Crate V3112T — essential Guide to Tubes and Biasing for Amplifiers [8/12]

Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued):

You can check your preamplifier tubes for microphonics by turning the amplifier on, turning up the gain and

tapping lightly on each tube with the end of a pencil or a chop stick (my favorite). You will be able to hear

the tapping through your speakers, which is normal. It is not normal for a tube to ring like a bell after it’s

tapped. If it does ring then it’s microphonic and should be replaced. Remember to use only high quality, low

microphonic tubes in the preamplifier section.

Even though power tubes are rarely microphonic, you should check them anyway. The power tubes can be

checked for microphonics just like pre-amp tubes.

In the case of very high gain amps, you may be able to reduce the amount of noise generated by simply

swapping the preamp tubes around.

The Importance Of Proper Biasing:

For the best performance and longest tube life, proper biasing is imperative. Bias is the negative voltage

which is applied to the power tube’s control grid to set the level of idle current. We cannot over emphasize

the difference in warmth of tone and dynamic response that come with proper biasing. If the bias is set too

high (overbiased), the sound from the amp will be distorted at all levels. If the bias is set too low, (under

biased) the power tubes will run hot (the plates inside the tubes may glow red due to excessive heat) and

the sound from the amplifier will lack power and punch. The excessive heat greatly reduces tube life – from

a few days to as little as a few hours in extreme cases. Setting the bias on your amp is like setting the idle

on your car. If it’s too high or hot it’s running away with you and if it’s too low or cold it will choke when you

step on it.

The bias is adjusted at the factory in accordance with the type of power tube(s) installed in your amplifier. It

is important to point out that tubes of the same type and specification typically exhibit different performance

characteristics. Consequently, whenever power tubes are replaced, the bias voltage must be checked

(unless the amplifier is equipped with "self-biasing circuitry) and readjusted to accommodate the operating

parameters of the replacement tubes.

Depending on the model and amplifier type, there may be hum balance controls, trim pots, or bias adjust-

ment controls on its rear panel. However, the bias adjustment should be performed only by qualified service

personnel with the proper, calibrated test equipment.

V3112 Guitar Amplifier