More Preamp Valve Discussion! (microphone applications)

[Keven]

I've recently acquired a nice and efficient Apex460 tube condenser mic. it works well for room takes of our band and is a relatively nice microphone so far. (I think Carvin makes a similar one... same factory, different branding, kinda like what New Sensor is doing to EHX and tungsol and all)

I was wondering, once i need to replace the tube in there, what should i look for? I can tell it definitely adds a nice amount of compression to the whole take, as the volume stays relatively the same with just a guitar and when the drum kicks in. what tubes are good for microphone applications? is microphony a good thing for such an application? of course low noise is a must... but asides from that, most tubes compress naturally so that's not a problem, i guess i don't want too much breakup either!

[HTH AMPS]

what type of valve does it use?

[Keven]

Silly me it's a 12AT7. this is like asking for help about computers without saying which OS you run on!

http://www.apexelectronics.com/products.asp?type=1&cat=21&id=74

[hermetico]

In my understanding, you want there a valve with plain EQ, that doesn't adds or substracts nothing, very detailed, clean and with an unexistent or really late break up.
As per the tube store review, it seems that the new Mullard re-issue could fit in this application. Look at the reports in Watford Valves. They are detailing how each teste valve performs for guitar amp and hi-fi applications.

[HTH AMPS]

the cool thing with 12AT7/ECC81 valves is that you can still buy NOS ones at a price comparable with current production ones.

put something like a Philips/ECG 12AT7 in that thing and you should notice a difference in the clarity (depending on how the mic circuit utilizes the valve of course).

[HTH AMPS]

try these...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USA-JAN-Philips-12AT7-WC-8826-Valve-Tube_W0QQitemZ300414270613QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Consumer_VintageAudio_RL?hash=item45f215fc95#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-X-MULLARD-ECC81-RADIO-TUBE-AUDIO-VALVES-VALVE_W0QQitemZ260579022126QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Consumer_VintageAudio_RL?hash=item3cabb8552e#ht_1753wt_1165

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2-x-ECC81-12AT7-NOS-RFT-PREAMP-TWIN-TRIODE-VALVES-TUBES_W0QQitemZ260578667247QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Electronics_R2?hash=item3cabb2eaef#ht_2843wt_939

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MULLARD-ECC81_W0QQitemZ230456596170QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_RadioTelevision_Telephony_SM?hash=item35a84896ca#ht_500wt_1182

[Keven]

Wow. never thought of it this way. it's crazy how these NOS Valves are cheap :D

I've spotted a few mullards at the tube store for 29$ USD. next payday wil see me ordering a few of them :D