dbx 376 tube upgrade?

ORIGINAL: Lanceindastudio

Anybody have dbx 376? Can you recommend an upgrade tue? Im getting some upgrades for my Rode NTK thanx to some great advice and sound samples here. How bout the dbx? What can I slap in there?

Tubes just migh be an awesome cheap enhancement in my gear!

Thanx, Lance

I used to have an NTK and I have also used the 376 and they both have a bit of high end sizzle to them. Used together might be a bit too much tube sound. The NTK is bright to start with.

As for the 376 it wasn't mine so I didn't take it apart to see how easy it is to change the tube. That would be the first step is to find out if you can get it changed without de-soldering or lots of difficult disassembly and reassembly. Then you need to find out what model and brand tube it is. The idea would be to try other brands then the one that's in there and maybe a new old stock one that will cross reference to the same application even if the number is a little different. Most modern tube gear doesn't run the tube at full plate voltage so don't expect a huge difference. Anything that would mellow out the high end of the 376 would be welcome. However, if you use it with a dynamic mic like an SM57 or RE20 it can be very handy to add some sparkle.

As for the NTK I would use a good solid state preamp with that one.

So I opened up the dbx 376 and checked out the tube.

Well, it seems the company has a halfway decent reputation, and it is made in Russia.
Here is a link to the tube.
http://thetubestore.com/el12au7ec.html

In reading up on the tubes at that same site, it looks like this one might be a great upgrade.
http://thetubestore.com/tungsramecc82.html

A tube change did my Rode NTK wonders. I might have to break down and get this. Im pretty sure Id be a pioneer doing this lol. I cant find any reports of a tube replacement the the 376 on the web.