dbx 286s - Manual (Page 18)

286
Section 3
Basic Operation
14
slow the compressor’s release time, set the DENSITY control to 0.
Set the De-Esser frequency control to 4kHz (12:00 position).
Adjust the De-Esser THRESHOLD control to reduce the vocalist’s sibilance.
Use the HF DETAIL, to taste, to add life to the vocal. Defeat the LF DETAIL by setting it to
OFF.
Set the Expander/Gate THRESHOLD and EXPANSION RATIO controls starting with a setting of
around 11:00. Adjust these controls so that background noises are gated out when the vocal
part is low or not present.
Because minimal processing levels often produce the best results, the 286s processing 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, turn the control OFF. Or, for material already rich in high frequencies, set the HF
DETAIL to Off, or use it minimally.) This will ensure that the 286s circuitry produces superior
audio without any artifacts.
Suggested Settings/Usages
Expander/Gate
Note: The Expander/Gate is OFF when the Expander/Gate THRESHOLD is set to the “off” position.
Suggested Initial Gate settings:
Gating Dry Percussive Sounds
(i.e.: Snare Drum, Kick Drum)
Gating Sounds that have Longer Decay
(i.e.: Cymbal, Piano)
Gating Hum or Buzz from Live
Instruments or Recorded Tracks
Downward Expansion to Reduce
Noise Under Smooth Sounds
(i.e.: Vocals, Woodwinds)
286s