Tube Hype is no Hype

[talltxguy]

Will be picking up my refurbished 50/50 this weekend. Meanwhile, I picked up an ADA Microtube. Upon running the Studio Pre through the ADA into a 1X12 Roadster cab, I immediately noticed a difference in tone. The ADA makes things a bit more abrasive. I thought the distortion might rival the 50/50 when palm muting and what not, but even there the 50/50 won out. The ADA sounded a fizzier and less full.

I've read & heard a lot about tube power amps making a difference and have finally witnessed it myself.

The ADA is still a nice backup, in my opinion, but it just doesn't compare to the 50/50. Guess I'm preeching to the choir huh...

 

[goodwill559]

I had a similar situation recently, with a couple of differences.

I aquired a Studio Pre about a week ago, brought it home and hooked it up a couple of different ways.

First was with a solid state Carvin DCM 600 power amp, which sounds beautiful with my Fractal Audio Axe-Fx standard, but sounded really bad with the studio pre.

Next, through my Mark III effects return running in Simul mode. Sounded unbelievable. Just awesome.

So yeah, tube hype is no hype, and solid state can be good too depending on the situation.

Now, I'm trying to figure out if I should get one of Mesa's simul power amps, or maybe a rack mounted Mark head, or even an amp from a different manufacturer.

 

[riddler]

But it should also taken into account that the 50/50 and a Poweramp Section of a MKIII are the perfect match. They were designed for those preamps.

 

[MusicManJP6]

yep, tubes are 'old technology', but there's still no greater tone/feel to be had!

 

[jjrgtr]

Hey goodwill559,

I too just picked up a studio pre. Any chance you could pop the top off of yours and let me know the correct wires to install to the effects loop level switch? I have a post in this board but I haven't had anyone who own a studio pre answer.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[goodwill559]

jjrgtr,

Hey, no problem, but it'll be a couple of hours before I have the chance; I have to leave for an appointment soon.

 

[jjrgtr]

Thanks, I really appreciate the help so I will check back later tonight/tomorrow.

 

[goodwill559]

OK, here we go, hope this helps.

Oriantation: control panel facing you, rear of chassis facing away,
top left = effects level switch
top right = effects send jack
bottom left = return B jack
bottom right = return A jack

pic of circuit board showing the order of the colored leads:

I made a drawing of the connections. I've labeled the terminals from left to right beginning with the upper left

The send jack only has two terminals. The terminal closest to the rear I labeled 1 and terminal closest to the control panel I labeled 2.

 

[jjrgtr]

THANK YOU!

You saved me a lot of time and effort and I really appreciate all the pictures. I will get it put back together tomorrow thanks to you.

Have a great Holiday!

 

[goodwill559]

You're welcome. It gave me an excuse to roll some tubes.

 

[Dead Moon Rising]

The ADA is a solid state amp, i think they put a 12ax7 in there for "tube bragging rights".