Are preamp tubes known to wear out?

[korovamilkdud]

It seems like the Maxon ROD 881 I use doesn't have the same squish and warmth that it used to. The high end also seems a bit more harsh and raspy than it used to be.

But I don't know that my ears could be decieving me as well. So are these symptoms of a worn out preamp tube or am I just losin' it?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Are preamp tubes known to wear out?

Well... they do wear out, but isn't the general rule 5 years or so? The other thing, aren't most tube pedals configured to just clip like a diode, not be pushed into natural OD by increasing the gain?

Regardless, you can buy one for $15 or so to see if it makes a difference. I know, not a very scientific approach, sorry.

 

[Dave Z]

Re: Are preamp tubes known to wear out?

they usually lose gain & get mellower, and eventually outgas - sounds like tissue paper being ripped in the background. That tube is probably at very low voltage - should last a gazillion years or so. But if it gets tossed around, might get damaged that way. And some tubes just - fail.