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moosers
Published on 04/20/09 at 10:30
The Dbx 386 is a tube based analog and digital pre amplifier. It has two channels, each with its own XLR and 1/4 connections as well as separate metering and parameters for each. Each channel has a knob for drive, analog output level, and digital output level, as well as buttons for a pad, phantom power, phase, and low cut. This is a rackable unit and will take up a single rack space unit.
UTILIZATION
The configuration of the Dbx 386 is pretty easy to follow and it won't take long to figure out what everything does on this unit. It is easy to set your level and the vast amount of parameters allow for this to be a versatile unit that can be used for a variety of applications. I don't have the manual for the Dbx 386, but it is easy enough to use you shouldn't need it if you don't have one.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality of the Dbx 386 pre amp is warm and rich and great for a number of different instruments and applications. I have used this pre amp to record vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, and bass guitar and I always find that I get good sounds when using this pre amp. The sound is warm because of the real tubes which gives it a unique sound that is tough to replicate without real tubes.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using the Dbx 386 for about a year and I have found it to be a great sounding tube pre amp. It isn't too expensive and is a great deal for the home studio owner. Dbx makes some great pre amps and the 386 is a nice example of what they can do. Overall, the Dbx 386 is a great option for a cheap tube pre amp.
UTILIZATION
The configuration of the Dbx 386 is pretty easy to follow and it won't take long to figure out what everything does on this unit. It is easy to set your level and the vast amount of parameters allow for this to be a versatile unit that can be used for a variety of applications. I don't have the manual for the Dbx 386, but it is easy enough to use you shouldn't need it if you don't have one.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality of the Dbx 386 pre amp is warm and rich and great for a number of different instruments and applications. I have used this pre amp to record vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, and bass guitar and I always find that I get good sounds when using this pre amp. The sound is warm because of the real tubes which gives it a unique sound that is tough to replicate without real tubes.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using the Dbx 386 for about a year and I have found it to be a great sounding tube pre amp. It isn't too expensive and is a great deal for the home studio owner. Dbx makes some great pre amps and the 386 is a nice example of what they can do. Overall, the Dbx 386 is a great option for a cheap tube pre amp.