New 386 Dual Tube Preamp with Digital Outs from dbx

(Click for a close-up)

October 2, 1999 -- The dbx 386 ‘Silver Series’ dual-channel tube mic preamp puts the best of both worlds into an affordable 1U package by combining the inestimable warmth of vacuum tubes with dbx’s proprietary Type IV™ conversion system.

The dbx 386 boasts many of the same features as other products in the Silver Series, such as +48V phantom power, phase invert switches and 75Hz low cut filters, but also includes digital outputs in both AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats as standard.

With dbx’s Type IV conversion system, 386 users can capture the essence of tube processing directly into the digital world without leaving the box. The 386 enables users to select from a wide range of sampling rates, including 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz, while the digital outputs offer the ability to communicate in 16, 20 or 24-bit word lengths. In addition, Type IV conversion offers the ability to select noise shapes algorithms and dither types that best suit its users’ music and medium.

Behind the dbx 386’s stunning brushed-silver aluminum face is an all-metal chassis that is incredibly rugged and durable. The high impedance, 1/4-inch instrument input located on the front panel, mic/line switch and 20dB pad demonstrate dbx’s dedication to providing convenience in the studio. Analog and digital outputs feature independent controls, and the 386’s 12-segment LED meters provide a visual indication of analog or digital levels at a glance. The rear panel includes both mic and line inputs and outputs, word clock sync input and output, and digital outputs.

Two hand-selected and matched premium 12AU7 vacuum tubes are utilized by the dbx 386 to ensure ideal triode gain matching, distortion, microphonics and drive characteristics. These 12AU7s provide 386 owners with both incredible tube warmth and unparalleled tonal versatility.

For more information, visit dbx at www.dbxpro.com.