12ax7/12at7 Shootout for Valvetronics

[JumpMarine]

It took me a few tries for this upload, but here you go. Download the mp3 for the best results. Tone is very subjective and I won't tell you which one sounds better. But the fact is that there WERE subtle differences in the different brands and types. Some were more open, some were more compressed, some were mushy.....you be the judge.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=414233

Gear:
Fender Custom FMT HH Tele, CS Antiquity/Jazz into the Low input of my Vox Valvetronics AD60H recorded directly into computer soundcard using N-Track Studio software. I only used the Bridge pup with the tone rolled off about half way.

Settings on Vox:

UK 80's(JCM 800), Gain Maxed, Volume 12 o'clock, Treb 2 o'clock, Mid Maxed, Bass 12 o'clock, No FX, No Modulation, No Delay, Room Reverb at 9 oclock, Master Vol Maxed, Presence Maxed.

Recording:
0:00 to 0:36-JJ 12AX7
0:36 to 1:17-RCA 12AT7
1:18 to 1:44-Telefunken 12AT7
1:45 to 2:21-No Name 12AT7
2:22 to 2:55-Sylvania 12AT7
2:56 to 3:27-Sovtek 12AX7(Original tube)
3:28 to 4:04-Fender 7025(12AX7) from the late 70's

 

[Tim]

Re: 12ax7/12at7 Shootout for Valvetronics

JumpMarine,

Thanks for the shootout and posting the amp settings. Did you try any clean sounds? If so, can you add them into the OK coral?

Thanks.

 

[JumpMarine]

Re: 12ax7/12at7 Shootout for Valvetronics

No problem, I'll run that test tonight and post the results.

I will say that the tube that I did dislike the most was the Sovtek, kind of buzzy sounding. Definately not as smooth as the others.