Quote:
Originally Posted by BioMichanical  Thanks for your explanation. I've always wondered about that yet all the research I've done never put it in such a way that I could understand as you have put it.
Question. I understand impedance converter, but what do you mean by "transformer driver"? Are you saying that with the Cathode Follower still intact that output hits the transformer a little harder (giving it more transformer color)? |
BioMichanical,
The cathode follower circuit does not drive the transformer any harder, it has less gain then the plate follower. By taking the output from the cathode, it lowers the impedance and is able to drive the signal over longer distances. The AKG C60 and 61 were cathode follower circuits. That enabled some of the small condenser microphones (Altecs and C60) to place the transformer in the power supply. The Apex 460 uses both triodes and the output is taken from the cathode to the transformer. The Classic designs from AKG (the C12 & the Elam 251) use one triode and the output is taken from the plate.
Both circuits have their place and can be used effectively in the recording chain. We now are mostly a digital society, where everything is clean, pristine, digital and cold. Tube mics and tube gear in general, add back some of the warmth and color that we used to get with analog tape.
What is the color of the day?
Jim Jacobsen
JJ Audio
Custom Microphones and Mods