Matt C
Well-known member
I'm starting to think about a tube-based mic preamp build for the studio, and I'm finding myself lost among the many options. I'm wondering if anyone out there can comment on the different tonal characteristics of a few different preamp topologies. Specifically I'm wondering about:
1. Output transformer primary in series with tube plate (as in RCA BA-2C)
2. Fully balanced, push-pull, I'm not sure the proper way to describe this one (as in Langevin 5116b)
3. Inductor as output plate load, capacitor coupled to output transformer (as in V72 or RCA OP6)
4. Plain old R-C coupling to output transformer
5. triodes vs. pentodes vs. pentodes wired as triodes
Ideally I'm looking for something that can provide plenty of clean(ish) gain, but also can be cranked up to get significant distortion. That's what makes me think a single-ended design with no negative feedback, like the BA-2C, would be the best choice. But, I'm hunting for opinions among those who have actually used this equipment. Anyone care to point me in a particular direction? Or am I overthinking it?
1. Output transformer primary in series with tube plate (as in RCA BA-2C)
2. Fully balanced, push-pull, I'm not sure the proper way to describe this one (as in Langevin 5116b)
3. Inductor as output plate load, capacitor coupled to output transformer (as in V72 or RCA OP6)
4. Plain old R-C coupling to output transformer
5. triodes vs. pentodes vs. pentodes wired as triodes
Ideally I'm looking for something that can provide plenty of clean(ish) gain, but also can be cranked up to get significant distortion. That's what makes me think a single-ended design with no negative feedback, like the BA-2C, would be the best choice. But, I'm hunting for opinions among those who have actually used this equipment. Anyone care to point me in a particular direction? Or am I overthinking it?