What is the difference between 12AX7 and 12AU7?

The biggest difference between these power tubes is the amount of gain they will provide. The 12AX7 has a gain factor of 100, while the 12AT7 has 60. The 12AU7 has the smallest, at just 20. The lower gain of the 12AT7 and 12AU7 also allows them to have a higher headroom, which can provide a warmer and cleaner sound.

Is 12AX7 the same as ECC83?

The ECC83 Valve – also known as the 12AX7. The 12AX7 Valve (or 12AX7 vacuum Tube) is a small preamplifier valve which is identical to the ECC83 – same valve, just a different name. It has two identical triodes both of which have a high voltage gain. It is used in 99% of all guitar amplifiers.

What are 12AX7 tubes used for?

The 12AX7 is typically used as a class-A amplifier in the hi-fi, professional line and microphone preamps and is usually, always found in the preamp sections of tube guitar amps including Fender, Marshall, Boogie and Soldano.

Is 12AU7 and 12AX7 interchangeable?

The 12AX7, 12AT7, and 12AU7 all belong to the same family of nine contact, twin triode tubes. In many cases, these tubes are interchangeable and can easily be swapped.

Do preamp tubes affect tone?

More to the point here, though, is the fact that the gain of the first preamp tube—often referred to as a “gain stage”—very directly impacts the tone that you achieve from the amp as a whole.

Can I use 12AT7 instead of 12AU7?

Can you mix preamp tubes?

You should be able to swap preamp tubes of the same type without problem. For example, any 12AX7 should be compatible with another 12AX7. With power tubes, you can swap different brands of the same tube. It’s best to replace both tubes in this case.

Can I mix preamp tubes?

Having given that disclaimer and warning, here are a few guidelines: You should be able to swap preamp tubes of the same type without problem. For example, any 12AX7 should be compatible with another 12AX7. With power tubes, you can swap different brands of the same tube.

Can you swap preamp tubes?

Though these “12A” preamp tubes look similar, they offer different levels of gain, which means you can substitute one for another to alter your tube amp’s tone and response.

How do I know if my tube amp is blown?

Crackling, squeals and feedback, excessive noise and muddiness or low output are all evidence of tube problems. Power tubes. The two main symptoms of a power tube problem are a blown fuse or a tube that begins to glow cherry red. Either are typically indicative of a power tube failure.