Replace tubes on DBX 386? How too? Which tubes? Easy enough

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mwilloam
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Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:01 pm
Primary DAW OS: MacOS
Location: LA

Replace tubes on DBX 386? How too? Which tubes? Easy enough

Post by mwilloam »

I bought this unit for $400 about 2 years ago and using it with my 896 and Dp has been great. It offers a home studio guitarist a lot flexibility with the I/O alone. Sound quality wise, it cost $400, which sounds fine to me.

I'm assuming and have read somewhere that I can probably upgrade the stock tubes. Is this easy enough to do for someone has a basic understanding of electronic things. Also, is changing the tubes pointless unless the caps are changed? Which tubes are best for a pre-amp used for Vocals, guitars and MIDI I/O? I'd like to get it to beef up the sound a little more, more saturation without harsh distortion.

I have a 1970 or so Super Reverb that got blackfaced, new tubes, caps and rectifier about 2 years ago by a tech in Syracuse who could probably upgrade the 386 if needed. I'd rather do it myself if possible. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks
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