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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Preamp tube as a Preamp?
Preamp tube as a Preamp?
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HarpNinja
3087 posts
Jan 15, 2013
7:35 AM
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Tech heads might know more about this sorta thing than me, but I am hoping to save time if this is a dumb idea...
I picked up a Zoom G5 and LOVE the effects and layout. There are amp models, but I am fine with a pretty clean staight-to-PA tone via an Ultimate 57. Before, I've used a Tech 21 Para DI to act as an EQ and to add some analog warmth that can be pushed to distort just a little.
Well, the Zoom G5 has a Tube Boost at the end of the chain. You can turn on a 12ax7 tube and boost up to +16dB. There is also a tone control, which lets you add highs as you turn it up. I tried using just the boost as my "amp" sound. It wasn't too bad even with the crappy Chinese 12ax7. There are also trimpots to adjust, but I haven't touched them. I guess I liked the tone through studio monitors better than straight in or with many of the amp models.
How feesible is it that I would like the sound of using a preamp tube as a preamp? I checked and have one lone Tung Sol 12ax7 to try. This would limit my EQ options, but I am thinking it would essentially work like the direct out of something like a tweed Princeton or such. Guitar players are saying a tube switch does wonders.
The boost is intended to be like a solo boost for guitar, so people aren't using it in lieu of an amp, but I am weird like that. I guess I just don't now enough about tubes to know if this even sounds like it wouldn't be a huge pain live. I would be willing to purchase a 5751 or 12ay7....
I guess what I am getting at is if there are similar pedals utilizing something like a preamp tube that harp players like and if they think it is worth looking at something lower in gain than a 12ax7. Thanks!
PS. At first I thought I had a ton of time to learn to use the G5, but I have two groups wanting me to jam with them (not necessarily gig) and can easily plop the Tech 21 in front of the G5 and use it for effects. I am 100% ready to use the effects live...I just worry about feedback or sounding overly shitty live.
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Custom Harmonicas
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5F6H
1497 posts
Jan 15, 2013
8:32 AM
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"This would limit my EQ options, but I am thinking it would essentially work like the direct out of something like a tweed Princeton or such."
A line out from a tweed Champ/Princeton works a little different in that you are capturing some influence of the high current output stage & subsequent dynamics.
A 5751 would certainly sound diffrent & probably wouldn't stress the device...without more info I wouldn't recommend a lower mu tube as they draw progressively more current the lower in gain you go...but I have experimented subbing tubes in preamps before, on the basis that if I liked it, it is a "win" and if I kill the preamp, then it was my own damned fault! ;-)
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HarpNinja
3092 posts
Jan 15, 2013
8:36 AM
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With my limited knowledge, I am positive you can sub tubes like in an amp. What I don't know is how the actual effect works. I know the tube has two pots - one for each side of a stereo output. It boosts up to +16dB and will distort if pushed. The tone control attenuates highs like on a tweed Princeton or Pro Jr. I don't know what the circuit looks like, though.
It was intended for a transparent solo boost, BUT everyone is finding that is adds color to the tone. Essentially, if it would warm up a direct harmonica signal and allow me to adjust highs to limit feedback, it would be "good enough".
I am assuming I gain headroom but loose dynamics with a lower gain tube?
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Custom Harmonicas
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5F6H
1500 posts
Jan 15, 2013
9:02 AM
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I am assuming I gain headroom but loose dynamics with a lower gain tube?"
Typically, yes, more headroom, less fuzz, softer looser feel, may "top & tail" the frequencies some (less hard highs & woofy lows)?
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