Weber Bias rite took a dump, what is the best replacement ?

[just42dave]

Eurotubes Pro One is the shit. Self contained, and uses heater voltage to power it up, so it doesn't need batteries. It shows both current and voltage, and you can play the amp with it connected. It's a little more expensive, but I think it's worth it because you don't need a separate meter. You just plug it in and go.

I agree complelty with this. I've had my Pro One for a year and used it a lot with all of my amps. It has been great and is very handy since you can play the amp with it connected and adjust bias. It's been an awesome tool so far! No complaints!

agreed

 

[guitarobert]

I use a probe from http://www.amp-head.com. It attaches to your multimeter. Great build quality and works well! The tube adapters feel more robust than the ones on the Bias Rite.

Nice. Thanks for the link.

If I have an amp with a quad of KT88's, should I grab the dual probe?

Probably better to get the dual. I have the dual with the plate voltage option and it's perfect. But if your tubes are coming in well matched and you have only one bias adjustment point for the quad you could get away with the single. I like the dual though to have a couple of test points.

 

[HilltopExplosion]

These werk reel gud!

 

[midnightlaundry]

Lol.. I'm getting one next order..

http://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/viewC ... tegory=804

 

[FourT6and2]

I'm a big proponent of just using a regular multi-meter and learning how to use it properly and work inside your amp safely. A Fluke meter will last much longer and be more accurate and be more versatile than any dedicated "bias" meter.

 

[Racerxrated]

The Eurotubes looks nice. Too bad it only has one probe.

I agree. Looks great but with only one probe seems it would be kind of a pain !

Plus they are out of stock !

Definitely allot more dicking around with hot tubes

Yeah, my bias tool/multimeter method is not without a wait period, until tubes cool down a bit lol. Usually no more than a 20 min process to bias 4 power tubes. Definitely easier and more expensive versions out there.

 

[sg guy]

-I have a BIAS RITE-(4)-have used it a ton over the years never an issue, I'm tempted to look in side and have a look-

 

[kurtsstuff]

I've had a bias rite for longer than I can remember with zero issues..I think the issues came up because people would "play" the amp while the bias rite was plugged in and running..I think?

 

[psychodave]

I'm a big proponent of just using a regular multi-meter and learning how to use it properly and work inside your amp safely. A Fluke meter will last much longer and be more accurate and be more versatile than any dedicated "bias" meter.

I did that for years. Honestly, the bias rite makes it so simple and safe.

 

[cecilbag]

I just use the regular eurotubes single tester and test each tube, buy my quads from Valve Queen.

 

[JerEvil]

I use a probe from http://www.amp-head.com. It attaches to your multimeter. Great build quality and works well! The tube adapters feel more robust than the ones on the Bias Rite.

Just talked to the dude at Amp-Head and ordered the dual probe! Nice guy and was very helpful. I have 3 amps in need of a bias so I am going to be taking care of that soon!

 

[screamindemon]

well, not looking good for my Bias rite.

Called Weber can't reach them on the phone. I emailed them about a repair 4 days ago and have not heard back.

Fuck !

 

[JerEvil]

well, not looking good for my Bias rite.

Called Weber can't reach them on the phone. I emailed them about a repair 4 days ago and have not heard back.

Fuck !

This guy was $61 with USPS Priority shipping.

Not as fancy as the Weber but it'll do a pair of tubes at a time.

 

[screamindemon]

well, not looking good for my Bias rite.

Called Weber can't reach them on the phone. I emailed them about a repair 4 days ago and have not heard back.

Fuck !

This guy was $61 with USPS Priority shipping.

Not as fancy as the Weber but it'll do a pair of tubes at a time.

May have to go this route, does this show you plate voltage as well

 

[Hey_bert_whtcha_doin_bert]

I just use a multimeter. I never really saw the danger. I know it's there but I know it's safe if done right.

 

[Adambomb]

well, not looking good for my Bias rite.

Called Weber can't reach them on the phone. I emailed them about a repair 4 days ago and have not heard back.

Fuck !

This guy was $61 with USPS Priority shipping.

Not as fancy as the Weber but it'll do a pair of tubes at a time.

May have to go this route, does this show you plate voltage as well

Yea I'd get this. I've owned two over the last 7-8 years and they measure spot as far as accuracy coming from one of my old amp techs. Only reason I had to buy another is cause I used the first one so much (flipping amps and doing several other guitar players tube amps, that one tube sockets were getting screwy. Amp-Head offered to fix the old one but I was in a hurry with a new gig and new amp I just went ahead and bought another one. They still told me to send it in anything to be fixed. This was the best bang for the buck I think and has great reviews on another forums.

They do not read plate voltage but, unless it's a vintage amp, I see no need in having to measure the PV every time you retube. Oh, and they are very solid handmade one at a time. No affiliation with Am-Head BTW.

 

[FourT6and2]

well, not looking good for my Bias rite.

Called Weber can't reach them on the phone. I emailed them about a repair 4 days ago and have not heard back.

Fuck !

This guy was $61 with USPS Priority shipping.

Not as fancy as the Weber but it'll do a pair of tubes at a time.

May have to go this route, does this show you plate voltage as well

Yea I'd get this. I've owned two over the last 7-8 years and they measure spot as far as accuracy coming from one of my old amp techs. Only reason I had to buy another is cause I used the first one so much (flipping amps and doing several other guitar players tube amps, that one tube sockets were getting screwy. Amp-Head offered to fix the old one but I was in a hurry with a new gig and new amp I just went ahead and bought another one. They still told me to send it in anything to be fixed. This was the best bang for the buck I think and has great reviews on another forums.

They do not read plate voltage but, unless it's a vintage amp, I see no need in having to measure the PV every time you retube. Oh, and they are very solid handmade one at a time. No affiliation with Am-Head BTW.

You MUST measure the amp's plate voltage at least once, so you know what it is. Then after that, you probably don't need to measure the plates again. Just be aware that a small change in the mains voltage coming out of the wall equals a much larger swing in the voltages inside your amp... So if you're confident the voltage in your wall is consistent, then yeah... measure the amp's plates once and just write it down so you have it.

But... you can't bias an amp without knowing the plate voltage. At least not via the method we're talking about here.

 

[Loudness250]

I would measure the PV at least once every time you retube. But that's what is cool about the bias rite, no need to take the chassis off to do that, it's worth the extra 80$ or so for that. Plus they sent me a cool beer coozy and some stickers with it. Some amps don't have the room in the headshell for the bias rite though, so in that case you still have to take out the chassis.

 

[guitarobert]

well, not looking good for my Bias rite.

Called Weber can't reach them on the phone. I emailed them about a repair 4 days ago and have not heard back.

Fuck !

This guy was $61 with USPS Priority shipping.

Not as fancy as the Weber but it'll do a pair of tubes at a time.

May have to go this route, does this show you plate voltage as well

Looks like the amp-head unit. If so, then yes this does read plate voltage if you order with that option. It will then have a switch to read out plate voltage. This unit is the best of both worlds. Safe connection same as a bias rite, but you can use any multimeter of your choice. I a Fluke with mine.

I also recommend reading plate voltage. On top of that, get a voltage regulator so your amp always sees 120V. Otherwise the plate voltage reading when you bias it may be meaningless in the future - if your AC voltage changes in the future. Mine changes throughout the day.

 

[JerEvil]

well, not looking good for my Bias rite.

Called Weber can't reach them on the phone. I emailed them about a repair 4 days ago and have not heard back.

Fuck !

This guy was $61 with USPS Priority shipping.

Not as fancy as the Weber but it'll do a pair of tubes at a time.

May have to go this route, does this show you plate voltage as well

Looks like the amp-head unit. If so, then yes this does read plate voltage if you order with that option. It will then have a switch to read out plate voltage. This unit is the best of both worlds. Safe connection same as a bias rite, but you can use any multimeter of your choice. I a Fluke with mine.

I also recommend reading plate voltage. On top of that, get a voltage regulator so your amp always sees 120V. Otherwise the plate voltage reading when you bias it may be meaningless in the future - if your AC voltage changes in the future. Mine changes throughout the day.

It is indeed that Amp-Head one. I am going to email them now to see if I can add the Pv option as I don't think mine shipped yet.