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286

Section 3

Basic Operation

11

286s

Press the HIGHPASS button In to cut signals below 80Hz by 18dB/octave, effectively filtering 
out mic proximity effects, hum, rumble, wind and other low frequency “undesirables.”

Use the MIC GAIN control to achieve the best definition and character possible from your 
microphone.  The 286s Mic Preamp delivers up to 60dB of sonically transparent gain to reveal 
the detail and audio signature of even the most esoteric mics.  It transforms their low level 
output signal to a high level, high current signal that is internally fed to the 286s main 
processing chain (i.e., compressor, de-esser, etc.)

Using the 286s as a Dedicated Mic Preamp

To use the 286s as a dedicated mic preamp, simply press the BYPASS button to defeat the 
Processing Section circuitry.  This allows you to use the Mic preamp’s PHANTOM POWER 
switch, HIGHPASS button and MIC GAIN control without routing the signal through any of the 
processing circuitry.

Processing Section

The 286s Processing Section consists of four specific processors: Compressor , De-esser, 
Enhancer, Expander/Gate.  These four processors can be used in any combination or the 286s 
can be set as a dedicated single-function processor (refer to the following pages).

Compressor

A compressor is a device that changes its gain in response to the signal at its input.  
Many compressors have a user-selectable level, called THRESHOLD, to help determine 
when compression occurs.  If the input signal is low in level (below the threshold of 
compression) the compressor gain remains fixed.  If the input increases above the threshold 
of compression, the gain begins to decrease (i.e., the amount of gain reduction increases).  
For very large input signals, the gain can decrease considerably.  On the 286s, compression 
occurs as an input level is “driven” into gain reduction by the DRIVE control; as the DRIVE 
setting (adjusted clockwise from OFF) increases input gain, the amount of gain reduction also 
increases.  The 286s does not have a Threshold control; the threshold is established by the 
setting of the DRIVE control.

Use the Drive control to set the amount of gain reduction (i.e., how much the input signal is 
being compressed).  Use the DENSITY control to set the compressor’s release time (i.e., how 
fast the compression circuit returns the input to its original level).

The 286s patented and versatile Compressor can smoothly and unobtrusively ride gain, and 
assertively increase punch and density.  The 286s achieves its outstandingly transparent audio 
performance by finely-tuned control circuitry that eliminates the dynamic distortions present 
in most conventional compressors and limiters.  The use of a quiet, low-distortion dbx VCA 
ensures negligible static distortion and noise.  Compression is especially useful for smoothing 
out a vocal performance, raising a signal out of a mix, fattening kick or snare drums, or 
adding sustain to instruments (such as an acoustic guitar or bass).

De-Esser

A De-Esser is a device that reduces the high frequency energy present in certain vocalizations, 
of which the most common is sibilance.  Sibilance is the hissing or rushing sound produced 

Содержание dbx 286S

Страница 1: ...286 User Manual Mic Preamp Processor Professional Audio Equipment...

Страница 2: ...Power Cord WARNING THIS APPLIANCE SHALL BE CONNECTED TO A MAINS SOCKET OUTLET WITH A PROTECTIVE EARTHING CONNECTION The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code GREEN...

Страница 3: ...Sandy Utah 84070 USA Date September 10 2010 European Contact Your local dbx Sales and Service Office or Harman Music Group 8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy Utah 84070 USA Ph 801 566 8800 Fax 801 568 75...

Страница 4: ...2 2 Front Panel 5 Section 3 Basic Operation 10 3 1 Connecting the 286s to Your System 10 3 2 Understanding the 286s Mic Preamp 10 Section 4 Problems Possible Causes Solutions 16 Section 5 Technical S...

Страница 5: ...on These two sections can be used together or the 286s can be used as a dedicated Mic Preamp by defeating the Processing Section via the front panel BYPASS switch Furthermore the Processing Section pr...

Страница 6: ...rn a product to the factory for service you MUST first contact Customer Service to obtain a Return Authorization Number No returned products will be accepted at the factory without a Return Authorizat...

Страница 7: ...ts and labor will be covered up to a period of two years A Return Authorization number must first be obtained from dbx by telephone The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a re...

Страница 8: ...INE OUTPUT Jack The 286s LINE OUTPUT jack accepts either balanced or unbalanced 1 4 phone plugs Nominal output signal levels is 0dBu into 600 and maximum output signal level is 21dBu into 600 Output i...

Страница 9: ...you connect a microphone power on the unit or press the PHANTOM button This will eliminate spikes and surges acoustical feedback loud pops momentary hiss or other unwanted sounds Mic Preamp MIC GAIN...

Страница 10: ...TOM POWER button is in 80 Hz HIGHPASS Button and LED Press this button In to activate the 286s pre processing third order filter The HIGHPASS function filters out frequencies below 80Hz by 18dB octave...

Страница 11: ...elease for smooth compression to 10 a fast release where compression follows the envelope of the program very tightly There is no absolute right way to set the DENSITY control However in general slowe...

Страница 12: ...s all signals unattenuated effectively bypassing the gate Turning the knob fully clockwise causes the gate to attenaute input signals below approximately 15dBu The amount of attenaution depends on the...

Страница 13: ...ou have adjusted the 286s controls for the desired amount of processing adjust the OUTPUT GAIN control clockwise to add gain as needed The red OUTPUT GAIN LED located to the right of the OUTPUT GAIN c...

Страница 14: ...NOT connect anything other than a microphone to the MIC INPUT C Connect the load e g mixer recorder etc to the 286s LINE OUTPUT jack D Connect an external processor or effects device to the 1 4 INSER...

Страница 15: ...in level below the threshold of compression the compressor gain remains fixed If the input increases above the threshold of compression the gain begins to decrease i e the amount of gain reduction inc...

Страница 16: ...r sometimes called a Spectral Enhancer adds clarity and detail to vocals or other line level signals by intelligently boosting specific frequency ranges Use the HF DETAIL control to add high frequency...

Страница 17: ...in is added at all the preceding stages of the 286s Using the Four Processors in Different Combinations Note Too high of a THRESHOLD setting with expansion i e lower EXPANSION RATIOs may cause the 286...

Страница 18: ...g should initially be applied conservatively to taste avoid overusing an effect unless it is absolutely necessary For example use De Essing for sibilance or high frequency distortion only otherwise tu...

Страница 19: ...tively re energized and enhanced with treatment Use to taste Program Dependent Use when program material needs treatment Make sure you use only as much treatment as needed Not Recommended The 286s is...

Страница 20: ...ultitrack studio applications consider gating out the hiss during the initial recording then adding HF DETAIL enhancement afterwards during mixdown Audible Distortion With certain combinations of cont...

Страница 21: ...essive brightness try reducing the HF DETAIL or increasing the De Esser THRESHOLD if the audio is a single track as appropriate Low Rumble or Excessive Low Frequencies Although the HIGHPASS button wor...

Страница 22: ...ice be prepared to accurately describe the problem Know the serial number of your unit this is printed on a sticker attached to the rear panel Note Please refer to the terms of your Limited Two Year S...

Страница 23: ...0dB Distortion 0 01 THD 20Hz 20kHz 10dBu LINE OUTPUT 4 TRS phone Balanced Unbalanced Impedance 100 unbalanced 200 balanced Maximum Level 21dBu 20dBm 600 load Gain Adjustment Range 30dB 10dB Noise 85dB...

Страница 24: ...s approximately 2 1 EXPANDER GATE Threshold Range OFF 15dBu Expansion Ratio Adjustable 1 5 1 10 1 Maximum Depth 50dB Attack Time Program Dependent approximately 2ms at maximum attenuation Release Time...

Страница 25: ...286 21 286s Section 7 Block Diagram...

Страница 26: ...286 22 286s...

Страница 27: ...286 23 286s...

Страница 28: ...286 8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy Utah 84070 Phone 801 568 7660 Fax 801 568 7662 Int l Fax 801 568 7583 Visit us online at www dbxpro com 18 0728V A Printed in China...

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