Known problem with Apex 460?

  • Thread starter Thread starter RawDepth
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RawDepth

RawDepth

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My Apex460 just stopped working in the middle of a session yesterday. While recording vocals, it just gave a loud pop (in the monitors) and instantly went dead.

I was just wondering if anyone knows of any common breakdowns that may make the diagnosis easier.

Continuity check on all pins on the cable is good. The fuse is good. The power supply is putting out voltage on two pins (but I don't know what the voltages are supposed to be.) However, the tube/valve is not glowing anywhere inside.

I suppose I will have to take it to the repair shop.

Any ideas before I go?

Thanks.
 
I had a sort of similar problem with my Rode K2 and the problem lies with the cheap $5 tube that is installed from the manufacture.
I was able to get a great NOS tube and it made my Rode working again and with better QT.
Try looking up Christian at proaudiotubes@aol.com he will set you right up with a good/ better or great tube for your 460.



:cool:
 
I must admit I am embarrassed. The tube was the first thing that I thought of. But, I immediately discounted that being the problem because I always thought they lasted for years. (I have only used the mic a few times.)

So, I might as well upgrade. I don't want the mic to end up sounding too bright. I usually compress vocals fairly hard and dislike de-essing. And I already have a few bright sounding LDC's.

I am seeing Telefunken 12AT7 ECC81 tubes on Ebay dirt cheap. Some in large lots. Is there anything I should know about them? Used perhaps? Plagued by microphonics or noise? Junk?

I appreciate the help.
 
RawDepth said:
I must admit I am embarrassed. The tube was the first thing that I thought of. But, I immediately discounted that being the problem because I always thought they lasted for years. (I have only used the mic a few times.)

So, I might as well upgrade. I don't want the mic to end up sounding too bright. I usually compress vocals fairly hard and dislike de-essing. And I already have a few bright sounding LDC's.

I am seeing Telefunken 12AT7 ECC81 tubes on Ebay dirt cheap. Some in large lots. Is there anything I should know about them? Used perhaps? Plagued by microphonics or noise? Junk?

I appreciate the help.
Click to expand...

If you go to proaudiotubes he will answer all your questions.
He checks every tube he sells to make sure that they are noise free etc..etc. and has various degrees of QT of the tubes.



:cool:
 
If you don't want a bright sounding mic, you're gonna need to change more than just the tube. Capsule change would make it go from meh, to voom! There are some circuit adjustments on the web, but most of the advice has become a mish-mosh of bad info. Stick with the basics and you'll be fine. Change the circuit completely and you'd be amazed!...as long as its done right.
 
I opened up my ACM-6802T from the group buy and it has exactly the same tube. I swapped it out to the Apex, (just to see if that was indeed the problem,) and it works perfectly. Now at least I have direction in this problem.

I will write to Christian (now that I see threads in other forums have recommended him as well.) I might as well upgrade both mics, or at least get a spare.

I am not sure I want to do circuit mods just yet. I will consider it for a future project.

Thanks, men. I'll let you know what I end up with.
 
After asking around, I have found some NOS Siemens ECC801S tubes for $37 each.

I am being told they will be a good replacement.

Any thoughts?
 
Is this what Christian suggested?
Cause if you don't have them checked for noise you'll end up getting an other then an other till you get a low noise tube if it's not checked out thoroughly before you purchase the tube.



:cool:
 
moresound said:
Is this what Christian suggested?
Cause if you don't have them checked for noise you'll end up getting an other then an other till you get a low noise tube if it's not checked out thoroughly before you purchase the tube.



:cool:
Click to expand...

I wrote to Christian but have not heard back yet. I am just doing my homework in the mean time. A guitar player friend is helping me.

The tube I found is here. The ad says it is tested but does not offer any specs. So, who knows?
 
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