I'm looking into the Noble preamp and have noticed that there is no information out there about what tubes the preamp uses. Noble's site does not say and their photo of the tube boxes deliberately obscures that info. I've noticed sellers do the same when they photograph the tube boxes. What's the big secret?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Noble Preamp Tubes?
- Thread starter thetraintomars
- Start date
It'll cost you $1200-2000 to find out!
Sorry I can't be of more help, but I don't have one....yet.
Doesn't seem that hard to find relevant posts.
Could be wrong, but I found a couple of posts that mention 12AU7. I believe the cheap option was JJ and at one time you could get it loaded with RCA 5963. RCA 5963 is considered a 12AU7 sub that can be found cheap NOS. But I believe 5963 only has a 250V plate rating.
AFAIK the regular 12AU7 plate limit is 300V, but some subs are rated for 330V or possibly higher. I have not idea what voltage the Noble runs at, and it's not unusual for instrument amps to run the tubes over their voltage ratings.
I have rolled 5963 tube in a couple of amps (not a Noble), and thought it sounded really sweet (this may or may not be what you want). After I discovered the 250V plate rating, I moved a 5963 to a different amp.
The best gut shots I could find are here: Noble Amps Preamp
The tube model is not visible in the gut shot.
Some believe the Noble is not particularly responsive to tube rolling. Read this and the two following posts:
Noble Amps Preamp
I got my Noble used with the NOS RCA tubes in it, back when they did not cost an arm and a leg. It sounded great with them in it. At some point one of the NOS tubes became microphonic and I ended up putting new JJ's in.
I honestly could not tell the difference between the NOS tubes and the JJ's in the Noble. It sounded/sounds great with either set.
As @Wasnex points out, the Noble takes 12AU7's or pin equivalents.
great box, I'll never sell mine
I honestly could not tell the difference between the NOS tubes and the JJ's in the Noble. It sounded/sounds great with either set.
As @Wasnex points out, the Noble takes 12AU7's or pin equivalents.
great box, I'll never sell mine
My Noble manual says:
"This preamp requires two 12AU7/ECC82 tubes. Other tube types should not be used. The preamp can be operated with the second (middle) tube missing, but the 1/4" output will not function (XLR output only)."
The manual also notes: Contact Noble if you have any questions or difficulty replacing the tubes, or to obtain NOS tubes (while supplies last)."
I bought mine in Dec. 2016.
Jack has always responded to my questions.
"This preamp requires two 12AU7/ECC82 tubes. Other tube types should not be used. The preamp can be operated with the second (middle) tube missing, but the 1/4" output will not function (XLR output only)."
The manual also notes: Contact Noble if you have any questions or difficulty replacing the tubes, or to obtain NOS tubes (while supplies last)."
I bought mine in Dec. 2016.
Jack has always responded to my questions.
The 12AU7 is the lowest (or one of the lowest) gain members of the 12A** family at 20 mu. There are a number of military/industrial "equivalents" but some of them may have higher gain. Also who knows what the higher gain members of the 12A** family might do in that preamp circuit, hence the caution from Noble.
If you're interested in tube rolling you really should consult the data sheet for each tube you're considering.
If you're interested in tube rolling you really should consult the data sheet for each tube you're considering.
I’m confused, I literally just googled noble preamp manual and the first hit popped up with the PDF …. it was really that easy. Not sure why you were having a hard time finding that info
.
Last edited:
Once the factory-installed tubes in a Noble pre are used up, the unit is considered to be at end-of-life. As a way to give back to the TB community, I am happy to provide recycling service for Noble preamps at no charge. Simply PM me for shipping instructions.
On the site in the extras section (Extras : Noble Amplifier Company) go to Spare Tube Set
"Set of two JJ ECC82, individually hand tested for low noise and microphonics. These are the default tubes used in the Noble Preamp DI. Made in Slovakia, JJ tubes are built rugged and proven to survive well on tour. They consistently have the lowest noise floor and microphonic noise of all brands I have tested."
"Set of two JJ ECC82, individually hand tested for low noise and microphonics. These are the default tubes used in the Noble Preamp DI. Made in Slovakia, JJ tubes are built rugged and proven to survive well on tour. They consistently have the lowest noise floor and microphonic noise of all brands I have tested."
How strange. Those are my handwritten notes. OMG, the internet broke into my studio!
Not to derail the thread, but if you need a Noble alternative without the 1200 price Tag and 6 month lead, I highly recommend an Arkham Oracle. Based on the B15.
This is Jack's reply to me asking the same thing:
"The JJ ECC82 is my preferred tube so feel free to pick up a pair for backup if you would like, especially if you’ll be on the road. I tested a bunch of different brands and JJ consistently had the lowest noise floor, strong gain, low microphonic noise, and have seemed to last very well on tour."
"The JJ ECC82 is my preferred tube so feel free to pick up a pair for backup if you would like, especially if you’ll be on the road. I tested a bunch of different brands and JJ consistently had the lowest noise floor, strong gain, low microphonic noise, and have seemed to last very well on tour."
Not sure what Noble website you may be looking at, but ~10 seconds of typing and clicking showed all the "secrets".
I've owned and gigged two different REDDI DIs. Great piece of kit. But I prefer what the Noble does to the tone even more. Plus Noble also plugs straight into a powered cab or amp effects loop, which REDDI does not. And Noble is a heck of a lot easier to use on a gig. Mine sits on a Pedaltrain Nano+ with room for other pedals. All together, Noble packs far more of a punch than REDDI.
It's most definitely a more versatile animal. But at 2.5x the price I would hope so. Personally, I prefer my Kemper. I've got both on there (along with WAY MORE) and way more versatility than either can come close to.
But back to the topic at hand, I would highly recommend finding an electronic supplies store nearby if possible. Turns out mine nearby has an awesome curated selection of tubes. Just scored some NOS RCA 12ax7, at7, and ay7s. Is sick with the highest quality 12au7 u can find for the Noble though. Tung Sol is usually pretty solid new at a decent price too.
