Why do tubes amplify sound?
Tube amplifiers sound better because of the euphonic distortions they add to the music, as well as plenty of other reasons I’ll cover below. We use tubes simply because they make the music we create sound better: smoother, warmer and cleaner. Ditto for guitar amplifiers used in creating music.
What is a vacuum tube as it applies to amplification?
A valve amplifier or tube amplifier is a type of electronic amplifier that uses vacuum tubes to increase the amplitude or power of a signal. Low to medium power valve amplifiers for frequencies below the microwaves were largely replaced by solid state amplifiers in the 1960s and 1970s.
How does the vacuum tube work?
All modern vacuum tubes are based on the concept of the Audion–a heated “cathode” boils off electrons into a vacuum; they pass through a grid (or many grids), which control the electron current; the electrons then strike the anode (plate) and are absorbed.
Why do tubes distort?
The reason we love tube distortion—whether used very lightly, moderately, or piled on thick—is because of the way these devices distort the audio signal when pushed into clipping. “Clipping” is a term used to describe how an amplifier responds when pushed beyond its ability to produce a clean signal.
How do tube stereo amps work?
Starts here25:48How Tube Amps Work – YouTubeYouTube
How are vacuum tubes designed?
The summary is intended to prepare the reader for basic design and analysis of amplifier stages. Vacuum tubes are constructed of a glass or metal container that is vacuum sealed. The basic elements inside the tube are: the anode (or plate), the cathode, and the heater. The cathode is not essential for operation.
How do electron tubes work?
It has two electrodes: an anode (i.e., the plate) and a cathode. When the cathode is hot, its electrons get excited. If the plate is more positive than the cathode, these electrons will be attracted towards it and a current will flow through the tube. So, electrons flow from the hot cathode to the plate.
How does tube bias affect tone?
Under bias means the tube will not reach full conduction and will sound too “cold”. It can even result in crossover distortion (the positive half cycle will end before the negative half cycle begins). Over bias will cause the tube to run hot and distort the signal.