dbx 676 - Digital Zone Processor

dbx 676 - Tube Microphone Channel Strip with 162SL Compressor and 3-Band EQ

The dbx 676 is a high-end analog channel strip combining a 250V Class A tube microphone preamp (12AU7/ECC82) , a compressor/limiter derived from the legendary dbx 162SL , a 3-band semi-parametric EQ , and a PeakPlus™ limiter . Designed for both studio and live use, it delivers the warmth and punch of tube electronics with dbx’s signature dynamic precision. It features a front instrument input , preamp insert , and sidechain insert , plus servo-balanced XLR and 1/4” outputs .

The preamp provides up to 55 dB of gain, +48 V phantom power, a -20 dB pad , polarity invert, and a high-pass filter at 80 Hz (12 dB/oct) . The compressor offers a -40 to +20 dBu threshold , a continuous 1:1 to ∞:1 ratio , OverEasy /Hard Knee modes, manual or automatic attack and release, and a vintage-style level meter . The EQ adds low shelving at 100 Hz , high shelving at 10 kHz , and a sweepable midrange from 100 Hz–8 kHz, switchable between Q = 0.9 (wide) or Q = 2.9 (narrow). The PeakPlus™ limiter (-4 to +22 dBu threshold) protects your in-ear transmitters and chains by keeping the level in check with no audible artifacts.

Main features

• Class A tube preamp (12AU7/ECC82) with +250V DC plate power for a tonal range from crystal-clear clean to musical overdrive.
• Compressor/limiter inspired by the dbx 162SL with OverEasy or hard knee, 1:1–∞:1 ratio , manual or auto attack/release, and PeakPlus™ limiter .
• 3-band EQ : Bass 100 Hz (shelving), Mid 100 Hz–8 kHz (Q switchable), Treble 10 kHz (shelving), ±15 dB.
• Full inputs/outputs : XLR mic, 1/4” instrument, preamp insert (send/return), sidechain insert, XLR and 1/4” outputs.
• Professional operation : large VU meter, gain reduction meters, dedicated controls and tour-ready construction.
• Performance : Response 20 Hz–50 kHz (mic, +0/−1 dB at 40 dB gain), typical EIN < −123 dBu , typical THD+N 0.25% (mic to line, 0 dBu, 1 kHz, 40 dB).
• 19”/2U rack format , compact depth and weight 3.7 kg .

Product benefits

• Sound with character : the high-voltage tube preamp provides musical harmonics without losing definition.
• Simplified recording chain : preamp, compressor, EQ and limiter in a single unit, ready for vocals, bass, guitar, synths or percussion.
• Versatile dynamic control : from OverEasy’s soft “glue” to strict restraint with the PeakPlus™ limiter.
• Flexible integration : Front-end DI, dedicated inserts, and balanced outputs for routing to a patchbay or directly to an interface/PA.
• Consistency and protection : The limiter and precise metering prevent unexpected cuts in sessions and live shows.

Use cases

• Lead vocals with mild OverEasy compression, soft presence boost and safety limiting at the output.
• Bass/Guitar on Front DI : Valve gain + fast compression for stable punch.
• Ribbon or dynamic microphones on acoustic sources: corrective midrange EQ and transparent peak control.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What valve does it use? 12AU7/ECC82; replaceable by qualified service.
• Can it be used as an instrument DI? Yes, with a high-impedance (500 kΩ) front input and tube routing.
• Can I de-ess? Yes, using the sidechain insert with an external filter/EQ to emphasize sibilance.
• Is it digital? No, it's an analog processor (channel strip). DAW interfaces are via analog outputs.

Description for projects

Channel strip dbx 676 : Class-A tube mic preamp (12AU7/ECC82, +250 V plate); mic gain −∞ to +55 dB; +48 V, −20 dB pad, polarity reverse, 80 Hz/12 dB HPF; 3-band EQ (100 Hz low shelving, 100 Hz–8 kHz mid with switchable 0.9/2.9 Q, 10 kHz high shelving, ±15 dB); compressor with −40 to +20 dBu threshold, 1:1–∞:1 ratio, OverEasy /Hard, manual/auto attack/release modes, PeakPlus™ limiter (−4 to +22 dBu threshold); I/O: XLR mic, 1/4” instrument, preamp insert (TRS), sidechain insert (TRS), servo-balanced XLR and 1/4” outputs; max. output > +21 dBm/600 Ω; mic response 20 Hz–50 kHz +0/−1 dB at 40 dB; typical EIN < −123 dBu; power supply 100–240 V~ 50/60 Hz; consumption 20 W; dimensions 88.9 × 482.6 × 203.2 mm; weight 3.7 kg.