DBX 586 Owner's Manual
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Vacuum Tube
Preamplifier
586
OwnerÕs Manual
WARNING
FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, wash-
bowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc). Care should be
taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or
polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to
cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
SERVICING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, the user should not attempt to service the
appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred
to qualified service personnel.
FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE:
Replace fuse with same type and rating only.
MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line cord,
attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service personnel or equivalent.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH
A POWER CORD.
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following
code:
GREEN and YELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live
As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug,
proceed as follows:
¥ The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to
the terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth
symbol, or coloured green, or green and yellow.
¥ The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal
marked N or coloured black.
¥ The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal
marked L or coloured red.
This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment
plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. If the
attachment plug needs to be changed, refer servicing to qualified service
personnel who should refer to the table above. The green/yellow wire shall
be connected directly to the unit's chassis.
WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or
in the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between
chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth ground are touched simultaneously.
U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING
A
moulded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe.
Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED
OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET. Do
not use the mains plug without the fuse cover in place. Replacement
fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer. Replacement fuses
are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362.
The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of
potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the ownerÕs manual.
These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.
Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all
servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will
void the manufacturerÕs warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is
spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service.
Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.
CAUTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of
Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
¥ this device may not cause harmful interference, and
¥ this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.
¥ use only shielded interconnecting cables.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
ManufacturerÕs Name: dbx Professional Products
ManufacturerÕs Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
declares that the product:
dbx 586
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
Safety: EN 60065 (1993)
IEC65 (1985) with Amendments 1, 2, 3
EMC: EN 55013 (1990)
EN 55020 (1991)
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of
the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by Directive
93/68/EEC.
dbx Professional Products
Vice-President of Engineering
8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
February 16, 1998
European Contact: Your Local dbx Sales and Service Office or
International Sales Office
68 Sheila Lane
Valparaiso, Indiana
46383, USA
Tel: (219) 462-0938
Fax: (219) 462-4596
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CONDUCTOR
L
N
E
LIVE
NEUTRAL
EARTH GND
WIRE COLOR
Normal Alt
BROWN
BLUE
GREEN/YEL
BLACK
WHITE
GREEN
586
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Connecting the dbx 586 to Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Operating Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Maanuaal Coonttenttss
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586
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Thank you for purc hasing the dbx 586 vacuum tube pr eamplifier. This product was developed to help you
improve the sound of your digital and analog recordings,and live performances.The dbx 586 offers a better alternative to using the average quality microphone preamps found in the typical multi-input console.
For economic reasons,these console preamps are typically of lower quality than a single,dedicated unit.
You can use the dbx 586 to get your basic tracks sounding great and then you can run the finished mix
through it for final “tube”treatment and equalization.The dbx 586’s preamplifier circuit is a hybrid design
consisting of a high-voltage class A vacuum tube amplification stage,coupled with an ultra low noise,low
distortion solid-state driver stage.
The vacuum tube amplification stage is a classic,high plate-voltage design utilizing a pure class A topology. A parallel-triode arrangement is employed, in addition to a fully-regulated plate supply to maximize
noise performance and transient response. The premium-grade 12AU7 vacuum tubes used in the dbx 586
are hand tested and graded specifically for gain,noise, and microphonics. Precision 1% resistors are used
throughout the audio path to ensure performance stability and low noise. To ensure years of trouble-free
operation,each dbx 586 must pass a rigorous set of performance tests and a 24-hour burn-in period before
it is shipped from the factory.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this operation manual. It provides valuable information that will assist you in setting up and operating your dbx 586.
• Low noise,pure Class A vacuum tube preamplifier stage
• Single vacuum tube per channel with adjustable Drive and Level controls
• Three band semi-parametric equalization with switchable mid-frequency bandwidth and hardwire EQ
bypass switch
• 75 Hz low cut filter with 12 dB/octave slope
• Ready for optional dbx TYPE IV™ Conversion System digital output module
• XLR and TRS 1/4”balanced inputs and outputs
• Pre EQ insert loop
• Multi-source VU metering and Peak indication
• Switchable 48 Volt phantom power, phase invert,20 dB gain pad,low-cut filter and input select
Feaatturess
Inttrooduccttioon
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586
Verify that the 586’s package contains the following:
• 586 Unit (according to Model number marked on package)
• AC Power Cord
• Operation Manual
• Registration Card
• Rack screws
If any of these items are missing,contact dbx customer service at (801) 568-7660.
This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States. We warrant dbx products against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of or iginal purchase for use,and agree to repair or,at our option,replace any defective item,except external power transformers,without charge for either parts or labor.
IMPORTANT: This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident,misuse or abuse, lack of reasonable care,the affixing of an attachment not provided with the product,loss of parts,or connecting the
product to any but the specified receptacles.This warranty is void unless service or repairs are performed
by an authorized service center.No responsibility is assumed for any special,incidental or consequential
damages.However,the limitation of any right or remedy shall not be effective where such is prohibited or
restricted by law.
Simply take or ship your dbx product prepaid to our service department.Be sure to include your sales slip
as proof of purchase date. (We will not repair transit damage under the no-charge terms of this warranty.)
dbx will pay return shipping.
NOTE:No other warranty,written or oral is authorized for dbx products.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights,and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.Some states do not allow the exclusion of limitations of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,so the a bove exclusion and limitations may not apply to
you.
Waarraanttyy
Inssppeccttioon
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