Tube substitution in a Valve compressor?

[Hank Grizzly]

Hey,
My friend just bought a Behringer TUBE COMPOSER T1952 and though it does sound damn fine, especially for the price, the tubes (two 12ax7's) could be cleaner as we don't just use it for guitar.
I read somewhere about people replacing 12ax7's with other similar tubes, but only in amps, and was wondering if the same could be done in this case, and still maintain the function of the compressor.
Or is it just that the stock tubes are rubbish and could anyone recommend me some?
Cheers!

 

[cream123]

Re: Tube substitution in a Valve compressor?

Welcome to the forum! In all honesty I have no clue if it will work but an option would be 12ay7. Wait until someone pipes in on this one, I am just giving a name.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Tube substitution in a Valve compressor?

I've used 12at7 instead of and 12ax7 in amps to have less drive. Works well. If you stick to 12ax7s I recommend Tung-Sols.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Tube substitution in a Valve compressor?

Chances are, the OEM 12AX7s are cheap Chinese stock. Upgrading to higher quality 12AX7s makes sense. "Downgrading" to a high quality 12AY7 (ECC82) would reduce gain and, hence, give cleaner performance. On the other hand, if you want pristine, clean compression, why are you using a valve compressor at all?

Mild overdrive, "warmth" and/or low fidelity is precisely what valve compression and limiting is all about.