dbx 286s User Manual

®

Mic Preamp/Processor

User Manual

Professional Audio Equipment

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.

These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.

Safety Instructions

Notice For Customers If Your Unit Is Equipped With A 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 and YELLOW - Earth

BLUE - Neutral

BROWN - Live

As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

•The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth symbol, or coloured green, or green and yellow.

•The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal marked N or coloured black.

•The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal marked L or coloured red.

This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. If the attachment plug needs to be changed, refer servicing to qualified service personnel who should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be connected directly to the units chassis.

	CONDUCTOR		WIRE COLOR
			Normal	Alt
	L	LIVE	BROWN	BLACK
	N	NEUTRAL	BLUE	WHITE
	E	EARTH GND	GREEN/	GREEN
			YEL

WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth ground are touched simultaneously.

If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.

Private household in the 25 member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one).

For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for a correct method of disposal.

By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION

READ THE FOLLOWING:

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS HEED ALL WARNINGS FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

the appARATUS shall not be exposed tO dripping or splashing liquid and no object filled withi liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on the appARATUS.

CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH.

DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER APPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.

ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or groundingtype plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Use only with the cart stand, tripod bracket, or table specified by the manufacture, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: If the equipment has a Power switch, the Power switch used in this piece of equipment DOES NOT break the connection from the mains.

MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug shall remain readily operable. For rack-mount or installation where plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical installation of the rack or building.

FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse with same type and rating only.

MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE:This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel.To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service personnel or equivalent.

If connected to 240V supply, a suitable CSA/UL certified power cord shall be used for this supply.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ELECTROMAGNETIC

COMPAtIBILITY

This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

•this device may not cause harmful interference, and

•this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.

•use only shielded interconnecting cables.

U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING

A molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility.

NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET.

Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer. Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362.

DECLARATION OF

CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name:		dbx Professional Products
Manufacturer’s Address:		8760 S. Sandy Parkway
		sandy, Utah 84070, USA
declares that the product:
product name:		dbx 286s
Note: Product name may be suffixed by the EU.
Product option:	None
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
safety:	IEC 60065 -01+Amd 1
emc:	EN 55022:2006 (N/A; Analog Product)
	iec61000-4-2
	iec61000-4-3
	iec61000-4-4
	iec61000-4-5
	iec61000-4-6
	iec61000-4-8
	iec61000-4-11

Supplementary Information:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the: Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC

EMC Directive 2004/108/EC RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC

With regard to Directive 2005/32/EC and EC Regulation 1275/2008 of 17 December 2008, this product is designed, produced, and classified as Professional Audio Equipment and thus is exempt from this Directive.

roger Johnsen Vice-President of Engineering 8760 S. Sandy Parkway 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: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

		Table of Contents	286s
Section 1 - Introduction.........................................			1
1.1	Service Contact Info......................................		2
1.2	Warranty......................................................		3
Section 2- Operating Controls.................................			4
2.1	Rear Panel....................................................		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 Support and Factory Service......	18
Section 6		- Technical Specifications.........................	19
Section 7		- Block Diagram......................................	21

	286s		Introduction Section 1

Section 1 - Introduction

Congratulations on choosing the dbx 286s Mic Preamp/Processor. The 286s is a powerful, user-friendly unit, providing concise and intuitive controls for all your mic processing needs, whether you use a microphone to record vocals and acoustic instruments, sample acoustic sounds, or for a public address system installation. The 286s is also capable of providing effective processing for electronic instruments, individual mixer tracks, and other mono sound sources.

You can think of the 286s as two separate processors, a Mic Preamp Section and a Processing Section. 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 provides four specific types of processing: Compression, De-essing, Enhancement and Expansion/Gating. These four controls can be used in any combination, as appropriate to your requirements. External audio processors (e.g., equalizer, delay unit, etc.), can be placed in the signal chain directly between the Mic Preamp Section and remaining 286s processing via the rear panel INSERT jack. We recommend that you take a moment and read through the 286s manual to better understand the power of the 286s processing, and how you can use the 286s to its fullest potential.

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Section 1 Introduction		286s

1.1 Service Contact Info

If you require technical support, contact dbx Customer Service. Be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit - this is printed on a sticker attached to the bottom panel. If you have not already taken the time to fill out your warranty registration card and send it in, please do so now.

Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to the manual. Make sure you have correctly followed installation steps and operation procedures. If you are still unable to solve a problem, contact our Customer Service Department at [phone] for consultation. If you need to return 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 Authorization Number.

Please refer to the Warranty information on the following page, which extends to the first end-user. After expiration of the warranty, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for transportation charges to the factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.

Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper and with these words in red: DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE! Insure the package properly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.

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	286s		Introduction Section 1

1.2 Warranty

This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States.

1.The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after purchase date to validate this warranty. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.

2.dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

3.dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts 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 result of the product’s use in any circuit or assembly.

4.dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured.

5.The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

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Section 2 Operating Controls		286s

Section 2 - Operating Controls

2.1 Rear Panel

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MIC INPUT Jack

The 286s MIC INPUT jack supports professional and home studio microphones by accepting either balanced or unbalanced signal through an XLR connector. Pins 2 and 3 are symmetrically balanced and floating; thus, either can be used as “HOT” without difficulty. Pin 2 is in phase with the TIP of all 1/4” connectors. Pin 1 is connected to the 286s chassis ground.

Note: Use a low impedance mic or a high-to-low impedance matching transformer with a high impedance mic.

LINE INPUT Jack

Use a 1/4” TRS phone plug to connect line level sources to the 286s (e.g., mixer outputs, effects loops, electronic keyboards, etc.). The 286s LINE INPUT jack accepts either balanced or unbalanced signals. Input impedance is 10kΩ unbalanced, 20kΩ balanced.

Note: In general, this jack does not support microphones with 1/4” plugs. Use an appropriate 1/4”-to-XLR adapter and plug the microphone into the MIC INPUT jack.

LINE OUTPUT Jack

The 286s LINE OUTPUT jack accepts either balanced or unbalanced 1/4” phone plugs. Nominal output signal levels is 0dBu into 600Ω, and maximum output signal level is >+21dBu into 600Ω. Output impedance is 100Ω unbalanced, 200Ω balanced. The output is tip HOT.

INSERT Jack

The 286s INSERT jack allows you to either add an effects loop directly into the 286s circuitry chain or take a separate mic preamp signal out.

To connect one or more external processors or effects devices (e.g., an equalizer, delay unit, etc.) between the Mic Preamp Section and the Processing Section, insert a 1/4” TRS plug carrying the external device’s output signal fully into the 286s INSERT jack; the TIP acts as a Send, carrying the signal from the Mic Preamp Section at an impedance of 100Ω, while the RING acts as a Return for external devices to feed the 286s processing circuitry (i.e., 286s compressor, de-esser, etc.). This operation requires a Y-cable. When using INSERT as a

direct-in to the Processing Section, MIC GAIN control, HIGHPASS button and PHANTOM POWER will not be active.

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	286s		Operating Controls Section 2

To use the INSERT jack to MULT the preamp out (i.e., to provide an output with a buffered version of the signal after the Mic Preamp circuitry, but before the Processing Section), insert a Mono 1/4” plug fully into the INSERT jack, then pull the plug out one click. Plug the other end of the cable to the appropriate load. This will still allow the original signal path to continue to the Processing Section without interruption.

Note: If the plug is accidentally pushed fully into the INSERT jack, it will break off the connection between the Mic Preamp and Processing Sections; in this case, there would be no signal at the 286s LINE OUTPUT jack.

AC Power

Connect the AC power cord to the AC receptacle on the back of the unit. Route the AC power cord to a convenient power outlet away from audio lines. The unit may be turned on and off from a master equipment power switch.

2.2 Front Panel

Note: To reduce the risk of damage to your system, set the MIC GAIN control fully counterclockwise and lower your playback monitor levels before 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 (dB) and LEVEL (dBu) LEDs (including CLIP LED)

Use this control to set the level of gain added to the microphone input signal (or a line-level input). Note that the 286s processing controls, or an external processor connected to the 286s INSERT, can provide additional gain. Try to set the MIC GAIN control so that you

do no have to reset it repeatedly; allow headroom for the maximum expected levels. For microphones (connected to the XLR MIC INPUT connector), the 286s can provide +0dB to +60dB of input gain. For line-level inputs (connected to the LINE INPUT jack), the gain is from -15dB to +45dB.

Note: To get the lowest noise possible from the 286s, set the input attenuators (if any) on your recorder or mixer for nominal levels (often about 3/4” of the way up or at the detent position; refer to the device’s operating manual). Then, set the 286s MIC GAIN so that your recorder or mixer is at its optimal operating level.

The red CLIP LED (located to the left of the MIC GAIN control) indicates that the combination

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