Full Description

Vintage Vacuum Tube Warmth

The dbx 386 Dual Vacuum Tube Preamp is a two-channel preamp that incorporates a high-quality vacuum tube, reminiscent of those found in vintage microphone preamps. This premium-grade vacuum tube delivers the grit and warmth normally associated with classic preamps, for a unique and vivid sound. Combined with the custom dbx Type IV conversion system, the vacuum tube delivers exceptional audio fidelity and performance, capturing every nuance of your source material. This makes the 386 Tube Preamp ideal for capturing studio-grade recordings for both instruments and vocals, in immense detail.

Sample Rates, Digital Outs & Added Controls

As well as being ideal for vocals and instrument recordings, the dbx 386 includes a range of controls for getting the most out of your inputs. The selectable sample rate allows you to choose between four different sample rates (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz) for optimal flexibility. The high-end sampling rates ensure you pick up every nuance from your source audio, ensuring optimal audio fidelity. There is also selectable dithering and noise shaping for added convenience. It also boasts AES/EBU and S/DPIF digital outs as well as word clock sync input and output. The separate analog and digital output controls make it compatible with a range of external equipment. Also included is a 20Db PAD, 75Hz low cut filter and a phase reverse switch.

Design & Construction

The robust, rack-mountable design makes it ideal for both live and studio applications. The heavy-duty metal chassis ensures optimal durability, easily withstanding the rigors of extensive use. Monitoring is taken care of by the 12 segment analog/digital meters giving you precise feedback on your levels. The ergonomic layout provides you with easy access to all your controls, with two instrument inputs located on the front-panel for added convenience. The two-channel tube preamp also includes a selectable mic/line switch as well as a word clock sync input and output.

Features

• Two channel tube microphone preamplifier
• Selectable 96kHz, 88.2kHz, 48kHz, or 44.1kHz sampling rate
• 24, 20, and 16-bit wordlengths
• Selectable dither and noise shaping
• AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs
• Word clock sync input and output
• Separate analog and digital output control
• Type IV conversion system
• 60dB of gain and +/- 15dB of output gain
• Selectable mic/line switch
• 48 volt phantom power
• 20dB pad
• 75Hz low cut filter
• Phase reverse
• Segment LED analog/digital

Specifications

Microphone Input
• Connector: Female XLR Pin 2 Hot
• Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced
• Impedance: 330 ohm
• Max Input Level: -9 dBu or +11 dBu with 20 dB pad engaged
• CMRR: >40dB, Typically 55dB
• Equivalent Input
• Noise: Typically 120 dBu with a 150 ohm, source load 20 Hz to 20kHz Bu
Line Input (Rear Panel)
• Connectors: TRS 1/4" Jack
• Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced
• Impedance: 20k ohm unbalanced, 40k ohm balanced
• Maximum Input Level: +21dBu balanced or unbalanced
• CMRR: >40dB, Typically 55dB
• Gain (Drive Control): -15dB to +15dB
Instrument Input (Front Panel)
• Connector: TS 1/4" Jack
• Type: Unbalanced
• Impedance: 470k ohm
• Maximum Output
• Level: >+21 dBu unbalanced
• Insert Connector: TRS 1/4"
• Type: Unbalanced
• Impedance: 100 ohm, send -20 ohm return
Analog Outputs
• Connector: Male XLR Pin 2 Hot and TRS 1/4"
• Type: Servo-balanced/unbalanced
• Impedance: Balanced 120 ohm, unbalanced 60 ohm
• Maximum Output
• Level: >+21 dBu, >+20 dBm (into a 600 ohm load)
Digital Outputs
• Connector: XLR for AES/EBU
• RCA for S/PDIF
• Impedance: 110 ohm for AES/EBU
• 75 ohm for S/PDIF
Word Sync Input/Output
• Connectors: BNC
• Input Impedance: 75 ohm terminated by internal jumper
• Input: 96, 88.2, 48, or 44.1kHz word clock
• OUTPUT: 96, 88.2, 48, or 44.1kHz word clock
System Performance
• DRIVE Control Range: +30dB to +60dB for Mic Input
• -15dB to +15dB for Line and Instrument Inputs
• LEVEL Control Range
• Analog and Digital): -15dB to +15dB
• LINE: Selects between microphone and line inputs
• Phantom Power: +48V
• PAD: 20dB pad
• PHASE: Reverses pins 2 and 3 of the microphone input XLR
• LOW CUT: 75Hz, 12dB/octave high pass filter
• Frequency Response:
• THD + Noise: 0.35 typical at +4dBu out, 1kHz, 40 dB gain
• Interchannel Crosstalk: Typically 80dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
Analog To Digital Conversion
• Type: dbx Type IV A/D Conversion System
• Sample Rate: 96, 88.2, 48, or 44.1kHz selectable
• Wordlength: 24, 20, or 16 bit selectable
• Dither Type: TPDF, SNR2, or none
• Noise Shape: Shape 1, Shape 2, or none
• Output Format: S/PDIF or AES/EBU
• Convertor Dynamic
• Range: 107dB typical, A-weighted, 22kHz bandwidth