Audio nerds: Anyone using a DBX 286s in your mic chain? I'm wondering if adding one would help me eliminate the need for any audio processing in post when editing my videos. - ThreadSky

thomasjfrank.com • 86 days ago

Audio nerds: Anyone using a DBX 286s in your mic chain?

I'm wondering if adding one would help me eliminate the need for any audio processing in post when editing my videos.

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joshwalshmusic.bsky.social•80 days ago

I don’t use this specifically, but I do something similar using Audio Hijack and I have very little post processing I have to do. Usually just noise reduction.

justinjackson.ca•86 days ago

I’ve had one for years but don’t currently have it set up!

It’s a little finicky.

thomasjfrank.com•86 days ago

Do you have anything currently set up?

I could probably add a VST or two into my OBS effects slots, but I'm wary of increasing CPU load any more than I have to. Plus it seems like improving the actual signal with a better pre-amp would be an overall better choice

wadamek.me•86 days ago

Hmm, VST filters and compressors (deessers, limiters) barely use any CPU and do not introduce latency so I wouldn't say that's reason enough to go hardware. The main reason I would use hardware is if I really wanted a specific sound out of it or use a chain that could be too heavy on the CPU.

wadamek.me•86 days ago

With VSTs you also have the additional advantage of being able to run things like smarter de-noisers (Ozone), exciters, unmaskers, and so on.

Source: I'm an EDM music producer working with hundreds of VSTs at once.

thomasjfrank.com•86 days ago

Also, while I haven't tried my pro-grade VSTs in it, I noticed that the stock OBS gain, compressor, and EQ plugins could not get my audio to target normalized loudness without me introducing so much gain that I'd get peaking.

wadamek.me•86 days ago

Seems like OBS is not making things easy for you. Hardware definitely help, but if you wanted to, you could also try an independent VST host outside of OBS and just route the audio into it. If you need any other help with VSTs or audio setup in general I'd be happy to try and help!

thomasjfrank.com•86 days ago

I ended up buying the dbx last night, but I'm also not against trying VSTs.

That said, I do occasionally get some choppiness in OBS that requires a restart of the app. Not sure if additional VSTs would make that worse or not.

mateusguimaraes.com•86 days ago

I use it — mostly just to save time on post processing tbh.

thomasjfrank.com•86 days ago

That's my exact goal! I'm hoping to be able to drop my footage into Premiere without the need for any audio effects or tweaking of levels.

mateusguimaraes.com•86 days ago

I’ll be honest, I was’t able to tweak it to get as good of a sound as I would by manually mixing (prob skill issue), but it is good enough for me.
Some very mild compression, a boost on lower frequencies and a noise gate is what I use.
I record ~ -6dB so it’s always “ready”.

thomasjfrank.com•86 days ago

That really all I want. I don't need absolutely perfect audio – I just want it to sound good and be loud enough to match the average video that's already on my channel.

I've let go of so many perfection-seeking processes over the years lol

benbjurstrom.com•86 days ago

Im sure it would help, but using an interface with built in DSP seems simpler.

thomasjfrank.com•86 days ago

I ended up buying the dbx last night, but out of curiosity did you have an interface in mind?

I have a UA Volt 2 and various Scarlett interfaces. None can really get my mics sounding the way I want them without additional effects in post

benbjurstrom.com•86 days ago

I guess it depends on what you do in post to get things sounding right. I just use a compressor and an expander so interfaces by Rode, MOTU, and RME work well for me.

If you do more something like the UA Apollo Solo could be a good choice since it can run plugins that can do almost anything.

thomasjfrank.com•85 days ago

I have heard that has a beefier pre-amp, but I'm happy adding the dbx to my current chain to save a few hundred bucks!

mikeschmitz.bsky.social•86 days ago

Yes, they are magical (have 3 of them). Highly recommended, great setup video here: https://www.calebwojcik.com/blog/dbx-286s-review

thomasjfrank.com•86 days ago

Thank you! Should have known Caleb would have a guide on it :)

brittonhayes.dev•86 days ago

For that price relative to other outboard gear, it’s a great idea. Preamp, gate, enhancer, and de-esser is a killer deal if ya wanna save time in post and commit on record.

Backup option, the UAD Manley voxbox + enhancer unison plugins commit the processing on record with an Apollo and sound great.

thomasjfrank.com•86 days ago

Thanks! I ended up ordering it last night.

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