How to get cleaner VX module

[Flump]

I finally got to really rock my Mod 50 last night for the first time with the band, and it sounds absolutely amazing. The VX module is so chimey I love it. I am however looking to have it be just a tad bit cleaner. There is actually too much gain for me in that, and I was wondering if there's a simple tube change I can try for just a little less gain, or maybe something else.

Phil

 

[Valtiel]

5751 tube in V1.

 

[muudrock]

5751 tube in V1.

+1 Or in both Tube slots.

 

[RockStarNick]

+1 on that. I was hesitant to try out 5751s for a while, but they're incredible for cleaning up channels.

What I wouldn't do is try a 12AT7. It's a common misconception to use an AT7 in V1 to clean things up. While the pin layout is the same, the AT7 tube is more of a utility tube, and it's really not that toneful, in my opinion. True, it has lower gain, but something about the structure and construction is different, and it can produce alot more voltage.

The construction of a 12AT7 is TOTALLY different than a 12AX7. Compared to a 5751, they sound really cold and hard.

But the guts of a 5751 are just like a 12AX7, but lower gain. And since it's the same, its a "tone" tube like a 12AX7.

If that makes any sense.

 

[bscfo1]

5751 tube in V1.

+1 Works on COD as well.

 

[Flump]

I will definitely have to try out a 5751 then. Thank you for the info. The other guitarist and I are putting in an order for backup tubes sometime soon, and I'll just order a couple 5751's also.

I really do love how the VX module sounds. I'm not sure its completely spot on AC30, but either way it sounds incredible. I can't get over how the SL2 sounds either. Its very JCM800 without the harshness that they tend to have.

The VX and SL2 through my avatar 2x12 with greenbacks sounded incredible last night. The other guitarist agreed that my tone improved a ton overnight.

 

[Klark]

I'm not sure its completely spot on AC30..

Unlike a lot of amps where the power tubes only play minor role on the sound, a true AC30 tone is very dependent on the EL84 power tubes. Same goes for speaker cones - You can get close with Celestions, but you're never going to be 'spot on'.

 

[Flump]

I'm not sure its completely spot on AC30..

Unlike a lot of amps where the power tubes only play minor role on the sound, a true AC30 tone is very dependent on the EL84 power tubes. Same goes for speaker cones - You can get close with Celestions, but you're never going to be 'spot on'.

indeed. I'm sure cooking EL84's and Celestion Blues are a key component to the AC30's sound.

Also, any specific brand you guys have had luck with for the 5751's? I'm looking at the JAN GE tubes currently.

 

[jmgman69]

I'm not sure its completely spot on AC30..

Unlike a lot of amps where the power tubes only play minor role on the sound, a true AC30 tone is very dependent on the EL84 power tubes. Same goes for speaker cones - You can get close with Celestions, but you're never going to be 'spot on'.

indeed. I'm sure cooking EL84's and Celestion Blues are a key component to the AC30's sound.

Also, any specific brand you guys have had luck with for the 5751's? I'm looking at the JAN GE tubes currently.

JANs sound incredible in the VX,I run the JAN with a tung sol and it is FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

 

[RockStarNick]

JAN GE or Phillips are great. $20 a piece, not a bad price either.

 

[RockStarNick]

While we're on the topic of 5751s:

has anyone used them with any success in any higher gain modules? Does it tighten up the gain? Make it too soft? Make it clearer or crisper? Make it too thin.

Do tell.

 

[jmgman69]

While we're on the topic of 5751s:

has anyone used them with any success in any higher gain modules? Does it tighten up the gain? Make it too soft? Make it clearer or crisper? Make it too thin.

Do tell.

Why???

 

[jasco]

I just received my VX mod last night, and plan to swap in a 5751 and give it a run asap. FYI it WILL be through EL84s and through either an AlNiCo Blue or a Gold (I have one of each on hand) in an open-back Avatar cabinet! Can't wait to hear it . . .

 

[jmgman69]

I just received my VX mod last night, and plan to swap in a 5751 and give it a run asap. FYI it WILL be through EL84s and through either an AlNiCo Blue or a Gold (I have one of each on hand) in an open-back Avatar cabinet! Can't wait to hear it . . .

 

[aeroic]

While we're on the topic of 5751s:

has anyone used them with any success in any higher gain modules? Does it tighten up the gain? Make it too soft? Make it clearer or crisper? Make it too thin.

Do tell.

I use it in my EG3/4 (now modded to be a DF Custom 45) and I really like it a lot!!! It makes the gain more liquid, but still tight. I wouldn't use it in a SL2, HBE, EG5, MHG though. I thought the Chinese fit better in there. (I did try it out in those btw, and preferred the Chinese...but YMMV!)

 

[rockridge98]

While we're on the topic of 5751s:

has anyone used them with any success in any higher gain modules? Does it tighten up the gain? Make it too soft? Make it clearer or crisper? Make it too thin.

Do tell.

I haven't tried one in an Egnater, but I tried one in ch4 of a Diezel VH4S, which
has as much gain as any preamp channel on the planet.
I liked it- It didn't change tonally much at all, and I could still get more gain
than I could ever use, but it made it easier to dial in in-between settings
and match single-coil vs HB guitars better.

 

[rsm]

What about lower gain tubes, like a 12AY7 / 6072 or even lower like a 12AU7 / ECC82? I've thought about this as the Randall modules are supposedly higher gain than the Egnater dual channel modules, in general. Is this true?

I agree on the AC30 tone, its a full system tone: preamp tubes, power amp tubes, rectifier tube and alnico blues combined. I have concerns that these preamp systems like the M4 or RM4 will not get me there. By the time I'm done going the RM4 + modules + RT2/50 and a cab, it would be easier/cheaper to just get the AC30H2!

I've got a RM4 and a few modules on the way, though if it works well with the rest of my system, I'll likely be selling these modules for the ones I want (Top Boost, Super V, JTM and Plexi). Has anyone tried tube changes in the Randall modules to reduce gain?

 

[muudrock]

I have a 5751 in V1 of the SL2 and I do like it alot. Just depends on your rig, your ears, your preferences. Of course, I've pretty much gone all Tung Sol in V2 of all the modules.
Another place to try is V1 in the Mod 50 or M4. A slight decrease in the amount of gain slamming the front of the module, but the tone is sweeter. You can more than make up for it with the preamp gain control--they all have enough.

 

[Buckeyedog]

Dang Muud, just popped the 5751 in the SL2 and it sounds killer!! Crank up the gain and volume and man does it sound good. Fun stuff!!

 

[muudrock]

Dang Muud, just popped the 5751 in the SL2 and it sounds killer!! Crank up the gain and volume and man does it sound good. Fun stuff!!

It's all good fun with the Eggs....