All user reviews of 4/5 for the dbx 286 s

Analog channel strip with single transistors.
The scheme is as follows:
Preamp> comp> de-esser> enchancer> gate / expander

Connectors
In XLR (with switchable phantom power supply)
6.35 out Jack
Insert by Jack Y

Presented Metale 1U rack, nice interior, color changes across gender but not too white. No power switch.

UTILIZATION

The config is simple, but they got the bright idea of ​​calling parameters oddly (see below)

We have:

PREAMP
gain
A phantom power supply
a low-cut fixed at 80 hz
4 LED level. It's a fair bit.

A bypass effects

COMP

Drive
Intensity

This is where it gets complicated. When we are used to adjust a normal comp is not very meaningful. In fact, Drive is the common setting of threshold and ratio, and Intensity, adjusting attack and relaxation. The knobs are notched and staggered, but not precisely known or is envaleur absolute (db or ms). Fortunately, eight LEDs show the work of the comp. It helps.
This system, curiously called "OverEasy" is quite confusing at first, but once understood, it rolls.

DE-ESSER:
Threshold
Frequency

Not rocket science. Attenuation in the frequency chosen from the selected threshold.

ENHANCER:

LF DETAIL
HF DETAIL

This is actually an eq. DETAIL els works LF low frequency, HF high. As for the comp, each knob is on two parameters, frequency and the gain of the frequency. This is well explained in the manual.

Expander / Gate

easy, a cut-off and a slope of cut. But it is subtle, since depending on the setting of one and the other acts like AC gate, to cut the weak signals, or as an expander, to address them. Same, it is well explained.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound seems to me a lot, but I tried that again, with all the mess around. It does not specifically highlight the capabilities fine.
Not breathing, if not abuse the preamp and the comp.
The enchancer, the de-esser and gate are effective. I have not used the expander.
The counter can be really brutal. As I did not used to calm, I could not say how it behaves more precisely.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 months earlier, after passing through an ART Pro Channel pounave well.

I use it for song of death, and it feels what I expect. Voice blasts out of 4 * 12 and the guitar, bring to detail, and do you hear the subtle passages scarce.
I put a TC M300 in the effects loop, it works well. Please note that the loop is placed between the preamp and compressor. So whatever comes of the loop is then treated. To be taken into account in its settings.

I like the simplicity of the settings (once acquired strange terminology), the enhancer and gate really effective (which allows me to use a distortion without feedback)
To see the length, but I think not having to regret my purchase. And as it looks solid, I think not having to redo this choice by a long time.
Very good value for the live. For the studio, plugs will both treatment and a preamp only an equivalent price will probably better.