Will this prevent clipping? My music has a lot of soft parts and parts where I'm shouting. Thanks!

The only thing I use to prevent mic clip is mic staging and proper leveling in side what ever DAW your using. In other words sing lower parts louder by moving to the mic and loud parts lower by moving away from the mic. So the DBX is pretty good for the price but without proper mic staging could add to your problem.

My plan is to use a Microphone - into XLR - then into Channel 1 on my Focusrite 18i20. How does someone use this as an 'INSERT"? What is an INSERT?

I'd imagine more or less you'll be doing this the same way I have mine set up. You run your XLR into the back input of the DBX 286s, then use a 1/4" audio out into your first channel preamp on your Focusrite interface. Currently Focusrite cannot get a signal with WDM (only ASIO gets a signal) if you try using the 1/4" audio out into the rear inputs. Only the front ones work until they address it with a patch.

Can someone direct me to a video showing me exactly how to use this? I use a focusrite scarlette solo audio interface

Do a search for 'Best Settings and How To Connect - get started with the dbx 286s by Julian Krause' for the best video to set up this equipment.

If i set it up with an interface would i set it up like this? mic > pre amp > interface > monitors/headphones please explain proper setup

John, you would plug MIC > DBX 286s > LINE INPUT of your interface. Receive the line input signal in your DAW and adjust your settings as necessary on the CH strip. Your monitors would plug in to your interface as normal. If you have further questions , please let us know!

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🎛️ Elevate your sound. Own the mix. Never blend in.

VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Floating balanced XLR and dual 1/4" TRS inputs handle microphones, instruments, and line-level sources effortlessly.
PRO GRADE CLARITY PUNCH - Classic dbx compression and enhancer add professional polish, making vocals and instruments stand out in any mix.
ALL IN ONE SONIC POWERHOUSE - Combine mic preamp, compression, de-essing, enhancement, and gating in one sleek 1U rack unit.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION EXPANSION - Insert jack loop-out lets you add external processors without signal degradation—future-proof your setup.
PRECISION CONTROL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - Detented knobs and full metering LEDs let you dial in perfect sound with confidence and speed.

The dbx 286s is a professional 1U rack-mount microphone preamp and channel strip processor featuring four independent effects: compression, de-esser, enhancer, and expander/gate. It offers balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs for versatile connectivity, precision detented controls, and full metering LEDs for real-time monitoring. Designed to deliver polished, clear, and punchy audio, it simplifies studio setups by combining multiple processors into one compact, reliable unit favored by musicians and producers aiming for pristine sound quality.

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Item Weight	2.3 Kilograms
Item Dimensions L x W x H	5.75"L x 19"W x 1.75"H
Color	Silver
Style Name	Rack Mount
Power Source	Corded Electric
Signal Format	Analog
Hardware Connectivity	1/4-inch Audio
Amperage	300 Milliamps
Audio Output Effects	Compression, De-Esser, Enhancer, Expander/Gate
Voltage	0.4 Volts

dbx DBX286SV Instrument, Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor, with Compression, De-Esser, Enhancer, Expander/Gate, Loop-Out. Metering LEDs, XLR and ¼” inputs. Rack Mountable 1U. Silver

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