DBX 386 Dual Vacuum Tube Preamp w/ New Tubes, New Caps in Analog Path, Lubed & Calibrated

For sale: DBX 386 Dual Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamp with Digital Outputs in very good condition and perfect working order. The DBX 386 is a surprisingly versatile studio piece from the late 1990s / early 2000s and has developed a bit of a cult following among synth users, especially those working with digital synths, samplers, and drum machines that benefit from a little analog warmth before conversion. This particular unit has been modified for that purpose.

Details below:

The analog signal path has been recapped to ensure smooth operation for years to come (see photo 17).
The tubes have been replaced with JJ Electronics ECC82 / 12AU7 vacuum tubes. This unit arrived with Philips tubes, which may be more applicable in some situations (recording vocals). We are including them with the sale in case you ever want to swap, but we definitely recommend the JJ Electronics tubes if you're trying to get a thicker, more rounded, and characterful sound from your digital synths.
New right-channel digital output potentiometer and knob installed (they were missing when we purchased the unit).
All encoders and pots have been cleaned and lubricated with DeoxIT.
The left and right channels have been recalibrated after all of the above work was completed.
The transformers in this unit are in excellent condition and produce very little audible noise. You cannot hear it once racked. One of the cleanest DBX 386s I've seen (cleaner than the one in my studio, for sure).
This unit is in very good cosmetic condition, but has the typical rack rash you would expect to see on a rack unit from this era. Looks fantastic once mounted.

The 386 features two independent tube preamp channels with selectable sample rates and built-in digital outputs via AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and optical. While originally marketed primarily as a microphone preamp, it also works extremely well as a color box for synths, bass, drum machines, and line-level studio gear. The tube stage can stay fairly clean or be pushed into a warmer, more saturated character depending on gain structure. The built-in converters are also quite respectable for the era and make the unit especially convenient in hybrid studio setups.

Sale includes the DBX 386, heavy-duty power cord, backup Philips tubes. and free shipping to the continental US