Author Topic: tube down (Read 2702 times)

lifted · « **on:** May 12, 2006, 09:40:47 PM »

Hi Folks, I have a Rivera knucklehead 100 W Head with a 4x12 Cabinet, 4 El34s and 5 12AX7s, and It is freakin' too loud to get great gain without deafening me in the house. This may be a stupid question, but can I just take 2 of the Els out and have it down to 50 watts? I probably need to know which ones to pull out, if this would do the trick. Thanks, Lifted

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2006, 09:59:06 PM »

It won't make much difference in a house. I would recomend getting a hotplate, its a device that is placed between your amp and cab, it's passive, it cuts down the signal so you can crank up the amp.

Johnny Mac · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2006, 10:20:28 PM »

I use a 120w valve amp at home with a 4 x 12 with a hotplate equivalent and it works a treat!

Searcher · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2006, 06:41:22 AM »

You can take out two tubes and run it. I ran my head on two tubes recently (my amp head that is), because one had blown. However, you won't notice any major difference in volume.

If you do take out the tubes, you gotta keep it symmetrical. So try keeping the two at either end first and if that doesn't work try keeping the two centre ones in. I'm sure you will realise this, but make sure that the things are well and truly cool before you try to get 'em out. Don't just try to remove them with a something wrapped around your hand or anything.

If you want a small practice amp you're better off looking for something around the 5 to 15 watt mark.

lifted · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2006, 07:31:07 AM »

Maybe not a volume difference, but does it drive to saturation sooner?

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2006, 05:26:59 PM »

Yes, but it will still be at very loud volumes before you really notice a difference. The hotplate is probably the best option.

Removing tubes is a good idea when you want to get power amp distortion when playing live easier.

hunter · « **Reply #6 on:** May 13, 2006, 05:33:41 PM »

thing is that between 50 and 100 watts there are only a few dB difference, so if you want power amp saturation, it won't make a big difference between 50 and 100W.

Usually 100W tops sound more articulated than 50W but it depends, but that's a sound difference more than a volume difference.

I've been playing 50W and 100W amps my whole live - until recently I got myself a THD Univalve, where I have full control on how much power or what kind of sound I want. Limit is the max power of around 18W (single tube class A), but that's much louder as it seems.

The sound of this amp is fantastic. Think again whether you really need a 100W amp. If not, sell the Rivera and get something smaller, you won't regret it.

lifted · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2006, 06:03:21 PM »

Thanks to all, I guess i will save up for a hotplate. Anyone have any brands that are good besides THD that are cheaper? Any Home made stuff, Bainzy maybe? Thanks again, lifted