Standby switches

[nightwing122087]

I hear a ton of things about how to use a standby switch but up until now I'm not even sure if I've been using it the correct way, though I think I might be.

When I play I usually go up to the amp and flick the standby switch on the "1" position, meaning "on" though the 'power' is still switched off. I leave it like that for a few minutes and then I flick the "power" switch on and then I start playing with both switches now on the "on" position.

Up until now I'm pretty sure I do that the right way. But my questions lie in how to use the standby switch when turning the power "off" or just leaving it on standby temporarily.

Someone told me that when turning the amp off I should let it "cool off" though he didn't really go into specifics and I only sort of understood what he said. Do I shut the "power" off first and leave the standby on (then eventually shut it off)?? Or do I switch the standby to the "off" position and leave the "power" in the "on" position and eventually shut the power off last?

I've also heard that if you've got your amp running and your going to temporarily (minutes or so) not be playing it, that you should use the standby so the tubes don't have to warm up again. But what do I do exactly? Does that mean that I turn the power switch off but leave the standby on? Or does it mean switch the standby off and leave the "power" on?

This would help me greatly so please help me out!

 

[i love everyone]

Re: Standby switches

i've actually asked this same question before. you should turn the main power on for about a minute so the tubes can warm up before flipping the standby switch on when you're turning the amp on. not doing so can make your tubes wear out faster. i'm pretty sure it doesn't matter when you're turning the amp off; i usually turn them both off at once or turn the power off a few seconds after the standby, although i've known people who leave the standby off for a few minutes before turning the main power off.

also, it's a good idea to leave the amp on standby (just the tube heaters being powered) if you're only going to be away from it for a little while, but you don't want to leave it sit on standby for hours on end or anything like that, because you'll just be wearing your tubes unnecessarily.

 

[Gamera]

Re: Standby switches

When I play I usually go up to the amp and flick the standby switch on the "1" position, meaning "on" though the 'power' is still switched off. I leave it like that for a few minutes and then I flick the "power" switch on and then I start playing with both switches now on the "on" position.

If I'm understanding what you're describing, no, that's not the correct usage.

Make sure both switches are off.

Turn power on. This get things warming up but you won't hear anything.

After a minute or so turn standby on. Start playing.

Powering down I don't think makes any difference. Although I go in reverse order just to keep things simple and to ensure I turn stanby off so next time I power up the amp doesn't squeal on me.

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: Standby switches

I do what Gamera does, but I turn the amp off without turning the standby back on after playing. This drains the caps. Leaving it on standby leaves a charge in the caps for a while.

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: Standby switches

My orange has a standby/power, but it's only one switch. The standby is on the middle and the power is all the way over. I put it on standby for a minute or so then power it one. When turning it off, I put it on standby for a minute although I've heard it's not necessary.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Standby switches

Here's how you do it:

Power: Off
Stby: Off

Power: On
Stby: Off

Power: On
Stby: On

Reverse the order to power down. This is what I have always done.

 

[nightwing122087]

Re: Standby switches

So to power down I would switch the standby off first or the power first?

What if I want to leave the amp temporarily? What would I do then?

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Standby switches

So to power down I would switch the standby off first or the power first?

I don't think you need to, but I do.

What if I want to leave the amp temporarily? What would I do then?

Standby, but leave the power on.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Standby switches

So to power down I would switch the standby off first or the power first?

What is the reverse of 1 - 2 - 3 ?

What if I want to leave the amp temporarily? What would I do then?

Sorry, you're screwed. Once you turn it on, you can never - ever - turn it back off, or you instantly use up the tubes and have to buy more. That is why tube amps make everybody sound better - you have to leave the amp on forever so you just keep playing, and all the extra practice makes you sound better.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Standby switches

Sorry, you're screwed. Once you turn it on, you can never - ever - turn it back off, or you instantly use up the tubes and have to buy more. That is why tube amps make everybody sound better - you have to leave the amp on forever so you just keep playing, and all the extra practice makes you sound better.

Totally!

hahahaha

Yes, hit the main power first and leave it on standby for at LEAST a minute, if not longer. Years ago I had a cranky old Marshall Major that would wig out if it wasn't on standby for at least 15 minutes...

The purpose of the 'standby' is to let the tubes slowly warm up, so they aren't hit with 400+ volts right away which will signifigantly shorten the lifespan of the tubes...

After the amp is warm and the tubes are glowing in a 'natural' state it's safe to pull it off standby & start playing.

Power down? I've heard various theorys & myths... I don't think it matters much but I generally go back to "standby" for a few minutes before powering down.

Bigger thing is to not "move" the amp right after powering down. Let the tubes cool for several minutes... This applies more towards gigs then home use... the tubes can be damaged if they're moved while warm. Mostly from the head getting jolted, smack it into a doorway or putting it down (even gently) in the parking lot... that kinda thing.

 

[nightwing122087]

Re: Standby switches

I was always under the impression that turning the standby on meant flicking the stanby switch first.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Standby switches

Yeah, we've all established that that's wrong.

You should have it now, though!

 

[J Moose]

Re: Standby switches

I was always under the impression that turning the standby on meant flicking the stanby switch first.

Nope. That allows all the voltage to the tubes to go straight there. Bad for the tube life.

 

[nightwing122087]

Re: Standby switches

Hey, thanks a lot guys I can't believe I've been turning it on wrong all this time. I can't believe that my Marshall lasted about 2 or 3 years before I had it retubed either, considering what I was doing!

 

[J Moose]

Re: Standby switches

There 'ya go!

I've had the same 6550's in my 800 for about seven years I think? Still going strong but at the same time there might be a stretch of a few months where the amp doesn't get used at all... but when it's run, it's pretty hard. 10 hours a day for a week or three straight.

FWIW ~ The stock tubes in my old Dual Recto lasted just about a year... so go figure!