OK WHAT'S THE DEAL HERE?

[GuitarStv]

Re: OK WHAT'S THE DEAL HERE?

FWIW, I have several devices where using the tube variant or option makes a huge difference and others where it does not.

Headphone amps: my tube amp sounds like the solid state ones.

My Korg Triton Extreme: huge sound change when engaging the tube.

My Korg/Vox Tonelab: very, very different from a Line6 unit or the Boss.

My mic preamps are those ART tube preamps. Unless I engage the various sound coloring options they sound the same as a good mixer mic input.

Those ART 'tube' preamps run the tubes with such low voltage that they don't behave like real tube gear.

 

[uOpt]

Re: OK WHAT'S THE DEAL HERE?

Those ART 'tube' preamps run the tubes with such low voltage that they don't behave like real tube gear.

Right, I normally use them like I would solid state preamps. However, you can add a bit of kick if you want to.

 

[Aasinsilta]

Re: OK WHAT'S THE DEAL HERE?

Funnily enough, when I had told my father, a lifelong electrician, I was getting this VOX VT30 with a tube in the preamp he looked at me like I was crazy. Just a product of what electricians need to do, wiring up stuff doesn't require any intangibles like tone it just requires getting the efficiency up and electrical bills down. Like everyone has said throughout the thread, better on paper doesn't always mean better. Every circle of talents and interests have their own little myths and beliefs about things like this, and you have to look outside the box sometimes to really find the best solution for your needs.

The guitarist and musician community isn't immune to that dogma fault either, so don't take everything as the be all end all if your ears tell you different. There's always more to the story.