286 S : Nice unit, preamp not an upgrade from interface

Great looking device with well thought out features.

Very easy to use.

The low and high frequency detail (which isn't "just" EQ) sounds nice as long as you don't pump it all the way up.

It can just add that tad which is missing especially when you are using the 80hz cut off.

The De-esser does it job, similar to the compressor.

It's not too fast, not too slow. So perfect for controlling rather than removing peaks.

Tho for non-sensitive mics, beware for the noisy preamp.

I originally bought it thinking it would probably be less noisy than my Audient iD14 preamps but I was wrong.

From 30dB you start to hear the hiss.

Since you have to drive the compressor, it only amplifies it.

Not an issue for the majority of condenser mics since you will stay under 35dB anyways.

If you are buying it mostly for the effects section, it might be better to use the insert with another preamp if you are going to use gain hungry mics and especially if you are going into another (multiband)compressor/broadcast processor.

It's certainly a decent product for the price.