I could have sworn I saw a post by someone else with this issue but I cannot locate it.

My bew DV8/100's horizontal dampening ring is monstorously tight. I mean I can't budge the damn thing for more than 1/2 a setting at most.

Just to be clear, I'm speaking of the numbered "dial" at the base of the head which controls horizontal movement.

Should the dampening be adjusted with the brakes on or off? Or does it matter? The instructions do not specifiy

Thanks

It shouldn't matter if the brake is on or off, but they do get stuck a bit at times. Try panning then turning the dial or grab with both hands and turn hard. It seems to happen to a lot of Sachtlers at some time. You could also give it a bit of a tap in case there's some grit in there.
Steve