Power tube question

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triguy
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Power tube question

Post by triguy » Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:07 pm

Awhile back, I was trying some different power tubes in an Ultra 112. When I put in power tubes that had a lower breakup point than the old tubes, the amp had more distortion on the lead channel, even though I was only playing at very low bedroom volume.

That's puzzling to me. I didn't think the power tubes would have any effect on distortion until the amp got loud. The tubes were the same brand (Sovtek), so it wasn't caused by a brand difference. Am I just not understanding how power tubes work?


Thanks,


Triguy

Classic30inCincy
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Re: Power tube question

Post by Classic30inCincy » Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:19 pm

Power tube break-up points of Early , Normal, or Late.......

Specify in relation to volume level where you want distortion to kick in.

Early = Low Volume

Normal = Medium Volume

Late = High Volume

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triguy
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Re: Power tube question

Post by triguy » Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:42 pm

Classic30inCincy wrote:Power tube break-up points of Early , Normal, or Late.......

Specify in relation to volume level where you want distortion to kick in.

Early = Low Volume

Normal = Medium Volume

Late = High Volume

That makes sense. But in this case I was using tubes in the normal and late range, but it still made a difference at very quiet volumes. That's what puzzled me about it.


Triguy

dalrymple
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Re: Power tube question

Post by dalrymple » Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:08 am

It's not only about powering them to break-up, as you discovered. It is about the tube's "voice". Some people whisper in a growl. Tubes are like that too. They have a voice, and the early break-up tubes dont just sound more growly/overdriven at volume, they sound more that way at ALL volume levels. They are growly whispering ones. Nice to have both and learn something new, eh?

Tubes are a marvel of early 20th century technology that are filled with quirks and unexpected results when applied in guitar amps. Truly a case of the whole being more than just the sum of the parts. Great way to spend an afternoon or evening swapping and listening.
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triguy
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Re: Power tube question

Post by triguy » Sun Nov 13, 2011 9:36 pm

Thanks Dal! I hadn't heard it explained quite that way before.





Triguy

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