6L6 AND EL34's in Dual Rec.???

[CjGuitarist82]

I've had my Dual Rec. for 10-11 months and it's always had 6L6s. Today I tried some EL34s. The distortion (for me, for what I do) is WAY better with the EL34s. The mids are killer. (Of course, I'm running a Marshall cab with G12T-75s right now, I'm Hopefully getting an Orange 4x12 with Vintage 30's soon :mrgreen: , so the mids might not be as much of a problem). It needs some tweaking, but I Definitely prefer EL34s for distortion. The problem is the cleans (again, for what I do) suck. The 6L6's are much brighter & crystal-y.

So, the big question:
Can I put 2 6L6's AND 2 EL34's?

I know this poses some small potential risks, but I've read some posts from people saying they've done it with no problems. ANY way I can get the 6L6 cleans with the EL34 grit is what I want. (Beyond having 2 separate amps, haha... not an option.)

Feedback from anyone who's actually done this with good results would be greatly appreciated. What are the risks? Do I set the Mesa's pre-bias for 6L6 or EL34?

The Next Step Up For My Tone Is In Your Hands!!!

 

[screamingdaisy]

It used to see this discussed a number of years back but I haven't seen it recently. Eurotubes used to have some info posted on his site about it, so I suggest checking there.

I think a lot of the 6L6/EL34 mix hype died down after JJ released the E34L (not a typo). The E34L has more midrange, like an EL34, but doesn't thin out the bottom as much as a regular EL34. A lot of dudes like it.

Just be advised that mixing tubes will void your warranty.

 

[CjGuitarist82]

Think there might even be matched 6L6 - EL34 sets over on Eurotubes (read it, haven't checked yet). I can't afford new tubes at the moment though. I have slightly used Mesa 6L6's and unused Mesa EL34's.

...and I bought my Dual Rec. used, so my warranty's non-existent anyway.

 

[CjGuitarist82]

Anyone else have some insight?