Brings the tube and digital worlds together in one affordable package!

The dbx 386 Dual-Vacuum Tube Preamp is a 2-channel microphone preamp with digital outs and the dbx Type IV conversion system. It features selectable 96, 88.2, 48, or 44.1kHz sampling rates, 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 controls, 60dB of gain and +/- 15dB of output gain, a selectable mic/line switch, 48V phantom power, a 75Hz low cut filter, phase reverse, 12 segment LED, and a 20dB pad. With its impressive features, the dbx 386 lets you work in the digital world while retaining the indispensable warmth of analog.

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dbx 386 Dual-Vacuum Tube Preamp

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Average of 6 User Ratings

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Customer Reviews

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DBX 386 AAA+

Posted by Marc Bolger from Centeral California on Oct 20, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Guitarist 30 years

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock/Blues ..Hard Rock

I bought one of these exact models from Musician's Friend about 7 or 8 years ago. Mine still works perfectly with my Pro Tools LE. Can't say enough good things about it. I run Two Shure 57's,one on each guitar cab and the signal I get from the 386 to Pro Tools is amazing. On the mix I do use a Bombfactory plug in LA2A to up the signal a tad more but without this DBX386 Preamp what I am doing quality wise just wouldn't be possible. A Must. Because the Mic's by themselves are just not enough.

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dbx 386 - A OK

Posted by Junkart from St. Louis on Dec 29, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Basement Studio Owner

Reviewer's Play Style: A - Z

This is well worth the price for the recording enthusiast that has a good sound pre-recording with good mikes. The 20 dB pad & +48V is great with a condensor mike over a drum kit or low impedence inside the bass shell. The ability to output to analog and digital (s/pdif) is essential. I am very happy with it's warmth and sound, a definite A.

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Excellent Dual Channel Preamp

Posted by 2Gizmo from Culver City, CA on Oct 27, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Musician, Home Recording

Reviewer's Play Style: N/A

Have had this unit for about 6 months now, but have worked with the same unit in a number of studios both home & pro. If you are looking for something transparent, meaning what comes out of the monitor sounds just like the voice/instrument you put in, this is superb. Obviously, it can generate much more as well, which is why I rated it the way I did. The I/O setup gives you numerous ways in which to apply this little gem and the sound overall is warm & natural. Great Unit.

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Quite a let down...

Posted by Anonymous Musician from Minnesota on Oct 19, 2004

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Engineer, producer, musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock/Pop

I bought mine a few years ago. Seemed like pound for pound a good deal. After just a few sessions I realized that it was wholly unremarkable. The tubes went about 6 months ago, and I care so little that I haven't even had them fixed.

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Nice Preamp

Posted by Junkart from Midwest on Mar 7, 2004

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: All

Dependable, quiet, sturdy, warm and inexpensive.

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dbx 386 Dual-Vacuum Tube Preamp

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