dbx286A Microphone Preamp help...

[GeNeRaLvErSeZ]

not sure if this is the right forum...anyways

ok...here's my set up...(> = connected to)

Blueberry Microphone > DBX > Emu 1616 > Laptop...

the name of the program I record in is Cubase LE...

I am basically on a mission to get the best possible performance out of this preamp...I'm new to Compressors, DE-ESSERS, EHANCERS, AND EXPANDER/GATES...does anyone have any specific tips to where I can set these switches...(for example gain - 3, density - 5...get it?)...I'm using this preamp for vocal purposes only...any feedback would be greatly appreciated...

[Cory Cooper]

When setting up the dbx unit, it's best to remember that less is actually more. The manual actually has a pretty good explanation.

That said, a good, VERY basic starting point may be something in this area:

Mic Pre
Input: set gain to hit the 0dB occasionally
Phantom Power: On
Highpass: personal choice...many folks engage this to filter out rumble, excessive vocal boominess/proximity effect, etc.
Process Bypass: Out - this bypasses all but the mic pre

Compressor
Drive: 3 - The higher this is, the more gain/compression you get and possibility for noise increase
Density: 3 - It sets the release time of the compressor

De-Esser
Frequency: 6kHz - close to an average setting
Threshold: 3 - enough to see some activity on the LEDs when speaking

Enhancer
LF Detail: OFF
HF Detail: OFF
These color the sound too much for my taste. They are a basic bass/treble set of controls...your mic is very good as-is...if only a slight bit bright on the high end.

Expander/Gate
Threshold: -15 - set this so that most background noise when not speaking is gone
Expansion Ratio: 1.5:1 - set so that your vocals don't get choppy/chopped off

Output
Gain: Set so that the Clip LED NEVER comes on

All these are "starting points", and will need to be played with. I only gave you an educated guess to get you started.

[GeNeRaLvErSeZ]

ok, I'ma try that out and see what I can come up with...

[Cory Cooper]

K...let me know how it goes...

[GeNeRaLvErSeZ]

wow...it actually made it alot better...some of the switches still need tweeking but it definently boosted my quality...thx for your help

[GeNeRaLvErSeZ]

all input is appreciated

^ you go

[GeNeRaLvErSeZ]

anyone else have this preamp?