Tubes and Low Voltage

LiquidMidnight · #1 11-11-2011, 06:14 PM

All you tube amp cats, how do you usually deal with less-than-ideal voltage situations? The best situation is when you play a venue or with a sound company that has a nice power distribution setup for you to plug into. However, sometimes we're not always so lucky. Many venues have sub par power, and nothing can kill your tone and tube life quicker than low voltage. Unfortunately, tube amps don't deal with low voltage as well as solid-state equipment does.

johnk_10 · #2 11-11-2011, 06:29 PM

in 40 years of gigging with tube amps from dive bars to arenas i've never really had a problem with low voltage so i don't worry about it.

it was the outdoor gigs with old poorly regulated generators that i stayed away from.

dog1 · #3 11-11-2011, 08:06 PM

You are right to be concerned, IMO. I have gone to gigs where they expected the whole band, sound system included, to be split from ONE outlet. What a crock!!! A couple times I was so ticked that I almost refused to play. And then they came up with some 22 AWG extensions that would only be suitable for Christmas lights.

Let me tell you. I have worked in the trades for almost 35 years. (as well as playing bass for 44 years) Voltage starved equipment, whether power tools or amplifiers, etc., will not show any immediate signs of wear. After time, they will eventually fail. You can take that to the bank. If you doubt what I say, ask a qualified electrician.

I always carry 12 AWG extensions with me, and insist on taking a feed directly from a wall receptical, which, by code, is also wired with 12 gauge wire, or larger.

It could take years for a voltage starved amp to show signs of failure. Or, it could be sooner. You are correct to be concerned.

JimmyM · #4 11-11-2011, 08:12 PM

I can't say it's been too much of an issue in my life, and I've played some joints with some rough power distribution. And nowadays the voltages are higher than when my SVT was made. We were way more concerned about the lights pulling too much power than the amps.

johnk_10 · #5 11-11-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dog1

You are right to be concerned, IMO. I have gone to gigs where they expected the whole band, sound system included, to be split from ONE outlet. What a crock!!! A couple times I was so ticked that I almost refused to play. And then they came up with some 22 AWG extensions that would only be suitable for Christmas lights.

Let me tell you. I have worked in the trades for almost 35 years. (as well as playing bass for 44 years) Voltage starved equipment, whether power tools or amplifiers, etc., will not show any immediate signs of wear. After time, they will eventually fail. You can take that to the bank. If you doubt what I say, ask a qualified electrician.

i have no idea where you heard that? i've been repairing and restoring vintage amps for almost 40 years and i've never had a single one come in that had a problem because of it running on low voltage. high voltage and spikes from generators, yes, but never from low voltage. your 'not showing immediate signs of wear' statement makes no sense at all to me. at a couple of the clubs that i play at we run the whole band on ONE heavy duty extension cord and have never had a problem doing it. as long as the breaker is capable of 20 amps most band will be fine. (and BTW that's with a 5KW PA, my bass rig is running bridged at 2K watts, with drums bass, guitar and two keyboardists).