First of all I would like to mention that I am one of your fans and I would like to thank you for your effort…I would like you to recommend a smaller version of the DBX 286s in which that it can be easy for traveling and it has almost the same features, thank you and waiting for your reply.
great tutorial, I've had this since 2017, I still struggle with the deesser, so I tend to leave it half and half, but I think your explanation of the deesser makes sense.
Thank you! I also struggled with getting the de-esser right, but I found out it was more the angle I was recording into the microphone, I would have a play! I typically apply a little more de-essing anyways after recording when I am mixing my audio.
One tip for de-esser, if you are using interface instead of mixer (you won't be able to adjust high frequency of the signal like you would be, on a mixer), crank HF detail high enough to hear everything as too crispy, then sing or speak sentences, which contains lot of "PH" "SH" "S" and "TS" sounds (like "This is signal test for testing sounds"), then adjust segment by segment frequency until green light turns on, and then threshold till both green and red light turns on and lower LF detail until you are happy with it, or turn it off completely. De-esser is something you usually need when you're singing and/or adding effects like EQ and different instruments like drums and flutes etc. Unless you add some base and crispiness to your voice, most of the time you won't be needing it unless your own voice hits certain frequencies all by it's own.
Great video! Did I see the edge of the Audient ID14 in your setup? Are you using the DBX286s with the Audient? I have the Shure SM7b with a SE Dynamite and Audient ID14. I wanted to try the DBX286s.
I’ve never used a rodecaster pro before! So I’m not sure how it would sound paired with a cloud lifter but I’d still have to recommend the dbx over the cloud lifter regardless of what mic because it offers way more features then the cloud lifter
That’s correct. The audient will have a noise floor just like any other typical budget interface. You will either need a deidicated mic pre that can handle it before it hits the interface or you’ll need a better interface with some solid pre amps
I would choose to pair the DBX 286S with the Electro-Voice RE20 over the Sure SM7B. I do agree that the DBS 286S would be a much smarter buy than the Cloud Lifter.
I have got one, and it is a great unit! However, there is one problem that many owners have complained about. Its internal power supply transformer makes too much noise. It is not a signal noise, but an irritating mechanical (vibration) noise that is picked up by the microphone when nearby the unit. At least, this applies to some units with 220-230 Vac/50 Hz transformers here in Europe. I am not sure if this problem occurs with 110-120 Vac/60 Hz transformers. In my case, I have ordered a Toroidal type transformer with 230 Vac primary and 2x 24 Vac secondary. The transformer must have these two specified outputs, and it should handle at least 8 VA for each output. The one I ordered handles a total of 2x 10 VA, and is small enough to mount inside the chassis after removing the original transformer. Toroidal transformers have the advantages of not producing mechanical noise, have less EMF "scattering" (important in audio products), and are more efficient and durable. I haven't received the transformer yet, but I strongly believe that this will solve the problem. It is a shame that dbx have produced a great mic amplifier, only to be let down by a cheap and noisy power supply transformer. I do not recommend that owners with no knowledge of electric circuits attempt to make any modifications by themselves, but consult an electrical/electronics technician to make the modification. have less
I had a buzzing noise issue at one point and learned that the problem was the unit was next to too many wires by a wall. I did some cable management and installed it on a studio desk and it took care of the problem. Nothing but clean signal now
Hi! Great video! I was wondering though if you notice a white noise hiss with the sm7b + dbx 286s. I cant, for the life of me get rid of that preamp white noise. Its subtle but its there. Even more prominent with the sm7b. Using the gate/expander does eliminate it but I prefer not to use them since when I speak, it still gets picked up with the dialogue. Do you have a solution for that? Thank you!
Thank you! I have also noticed this and I’ve had trouble getting rid of it. Howveer I found it’s not very noticeable in the context of a mix when I’ve recorded vocals for a song or a clients vocals. I think that noise might just be the noise floor and it just comes with most models because a lot of people apparently have the same problem
@@acewavstudios gotcha, sadly for VO its definately there. A fix i found so far is adding additional inline preamp into the chain but havent tested it yet. This mic is really not just $400 for damn sure lol. Thank you for your response!
Can you take out line level from both "insert" plug and "output" plugs at the same time? If that were possible, you could use stereo interface and capture both raw and processed audio.
Hey Mel! So my mic is going into the dbx, then out of the dbx into my audient id14 interface. Are you using an audio interface? Also, maybe you have process bypass on?
I typically keep mine on 24/7, But yes definitely want to plug the dbx into a power conditioner to keep it safe from surges. I have my dbx plugged into a power conditioner and the conditioner has a on/off switch but i only turn the thing off if there is a bad storm or something coming.
It came with the desk, but it’s a standard sized rack space! Meaning most of them are that exact size. So whichever you choose, you’ll likely get the standard size even if it’s not from the desk
@@acewavstudios Yeah, DBX 286s has insane value for money. The only way it could be better if it included high quality AD converter (basically USB interface).
I try 2 let people know that this is the way 2 go....Save up even if it takes a year!...Buying this and that thinking you may find something good will add up over time!...Sometimes you just get what you pay for!..When you see all these people trying 2 compare other mics 2 this one! That should tell you something! Pairing it with this 286s makes all the difference and well worth it!..It will give you a professional sound and save you a lot of time and money in the end!...
I’ve had the same issue for a while! I found that it had to do with 2 things. 1. Cable interference, the dbx was close to other cables and had bad cable management. 2. I set up my signal flow incorrectly on the dbx, so always worth double checking that.
I have a similar issue with my 286s. It works fine, but after some time it starts clipping and distorting (like a glitch) jumping the gain on the mic from Good sound to really loud broken up and distorted..
I have a Shure sm7b , with a focusrite 2i2 interface and a cloud lifter. I feel like my mic sounds low even with all this so are you saying that with the dbx286 i can get rid of the cloud lifter and just connect it to my 2i2 and it will sound louder ?
Yes 🙌 exactly. And because all the processing is happening before it hits your 2i2… you won’t even be using the pre-amp on your 2i2 anymore. It will just act as a sound card at that point
Check to see if you have it near a lot of cables that might be jumbled up. It can cause interference. I got rid of the buzzing sound once I sorted through my cables.
@@acewavstudios Thanks for getting back, yes I've done all that and other sockets in the house, so you don't hear any noise when you put your ear to the transformer part of the dbx and the preamp area of the dbx. Thanks
Great walkthrough of the DBX, but your voice is clipping all the time so maybe you want check up on that. For the typical viewer it would be counter intuitive to have confidence in someones mic/preamp recommendations when that someone can’t get the basics right. (I don’t mean to sound like a jerk, it really is the basics since it is a litle ironic that you talk about why you don’t have the mic gain all the way up to avoid clipping, while you are actually clipping while saying that) All the best.
I’m actually not clipping, I processed my voice after with more compression and Eq so it sound more brighter. If you refer to the red LED’s that’s actually normal and is a meter for how much gain reduction is happening. You can also see where it says “clip” and I’m not hitting the red at all. Or, perhaps you’re audio is clipping on your end? Based off the current stats of my video I’d say it’s converting quite well and most are enjoying it.
I didnt mean that it was necessarily clipping at the input stage, but also it could be somewhere down the workflow. I tried it out with various audio setups (dacs/speakers/headset/etc) and it was less obvious on el cheapo gear (as expected) but it could still be heard. On better gear it stood out like a sore thumb. I also checked out another video from you it was the same problem. If you’re confident about your audio workflow then it could mean that the microphone itself is defect. I looked around on youtube and this video has none of that distortion. ruclips.net/video/Yx7m7Q5Zqao/видео.html I also made a recording that clearly showcase this mega.nz/file/dqpUHCSD#8z4sLImuJDWzNCmVJ1aAZkDCSKN9AYQVEUr4as2lRO8
First of all I would like to mention that I am one of your fans and I would like to thank you for your effort…I would like you to recommend a smaller version of the DBX 286s in which that it can be easy for traveling and it has almost the same features, thank you and waiting for your reply.
wish you had turned the knobs on the expander/gate too
great tutorial, I've had this since 2017, I still struggle with the deesser, so I tend to leave it half and half, but I think your explanation of the deesser makes sense.
Thank you! I also struggled with getting the de-esser right, but I found out it was more the angle I was recording into the microphone, I would have a play! I typically apply a little more de-essing anyways after recording when I am mixing my audio.
One tip for de-esser, if you are using interface instead of mixer (you won't be able to adjust high frequency of the signal like you would be, on a mixer), crank HF detail high enough to hear everything as too crispy, then sing or speak sentences, which contains lot of "PH" "SH" "S" and "TS" sounds (like "This is signal test for testing sounds"), then adjust segment by segment frequency until green light turns on, and then threshold till both green and red light turns on and lower LF detail until you are happy with it, or turn it off completely.
De-esser is something you usually need when you're singing and/or adding effects like EQ and different instruments like drums and flutes etc. Unless you add some base and crispiness to your voice, most of the time you won't be needing it unless your own voice hits certain frequencies all by it's own.
Great video! Did I see the edge of the Audient ID14 in your setup? Are you using the DBX286s with the Audient? I have the Shure SM7b with a SE Dynamite and Audient ID14. I wanted to try the DBX286s.
Thank you! And yes i am! It works really well with the audient.
This is a really good video. Thanks for positing it.
Thank you!
Would you recommend the sm7b with dbx or a cloudlifter with the rodecaster pro?
I’ve never used a rodecaster pro before! So I’m not sure how it would sound paired with a cloud lifter but I’d still have to recommend the dbx over the cloud lifter regardless of what mic because it offers way more features then the cloud lifter
The audient interface's preamp is not powerful enough to push the SM7B? do you really need a mic preamp?
That’s correct. The audient will have a noise floor just like any other typical budget interface. You will either need a deidicated mic pre that can handle it before it hits the interface or you’ll need a better interface with some solid pre amps
I would choose to pair the DBX 286S with the Electro-Voice RE20 over the Sure SM7B. I do agree that the DBS 286S would be a much smarter buy than the Cloud Lifter.
I’ve been wanting to get my hands on that mic for some time!
@@acewavstudios The RE20 is a great mic. Rush Limbaugh used a gold plated Electro-Voice RE20.
Awesome video. What’s the best load setting for the SM7B?
Hey! Thank you. Im not so sure I understand your question?
If you mean the switch on the back of the microphone, I keep it completely flat, then do all the processing inside the DBX
I have got one, and it is a great unit! However, there is one problem that many owners have complained about. Its internal power supply transformer makes too much noise. It is not a signal noise, but an irritating mechanical (vibration) noise that is picked up by the microphone when nearby the unit. At least, this applies to some units with 220-230 Vac/50 Hz transformers here in Europe. I am not sure if this problem occurs with 110-120 Vac/60 Hz transformers. In my case, I have ordered a Toroidal type transformer with 230 Vac primary and 2x 24 Vac secondary. The transformer must have these two specified outputs, and it should handle at least 8 VA for each output. The one I ordered handles a total of 2x 10 VA, and is small enough to mount inside the chassis after removing the original transformer. Toroidal transformers have the advantages of not producing mechanical noise, have less EMF "scattering" (important in audio products), and are more efficient and durable. I haven't received the transformer yet, but I strongly believe that this will solve the problem. It is a shame that dbx have produced a great mic amplifier, only to be let down by a cheap and noisy power supply transformer. I do not recommend that owners with no knowledge of electric circuits attempt to make any modifications by themselves, but consult an electrical/electronics technician to make the modification.
have less
I had a buzzing noise issue at one point and learned that the problem was the unit was next to too many wires by a wall. I did some cable management and installed it on a studio desk and it took care of the problem. Nothing but clean signal now
What about this set up for remote podcast?
@@shangohusani8250 it’s perfect for that!
Hi! Great video! I was wondering though if you notice a white noise hiss with the sm7b + dbx 286s. I cant, for the life of me get rid of that preamp white noise. Its subtle but its there. Even more prominent with the sm7b. Using the gate/expander does eliminate it but I prefer not to use them since when I speak, it still gets picked up with the dialogue. Do you have a solution for that? Thank you!
Thank you! I have also noticed this and I’ve had trouble getting rid of it. Howveer I found it’s not very noticeable in the context of a mix when I’ve recorded vocals for a song or a clients vocals. I think that noise might just be the noise floor and it just comes with most models because a lot of people apparently have the same problem
@@acewavstudios gotcha, sadly for VO its definately there. A fix i found so far is adding additional inline preamp into the chain but havent tested it yet. This mic is really not just $400 for damn sure lol. Thank you for your response!
I use for that a fethead...so i can put down the Volume...noise ist still there but Not so loud Like without the fethead..
Can you take out line level from both "insert" plug and "output" plugs at the same time? If that were possible, you could use stereo interface and capture both raw and processed audio.
I wish that were possible!
Curious what's the 'speaker stand' you have the DBX mounted to?
hi I am using id14 with Aston Spirit its good to add dbx286s to my setup?
Yes! the dbx works great with condenser microphones also. it has a phantom power switch included.
@@acewavstudios thanks
in your video, I see the DBX and the SM7B. But what other equipment are you using? my sound is very low I can barely hear anything
Hey Mel! So my mic is going into the dbx, then out of the dbx into my audient id14 interface. Are you using an audio interface? Also, maybe you have process bypass on?
@@acewavstudios I am using the M-Audio fast track interface, not sure if I am doing something wrong. Thanks!
Hello sir! Do you think i need an power conditioner or a normal socket adapter with switch on / off for him, because it doesn't have the power botton?
I typically keep mine on 24/7, But yes definitely want to plug the dbx into a power conditioner to keep it safe from surges. I have my dbx plugged into a power conditioner and the conditioner has a on/off switch but i only turn the thing off if there is a bad storm or something coming.
@@acewavstudios Thanks a lot! 🙏😊
Thanks
Hey man can you give me a link to the rack you have so I have one for the dbx, please and thank you. New sub too bro.
It came with the desk, but it’s a standard sized rack space! Meaning most of them are that exact size. So whichever you choose, you’ll likely get the standard size even if it’s not from the desk
@@acewavstudios alright thank you
The prices right now here in Europe are 167 EUR for cloudlifter CL-1 and 155 EUR for DBX 286s...
Woah!! Get the DBX if you had to choose between both. Really funny that the cloudlifter is more expensive where you are … 🧐
@@acewavstudios Yeah, DBX 286s has insane value for money. The only way it could be better if it included high quality AD converter (basically USB interface).
with these preamp i think it's enough to get good sounding vocals, coz you still have plugins for mixing.
Absolutely!
I try 2 let people know that this is the way 2 go....Save up even if it takes a year!...Buying this and that thinking you may find something good will add up over time!...Sometimes you just get what you pay for!..When you see all these people trying 2 compare other mics 2 this one! That should tell you something! Pairing it with this 286s makes all the difference and well worth it!..It will give you a professional sound and save you a lot of time and money in the end!...
Well Put! I absolutely agree.
I just don’t get it I have the dbx286 Shure 7msb and the solo scarlet I jus don’t understand why I’m always getting this fuzzy sound when I record
I’ve had the same issue for a while! I found that it had to do with 2 things. 1. Cable interference, the dbx was close to other cables and had bad cable management. 2. I set up my signal flow incorrectly on the dbx, so always worth double checking that.
I have a similar issue with my 286s. It works fine, but after some time it starts clipping and distorting (like a glitch) jumping the gain on the mic from
Good sound to really loud broken up and distorted..
I have a Shure sm7b , with a focusrite 2i2 interface and a cloud lifter. I feel like my mic sounds low even with all this so are you saying that with the dbx286 i can get rid of the cloud lifter and just connect it to my 2i2 and it will sound louder ?
Yes 🙌 exactly. And because all the processing is happening before it hits your 2i2… you won’t even be using the pre-amp on your 2i2 anymore. It will just act as a sound card at that point
@@acewavstudios do you keep the volume turned off on the 2i2 or still keep it on then ?
@@spenddollarzent completely turned off! It will add on top of your signal and cause distortion.
@@acewavstudios thank you
Hi can i use DBx with id14 with trs cable or need trs to xlr?
Yes! You can use either one! You could go straight up TRS or TRS to XLR since the ID14 offers both types of inputs!
Hi, is anyone getting a bit of a buzzing sound when you put your ear to the dbx286s, its only plugged into the mains, any info would be good. Thanks
Check to see if you have it near a lot of cables that might be jumbled up. It can cause interference. I got rid of the buzzing sound once I sorted through my cables.
@@acewavstudios Thanks for getting back, yes I've done all that and other sockets in the house, so you don't hear any noise when you put your ear to the transformer part of the dbx and the preamp area of the dbx. Thanks
@@jayj2702 Your welcome! 🙌
Great walkthrough of the DBX, but your voice is clipping all the time so maybe you want check up on that. For the typical viewer it would be counter intuitive to have confidence in someones mic/preamp recommendations when that someone can’t get the basics right. (I don’t mean to sound like a jerk, it really is the basics since it is a litle ironic that you talk about why you don’t have the mic gain all the way up to avoid clipping, while you are actually clipping while saying that)
All the best.
I’m actually not clipping, I processed my voice after with more compression and Eq so it sound more brighter. If you refer to the red LED’s that’s actually normal and is a meter for how much gain reduction is happening. You can also see where it says “clip” and I’m not hitting the red at all. Or, perhaps you’re audio is clipping on your end? Based off the current stats of my video I’d say it’s converting quite well and most are enjoying it.
I didnt mean that it was necessarily clipping at the input stage, but also it could be somewhere down the workflow. I tried it out with various audio setups (dacs/speakers/headset/etc) and it was less obvious on el cheapo gear (as expected) but it could still be heard. On better gear it stood out like a sore thumb. I also checked out another video from you it was the same problem. If you’re confident about your audio workflow then it could mean that the microphone itself is defect.
I looked around on youtube and this video has none of that distortion. ruclips.net/video/Yx7m7Q5Zqao/видео.html
I also made a recording that clearly showcase this mega.nz/file/dqpUHCSD#8z4sLImuJDWzNCmVJ1aAZkDCSKN9AYQVEUr4as2lRO8
I bought a DBX286s, and enjoyed it for a year before it died. So I bought another one, and it died within 6 months. Never again.
Woah 😳 that’s unusual! I’m sorry to hear you had a bad experience with them. Mine has been working for 5 years now
You can get a standard two year warranty with Sweetwater if you purchase through them.
😊