Rex Rocker
Well-known member
I've always been curious as to how tube amps work. I am aware of the rough functions tubes have in amps. The fist half of the first tube is usually an input stage which brings the level up, right? Then, the two halves of the last tube handle the positive and negative part of the waveform in a Class AB amp to drive the power tubes. And then, there should be a tube in between that brings the level the tone stack eats up back up.
But what about the tubes (and their respective halves) in between? I'm trying to understand how something with a crazy amount of gain stages like a 5150 differs from something like a JCM800 or even an SLO. How about a Peavey 5150 vs an EVH 5150III?
Also, is the first stage in an amp like a 5150 or a Recto supposed to clip? Why is it that many people seem to think of as the tube that makes the most difference in the tone?
Also, do you need a full 12AX7 to drive the tone stack or just one half? What about plate-fed vs cathode follower tone stacks?
Excuse me if this might seem a bit dumb, but I'm really interested in learning. Thanks!
But what about the tubes (and their respective halves) in between? I'm trying to understand how something with a crazy amount of gain stages like a 5150 differs from something like a JCM800 or even an SLO. How about a Peavey 5150 vs an EVH 5150III?
Also, is the first stage in an amp like a 5150 or a Recto supposed to clip? Why is it that many people seem to think of as the tube that makes the most difference in the tone?
Also, do you need a full 12AX7 to drive the tone stack or just one half? What about plate-fed vs cathode follower tone stacks?
Excuse me if this might seem a bit dumb, but I'm really interested in learning. Thanks!
