Topic: Class A?

Hey guys,

It´s me asking stupid questions again ... what the hell does "Class A Tube" mean??
I always read that and wonder what they are referring to .......

Eva

P.S.: Yes, the colour of my hair is blonde. big_smile

2 (edited by JBJHJM 2009-02-21 18:26:29)

Re: Class A?

Wikipedia is your friend...   Power amplifier classes - wikipedia.com

And if wiki is again too /%!%§**"$ here is a easier to understand info about amp classes:
http://www.audiomasterclass.com/arc.cfm … nd-class-d

Here are my tabbed songs by "Smokin' Joe": http://www.jbonamassa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7236
I LIKE MUSIC! big_smile big_smile big_smile

3 (edited by stratpaulguy86 2009-02-22 01:01:31)

Re: Class A?

The way I understood the differences between the 2 most common classes (Class A, Class AB) was that Class A is a very innefficient way to power an amplifier.  There is a "push-pull" relationship between the power tubes in a Class AB circuit that allows for more dynamics and less heat dissipation.  With Class A, however, they tend to get knarly quickly and have more compression with less dynamics.  Good examples of TRUE Class A amplifiers are the Vox AC15, Fender Champ, Gibson GA-8, or just about any small gig/practice amplifier from the '50s and '60s.  So Class A = more gain, more noise, more heat, less dynamics/headroom.  Class AB = less gain, less noise, less heat, more dynamics/headroom.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.

Re: Class A?

We love gear questions Eva!  Thats a good Q. 

No question is dumb here, I've certainly learned alot from this forum... I say ask away

Ben

Re: Class A?

Okay. So what is the big hunk of wood with the six strings called? lol

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

My ReverbNation page for Dees & Friends - check us out!
www.reverbnation.com/deesfriends

Re: Class A?

Well Deezer that would be a stringed apparatus usually of different color, shapes and sizes, solid or hollow, used for making loud noise.  For more information please contact your local intrument dealer. lol big_smile

Re: Class A?

Thanks guys, that helps me out. So - they way I understand it, Class A is mainly used for small amps under 20 watts, right?

Eva

Deezer wrote:

Okay. So what is the big hunk of wood with the six strings called? lol

You´re meeean .... lol

Re: Class A?

Eva Darling That is correct.  You can get a lot of sound at a split second.  The problem is (according to some) that they create heat for their size and they are not considered efficient.

To me that's no problem at all if you want to get a fat sound at a lower volume.  That's all that really counts...that you get a sound you like with minimum fuss.

MuchLove
BigJeff

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

9 (edited by Rocket 2009-02-24 23:06:15)

Re: Class A?

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

The way I understood the differences between the 2 most common classes (Class A, Class AB) was that Class A is a very innefficient way to power an amplifier.  There is a "push-pull" relationship between the power tubes in a Class AB circuit that allows for more dynamics and less heat dissipation.  With Class A, however, they tend to get knarly quickly and have more compression with less dynamics.  Good examples of TRUE Class A amplifiers are the Vox AC15, Fender Champ, Gibson GA-8, or just about any small gig/practice amplifier from the '50s and '60s.  So Class A = more gain, more noise, more heat, less dynamics/headroom.  Class AB = less gain, less noise, less heat, more dynamics/headroom.

If your impedance characteristic goes down far enough, statically or dynamically, then AB noise is no better than Class B (and it's STILL not as good ever as Class A).  Tubes generate many "noisy" harmonics in Class A, ignored because they are "musical" wink.... Class A "inefficiency" is mostly large dollar$ and ¢ents involved in the huge power supplies and heat dissipation (heat sinking, translate "heavy metal", periodic elements wise not musical genre per se).  High power A's DO exist and are very expensive and sound worth the price-mostly / or maybe lol !!! (They suffer as impedance characteristic decreases the same as AB).
I am referring to general audio amplification also, not "just guitar amps" here...


Rock On & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”

Re: Class A?

Rocket You are hilarious!  As on old roadie and amp tech, I've forgotten so many things.  Don't bother turning on the heat in the studio.  Just turn on two of those bigA tube amps.  They'll even sing when they get warm.

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

11 (edited by Rocket 2009-02-24 23:08:35)

Re: Class A?

Upstate New York in da winter, doz babies are extremely efficient too, I'll tell yah. You use dah onliest 'lectricity yah need, and heat yer place at da same time!!!! Voilà! And dey sing in tune too, yah gud!

Rock On & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

bigjeffjones wrote:

Rocket You are hilarious!  As on old roadie and amp tech, I've forgotten so many things.  Don't bother turning on the heat in the studio.  Just turn on two of those bigA tube amps.  They'll even sing when they get warm.

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”