Changing Tubes

Teacher · 18th January 2004

I just got me a CAD m9(relatively cheap tube mic) and i wanted to switch the tube to a better one. the tube currently in it is the 12Ax7 i was wondering what telefunken or whoever tube would best match this mic and give it a different(and hopefully) better one. if you know the prices of the tubes too that would be appreciated

thanks

jbuntz · 23rd January 2004

They probably designed the mic to work with that tube due to its ubiquitous availability. A lot of tube mics use 6072's and a few others but I'm not sure if they are completely interchangable. I think the 6072 is a 12AY7 type tube which would probably mean the mic would still work with that tube. You'll probably see a drop in output though.

hasbeen · 23rd January 2004

Telefunken does indeed make a 12AX7, and they are expensive. They are popular among audiophiles etc. I imagine there is a reason for their popularity, although I have never tested one. Mullard makes some quality vintage 12AX7's as well, I use them in my Altec 1567a amps. I think they sound warmer than the stock RCA's. I know GrooveTube claims to make retro valves as well. I think using a Telefunken would be a cool choice, but you are probably gonna spend about $60 to do it. Good luck!

Teacher · 26th January 2004

found three telefunken 12Ax7 smooth plate tubes on ebay for 3 for 100...supposedly in good shape too...

fatty · 26th January 2004

there are a lot of shonksters out there re-branding cheap chinese tubes as mullards, telefunken etc. be careful.

Teacher · 26th January 2004

he seemed like a legit seller...he is a power seller...and he did sell tubes in the past, so hopefully I didn't get, got....so to speak...is there anyway someone with no engineering experience can tell?

18th January 2004	#1
Teacher Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2002 Location: NY Posts: 1,913 Thread Starter	Changing Tubes I just got me a CAD m9(relatively cheap tube mic) and i wanted to switch the tube to a better one. the tube currently in it is the 12Ax7 i was wondering what telefunken or whoever tube would best match this mic and give it a different(and hopefully) better one. if you know the prices of the tubes too that would be appreciated thanks __________________ "I hate it when they tell us how far we came to be, as if our people's history started with slavery...." Immortal Technique www.sicbeats.com

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23rd January 2004	#2
jbuntz Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,716	They probably designed the mic to work with that tube due to its ubiquitous availability. A lot of tube mics use 6072's and a few others but I'm not sure if they are completely interchangable. I think the 6072 is a 12AY7 type tube which would probably mean the mic would still work with that tube. You'll probably see a drop in output though.

23rd January 2004	#3
hasbeen Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2003 Location: BOSTON Posts: 921 1 Review written	Telefunken does indeed make a 12AX7, and they are expensive. They are popular among audiophiles etc. I imagine there is a reason for their popularity, although I have never tested one. Mullard makes some quality vintage 12AX7's as well, I use them in my Altec 1567a amps. I think they sound warmer than the stock RCA's. I know GrooveTube claims to make retro valves as well. I think using a Telefunken would be a cool choice, but you are probably gonna spend about $60 to do it. Good luck!

26th January 2004	#4
Teacher Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2002 Location: NY Posts: 1,913 Thread Starter	found three telefunken 12Ax7 smooth plate tubes on ebay for 3 for 100...supposedly in good shape too...

26th January 2004	#5
fatty Gear addict Joined: Jul 2002 Location: Melbourne Posts: 348	there are a lot of shonksters out there re-branding cheap chinese tubes as mullards, telefunken etc. be careful.