DBX 286S

A Modernized Successor to the 286A

Direct successor to the very popular 286A, the dbx 286S features a redesigned front panel and updated electronics based on recent components. This evolution preserves the dbx sonic character-clear, punchy, and reliable-while offering more readable ergonomics and optimized performance for today's studios.

Designed for Voice, Podcasting, and Direct Input

Whether you're recording voice-over, podcast, streaming, or vocals in a booth, the 286S stands as an efficient analog gateway before your audio interface. Its integrated processing chain reduces reliance on plugins, lowers perceived headphone latency, and secures professional levels both live and on-air.

Precise Processing for a Mix-Ready Result

Complete Chain, Easy to Control

Each section can be engaged separately to apply only what's necessary: a touch of compression to stabilize the voice, a targeted de-esser to tame sibilance, the enhancer to add brightness and body, and the expander/gate to clean up silences. The insert allows adding an external processor if needed.

Controlled Dynamics, dbx Style

The OverEasy compressor ensures smooth transitions that keep the signal upfront without artifacts. The expander/gate, with dedicated threshold and ratio, ranges from subtle noise reduction to sharp gating of overly noisy takes.

Sculpting Timbre, Enhancing Intelligibility

The variable-frequency de-esser precisely targets problematic areas, while the HF/LF enhancer adds detail to highs and density to lows. The 80 Hz high-pass filter maintains a clean low end by removing unwanted vibrations.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Number of channels	1
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Rack unit	1
Category	Preamp

Threshold	-40 dB to +20 dBu, OverEasy	Line input gain	-15 to +45 dB
Maximum compression	30 dB	Max mic input level	0.25 Vrms, gain -30 dB
Distortion	< 0.05% (20 Hz-20 kHz), 15 dB G/R; +10 dBu	Max line input level	> +21 dB
Frequency range	800 Hz to 10 kHz, 12 dB/octave slope	Max output level	+21 dBu / 600 Ohms
Release time	program-dependent, 1 ms/dB	Frequency response	20 Hz-20 kHz, +0.5/-0.5 dB
HF	signal-dependent shelving equalizer; approximately 15 dB max high-frequency gain	Distortion + Noise	< 0.08% (20 Hz-20 kHz), processing bypassed
LF	bell EQ gain/80 Hz and cut/250 Hz, ratio 2:1	Signal-to-noise ratio	< -85 dBu unweighted
Ratio	adjustable from 1.5:1 to 10:1	Height	1U
Maximum attenuation	> 50 dB	Dimensions	45 x 146 x 485 mm
Attack time	signal-dependent, about 2 ms	Weight	2.05 kg
Mic input gain	0 to +60 dB