#85 in Musical Instruments
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Reddit mentions of dbx 286s Stereo 2-Way, Mono 4-Way Crossover with Mic XLR connectors
Sentiment score: 14
Reddit mentions: 17
We found 17 Reddit mentions of dbx 286s Stereo 2-Way, Mono 4-Way Crossover with Mic XLR connectors. Here are the top ones.
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Studio quality mic preamp/channel strip processorClassic dbx compression puts great sound within easy reachFrequency tuneable de-esser reduces sibilance and high frequency distortionEnhancer increases the detail and definition of the high and low frequenciesProgram adaptive expander/Gate. Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHzInput: 1/4" TRS (x2) and XLR (x1); output: 1/4" TRS (x1)Operating voltage: 120VAC 60Hz, 100VAC 50/60HzPurchase includes: dbx286s, power cord, operation manual, and rack mount screws and washers (x4)
Specs:
| Height | 1.75 Inches |
| Length | 19 Inches |
| Number of items | 1 |
| Release date | June 2021 |
| Size | Mono 4-way |
| Weight | 5.070632026 Pounds |
| Width | 5.75 Inches |
Here's everything for equipment, so hopefully this answers any questions:
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Wall:
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Desk:
I also made modications to the desk, including installing a grommet with 2 USBs and 2 outlets, as well as a wireless charger.
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Audio Setup:
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Peripherals:
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PC specs:
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Any other questions, feel free to leave them and I'll try to respond :)
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Edit: Thank you for the gold random kind redditor!
Setup:
Edit: Added Links
There's all sorts of madness that can ensue with this. Normally I recommend for those starting off use one of these four microphones:
Knox Podcast Microphone
Audio Technica AT2005
Audio Technica ATR-2100
or a Samson Q2U
and use Audacity to record locally through Skype or YouTube Live (with a private "broadcast"). Minumum start-up cost of $40 with the Knox.
HOWEVER, since you mentioned "high-end" I would recommend a Zoom H5 Portable Digital Recorder for each person. That way each person can record their local track and the other side for redundancy sake. Also, if they interview anyone. I would also connect through Skype Or YouTube Live with a private broadcast. If they are running PCs with Windows I would try the Evaer Skype Recorder for backup.
I would also recommend a Mackie ProFX8v2 USB Mixer for both sides. It's on the more robust and reliable side for a small format USB mixer with a few AUX Sends that can be used to multi-track.
I would recommend a Electro Voice re320 package which includes the shock mount and pop filter for each host. You can also get an Electro Voice re20 or re27n/d package at BSW Warehouse as well. That is by far the best deal for that microphone set around. The re320 is a great microphone because it requires less gain than other large diameter dynamic cardioid broadcast microphones and significantly reduces proximity effects for a relatively low cost. It also works great with most voices.
I would recommend a DBX 286s Microphone Processor for each host. It will help with a hard noise gate and to tweak the host's voices on whatever microphone they get.
I would invest in a couple of Heil PL-2T microphone boom arms. These will easily hold the weight of any microphone. I've heard of squeaking issues with the Rode PSA-1 microphone arm but it would also be a fabulous choice.
I would also invest in a decent pair of Studio Monitoring Headphones. I actual wrote an article on this last year. The article should help you narrow down your search.
Let me know if you have any questions. There are a ton of other choices you can make but I believe this will result in the highest quality with the least reliability issues.
~SP
You can do alright with about $300, as long as you have all the other stuff (shock mount, boom arm, etc).
This is the dbx 286s, an all-in-one preamp, compressor, expander/gate, with some other things. I use this for my streams and most of my let's plays these days and it's been pretty wonderful. It's not perfect and I wish I had more control than it offers, but for the price it's been an invaluable tool for me.
From there you still need a mic and an interface. Might be hard to find a pair of those for 100 that won't suffer in quality, but you've gotta start somewhere and the nature of this setup is complete modularity.... each individual piece can be upgraded by itself when you've got time and money.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MWNYGUS/ - Adjustable clamp-jaw mount for cameras like the Logitech C920/922 (the most recommended cameras). Get a better or more unique angle.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACFAULC/ - Pop filters help a lot with audio quality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017WNJS3M/ - Green screen it up and you can do all sorts of wacky or cool stuff, or it just cleans up the presentation of the stream in general.
https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Stream-Deck-Mini-Customizable/dp/B07DYRS1WH - The streamdeck mini just came out, pretty useful for doing goofy on-demand stuff with programmable buttons. Some people swear by these.
For higher end stuff for audio, put this stuff in a wish list if he does start to take off:
https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M - Probably my most recommended mic for people wanting to get into the more serious stuff.
https://www.amazon.com/dbx-286s-Microphone-Preamp-Processor/dp/B004LWH79A - Probably the best entry level audiophile grade mic preamp. This is endgame for streamers personally, it's way beyond what most people have and it will give him an edge.
https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04 - Cloudlifter CL-1. This is a must if you ahve a Shure SM7B, excellent high end filter that will absolutely remove all noise.
https://www.amazon.com/Furman-M-8X2-Outlet-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B003BQ91Y6/ - Further eliminates noise from dirty power. Everyone who wants a decent XLR high-end setup wants something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Heath-ZEDi-10FX-Compact-Interface/dp/B01ATAK5MS - This is an excellent mixer+audio interface combo, if you are going XLR you'll want a mixer. It's 4x4 USB, which for the price is a great value, and it's preamps and lines are notoriously silent. I bought the last version of this which was a 4x2 interface on a great sale, and couldn't be more pleased.
There's a lot more you can get of course. A simple small table rack to rack mount these things... But it all depends, the sky is the limit with this stuff. Just giving you ideas of how you can go nuts with it.
But at the core of it, if he's not organically growing by being consistent and working hard at it and trying to improve... Maybe he's just not entertaining enough? It is what it is. Don't think that buying this stuff really makes any difference, it only does if you are already able to gain viewers in the first place.
I personally use the dbx 286s Microphone Preamp Processor with my SM7B and it has more than enough gain plus it has a compressor, expander/gate, and a measly 2 band EQ control but it works great for VO's.
I have this going into my Scarlett 2i2 as an interface to my PC; and like everyone else has said, I've tried it with just the Scarlett 2i2's pre-amps and it's just far too weak for it to produce a decent sound.
Hello dear saints of the audio world,
I go by the name of TheBirdReich (you can call me Bird) and I do a lot of broadcasting on Twitch. Recently, I've been looking into upgrading my audio setup from my USB Blue Yeti microphone to a XlR microphone. I have a lot of questions because the transitional phase from the plug and play usb mics to XLR mics is pretty hefty. My budget is for the new setup is about $500.
For my application of "in home live audio streaming", which would be most applicable? (Disclaimer: I yell a lot)
The mic I was intending on purchasing was the NT1-A. Link is here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QAUOKS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
a. Is it a good idea to purchase a preamp to supply the phantom power, and adjust audio before it reaches my computer? Is it necessary?
This was the one I was looking at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LWH79A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A25IRTXJ3Y3DFH
c. Will I need an audio interface to convert the line output of my microphone to a digital output to my computer no matter the type of mic I use? Do you have any budget friendly recommendations?
Overall I'm really unsure about what to even purchase, mainly because of the lack of knowledge, and I don't want to end up spending more than I have to. I know the creed for audio engineers is to spend no more on equipment that meets their requirements. :) I greatly appreciate your input and the fact that you're taking time out your day to help!
If you have recommendations on gear or items that you know would be good for my application I'd be happy to hear from you on them!
Thanks ahead of time!
Here's a link to some example clips highlighting the noises/artifacts I'm hearing (you'll probably need headphones):
https://soundcloud.com/tags/audio_noises
This is my setup, all purchased new, in order of connection:
Backup Mic:
Old microphone, which doesn't have the issue:
What I've tried so far:
Nothing got rid of the noise. The weird part is, it's not always consistent. Sometimes it will appear and be really obvious, other times it will sit subtly in the background. When I tried again with the old Samson mic, everything sounded normal. If someone can tell me the technical term for this sound, I can do my research and hopefully figure it out, but I'm lost, I don't know what to search, and I feel like I tried everything.
TL:DR - Tried 2 XLR mics, 2 XLR cables, 2 pieces of equipment, with and without the computer, went outside, unplugged everything from power, and isolated all the above variables. What the heck is this noise???
FYI, I have a Mackie ProFx8v2 that's been mostly good. Big, solid mixer, but they're also prone to a little quality control at the knobs from what I've seen and experienced.
Essentially, if I don't "adjust" the gain knob on the input I'm using (as in, turn it one direction and then back to the other such that it's neutral from where it originally started) I may end up with huge volume dips throughout a recording. This can be corrected in post, of course, but it's a major hassle.
Even with "adjusting to neutral" I've still run into problems such that I'm now on my second audio interface to try and correct this (currently trying a Steinberg UR22mkII, the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 had major problems).
All of this on Windows 10, FWIW.
Also, consider looking into something like a DBX 286s for your vocal processing. Hardware compressor, some EQ, and a noise gate--this is the secret sauce a few of us here use to have minimal audio post work and consistent sound regardless of streaming, recording, etc.
I have a Mackie ProFx12, so yes I have a large mixer. I'm planning on using an insert with a DBX 166xs and eventually a nice EQ as well. I have an audio rack to add these to.
As far as other solutions go, you could use a software-sided application like VSThost to capture your audio and edit it before it reaches your recording program. However, this will cause a small delay. You could also get a mixer or audio interface with some of these features already built in. I believe some of the Yamaha boards have it, or you could look at a preamp processor like the DBX286s.
EDIT: You will still need an audio interface with the 286s, but it has a lot of features and a nice preamp to boot.
You need a proper preamp because the rode procaster needs about 32 dB of gain. Your interface should not be used as a preamp......
I have the same mic but mine goes to a dbx 286s that has a preamp and processor where I add the needed gain then feed it into my mixer where the gain knob is not used.
Try getting a cloudlifter from amazon as a cheaper fix which will add the needed gain before it goes into your interface.
Links to a cloudlifter and dbx 286s preamp/processor linked below
Cloudlifter - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYNBPZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1Fl0CbAA8JG9J
$70 more and get
Dbx 286s - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LWH79A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aHl0Cb9C8GW7M
You really need to better define a budget here. "Extremely pricey" is super subjective.
For me, my setup is an ElectroVoice RE-20, into a CloudLifter CL-1, that leads into DBX 286s, Native Inustraments Komplete Audio 6. Then I'm using a RSA Intruder headphone amp as an output into either a pair of JH Audio JH-16s or the more casual, open back AKG K7xx Massdrop Edition.
It's a setup I built over time (and for a more uses than just Let's Plays), but to me, it's not something I consider "extremely pricey". Expensive, sure, but so is my Ford Fusion. It's all a matter of perspective.
you should get a dBx 286s channel strip ($200.) and a Steinberg UR12 or UR22 interface. ($100.-$200.) or a Behringer ($60.) or Audient interface. Mic into dbx. Line level out of dbx into interface. Interface connects to computer via usb. Which mic? not that big of a deal. You could get an sE Magneto ($99.) or a GLS ES-57 ($37.) https://www.amazon.com/GLS-Audio-Instrument-Microphone-ES-57/dp/B001W99HE8 or try plugging anything you like into the dBx unit. go get a flea market or pawnshop mic. you might be surprised. pawn shops are stacked with used LDC's that they can't sell.
basically for $3-400. you can have a versatile and very pro rig. (??) get shrewd and second hand and do it for half that. the main thing is the dbx 286s.
-as always read the number of stars in the reviews. keep it 4.5 or better out of 5.
RE320 is a dynamic microphone and does not need phantom power.
You don't need a cloud lifter at all but a dedicated preamp hurt nobody. See here
For a mixer, the MG10XU is a great choice. But saving money is always fun, so you should check out this which is essentially the same mixer with less channels. If you aren't using more than 2 inputs on the 10XU no point in buying it.
quick edit: if you do end up purchasing a DBX 286s, there's nearly no point in buying the mixer. You'd have better luck investing in an audio interface such as a Mackie Onyx Blackjack or Scarlett 2i2
That's not EQ.
The DBX 286s does what you want. About $220.
https://www.amazon.com/dbx-286s-Microphone-Channel-Processor/dp/B004LWH79A/
Here is a popular one, I am getting the DBX 286A which is basically the same hardware but with some visual tweaks.
It gives you an easy way to control, improve quality, and modify the vocals in sort of an all in one solution. So you don't need several pieces of hardware to achieve a single goal.
I'm also using the focusrite +AT2020 combo. I used just these two pieces of hardware for about 2 years and then added a DBX 286s. It's a bit on the pricey side - around $200.00 (your whole budget I know :\ ) unless you can find one used or on sale.
DBX 286s
It's a dedicated preamp and audio processor. You get more gain before clipping occurs (when compared to just using the Focusrite) and the 286s has a load of features (compressor, de-esser, enhancer, and my personal favorite the noise gate.) All applied to your audio signal before it arrives in your computer.
Obviously this has all been just my experience/opinion so take it with a grain of salt.
So maaaybe not something you are going to get now, but just wanted you to be aware of it for the future.
Good luck in your endeavors!