The Effect of Output Tube Bias on Tone, Gain, and Side-by-Side Comparison

There is a lot of conflicting information on the Internet regarding the effect of output tube bias on amplifier tone, gain, and headroom. In this video, I will set up comparisons to allow us to determine once and for all, what the truth really is. Using digital recordings at 40%, 50&, 60%, and 70% of max PD for grid-biased 6V6’s, we will audibly determine the relative tone quality, then using an audio editing program we will analyze respective gain for each percentage, then using an oscilloscope we will measure the output power of the amp, just prior to the onset of clipping, at each bias percentage to see if output power (i.e. volume or headroom) is related to bias. In our second feature we will analyze in detail, the differences between the classic AB-763 Blackface Deluxe Reverb circuit and each of the circuits found in the Silverface models made from 1967 to 1977. We’ll see which SF changes should be reversed to achieve BF tone, and which should not. If you enjoy advertising-free