
Review Summary
The dbx 386 Dual Vacuum Tube Preamp with Digital Out is a dual channel tube microphone preamp that comes with the additional capabilities of digital output. With the included digital outputs, the unit is the perfect companion for recording and tracking vocals, or any applications needing microphones, both in the analog and digital domain.
It combines the warmth of a vacuum tube, with the proprietary dbx Type IV A/D conversion system. In addition to the above features, the single rack space unit contains such standard offerings as +48V phantom power, a phase invert switch and low cut filtering. The digital outputs capabilities are supported in both AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats, as well as word clock I/O as standard features.
To provide convenience in the studio, the high impedance 1/4" instrument input, as well as the mic/line switch and 20dB pad of the 386 are located on the front panel. The LED meters give clear and concise information about the state of signal processing, while the rear panel houses the mic and line inputs and outputs, word clock sync input and output and digital outputs. Finally, the unit sports selectable sampling rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz, selectable dithering and noise shaping and separate analog and digital output controls.