De-Esser; Enhancer - dbx 286A Manuel D'utilisation

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release time (i.e., how fast the compression circuit returns the input to its original
level).
The 286A's patented and versatile Compressor can smoothly and unobtrusively ride
gain, and assertively increase punch and density. The 286A achieves its outstanding-
ly transparent audio performance by finely-tuned control circuitry that eliminates the
dynamic distortions present in most conventional compressors and limiters. The use
of a quiet, low-distortion dbx VCA ensures negligible static distortion and noise.
Compression is especially useful for smoothing out a vocal performance, raising a
signal out of a mix, fattening kick or snare drums, or adding sustain to instruments
(such as an acoustic guitar or bass).
A De-Esser is a device that reduces the high frequency energy present in certain
vocalizations, of which the most common is sibilance. Sibilance is the hissing or
rushing sound produced by blowing air through a constricted (narrow) mouth opening
or across the edge of the teeth, as in the "s" and "sh" in "sash." Sibilants contain pre-
dominantly high frequency components with a sharp rise above 1kHz and most of the
energy in the 4kHz to 10kHz band, centered on 6kHz to 8kHz.
Adjust the De-Esser's FREQUENCY control to set the frequency above which the
286A responds to audio containing sibilants. The 286A detects sibilant material by
comparing the high-frequency energy of an audio signal to the full bandwidth energy
of that signal. When the high-frequency energy is excessive relative to the full band-
width energy, the 286A quickly reduces the gain, or "de-esses." The frequency con-
trol sets the high-pass filter frequency of the high-frequency level detector. For nor-
mal vocal de-essing, the frequency should be set between 4-8kHz. Further adjustment
of the frequency control enables the 286A to be used for processing instrumental
material, such as removing "clicks" from a close mic'd piano or acoustic guitar.
Adjust the De-Esser's THRESHOLD control to quickly reduce any sibilance (i.e.,
excessive vocal sounds like "sss"), high-frequency overload distortion (e.g., a cymbal
crash that can overload tape, drive amps into distortion and fatigue listeners), or even
guitar string slide noise.
We recommend the 286A's De-Esser for use almost exclusively on single voices or
instruments for sibilance. The De-Esser should not be used on mixed program mater-
ial.
An Enhancer (sometimes called a Spectral Enhancer) adds clarity and detail to vocals
or other line level signals by "intelligently' boosting specific frequency ranges.
Use the HF DETAIL control to add high frequency energy to the input signal. Use
the LF DETAIL to add punch and definition at the lower end of the spectrum.
The HF Detail circuitry in the 286A uses a dynamic shelving equalizer to provide
results superior to even complex equalization. In many situations, the amount of high
frequency content in the material you are working with will vary. Typical equaliza-
tion schemes will produce results which are right some of the time, and completely
wrong at other times. But not with the 286A. The equalizer's dynamic operation and
sliding corner frequency ensure that high frequency enhancement is applied only
when needed and in the specific frequency range necessary to maintain proper spec-
tral balance moment to moment. HF detail is perfect for adding definition to muddy
vocals, guitar or horn tracks. It can also add "zing" and crispness to percussion
tracks - acoustic or sampled.
Mic Preamp/
Processor
286A
®

De-Esser

Enhancer