NOS tube replacement for VTB-1?

johneeeveee

johneeeveee

New member
...Anyone changed the stock tube in their VTB-1? I'm guessing it would probably be a subtle difference at best, but just curious. Alan, if you're out there, do you have a recommendation?
thanks - jv
 
I haven't done anyhting on that mic but I have replaced tubes in other mics and it really does make a huge difference. The tubes used in todays mics are usually very cheap Russian or Chinese products. I found a place here in my hometown that has 12AX7 Telefunken smooth plates which I think are the best tubes for microphones. Try out www.tubesandmore.com
 
I just ordered a NOS (1970) Telefunken ECC88 tube to replace the stock one in my Rode K2... Have any of you tried this? What changes in the sound of my microphone should I expect to hear?
 
johneeeveee said:
...Anyone changed the stock tube in their VTB-1? I'm guessing it would probably be a subtle difference at best, but just curious. Alan, if you're out there, do you have a recommendation?
thanks - jv
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I don't know how a high-end tube would react in a starved plate universe. Would it feel imprisoned?
 
sdelsolray said:
I don't know how a high-end tube would react in a starved plate universe. Would it feel imprisoned?
Click to expand...

very clever... actually, i figure it would be a subtle difference at best... maybe quieter (although the vtb-1 is very quiet), or a bit more output. i have some NOS GE's and Philips tubes that i could try, but i figured i'd ask around before i opened up my pre. also have heard that it's kind of tight inside the vtb-1 and not so easy to get to (although i guess there is a ceramic tube socket... nice touch).
my buddy changed out the tube in his art tube mp, and it made quite a difference in that pre... much quieter. those chinese tubes are pretty crappy sounding, and i think there is at least a sovtek in the vb-1... which in my experience sound ok.
thanks- jv
 
johneeeveee said:
very clever... actually, i figure it would be a subtle difference at best... maybe quieter (although the vtb-1 is very quiet), or a bit more output. i have some NOS GE's and Philips tubes that i could try, but i figured i'd ask around before i opened up my pre. also have heard that it's kind of tight inside the vtb-1 and not so easy to get to (although i guess there is a ceramic tube socket... nice touch).
my buddy changed out the tube in his art tube mp, and it made quite a difference in that pre... much quieter. those chinese tubes are pretty crappy sounding, and i think there is at least a sovtek in the vb-1... which in my experience sound ok.
thanks- jv
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John,

You may have already seen this, but the following review states that Studio Projects will replace the tube at no cost if you pay for shipping. This could avoid any unfortunate accidents. :)

http://www.mojopie.com/vtb1.html

"Do you want a particular 12AX7 tube in your VTB1? If you send the tube to Studio Projects, then Studio Projects will place it in the VTB1 before it leaves for your dealer. If you already have a VTB1, then send your VTB1 and your tube to Studio Projects and pay for shipping each way and Studio Projects will replace the tube for you. Don't expect huge qualitative differences from different tubes. The tube effect leans toward the subtle side. If you like to change subtle flavorings, then switching the tube might be for you."
 
i didn't see that, but there was something in the manual that mentioned sending it in to change the tube, so as not to jeopardize the warranty. that's what made me think the tube might be kinda buried in the box and tough to change. as someone who has retubed and biased dozens of vintage fender amps and such, i guess i just find it hard to believe that i can't change out one damn 12ax7 in a pre myself. maybe alan will chime in and help me out here. in the meantime, i'll just leave more than well enough alone.
thanks again everyone, for all the recommendations... and scrubs, i really appreciate your willingness to try and help out, and discuss things with such an open mind and great attitude.
 
johneeeveee said:
i didn't see that, but there was something in the manual that mentioned sending it in to change the tube, so as not to jeopardize the warranty. that's what made me think the tube might be kinda buried in the box and tough to change. as someone who has retubed and biased dozens of vintage fender amps and such, i guess i just find it hard to believe that i can't change out one damn 12ax7 in a pre myself. maybe alan will chime in and help me out here. in the meantime, i'll just leave more than well enough alone.
thanks again everyone, for all the recommendations... and scrubs, i really appreciate your willingness to try and help out, and discuss things with such an open mind and great attitude.
Click to expand...

Glad I could help out.
 
I would just get a JJ tube. a NOS tube will go to waste in a strved plate design. you will be wasting your money. but if it makes you feel better to put a "holy grail" tube in there. then get a "used but tested" RCA grey plate. you can find them all over the internet and on fleabay. they go for about $15 to $25

IMHO
I would just get either a JJ ecc83 or a TESTED Electro Harmonix 12ax7.
 
stevem554 said:
I would just get a JJ tube. a NOS tube will go to waste in a strved plate design. you will be wasting your money. but if it makes you feel better to put a "holy grail" tube in there. then get a "used but tested" RCA grey plate. you can find them all over the internet and on fleabay. they go for about $15 to $25

IMHO
I would just get either a JJ ecc83 or a TESTED Electro Harmonix 12ax7.
Click to expand...

actually i don't believe in "holy grail" tubes, but i appreciate the input. it was just a curiosity sorta thing, and wondered if someone found it affected output and quietness. i did some recording last night with my vtb-1's, and i'm thinkin the stock sovteks in there are doin a fine job, and i only ocassionally use the starved plate tube dealy anyway... especially when recording to tape.
thanks again folks - jv
 
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