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dbx 286s

Mic Preamp / Channel Processor

Channel Strip

$168Manufacturer list price

Specifications

Type
Channel Strip
Description
Mic Preamp / Channel Processor
Topology
Preamp + compressor + de-esser + enhancer + expander/gate chain
Signal path
Analog
Channels
1
Form factor
1U rackmount
Rack units
1
DSP
false
Powered
true
Power (W)
15
Frequency response
20Hz-20kHz, +0.5/-0.5dB
Phantom power
48V

Details

Controls: Mic gain 0-60dB, line gain -15/+45dB, output gain -30/+10dB, compressor threshold/ratio/density, de-esser freq 800Hz-10kHz, enhancer HF/LF, expander/gate threshold/ratio

I/O: XLR mic in (floating balanced); 1/4" TRS line in; 1/4" TRS insert send/return; 1/4" TRS balanced out

Notable use: dbx notes the 286 name has become common industry terminology for this class of mic-preamp/channel processor.

Notes: Classified as Channel Strip per taxonomy guidance (mic pre + dynamics + EQ chain). price_usd ~$168 street price seen at multiple retailers Jul 2026 (Sweetwater listing shows discontinued/reference-only there specifically, though product remains current on dbxpro.com); treat as street price, not MSRP.

Where to buy

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