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REDDI Tube DI Mega Thread . Potential megathread that is.

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#783
I just recorded 6 different basses and learned a lot about how this NOS tube behaves. It behaves quite well. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your perspective, I can't upload files to Fileden right now so I can't subject you guys to more of me playing the same 3 songs over and over.

According to my faders in my DAW, looks like the amount of gain that I have to cut when using the 65 to get it to unity with the Sovtek is -3db. I had the level set on 9:15 and it was still pretty hot going into my computer and clipped a couple times using the P Lyte with EMG PJs, whereas it didn't clip with the Sovtek at the same level. It's also a little less compressed, especially with my passive basses. With the EMG's, not as much, but I'm only running them on 9v, so that may have a little to do with it.

That said, I still think there are some who will prefer the Sovtek. And really, I could probably boost the level and throw a little EQ on the tracks with the Sovtek and get most of what I like out of the 65, save for the reduction in compression. But that's nitpicking. As was this whole experiment but that's what Talkbass is all about ;)

But it was fun for me because I never noticed differences in tubes like I heard with these. The differences weren't as subtle as I thought they'd be. Other than the increased gain, they were subtle, but bigger than I was expecting.
 
#785
Not sure about phantom but pretty sure it won't hurt it since some of my gigs have PA's with phantom power either on or off all channels. Better get a ruling from Peter, though.

Also, you can use a dynamic mic through it, but it's not designed to be a mic pre. It does, however, work in that capacity but only with dynamic mics.
 
#786
JimmyM said:
I saw those...they look interesting, and they are local to you, which is a big shipping advantage.
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Right. For once beeing on this side of the pond makes something easier :)
Since I had already contacted the guy you recommended, I ordered a couple tubes from him anyway. That way I'll be able to compare those 65 triple mica to the cheaper -and probably more recent- ones, and hear if there's any difference beside the price !
 
#787
Jimmy...I hear a difference!

Ordering a 65 right now...love the tone I'm getting with my REDDI (gig pics to come next week...playing at the convention center in NOLA) but I'm willing to try some rolling after what I heard from your clip. Thanks!
 
#788
stingray56funk said:
Jimmy...I hear a difference!

Ordering a 65 right now...love the tone I'm getting with my REDDI (gig pics to come next week...playing at the convention center in NOLA) but I'm willing to try some rolling after what I heard from your clip. Thanks!
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Geez, maybe I should have worked a deal with this dude before I gave him a plug ;) Eh, he seems like a nice enough guy and he's hardly getting rich off them, but it sounds like he had a very good day yesterday.

David, you were right about the oxidation on the pins. There was not near as much as those in his pics but it did have a little. He says he tests them before he ships them so maybe he already cleaned them up before sending.

Still can't post the new clips on Fileden, even after a reboot. But today I have a new overdrive pedal coming that Johnk built and I'll likely be distracted by that, so you guys got off easy this time ;)
 
#790
JimmyM said:
Geez, maybe I should have worked a deal with this dude before I gave him a plug ;) Eh, he
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That's for sure ! At least a couple free tubes :)

JimmyM said:
Still can't post the new clips on Fileden, even after a reboot. But today I have a new overdrive pedal coming that Johnk built and I'll likely be distracted by that, so you guys got off easy this time ;)
Click to expand...

You got us hanging, there ! ;)
Now we're expecting clips for the REDDI tubes + basses swapping AND for the JohnK custom OD pedal ! ;)

Chance is meanwhile I'll have received my tubes and doing my own REDDI tube swapping experince :D
 
#791
nouroog said:
I was lucky to find a guy selling Russian Military 6N1P-EV NOS in France, at a very interesting price (€4.00).
I'm a little worried about the quality of the tubes. The year is not indicated. But at that price, I'm willing to take my chance, especially since the shipping is free ! :)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251082684007
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Not the same tube. Those are later than the 1965 and based on digital technology. The 1965 black plate triple mica were for military use in tanks and planes. The later uses were in digital circuitry and have a different plate and design and sound to them. The 1965 are true analogue tubes for analogue circuits.

The 6BZ7 and like, preceded the 6DJ8 and do draw a little more heater current but can work well. They do not sound the same as the 1965 6N1p and can not take the higher voltage or hard use of the military 1965. They are a nice buy though and fun to play with. Drive the 1965 hard and see what you get with some good distortion.

The pins of the 1965 and many of the Soviet tubes are plated, so rarely do they have the oxidizing of un plated steel pins.
 
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#792
jamato8 said:
Not the same tube. Those are later than the 1965 and based on digital technology. The 1965 black plate triple mica were for military use in tanks and planes. The later uses were in digital circuitry and have a different plate and design and sound to them. The 1965 are true analogue tubes for analogue circuits.

The 6BZ7 and like, preceded the 6DJ8 and do draw a little more heater current but can work well. They do not sound the same as the 1965 6N1p and can not take the higher voltage or hard use of the military 1965. They are a nice buy though and fun to play with. Drive the 1965 hard and see what you get with some good distortion.
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Hey ! That's great to have you posting here :)
Thanks for giving all those details, that's valuable knowledge !
I had a feeling the tubes would be different, but now I got all the info I needed to know what I deal with.
Thanks ! :)
I'm sure a lot of REDDI enthusiasts will have a great time swapping in those 65 triple mica.
 
#793
Ya, the pins were pretty clean, just a little bit here and there, and they're almost 50 years old so I'm not expecting a mirror finish anyway.

Thanks for stopping by, John. These are great tubes. Too bad I won't get the opportunity to drive one hard, though. The REDDI is built to be a clean DI and doesn't do distortion. But Gillento above has a Sadowsky SA200 200w tube bass amp, which uses a 6N1P, so I guess we'll have to live vicariously through him.
 
#794
JimmyM said:
....

Thanks for stopping by, John. These are great tubes. Too bad I won't get the opportunity to drive one hard, though. The REDDI is built to be a clean DI and doesn't do distortion. ....

But Gillento above has a Sadowsky SA200 200w tube bass amp, which uses a 6N1P, so I guess we'll have to live vicariously through him.
Click to expand...

Maybe John is talking about overdrive pedals hitting the REDDI as well:) I am using a mild OD as my main sound, so in a couple of weeks I may have updates on this.

In August this year I'll be recording at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios for a week. I'll be using the REDDI and the SA200 extensively!!!
 
#796
Hmmm...I always thought the company line on using the REDDI as a preamp into a power amp was that it wasn't built to do that. But now in this FAQ it looks like you could. I've never tried it but it seems like it's got enough gain. Maybe I'll give that a shot later.

EDIT: Didn't work in the effects return of my Micro VR. Just buzzed.
 
#798
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OK, Fileden is finally working for me again, so here's a couple more sets of Sovtek/NOS 65 comparison clips. Also replaced the original clips with some better played clips ;)
 
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