumption 15 W.

Product benefits

• Complete chain in 1U : preamp + compression + de-esser + enhancer + gate without latency or patching tangles.
• Consistent results : OverEasy® compression and tunable de-esser maintain the natural character of the voice.
• Real flexibility : use each module separately or in combination; insert external hardware from INSERT .
• Easy integration : balanced TRS/XLR inputs and output, pro/consumer in-line levels, and clear LED metering.

Use cases

• Podcast/Voiceover : Stable voice, no sibilance or room noise, ready for broadcast or recording.
• Studio and home studio : vocal and instrument capture with an analog chain ready “from mic to DAW”.
• Live/AV : Fast processing of a priority channel (presenter, soloist) before the desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use the 286s as a preamp only? Yes. Bypass disables the processing section and leaves the preamp active with HPF/phantom power.
• Is the de-esser multiband? No; it's broadband with a high-pass detector from 800 Hz to 10 kHz .
• Is the output XLR or TRS? The main output is a balanced 1/4" TRS ; the mic input is via XLR .

Description for projects

dbx 286s , 1U channel strip with mic preamp (gain 0–60 dB , +48 V phantom power , HPF 80 Hz/18 dB oct , EIN −125 dBu ) and processing chain: OverEasy® compressor (threshold −40 to +20 dBu , times program-dependent), de-esser (high-pass 800 Hz–10 kHz ), enhancer (HF shelf max. ~ +15 dB ; LF boost 80 Hz / cut 250 Hz), and expander/gate (threshold OFF…+15 dBu , 1.5:1–10:1 , depth > 50 dB ). Connectivity: XLR mic, TRS 1/4" line/insert/output; max. output > +21 dBu , 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.5 dB , THD <0.08 % . Dimensions 4.5 × 48.5 × 14.6 cm ; weight 2.04 kg ; power supply 230 V~ 50/60 Hz (EU), consumption 15 W .