This is an unusual, feature rich preamp, made by Dean Markley in the 1990s. Dean Markley had a number of pre's and amps in this two rack space format. Some were two channel, which they chose to call "DR" for dual row. The "DB" in it's name, contrary to some internet you-tuber, does NOT stand for Double bass, but rather Dual row Bass. The overall character of this pre is clean, with wide frequency range EQ.
Switchable between two channels, A and B. Each has a separate 5 band EQ. A is all solid state (FET I think), and has volume and EQ. B can switch between solid state and a 12ax7 tube, (front panel pushbutton), and has Preamp gain, EQ, and a master volume. The tube channel is not designed for overdrive. Even with the gain maxed, there is no appreciable dirt being generated. You do get a little more volume, and a subtle tube harmonic content, no overdrive. There is a full range output, 1/4" and XLR, a direct out, 1/4" and XLR, and a High/Low pair of crossover 1/4" outputs, with a selectable crossover, 150Hz to 1.2kHz. You get signal at the full range and the High/Low outs simultaneously. You can switch channels with a front panel switch, or with a foot switch (not included) into a rear FS jack. There is also a FS jack to engage/disengage the effects loop.
The effects loop (mono 1/4") has a volume pot on the send and the return. Full CCW is not mute, just a lower level. I have not measured it, but my ears tell me there is approximately 20db of range in the level adjusts of the send/return. Perhaps intended to accommodate instrument and line levels? Regardless, a neat feature for optimizing the send/return to your effects loop.
EQ's are labeled, Lo Bass, Bass, Lo Midrange, Midrange, and Treble. I don't know the actual frequency points, but my ears tell me the Lo Bass has big doings in the 20 to 60Hz range, and the Bass is happening in the low 100Hz area. I won't speculate on the others, but there is no audible hiss in my full range speaker until you get to the Treble range. Practically speaking, lots of range and variation in the EQ.
Operationally it's at 100%, no issues with any of the functions. Cosmetically, it is in very good condition. There are four small holes in the back panel. This used to hold the two plastic pieces that the power cord would wrap around. I can't remember ever seeing them, though it's possible they were broken and I took them off.
This thing is tonally CLEAN, lacking in backed-in character, and very versatile with the EQ and crossover.
Included in the sale is the 2 space SKB rack, in which it has been housed for all it's time with me, (many years, I'm not the original owner).
$250 Price includes the rack and shipping to the CONUS. Thanks for looking.
Switchable between two channels, A and B. Each has a separate 5 band EQ. A is all solid state (FET I think), and has volume and EQ. B can switch between solid state and a 12ax7 tube, (front panel pushbutton), and has Preamp gain, EQ, and a master volume. The tube channel is not designed for overdrive. Even with the gain maxed, there is no appreciable dirt being generated. You do get a little more volume, and a subtle tube harmonic content, no overdrive. There is a full range output, 1/4" and XLR, a direct out, 1/4" and XLR, and a High/Low pair of crossover 1/4" outputs, with a selectable crossover, 150Hz to 1.2kHz. You get signal at the full range and the High/Low outs simultaneously. You can switch channels with a front panel switch, or with a foot switch (not included) into a rear FS jack. There is also a FS jack to engage/disengage the effects loop.
The effects loop (mono 1/4") has a volume pot on the send and the return. Full CCW is not mute, just a lower level. I have not measured it, but my ears tell me there is approximately 20db of range in the level adjusts of the send/return. Perhaps intended to accommodate instrument and line levels? Regardless, a neat feature for optimizing the send/return to your effects loop.
EQ's are labeled, Lo Bass, Bass, Lo Midrange, Midrange, and Treble. I don't know the actual frequency points, but my ears tell me the Lo Bass has big doings in the 20 to 60Hz range, and the Bass is happening in the low 100Hz area. I won't speculate on the others, but there is no audible hiss in my full range speaker until you get to the Treble range. Practically speaking, lots of range and variation in the EQ.
Operationally it's at 100%, no issues with any of the functions. Cosmetically, it is in very good condition. There are four small holes in the back panel. This used to hold the two plastic pieces that the power cord would wrap around. I can't remember ever seeing them, though it's possible they were broken and I took them off.
This thing is tonally CLEAN, lacking in backed-in character, and very versatile with the EQ and crossover.
Included in the sale is the 2 space SKB rack, in which it has been housed for all it's time with me, (many years, I'm not the original owner).
$250 Price includes the rack and shipping to the CONUS. Thanks for looking.
