New Herbert owner - need tips/suggestions

[Larrikin666]

I just unpacked my Herbert that arrived from UPS yesterday. This thing is incredible heavy. I'm not looking forward to carrying this up and down steps for gigs. Right now, it has 6l6s for channel 1 and 2. I'm definitely digging that sound right now. I'm amazed with the clean channel. I've had a ton of high gain amps, so I'm used to the clean channel being garbage. This was an extremely pleasant surprise. The crunch channel has a nice brightness that balances out the tone from my guitar.

onto my issue.....

Channel 3 has KT88s right now. I've had absolutely no experience with these in the past. I'm not as familiar with their characteristics as I am with EL34 and 6L6 tubes. There's something about this channel that isn't quite grabbing me yet. I'm guessing it's the power tubes. I not quite able to put it into words yet. Maybe it's a little to warm sounding. I'm planning on getting some EL34s to see if that might be closer to what I'm looking for.

I just wanted to throw a post up to let everyone know I'm in the Diezel club now. I bought the Herbert to see how exactly it holds up against my ENGL SE. No major opinions yet.

I figured I'd also throw some pictures up. This is just what I practice on at home right now. I'll eventually take this to my band room and A/B it with the SE to see which one I prefer.

Ignore the Krankenstein. I know it has no business being in the same room as the Herbert. I haven't played it in years. It just hangs out and takes up space. I'm sure it feels ashamed have to sit on top of such a superior amp now.

 

[duesentrieb]

Welcome. Enjoy your Herbie.

Why not pull the KT88s and try the amp without them - btw all powertubes do the same job: amplify the preamp signal.

 

[steve_k]

The power tubes aren't assignable to different channels.

By the looks of the head-banging in your avatar, you need to get the gain on Channel 3 at about 1:00, scoop the mids, kick in the Mid-Cut toggle with the level and cut maxed out. Throw some bottom into the post EQ and let 'er rip. This is the channel that sets the Herbie apart from the rest. Good crunch and British stuff on Channel 2.

Put straight 34's across the board. SED Winged 'C's are my favorite, but there will be those around here who like others.

Steve

 

[PaulyPanacea]

welcome to the club!!!!


Yes, the PTs are not assignable. They all work together.

if you are a metal player, i would say go EL34 all across. Or even 4 EL34 & 2 6l6s. ( i used that combo & its pretty tasty!!) Steve_K knows the metal (&sand) ...so take his advise.

good luck with a great amp!!

 

[Larrikin666]

I didn't think the power tubes were assignable to each channel, but the previous owner convinced me otherwise. Thanks for the input and setting me straight on that.

Scooped mids are definitely not my thing. I'm a mid whore. My tone mimics bands like Arsis and Gojira more than Cannibal Corpse and Suffocation. I vastly prefer the cut that mids give you.

I'll go with EL34s throughout for now. While I'm at it, I'll probably swap out the preamp tubes as well just to be safe.

Thanks again

 

[Hard&Heavy]

Welcome to the family and go with the 34's and do what everybody else is saying good advice

 

[steve_k]

Take advantage of the MIDI control of the amp. The Columbus eats up a lot of real estate and is overkill. But, a little Tech 21 MIDI Mouse is great for hitting a few different settings, say between channel 2 and 3 then kick in the mid cut or boost or loop.

Steve

 

[stefvorcide]

Welcome to the jungle.

I LOOOOOVE chan 3 way more than 2+ Imo. I have the opposite problem than you I guess. CRAAAAANK my mid all the way up, treble around noon. I have almost no presence, but it sounds BADASS.

BTW: I have a pair of winged C kt88, 6550 and, Tungsol EL34B

 

[van hellion]

Welcome to the jungle.

I LOOOOOVE chan 3 way more than 2+ Imo. I have the opposite problem than you I guess. CRAAAAANK my mid all the way up, treble around noon. I have almost no presence, but it sounds BADASS.

what are your low end settings btw? including deep if you dont mind.

do you have clips?

A Wood

 

[HerbieBoogie]

WHATS UPP!!!

nice amp combo


im a metal player too and el34s sound amazing in herbie!!!

 

[stefvorcide]

Welcome to the jungle.

I LOOOOOVE chan 3 way more than 2+ Imo. I have the opposite problem than you I guess. CRAAAAANK my mid all the way up, treble around noon. I have almost no presence, but it sounds BADASS.

what are your low end settings btw? including deep if you dont mind.
do you have clips?
A Wood

My settings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECeN4YyluU0

And if you listen to my shitty clips, you'll hear it !! (sorry it might be the worst diezel videos ever...my sinceres apologies to Peter Diezel )

 

[axeman81]

Hey Andy, do you go with 6550 or 34 ?
love your work btw

- Rune.

 

[van hellion]

Hey Andy, do you go with 6550 or 34 ?
love your work btw

- Rune.

rockin the el34's. sed winged c at the moment. havent tried 6550's in herbert but i have no need of changing tubes as my tone is bringin it as is. also all my favorite tones are el 34 tones.
and im a redneck so i just want to plug in and play and not worry bout gear

A Wood

 

[RoidRage]

Hey Andy, do you go with 6550 or 34 ?
love your work btw

- Rune.

rockin the el34's. sed winged c at the moment. havent tried 6550's in herbert but i have no need of changing tubes as my tone is bringin it as is. also all my favorite tones are el 34 tones.
and im a redneck so i just want to plug in and play and not worry bout gear

A Wood

You have all my respect Mr Woods But man... for me, There is ONLY 6550 Winged =C='s It's MASSIVE, and the Cleans are INSANE... You've just got to try it! I went from liking the amp to being absolutely amazed...

Terry is CORRECT... He know's his stuff, and he felt that it was just the right tube for the Herbert, and he is right... I tried a Lot of different ones immediately when I got this. I thought the 34's just didn't have the bottom, and were not as rich, and full. The 6550's have PUNCH!, and beautiful tone!

Probably going to have to up the Bias though... Peter says 80ma for the pair... But I like 90ma~100ma It's warmer, and fuller.

BTW... You rock!

Best,

Roid Rage
s

 

[Duolos]

Andy - For what you do you are on the money tube wise. My only suggestion would be to one day try the BHT. I do think you would really like it.

RoidRage - Glad you are liking the 6550's. You are safe at 80 to 100mA on those tubes. The BHT would be your tube out of all the 34's out there.

 

[Duolos]

Welcome to the jungle.

I LOOOOOVE chan 3 way more than 2+ Imo. I have the opposite problem than you I guess. CRAAAAANK my mid all the way up, treble around noon. I have almost no presence, but it sounds BADASS.

what are your low end settings btw? including deep if you dont mind.
do you have clips?
A Wood

My settings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECeN4YyluU0

And if you listen to my shitty clips, you'll hear it !! (sorry it might be the worst diezel videos ever...my sinceres apologies to Peter Diezel )

If you open up your channel volume a bit it might help open up the amp.

 

[PaulyPanacea]

WIDE OPEN