WTB - Cameron CCV

[RoidRage]

The chassis is out already dude. Good info to know. Got to go through all the matched Winged C quads to find the one's to go back with. Will heat my oatmeal up on top of the Cameron for breakfast and update tomorrow .

Steve

Steve,

Make sure the tubes you select to put back in are matched perfectly! Be aware that even if they have the same numbers... If they were matched by different venders... The tubes could be way off.

Different services use different equipment, and also could match at different voltages! Making the Number on the side of the tube meaningless. If one tube draws more than the rest... You will have a problem... Remember you have 4 tubes drinking from the same -Voltage troth, that current is very small, and an imbalance could make the other tubes skyrocket! Matching is Key when you are playing with the big boys...

I trust nobody... That's why I check with my Hickok 539 C... NASA used to use this model to test tubes for Rockets back in the day!

Roid

quote]
RR you call that a tube tester? This is a 2015 prototype that I just got from NASA, they wont be on the market until 2020!!!!!!! This was in my Grandpa's garage sitting and after he past away I grabbed it. Ive never used it, hell I dont know if it even works, but I know its old!! It is a beauty though hugh??????

I'm Scared Now!

RR

 

[gbsmusic]

The chassis is out already dude. Good info to know. Got to go through all the matched Winged C quads to find the one's to go back with. Will heat my oatmeal up on top of the Cameron for breakfast and update tomorrow .

Steve

Steve,

Make sure the tubes you select to put back in are matched perfectly! Be aware that even if they have the same numbers... If they were matched by different venders... The tubes could be way off.

Different services use different equipment, and also could match at different voltages! Making the Number on the side of the tube meaningless. If one tube draws more than the rest... You will have a problem... Remember you have 4 tubes drinking from the same -Voltage troth, that current is very small, and an imbalance could make the other tubes skyrocket! Matching is Key when you are playing with the big boys...

I trust nobody... That's why I check with my Hickok 539 C... NASA used to use this model to test tubes for Rockets back in the day!

Roid

quote]
RR you call that a tube tester? This is a 2015 prototype that I just got from NASA, they wont be on the market until 2020!!!!!!! This was in my Grandpa's garage sitting and after he past away I grabbed it. Ive never used it, hell I dont know if it even works, but I know its old!! It is a beauty though hugh??????

I'm Scared Now!

RR

 

[steve_k]

The chassis is out already dude. Good info to know. Got to go through all the matched Winged C quads to find the one's to go back with. Will heat my oatmeal up on top of the Cameron for breakfast and update tomorrow .

Steve

Steve,

Make sure the tubes you select to put back in are matched perfectly! Be aware that even if they have the same numbers... If they were matched by different venders... The tubes could be way off.

Different services use different equipment, and also could match at different voltages! Making the Number on the side of the tube meaningless. If one tube draws more than the rest... You will have a problem... Remember you have 4 tubes drinking from the same -Voltage troth, that current is very small, and an imbalance could make the other tubes skyrocket! Matching is Key when you are playing with the big boys...

I trust nobody... That's why I check with my Hickok 539 C... NASA used to use this model to test tubes for Rockets back in the day!

Roid

Whoa.......that is a piece of machinery there Tony. I just bought 6 new matched quads of Winged C's from Tube Depot. They all got their match numbers and will grab the highest rated.

Don't know that band the Rockets. Are they new?

The imbalance, I know is very critical. Especially in amps where there is only one bias circuit for the quad, if you are running limits. Makes it a little tougher on the tubes for sure.

Do you run a balanced preamp tube in the PI?


Steve

 

[steve_k]

Greg - are you stirring shit?

Tony has a point. My CCV isn't a 100% CCV. It is Kurt's old snakeskin customized CCV built to his specs by Mark and I think was called a KKV? Anyway, it doesn't have the first channel gain characteristics of the CCV nor does it have all the EQ options on channel 2 or master EQ's that the production CCV has. So, it cannot be compared to a production CCV. It is still a powerhouse though and will peel paint off the walls. As wishy washy and undependable as Mark is, he makes an awesome amp with great skill and form.

The FJA modded Marshall that I got from Jerry is wicked and a killer amp. Right now, it is much better suiting my needs than any other amp I own, including the Cameron. And, it is a little bit of apples and oranges. If I had only one amp in the arsenal, this would be it - along with the $$$ for the rest . If you are after an amp with lots of fur and retaining the Marshall tone with top quality work, this is it and I would recommend Jerry to anyone that wants to send in an amp + add money and get the amp back (amp+money=modded amp or send money = new amp). I know this is a new concept, but true

Now, back to Mark Cameron and the CCV-100 which I don't have yet - its been 4 months now, going on 5 and I am ready for my CCV to get off Mark's bench, and onto my bench. And, if someone can actually get Mark to answer his damn phone, ask him to answer my calls or pass a message. Its not the wait, its the failure to communicate

It all good though.....

Steve

Steve,

I know you have been patient beyond belief... You're a great guy. I know you will get the amp in the end and be happy with it.

As opposed to this other stuff... Well... All I can say is variety is the spice of life. Anyone that thinks something is better than a CCV More power to them... If it makes them happy GREAT!

I have no agenda with this other than saying... The CCV is what I like.. I've been playing HEAVY METAL... For 30 years... I'm a detail, and a tone Freak... I'm an AUDIOPHILE, and have been involved with Hi-End Stereo since High School, I have had Many Hi-End Amps including Moddified Diezel HERBERT with a MILLS Cabinet, And For me Nothing Comes close to a CCV.

One thing I've been meaning to ask you about... I hear tell you are running 34ma with this version of the CCV you have. I can tell you there is a world of difference between 34ma, and 44ma with this amp.... The FEEL, TEXTURE, AND PLAYIBILITY OF THE CCV Improves Greatly with Higher BIAS... It's a Profound Difference. It gets more Liquid, and the Timing get's better... It's easier to play, and becomes Brutal with High Bias... I run mine up to 55ma in High.

Mark a lot of times set's these by ear, and my amp came REAL HIGH.

I strongly urge you to set bias at AT LEAST 45ma, and Report back to us your findings...

Thanks,

Tony

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....

Steve

 

[RoidRage]

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....
Steve

I guess you enjoy torturing birds and small animals as well!

And P.S. Mark hates V30's for the amp. If you have please try 2 more CL80's that's exactly what I'm running... This way we can compare apples to apples!

Roid

 

[steve_k]

I can dial a ton of bottom end into my CCV as well ( like uber bottom end), but I find that channel 1 sound a lot like a Marshall depending where you have the clip set. I tend to play on channel 1 with the clip setting to either the left or right and use a Tim pedal to get more gain. Channel 1 has a LOT of headroom. I do agree though that channel 2 has a lot of Mesa qualities, but is a lot better than an actual Mesa.

Dave,

Your channel 1 on the production CCV is a little different than the Kurt's old rattlesnake. He had told me that it doesn't have the gain and EQ options yours had. With a little bit more, it certainly would grab some Marshall tone. I have a Rocket Fuel on the pedal board, but I haven't even ran through the board to the amp yet. And for damn sure, better than Mesa, but there's a lot of old Mark IV in it I think and depends on where Gain 1 and Gain 2 is set. There is so much fiddling with the combination of settings there, and presence that has a hell of a lot of impact on the tone. Its gonna take a while for it to settle in a think. And, when I find them, I will mark the faceplate with a correction fluid pen or glow tape. Used to have to do this with the Mark amps. Marshall's are no problem - dime everything.

Did you manage to get a cab from Mark?

Steve

 

[steve_k]

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....
Steve

I guess you enjoy torturing birds and small animals as well!

And P.S. Mark hates V30's for the amp. If you have please try 2 more CL80's that's exactly what I'm running... This way we can compare apples to apples!

Roid

You really like them CL80's? I only have the two which crossed with V30's is the way I ordered it from Mills. I have another 4x12 being built as we speak but I am getting the Heritage 30 speakers in there like Mark recommends. I am also running the 212 extension loaded with those EV Black Labels. Man, they just sit down there and pump out the bottom end and don't interfere with the other cab at all. They sound good with everything, as long as they are in an extension cab. Next time I order some crap from the US, I will grab a couple CL80's, just to see.

Steve

 

[RoidRage]

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....
Steve

I guess you enjoy torturing birds and small animals as well!

And P.S. Mark hates V30's for the amp. If you have please try 2 more CL80's that's exactly what I'm running... This way we can compare apples to apples!

Roid

You really like them CL80's? I only have the two which crossed with V30's is the way I ordered it from Mills. I have another 4x12 being built as we speak but I am getting the Heritage 30 speakers in there like Mark recommends. I am also running the 212 extension loaded with those EV Black Labels. Man, they just sit down there and pump out the bottom end and don't interfere with the other cab at all. They sound good with everything, as long as they are in an extension cab. Next time I order some crap from the US, I will grab a couple CL80's, just to see.

Steve

Yeah Steve,

I love them... It's the only thing I'll run in my cabs... I have 4 in my Cameron Cab, and 4 in my Mills cab as well... My Mills had the 2 V30, and Two CL80's like I recomended... But when I switched to 4 Lead 80's I knew I would never go back!

RR

 

[steve_k]

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....
Steve

I guess you enjoy torturing birds and small animals as well!

And P.S. Mark hates V30's for the amp. If you have please try 2 more CL80's that's exactly what I'm running... This way we can compare apples to apples!

Roid

You really like them CL80's? I only have the two which crossed with V30's is the way I ordered it from Mills. I have another 4x12 being built as we speak but I am getting the Heritage 30 speakers in there like Mark recommends. I am also running the 212 extension loaded with those EV Black Labels. Man, they just sit down there and pump out the bottom end and don't interfere with the other cab at all. They sound good with everything, as long as they are in an extension cab. Next time I order some crap from the US, I will grab a couple CL80's, just to see.

Steve

Yeah Steve,

I love them... It's the only thing I'll run in my cabs... I have 4 in my Cameron Cab, and 4 in my Mills cab as well... My Mills had the 2 V30, and Two CL80's like I recomended... But when I switched to 4 Lead 80's I knew I would never go back!

RR

OK dude - curiosity killed the cat. Ordered 2 more Classic 80's. It will take a week or so for them to swim here. Will let you know how your recommendation stacks up!

Steve

 

[rocker]

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....
Steve

I guess you enjoy torturing birds and small animals as well!

And P.S. Mark hates V30's for the amp. If you have please try 2 more CL80's that's exactly what I'm running... This way we can compare apples to apples!

Roid

You really like them CL80's? I only have the two which crossed with V30's is the way I ordered it from Mills. I have another 4x12 being built as we speak but I am getting the Heritage 30 speakers in there like Mark recommends. I am also running the 212 extension loaded with those EV Black Labels. Man, they just sit down there and pump out the bottom end and don't interfere with the other cab at all. They sound good with everything, as long as they are in an extension cab. Next time I order some crap from the US, I will grab a couple CL80's, just to see.

Steve

Yeah Steve,

I love them... It's the only thing I'll run in my cabs... I have 4 in my Cameron Cab, and 4 in my Mills cab as well... My Mills had the 2 V30, and Two CL80's like I recomended... But when I switched to 4 Lead 80's I knew I would never go back!

RR

OK dude - curiosity killed the cat. Ordered 2 more Classic 80's. It will take a week or so for them to swim here. Will let you know how your recommendation stacks up!

Steve

Shit, you're crazy Steve but in a cool way.

 

[RoidRage]

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....
Steve

I guess you enjoy torturing birds and small animals as well!

And P.S. Mark hates V30's for the amp. If you have please try 2 more CL80's that's exactly what I'm running... This way we can compare apples to apples!

Roid

You really like them CL80's? I only have the two which crossed with V30's is the way I ordered it from Mills. I have another 4x12 being built as we speak but I am getting the Heritage 30 speakers in there like Mark recommends. I am also running the 212 extension loaded with those EV Black Labels. Man, they just sit down there and pump out the bottom end and don't interfere with the other cab at all. They sound good with everything, as long as they are in an extension cab. Next time I order some crap from the US, I will grab a couple CL80's, just to see.

Steve

Yeah Steve,

I love them... It's the only thing I'll run in my cabs... I have 4 in my Cameron Cab, and 4 in my Mills cab as well... My Mills had the 2 V30, and Two CL80's like I recomended... But when I switched to 4 Lead 80's I knew I would never go back!

RR

OK dude - curiosity killed the cat. Ordered 2 more Classic 80's. It will take a week or so for them to swim here. Will let you know how your recommendation stacks up!

Steve

Awesome Steve!

I love them... Cause they are just so smooth! More Punch, and Tight Bottom without the Shrill Top, if it were not for them I would not play the Herbert at all!

Roid

 

[steve_k]

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....
Steve

I guess you enjoy torturing birds and small animals as well!

And P.S. Mark hates V30's for the amp. If you have please try 2 more CL80's that's exactly what I'm running... This way we can compare apples to apples!

Roid

You really like them CL80's? I only have the two which crossed with V30's is the way I ordered it from Mills. I have another 4x12 being built as we speak but I am getting the Heritage 30 speakers in there like Mark recommends. I am also running the 212 extension loaded with those EV Black Labels. Man, they just sit down there and pump out the bottom end and don't interfere with the other cab at all. They sound good with everything, as long as they are in an extension cab. Next time I order some crap from the US, I will grab a couple CL80's, just to see.

Steve

Yeah Steve,

I love them... It's the only thing I'll run in my cabs... I have 4 in my Cameron Cab, and 4 in my Mills cab as well... My Mills had the 2 V30, and Two CL80's like I recomended... But when I switched to 4 Lead 80's I knew I would never go back!

RR

OK dude - curiosity killed the cat. Ordered 2 more Classic 80's. It will take a week or so for them to swim here. Will let you know how your recommendation stacks up!

Steve

Awesome Steve!

I love them... Cause they are just so smooth! More Punch, and Tight Bottom without the Shrill Top, if it were not for them I would not play the Herbert at all!

Roid

I just practice with the Herbert to keep from putting too many hours on the Cameron

Steve

 

[parntz145]

Hey guys,
I was talking to Mark about 2 weeks ago and we were talking about biasing the CCV. He told me to bias it at 38 on the low and 40 on the high. I just wonder why he is saying all these different ranges?

 

[RoidRage]

I just practice with the Herbert to keep from putting too many hours on the Cameron

Steve

Wow...

You must be my Bro from another Mo...

That's exactly what I bought it for

Roid

 

[RoidRage]

Hey guys,
I was talking to Mark about 2 weeks ago and we were talking about biasing the CCV. He told me to bias it at 38 on the low and 40 on the high. I just wonder why he is saying all these different ranges?

I think it depends on the particular amp, and player... textbook, this is right... In fact it's just to the high end of right...

I just know mine sounds waaay better higher, and am willing to sacrifice tube life to get that sound... Especially since we are blessed with the CCV Hi/Lo switch. Mine cruises along @ 38ma in Low... I I play there unless I want to Reeek HAVOCK!!!

RR

 

[parntz145]

Hey guys,
I was talking to Mark about 2 weeks ago and we were talking about biasing the CCV. He told me to bias it at 38 on the low and 40 on the high. I just wonder why he is saying all these different ranges?

I think it depends on the particular amp, and player... textbook, this is right... In fact it's just to the high end of right...

I just know mine sounds waaay better higher, and am willing to sacrifice tube life to get that sound... Especially since we are blessed with the CCV Hi/Lo switch. Mine cruises along @ 38ma in Low... I I play there unless I want to Reeek HAVOCK!!!

RR

I dont think it depends on the player or the amp at all. I mean you have acceptable bias ranges with an amp. I can understand if your talking about a little bit of a difference say the reccomended bias range is 40 and you are doing 43. But we are talking major differences in bias range here. I know the plate voltage of every CCV is not going to be exactly the same no amp is. But from amp to amp there is not that big of a difference.

Im not saying that you are wrong. I just dont understand this huge difference?

 

[steve_k]

Hey guys,
I was talking to Mark about 2 weeks ago and we were talking about biasing the CCV. He told me to bias it at 38 on the low and 40 on the high. I just wonder why he is saying all these different ranges?

I think it depends on the particular amp, and player... textbook, this is right... In fact it's just to the high end of right...

I just know mine sounds waaay better higher, and am willing to sacrifice tube life to get that sound... Especially since we are blessed with the CCV Hi/Lo switch. Mine cruises along @ 38ma in Low... I I play there unless I want to Reeek HAVOCK!!!

RR

I dont think it depends on the player or the amp at all. I mean you have acceptable bias ranges with an amp. I can understand if your talking about a little bit of a difference say the reccomended bias range is 40 and you are doing 43. But we are talking major differences in bias range here. I know the plate voltage of every CCV is not going to be exactly the same no amp is. But from amp to amp there is not that big of a difference.

Im not saying that you are wrong. I just dont understand this huge difference?

Its not the bias that an amp ranges with. You have a trannie that puts out xxx volts at a current of xx mA which equals watts of power. The amp manufacturer really doesn't care, other than you being able to keep tubes in your amp. The only thing that is variable is the plate voltage that is controlled by the transformer. Also, the bias circuit is in a range according to the volt-amp relationship. You can't just slap a 6550 in an amp with a bias circuit ranged for a EL34. Take the amp off standby and it will run to infinity and light the 6550 up like a blue light bulb.

A tube manufacturer delivers a tube that delivers xx watts. Your plate voltage you check with a multimeter or some bias meters. Two fixed numbers there leaving one variable for you to alter and that is the bias or current in mA. So, if Mark says the CCV delivers 530 volts through the Mercury iron and suggests to you 38mA. He is actually saying that he feels comfortable with you running SED Winged C's at 80% dissipation. If Tony chooses to run his at 100% of the tube limits, that is about 48mA. Or, if Dave wants his at 70%, which is the common disclaimer for extending tube life, then he set his at 34 mA.

So, it is up to the owner and how much faith he has in tube life at the high end of bias. Me, I am not going to be overly concerned about tubes lasting 1 year as opposed to 6 months. Depends also the playing frequency and volume.

Steve

 

[jerrydyer]

the best thing to do , get a compubias or biasrite. One that shows plate voltage, wattage and MA's. compubias shows all three. Then you dial up hot or cold but you know the exact wattage not to exceed etc.

 

[LP Freak]

I never ran them at 34mA in the Cameron. Must be thinking of someone else. When I got the amp I just checked quickly and the bias was in the mid 40's and left it there.

The thing about biasing a quad though is they can be all over the map even when newly matched. Put a little time and shipping hazards on them and the variance widens. Checking the quad that was in it, the range was from 39-46. Anyway, I found the highest rated new quad of Winged C's and slapped them in. Biased around 48mA and put a matched and balanced 12AX7 in the PI slot.

Fried my bacon on top of the head while letting the tubes heat up and settle and yes, there is some notable difference for sure. The bottom end seemed to blossom if one could imagine that. I didn't think any amp had more bottom end than a Herbert, but this one does. Didn't notice anymore gain, but I wouldn't need that anyway as I don't run the gains to the stops. It has plenty of that. There's a lot of tweaking with the Cameron as a little bit of this and that goes a long way. And, it is extremely sensitive to cab/speaker selection. I put the V30's/CL80's back into the Mills cab the old girl seems to like that combination a lot. Thought I liked the K100's better, but not. Tried it with the M75 Scumbacks too, but they didn't seem to fit the Cameron as well. The Marsha and Marshall sounds good with some Scum though. The Cameron has a lot more Mesa in it than it does Marshall, I think. Not sure about you other guys.

I put the Marshall, the Marsha and the Cameron through an A/B/C test where I could hear them all against each other. And.......................

Ooops, got to run....
Steve

I guess you enjoy torturing birds and small animals as well!

And P.S. Mark hates V30's for the amp. If you have please try 2 more CL80's that's exactly what I'm running... This way we can compare apples to apples!

Roid

You really like them CL80's? I only have the two which crossed with V30's is the way I ordered it from Mills. I have another 4x12 being built as we speak but I am getting the Heritage 30 speakers in there like Mark recommends. I am also running the 212 extension loaded with those EV Black Labels. Man, they just sit down there and pump out the bottom end and don't interfere with the other cab at all. They sound good with everything, as long as they are in an extension cab. Next time I order some crap from the US, I will grab a couple CL80's, just to see.

Steve

Yeah Steve,

I love them... It's the only thing I'll run in my cabs... I have 4 in my Cameron Cab, and 4 in my Mills cab as well... My Mills had the 2 V30, and Two CL80's like I recomended... But when I switched to 4 Lead 80's I knew I would never go back!

RR

OK dude - curiosity killed the cat. Ordered 2 more Classic 80's. It will take a week or so for them to swim here. Will let you know how your recommendation stacks up!

Steve

Awesome Steve!

I love them... Cause they are just so smooth! More Punch, and Tight Bottom without the Shrill Top, if it were not for them I would not play the Herbert at all!

Roid

You guys need to try out some Scumbacks and you'll throw all those Celestions in the garbage. I've played Celestions my whole career and was always a fIrm believer until I checked out the SB's and now they're all going up for sale. M75 65's and H75 65's on an X pattern and you'll never look back GARANTEED!

 

[RoidRage]

You guys need to try out some Scumbacks and you'll throw all those Celestions in the garbage. I've played Celestions my whole career and was always a fIrm believer until I checked out the SB's and now they're all going up for sale. M75 65's and H75 65's on an X pattern and you'll never look back GARANTEED!

My Motto is... If it ain't broke don't fix it... the CL80's have all the PUNCH and Tight bottom, I could ever want... It's real smooth on the top, It's got great grind and it's WARM in the mids...

I'm Not Looking Back Right Now!

RR