Product Review

The 286s from dbx is a full featured channel strip that includes a studio quality microphone/instrument preamplifier, and four processors that can be used independently or in any combination. The hassle of patching together multiple processors for use on one track can be frustrating. The unit delivers the entire microphone processing chain needed in a single box, with the shortest, cleanest signal path.

Features include wide-ranging input gain control, switchable +48V phantom power, and an 80Hz high-pass filter to remove low frequency hum, rumble or wind. The dbx OverEasy compressor can transparently smooth out uneven acoustic tracks, or deliver the classic "in your face" vocal performance. Vocal sibilance can be tamed or even eliminated and high frequency distortion removed from instruments such as cymbals with the frequency tunable De-Esser.

• Studio quality microphone preamp/channel strip processor
• Classic dbx compression puts great sound within easy reach
• Frequency tunable de-esser reduces sibilance and high frequency distortion
• Enhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequencies
• Program adaptive expander/gate
• Insert jack allows you to add an external processor
• Full complement of meters and status LEDs
• +48V phantom power
• Precision detented controls