Something with a tube for recording....

[msurdin]

Hey

I really want to build something for recording that has a tube in it. I have found all the decent preamps on the market are pretty expensive. I thought maybe the people here could help me out.
Pretty much when I record the tones are all lifeless and bright and digital. I want something that is tube-ish and full of life and can make my recordings sound all natural.

I wasnt thinking of anything over the top. Maybe a few controls...

Any ideas out there?

This would be a great help

Thanks
Matt

[jlullo]

how about the real mctube preamp on tonepad?

[msurdin]

How clean is that? I dont really want something breaking up on me. I'm sure its also a matter of the tube I put in it. I think I'll check it out.
I'm sure I could build a few and throw them into a rack and put it in the studio

Thanks

Matt

[blindsjc]

I made both, McTube and HotBox (Tube Reactor Mod),
and I can tell you that HotBox is a killer. McTube haves
a great clean, but HotBox haves great clean, low gain,
hi gain...etc. Really great effect.

[jlullo]

matt,
i've never built it, but it seems to get a bit of attention on this site.  I was reading over the build reports and some report that it's a nice , warm, clean pre; while others say that they can get it to break up...

i'm sure there are other projects, so i'm sure you'd find quite a few that would fit your criteria.

Tonepad is awesome, though, and F.P. designs some fantastic layouts!

[msurdin]

Apparently tone pad doesent have a board for sale on it. I dont know how to make it, nor have the equipment or room to. Where is the hot box from? Does the place its from have a board for sale for it?

Thanks

Matt

[km-r]

pre-amp tubes actually contribute lots of "warmth"?

me = noobish

[blindsjc]

I dont think you will find a hotbox pcb for sale,
but if you can find someone to build a pcb for
you the info are here:

http://www.storm-software.co.yu/diy/index.php?project=tube_reactor

HotBox is a Matchless tube pedal, (man, matchless is the best)
but they do not made it anymore. Tube Reactor is a mod model
of HotBox.

In Time...
Tube circuits are very dangerous, take care with high voltages,
if you are not experienced, try solid state circuits before. I'm new
to tubes too, but made a lot of pedals and amps (SS) before.
But... Tube circuits are very simple, and you can make then in
perf board with no problem.

Sorry about my poor english.
Thanks