DBMX-1980 by 36db
VINTAGE 1980S DELAY CHARACTER MEETS MODERN FLEXIBILITY
BUILD YOUR BUNDLE: Mix and match any three or more 36db Environments, Elements, or Artist Series Packs to unlock an instant 20% discount—applied automatically when you check out.
Movement, color, and unpredictability inspired by the legendary AMS 1580S—the delay that shaped Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Bicep, and Orbital.
The 36db dbmx-1980 captures classic 1980s effects hardware character and pushes it further with modern features. Dual-channel delays, independent pitch shifting, three resonant filters, drive, bit reduction, and 384 presets across three rack variations give you everything from subtle vintage warmth to extreme warped atmospheres.
Inside you’ll find:
- 36db dbmx-1980 Max for Live device
- 3 dbmx-1980 Effects Rack variations with different macro mappings
- 384 total custom presets (128 in each rack)
- Dual-channel delay with independent time and pitch control (-12 to +12 semitones)
- OSC LFO for delay times with audio-rate modulation
- Nudge buttons and selector—just like the original AMS 1580S
- Three resonant filters with dedicated LFO (nine waveforms)
- Drive and overdrive for warmth and saturation
- Bit rate and degrade control for lo-fi character
- Stereo pan controls for dramatic spatial effects
- Tempo-sync or free-running delay times
- Randomize button for instant custom presets
- Push 3 compatible
- Installation guide included
The AMS 1580S sound without the vintage hardware price—movement, space, and character for modern production.
USER GUIDE: 36db dbmx-1980 Device content
DBMX-1980 by 36db
VINTAGE 1980S DELAY CHARACTER MEETS MODERN FLEXIBILITY
BUILD YOUR BUNDLE: Mix and match any three or more 36db Environments, Elements, or Artist Series Packs to unlock an instant 20% discount—applied automatically when you check out.
Movement, color, and unpredictability inspired by the legendary AMS 1580S—the delay that shaped Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Bicep, and Orbital.
The 36db dbmx-1980 captures classic 1980s effects hardware character and pushes it further with modern features. Dual-channel delays, independent pitch shifting, three resonant filters, drive, bit reduction, and 384 presets across three rack variations give you everything from subtle vintage warmth to extreme warped atmospheres.
Inside you’ll find:
- 36db dbmx-1980 Max for Live device
- 3 dbmx-1980 Effects Rack variations with different macro mappings
- 384 total custom presets (128 in each rack)
- Dual-channel delay with independent time and pitch control (-12 to +12 semitones)
- OSC LFO for delay times with audio-rate modulation
- Nudge buttons and selector—just like the original AMS 1580S
- Three resonant filters with dedicated LFO (nine waveforms)
- Drive and overdrive for warmth and saturation
- Bit rate and degrade control for lo-fi character
- Stereo pan controls for dramatic spatial effects
- Tempo-sync or free-running delay times
- Randomize button for instant custom presets
- Push 3 compatible
- Installation guide included
The AMS 1580S sound without the vintage hardware price—movement, space, and character for modern production.
USER GUIDE: 36db dbmx-1980 Device content
Additional information
| Ableton Live Compatibility | Ableton Live 12 Suite |
|---|---|
| Min. Requirements | Ableton Live 12.2 with MaxforLive Installed |
| OS | Mac, Windows |
PRICE: £25.00
Product reviews
5 out of 5
1 review
How item rating is calculated
We show the average based on reviews. Only genuine reviews are displayed.
Sort by
December 6, 2025
This reviewer bought this product from our store.
retro-future
Una pasada, retro delay con carisma y encima compatible con Push 3. una joya
compatible con push 3
I recommend this product
DBMX-1980 by 36db
Overview & Inspiration
In 1977, something legendary was born. The AMS 1580S delay became a staple for Brian Eno, Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, The Chemical Brothers, Erol Alkan, Bicep, Orbital, and Leftfield. Its character is instantly recognizable—and finding one in great condition today comes with a price on another level.
The 36db dbmx-1980 is our way of carrying that spirit forward. After years of working in studios and shaping sounds, we developed a deep respect for the vintage synths and processors that helped define modern music. These machines shaped how we hear tone, space, and movement, and they continue to influence how we approach sound today.
We designed the dbmx-1980 to capture the character of classic 1980s effects hardware and then push it further. The goal was never to clone the past, but to bring its movement, color, and unpredictability into a modern workflow inside Live.
The familiar tones are here when you want them, quick to dial in and instantly musical. The device really comes alive when you move beyond vintage territory, with evolving delays, detuned textures, warped atmospheres, and more experimental and saturated spaces.
Features & Highlights
Dual-Channel Delay with Independent Control – Four red LED displays control delay time and pitch for left (a) and right (b) channels. Scroll through values with your mouse or type directly from your keyboard, just like entering data on the original hardware’s keypad. Link both channels for unified control or work independently for complex stereo effects.
Pitch Shifting – Independent pitch control for each channel, ranging from -12 to +12 semitones (one octave up or down). Create detuned textures, harmonic intervals, or experimental pitch-warped delays.
Tempo-Synced or Free-Running Delays – Sync delay times to your host tempo or run them freely for classic hardware-style timing. Perfect for both locked-in grooves and organic, evolving spaces.
OSC LFO for Delay Times – Modulate delay times with the delay LFO, adding movement and unpredictability in real-time. Push it into audio-rate modulation for FM-style textures.
Nudge Buttons and Selector – Just like the original AMS 1580S, choose which LED display to adjust with the nudge buttons. Tap to increase or decrease a single step, or hold to scroll continuously through values. Great for live performance and adding hands-on hardware feel.
Three Resonant Filters with Dedicated LFO – The filter section includes three filter types, a dedicated filter LFO with nine waveforms, LFO shape control, and the ability to sync to host tempo or push into audio-rate modulation with the x10 button. When filter resonance hits 100 and feedback (Regen) is maxed, the signal can self-oscillate—so keep an ear on your speakers.
Drive and Overdrive – Add warmth, grit, and harmonic richness through the Drive control. Perfect for adding character to delays or pushing sounds into saturated territory.
Bit Rate and Degrade Control – Instant lo-fi character with the degrade/bit-rate control. From subtle vintage warmth to extreme digital decimation.
Stereo Control and Pan – Independent Dry and Wet controls, plus left and right post-effected output pan controls. Set how wide the effect is or place it anywhere within the stereo field for dramatic effects. Invert channel (b) for creative stereo manipulation.
Three Effects Racks with 128 Presets Each – Because the dbmx-1980 offers more than 16 parameters, we created three rack versions (384 total presets), each with different controls mapped to macros. This gives you more ways to shape, tweak, and discover unique effect combinations. The Filters & Crunch rack showcases the extended features we’ve added—pushing far beyond the original hardware’s capabilities.
Randomize Button – Easily create your own custom presets with the randomize function. Instant inspiration and creative starting points.
Push 3 Compatible – Fully compatible with Push 3 Controller and Push 3 Standalone for hands-on control.
Inside You’ll Find
Tools for chorus, reverb, delay, pitch shifting, modulation, tone shaping, bit and sample reduction, drive, three resonant filters with dedicated LFOs, stereo movement, and flexible routing. Everything is designed to be combined and pushed in any direction your track needs to go.
How to Use
Drop dbmx-1980 onto any track where you need character, space, or movement. Start with one of the 384 presets to explore the sonic possibilities—from subtle vintage delays to extreme warped atmospheres.
Use the LED displays to dial in precise delay times and pitch shifts. Engage the OSC LFO to add evolving movement. Push the filters into resonance for self-oscillating tones. Drive the signal with overdrive and bit reduction for grit and lo-fi character.
The Nudge Buttons recreate the feel of hands-on hardware, perfect for live performance and real-time manipulation. Use the stereo pan controls to place effects anywhere in the sound field—from tight mono to wide stereo to extreme left/right positioning.
Load different rack variations to access different macro mappings. The Filters & Crunch rack emphasizes the extended features beyond the original hardware, while other racks focus on classic delay and modulation controls.
Ideal For
- Producers seeking vintage 1980s delay character with modern flexibility
- Sound designers creating evolving, warped, and experimental textures
- Electronic musicians inspired by Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Bicep, and Orbital
- Live performers who need hands-on control with Push 3 or nudge buttons
- Anyone who wants the AMS 1580S sound without the vintage hardware price tag
What’s Included
- 36db dbmx-1980 Max for Live device
- 3 dbmx-1980 Effects Rack variations
- 128 custom presets in each rack (384 total presets)
- Randomize button for custom preset creation
- Push 3 compatible
- Installation guide
Requirements
- Ableton Live 12.2 Suite or newer (Mac or PC)
- Max for Live V9 (included with Live 12.2)
- All additional library content that comes with Ableton Live Suite installed
- Mac: macOS Monterey or higher
- Windows: Windows 7 64-bit or higher
- Mac or PC Intel Xeon & i7 or higher Core Processors with 16GB of memory
Bundle Discount
BUILD YOUR BUNDLE: Mix and match any three or more 36db Environments, Elements, or Artist Series Packs to unlock an instant 20% discount—applied automatically when you check out.
Explore more from 36db: LoFi Wobble Box | Pitch Fall Delay | DB-6000 Device | Super Modular Drum Machine | View All 36db Products
Frequently Asked Questions
A: dbmx-1980 is a Max for Live delay and effects device inspired by the legendary AMS 1580S, featuring dual-channel delays, independent pitch shifting, three resonant filters, drive, bit reduction, and 384 presets across three rack variations for Ableton Live 12.2.
A: Yes, dbmx-1980 is a MaxforLive device and requires Max for Live V9, which is included with Ableton Live 12.2 Suite.
A: MaxforLive is a platform that integrates the visual programming environment Max with Ableton Live, allowing users to create and use custom audio, MIDI, and control devices.
A:
- Ableton Live 12.2 Suite or newer (Mac or PC)
- Max for Live V9 (included with Live 12.2)
- All additional library content that comes with Ableton Live Suite installed
- Mac: macOS Monterey or higher
- Windows: Windows 7 64-bit or higher
A: You can explore more of 36db’s tools and devices here: 36db
Important Information
V1.0.0 – Initial Release – December 2025
Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted and saved to your hard drive prior to installation. Details on the different file type provided and what to do with them are below.
.alp Files – These are Ableton Live Packs and will either install directly into the Packs Section of the browser of Ableton Live or ask you to save them to your hard drive. For packs that install to the library, when you double click on them you will see a pop up window asking you to confirm that installation is ok as the files are described as “Legacy”. This is fine and you are ok to proceed, the packs are created using the format for an earlier version of Live and so remain compatible with the current version.
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR ISOTONIK STUDIOS SOFTWARE PRODUCTS.
PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS PROGRAM INSTALL.
This End-User License Agreement (referred to as “EULA”) is a legal agreement between an individual or a single entity (referred to as “LICENSEE”) and Isotonik Studios for the Isotonik Studios software product(s) which may include associated software components, media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (referred to as “SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By installing, copying, or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, the LICENSEE agrees to be bound by the terms of this EULA.
This EULA represents the entire agreement concerning the program between the LICENSEE and Isotonik Studios and it supersedes any prior proposal, representation, or understanding between the parties. If the LICENSEE does not agree to the terms of this EULA, the LICENSEE should not install or use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.
- GRANT OF LICENSE.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as follows:
(a) Installation and Use. Providing that the LICENSEE has paid any applicable license fees, Isotonik Studios grants the LICENSEE the right to install and use copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on up to two computers in the LICENSEE’s possession that are running a validly licensed copy of the operating system for which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was designed [e.g., Windows 10, macOS]. The computer(s) must be owned by the LICENSEE.
(b) Backup Copies. The LICENSEE may also make copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT as may be necessary for backup and archival purposes.
- DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.
(a) Maintenance of Copyright Notices. The LICENSEE must not remove or alter any copyright notices on any and all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
(b) Distribution. The LICENSEE may not distribute registered copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to third parties.
(c) Prohibition on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. The LICENSEE may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.
(d) Rental. The LICENSEE may not rent, lease, or lend the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
(e) License transfer The LICENSEE may not transfer their license to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to any third party. Any attempt to do so will be considered a violation of this EULA.
(f) Support Services. Isotonik Studios may provide the LICENSEE with support services related to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for a period of 12 months following the date of purchase. Any supplemental software code provided to the LICENSEE as part of the Support Services shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and subject to the terms and conditions of this EULA.
(g) Compliance with Applicable Laws. The LICENSEE must comply with all applicable laws regarding use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
- TERMINATION Without prejudice to any other rights, Isotonik Studios may terminate this EULA if the LICENSEE fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, the LICENSEE must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in the LICENSEE’s possession.
- COPYRIGHT All title, including but not limited to copyrights, in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any copies thereof are owned by Isotonik Studios or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the content which may be accessed through use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is the property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual property laws and treaties. This EULA grants the LICENSEE no rights to use such content. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Isotonik Studios.
- NO WARRANTIES Isotonik Studios expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided ‘As Is’ without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability, noninfringement, or fitness of a particular purpose. Isotonik Studios does not warrant or assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. Isotonik Studios makes no warranties respecting any harm that may be caused by the transmission of a computer virus, worm, time bomb, logic bomb, or other such computer program. Isotonik Studios further expressly disclaims any warranty or representation to the LICENSEE or to any third party.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY In no event shall Isotonik Studios be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business interruption, or lost information) arising out of the LICENSEE’s use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, even if Isotonik Studios has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will Isotonik Studios be liable for loss of data or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential (including lost profit), or other damages based in contract, tort or otherwise. Isotonik Studios shall have no liability with respect to the content of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or any part thereof, including but not limited to errors or omissions contained therein, libel, infringements of rights of publicity, privacy, trademark rights, business interruption, personal injury, loss of privacy, moral rights or the disclosure of confidential information.
