Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: pbman1953 on February 16, 2024, 11:46:38 am

Title: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: pbman1953 on February 16, 2024, 11:46:38 am
I have preamp pedal that emulates a B15n. The unit has 1-12ax7. I like the b15 but Ampeg's for this unit , I'd like to calm down more towards a Fender or Sunn. A bit warmer/smoother through out.




The pedal does have a gain and volume. One similar item to the Ampeg is that there is a 47k resistor on the input on #7. Instead of a cap and resistor combo on pin #8 ,like Fender's and Sunn,  there's only a 5.6k resistor to ground. As used on a B15.


Pin 1 has a .022uf to ground


Pin 6 has a .01uf coming from a tone circuit


The gain connects to pin2


Pin 3 has a 3.3k to ground


Pins 4 & 5 are tied together for the filament & 9 has a filament connection


I know it real hard with out seeing it, but do any parts stand out that could be adjusted to tweak the sound to a what I'm looking for?




Thanks!





Title: Re: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: PRR on February 16, 2024, 03:51:22 pm
> do any parts stand out

12AX7 is NOT a 6SL7. That can be a lot of your not "warmer/smoother through out."
Title: Re: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: pbman1953 on February 16, 2024, 04:43:19 pm
Thanks, but I have to stay with a 9 pin tube
Title: Re: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: HotBluePlates on February 17, 2024, 08:31:21 am
I have preamp pedal that emulates a B15n. ... I'd like ... a ... bit warmer/smoother through out.

... any parts stand out that could be adjusted to tweak the sound to a what I'm looking for?

"Warmer" = less treble?  If so, you can slap a cap-to-ground anywhere to roll off some top end.

Otherwise, folks would need a. schematic of the pedal.  "Emulates a B15N" does not mean "has the circuit of the B15N."
Title: Re: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: Carlsoti on February 17, 2024, 09:49:03 am
FWIW, the closest 9-pin substitution for a 6SL7 would probably be a 5751. Typically viewed as a drop-in replacement for 12ax7 by guitarists and many/most techs, it'll usually run just fine in any circuit designed for 9-pin 12A_7 tubes. Obviously, you can tweak the circuit for desired performance. You're probably better off tweaking the circuit for lower gain from a 12AX7, as they're considerably more plentiful, than tweaking it for the more rare and expensive 5751.

A schematic of what's there now will be the best thing to determine where to go from here.
Title: Re: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: pbman1953 on February 17, 2024, 12:25:02 pm
FWIW, the closest 9-pin substitution for a 6SL7 would probably be a 5751. Typically viewed as a drop-in replacement for 12ax7 by guitarists and many/most techs, it'll usually run just fine in any circuit designed for 9-pin 12A_7 tubes. Obviously, you can tweak the circuit for desired performance. You're probably better off tweaking the circuit for lower gain from a 12AX7, as they're considerably more plentiful, than tweaking it for the more rare and expensive 5751.

A schematic of what's there now will be the best thing to determine where to go from here.


Thanks I do have a GE 5751 that I'll try first on my gig tonight.


The pedal maker will not send me a schematic, product protection probably.


 
Title: Re: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: pbman1953 on February 17, 2024, 12:27:48 pm
I have preamp pedal that emulates a B15n. ... I'd like ... a ... bit warmer/smoother through out.

... any parts stand out that could be adjusted to tweak the sound to a what I'm looking for?

"Warmer" = less treble?  If so, you can slap a cap-to-ground anywhere to roll off some top end.

Otherwise, folks would need a. schematic of the pedal.  "Emulates a B15N" does not mean "has the circuit of the B15N."


I'm not worried about treble, that's controllable. I guess I'm looking to soften the Ampegness of this pedal, even though the pedal is what I like. It's the Arkham Oracle, a quality unit.
Title: Re: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: bmccowan on February 17, 2024, 03:24:30 pm
Interesting pedal. I agree with Carlsoti that rolling different tubes is the way to go. I saw on some bass discussion boards that users find a significant difference using different tubes, even 12ax7s from different mfgs will sound different. You likely are not thrilled about buying more tubes, but in addition to the 5751, 12ay7, and 12Au7 with take away some of the punchiness (is that the "Ampegness"?) Within 12ax7s the differences are likely less noticeable, but still there. And do not forget to tweak your guitar's controls - many people forget they are there, but a slight roll off of either or both of the volume and tone controls can make a big difference.
Title: Re: Tweaking the v1 gain stage
Post by: pbman1953 on February 19, 2024, 11:38:22 am
I've landed on the 5751 and it seems to be ok. I tried an Au7 and but I run out of a room on the gain pot.


I'd still like to know what factor/parts have influence on the tone.




Thanks to all!