SPAX7

[echoes420]

I just purchased a new SPAX7 to try out in V1 of my Recto.

I have never used one of these before, so this may sound like a dumb question but...

Am I supposed to leave the black rubber coating thing on it?

 

[GIG4FUN]

I just purchased a new SPAX7 to try out in V1 of my Recto.

I have never used one of these before, so this may sound like a dumb question but...

Am I supposed to leave the black rubber coating thing on it?

yes, leave it on.

 

[Elpelotero]

Yes, part of the reason is that protects the tube from outside interference, such as radio signals, fluorescent lighting, etc.

 

[Timbre Wolf]

Yes - leave the coating on. It is not going to protect from RF interference (metal tube retainers do that a little), but it does offer more mechanical stability, thus reducing microphonic tendencies.

- Thom

 

[echoes420]

Ok. First off, thanks for the information.

But...

Last night, I went out to the rehearsal spot to put the SPAX7 in V1. In my 2 channel DR, there is a shield around V1 and a little retainer for the shield at the bottom, screwed into the wood. This little retainer is too small and will not allow the SPAX7 to go in with the black wrap on it. I tried for a bit to finagle it in there, but it was just not going to happen.

But I decided I was gonna put it somewhere since I bought it, so I put in the one right next to V1, which is V4 according to the little map inside the head. I am not too sure what each tube slot does, but I know that putting the SP in V4 did a lot more than I thought it would. It made my clean almost sparkle! The difference was less noticeable on the modern channel... it seemed to kind of roll all of my knobs except for volume down a bit on it's own... if that makes any sense.

So I guess my question here is... Is it normal for the SP to not want to fit in the V1 spot and is there anyway to find out specifically what each tube slot does?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Timbre Wolf]

is there anyway to find out specifically what each tube slot does?

I haven't looked at that particular manual, but Mesa is usually very good about providing this information in their manuals - check it out.

- T

 

[KH Guitar Freak]

Ok. First off, thanks for the information.

But...

Last night, I went out to the rehearsal spot to put the SPAX7 in V1. In my 2 channel DR, there is a shield around V1 and a little retainer for the shield at the bottom, screwed into the wood. This little retainer is too small and will not allow the SPAX7 to go in with the black wrap on it. I tried for a bit to finagle it in there, but it was just not going to happen.

But I decided I was gonna put it somewhere since I bought it, so I put in the one right next to V1, which is V4 according to the little map inside the head. I am not too sure what each tube slot does, but I know that putting the SP in V4 did a lot more than I thought it would. It made my clean almost sparkle! The difference was less noticeable on the modern channel... it seemed to kind of roll all of my knobs except for volume down a bit on it's own... if that makes any sense.

So I guess my question here is... Is it normal for the SP to not want to fit in the V1 spot and is there anyway to find out specifically what each tube slot does?

Thanks in advance.

The manual should tell you. Anyway, if it dosn't fit in V1, just take a blade, and slowly shave off the rubber. Definitely not recommended when you are using one for the weekend night out...

Oh wait, where was I again???