6550's in a IIC+ ?!

[boogiemon]

check it out:

http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/amplification/amplification-accessories/tubesync-divo-ov4-400267/review
http://www.tubesync.co.uk/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBQFQxMJrjo

looks pretty hopeful: won't have to care about what tubes go in my Mark.
The guy in the youtube link says you can mix 6550, KT88, 6L6 & EL34's in the same amp.

What would a IIC+ sound like w/6550's? Scary no?

 

[zodiac272]

looks cool, but it seems as though you need the hardware, but you can't get the software. You need to bring it to a tech that has the software on a computer to optimize each tube.

scott

 

[boogiemon]

Well if that's the case then forget it: not worth it, but that's not how i read it.

looks cool, but it seems as though you need the hardware, but you can't get the software. You need to bring it to a tech that has the software on a computer to optimize each tube.

scott

 

[zodiac272]

maybe i'm wrong but from the review of it:

"The RJ45 socket is where the DIVO OV4's interface module plugs in, allowing the product to be configured and interrogated from a PC using a small Windows-compatible program. This handy software lets authorised resellers/installers configure the custom bias switch setting, either globally or for each valve individually, as well as a second 'idle only' bias current that operates as a progressive standby feature"

also:
"Pros
The DIVO OV4 made a noticeable improvement to our amp, even with a brand new matched quartet.
Cons
It's a pity the interface and configuration software isn't generally available to the public, although there are sound reasons for that.
Verdict
A brilliant idea from the UK that could be the way of the future for valve amp design."




scott

 

[>Photi G<]

Cons
It's a pity the interface and configuration software isn't generally available to the public, although there are sound reasons for that.

What a shame. And I was beginning to get excited about this. I guess I'll have to go with plan B: installing a bias pot on the grid of each of my power tubes.

 

[boogiemon]

not sure, but i think there's a default mode that does the right thing for most cases & that the config software is for custom tuning.

Cons
It's a pity the interface and configuration software isn't generally available to the public, although there are sound reasons for that.

What a shame. And I was beginning to get excited about this. I guess I'll have to go with plan B: installing a bias pot on the grid of each of my power tubes.

 

[>Photi G<]

not sure, but i think there's a default mode that does the right thing for most cases & that the config software is for custom tuning.

I'm pretty sure that a Simul-Class amp would fall under the "Custom Tuning" category. I was just kidding earlier, too. The work involved in installing all those adjustments is too much for such a little amount of gain. The thing about not releasing the software to the public pisses me off in the same way that Apple will void your warranty if you attempt to jailbreak an iOS device. The company wants to collect money from you so that you use the device in the way that they intended it to be used. Not the way that you want to use it.

 

[boogiemon]

Yeah, if it's not going to be plug & play then forget it.

not sure, but i think there's a default mode that does the right thing for most cases & that the config software is for custom tuning.

I'm pretty sure that a Simul-Class amp would fall under the "Custom Tuning" category. I was just kidding earlier, too. The work involved in installing all those adjustments is too much for such a little amount of gain. The thing about not releasing the software to the public pisses me off in the same way that Apple will void your warranty if you attempt to jailbreak an iOS device. The company wants to collect money from you so that you use the device in the way that they intended it to be used. Not the way that you want to use it.

 

[zodiac272]

yeah evil apple, but with this bias thingy, maybe they don't want to deal with a rash of d-bags destroying their high $ amps when they use it wrong, or possibly electrocute themselves. Also, this device may lead to a case of gas that can't be cured. never ending search for a perfect mix of tubes. and maybe lead to an unending tone chasing black hole. With older Mark series, I'm happy enough with seeking out whatever str 415's or older sylvania 6l6gc's I can get my hands on that will work with my bias. That, and only trying to find NOS USA preamp tubes that I can score cheap.

scott

 

[swbo101]

Is this available in the US yet? Also can you install yourself or do you need someone else to do it b/c the software is not included? Where would you go to install?

 

[boogiemon]

From what i've read, Orange amps will be the world-wide distributor. There's in internal tech-only version & an external "user-installable" version. i contacted the manufacturer & they referred me to Orange: that's as far as i took it.

http://www.tubesync.co.uk/

btw, the features list on the page above starts with "automatic biasing", which would seem to imply plug & play...

Is this available in the US yet? Also can you install yourself or do you need someone else to do it b/c the software is not included? Where would you go to install?

 

[swbo101]

From what i've read, Orange amps will be the world-wide distributor. There's in internal tech-only version & an external "user-installable" version. i contacted the manufacturer & they referred me to Orange: that's as far as i took it.

http://www.tubesync.co.uk/

btw, the features list on the page above starts with "automatic biasing", which would seem to imply plug & play...

Is this available in the US yet? Also can you install yourself or do you need someone else to do it b/c the software is not included? Where would you go to install?

Thanks for the leg work on the info. Much appreciated !

 

[boogiemon]

Pretty smart: they know that the boogie fixed-bias amps are a good market.

From what i've read, Orange amps will be the world-wide distributor. There's in internal tech-only version & an external "user-installable" version. i contacted the manufacturer & they referred me to Orange: that's as far as i took it.

http://www.tubesync.co.uk/

Cool Idea. Too bad about them not allowing or selling the software to end users.

It's interesting that Orange is amps mentioned as the world-wide in this article:
http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/amplification/amplification-accessories/tubesync-divo-ov4-400267/review/2

but all the pics of it being used in the article are of a Mesa amp with Mesa labeled tubes.
pics:
http://www.musicradar.com/gallery/reviews/tubesync-divo-ov4-400267#1

 

[screamingdaisy]

$5 says that you'll be able to find unauthorized copies of the software on the net before the product is even available on Musician's Friend.

 

[boogiemon]

i saw L299 (US $500) printed somewhere.

Pretty smart: they know that the boogie fixed-bias amps are a good market.

Truer words couldn't have been said. Definitely a pretty smart move.

What's the thing cost? I couldn't find any pricing info....

 

[swbo101]

Pretty smart: they know that the boogie fixed-bias amps are a good market.

Truer words couldn't have been said. Definitely a pretty smart move.

What's the thing cost? I couldn't find any pricing info....

I saw a price somewhere of 299 Britsh pounds, which comes to about $486.00 US

 

[>Photi G<]

yeah evil apple, but with this bias thingy, maybe they don't want to deal with a rash of d-bags destroying their high $ amps when they use it wrong, or possibly electrocute themselves.

Probably the reasoning behind it. But then again, if you don't know what you're doing, you shouldn't own a tube amp. :lol:

$5 says that you'll be able to find unauthorized copies of the software on the net before the product is even available on Musician's Friend.

Good point. :mrgreen: I may reconsider if the MSRP in the US is right. But there's something about DIY that makes you want to avoid all this digital plug-n-play stuff...

 

[boogiemon]

Found another link. The "how it works" section is particularly interesting...

http://astonelectronics.co.uk/tubesync.html


These guys will put one in for ~$375: too bad they're so far away.

 

[dodger916]

I wonder how long it will be until this technology becomes on-board out of the factory, and who will be the first.

 

[boogiemon]

I wonder how long it will be until this technology becomes on-board out of the factory, and who will be the first.

Orange has it now.