Due to popular demand the TubeSync Bias Engine is now in volume production!
For order enquiries please email sales@tubesync.co.uk
Posts Tagged ‘current’
TubeSync Bias Engines Roll Off The Production Line
Friday, August 20th, 2010
Leaky Tubes / Valves Can Blow the HT Fuse In Guitar Amps, TubeSync Can Avoid This!
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
An interesting phenomenon that some ‘leaky’ tubes, removed from conventionally biased amps, appear to improve when run with TubeSync. The reason may be that when the tube gets hot, g1/cathode leak causes a current increase, but it is automatically biased ‘back’ to compensate, which allows the tube to cool down again and thus reduce leakage et al. After a while the leak sometimes reduces or disappears completely – we surmise that the getter gets a chance to mop up stray gas molecules or the metallic deposit gets ‘boiled off’ the mica supports. This type of fault in a conventional amp would normally blow the HT fuse, however TubeSync can avoid is and rectify the problem! Cool eh?
Hiwatt Amplify Their Success With TubeSync
Thursday, April 1st, 2010
IT TAKES more than sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll to make a guitarist sound great. John Hill meets North East amplifier makers at the cutting edge of technology.
ANDY Fallon and Colin Arrowsmith are not guit- arists. Their affair with the valve amplifier isn’t born of a youth spent practising solos or arguing over kit specifications next to the counter of their local guitar store.
In fact, Andy’s experience lies in automotive and military engineering, while Colin is an expert in microelectronics.
However, their contribution to a piece of kit beloved of the White Stripes, The Who and Black Sabbath has attracted the attention of major international amp-makers.
Andy and Colin are co-founders of KBO Dynamics, a Consett company created to market technology designed to improve audio and guitar amplification.
They are the men behind TubeSync, a “tube management system” which monitors the performance of valve amplifiers to avoid meltdowns while maintaining sound.
The product won the innovation award in the Durham and Wearside heat of the nebusinessawards 2009, run by The Journal and Evening Gazette.
KBO co-founder Andy said: “We were looking for a niche market. Neither of us plays the guitar, but we did a lot of brainstorming.
“Colin worked with microelectronics, but he’s also an expert with valve technology. We realised very quickly that the biggest application for valves was inside guitar amps.”
The valve amp isn’t exactly a rapidly advancing technological product. The technology was developed between the world wars and uses a series of vacuum tubes to regulate a signal. It was present in items from TVs to radios, but fell out of favour in the 70s.
The resurgence of such equipment has been prompted by high-end users in the audio and guitar amp market, who praise its natural sound.
Andy said: “There’s a warmer, more rounded tone to it. Anyone who’s serious about playing a guitar would only use a valve amp.”
When they developed TubeSync, the pair didn’t set out to change the sound. Instead, they set their sights on the downside, the problems that plague valve amp users looking for that special sound.
He said: “The closest you can compare it to is an engine management system on a car. It’s like having a maintenance technician looking after your amp 24/7 without you noticing it. It’s continuously monitoring the circuit, looking for faults.
“We got a market research report from Think M in Newcastle. It conducted a series of live interviews with OEM companies and guitarists.
“We looked at the problems people were talking about, but we didn’t change the sound.
“It can detect faults. It can disconnect a pair of valves if it finds one is faulty. You normally have to buy valves in matched pairs and you need to take the amp to a technician to tweak it, but with TubeSync you only need to buy one valve if one fails and it can tweak the system for you.
“One faulty valve can blow up the output transformer. TubeSync can detect this and prevent catastrophic damage.”
KBO had support from a number of North East backers. It won £90,000 from NorthStar Equity Investors’ Proof of Concept fund, developed its prototype with help from Business Link and got £20,000 from the North East England Investment Centre. The process was then advanced by a grant of £20,000 from One North East.
In all, Andy estimates the product has taken 18 months and around £200,000 to develop.
He said: “We built and developed it from the bottom up. We tried to use components that were available in the marketplace and we created our own unique algorithm.
“We don’t think there’s a similar product to this on the market and we’re hoping to receive a patent in the next couple of months.”
Right now, KBO is on the hunt for buyers. The team has just returned from the international Musikmesse instrument trade show in Frankfurt, where they saw a live band perform using TubeSync technology for the first time.
He said: “It was being used by a band playing Pinball Wizard by The Who. We’re expecting to see the technology on stage properly some time this year.
“The lead time on the product is about eight weeks so it could well be appearing in the summer.”
British amp manufacturer Hiwatt, whose users include Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Kooks, has incorporated TubeSync into its amps and Andy says that others, such as fellow Brits Orange, are keen.
The company is talking to manufacturers about fitting it in amps this year and down the line it may create variants of the product that could be fitted by amp technicians or even end users.
TubeSync For Valve / Tube Amps What am I ?
Friday, March 19th, 2010
About me:
I am a revolutionary new amp component, enhancing amp performance resulting in pure valve magic. My superior amp technology overcomes many of the problems associated with conventional tube amplification. With a little help from me there is no need for bias current matching, I can increase tube life and take your valves to their optimum temperature as soon as you power up. I can be easily integrated into any guitar valve amplifier. I take care of the detail, so you can concentrate on becoming a master of the strings . . . You can find a lot more about me on my main website www.tubesync.co.uk
The TubeSync Bias Engine
Eliminates the need for bias current matching of output tubes
Increases manufacturing efficiencies
Micro-adjusts the bias on each tube to ensure its full potential is realised
Maintains optimum performance
Increases tube life
Assures reliability
Reduces quiescent power consumption
TubeSync
Never Hang Your Guitar Tubes / Valves Upside Down
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Never hang your guitar tubes upside down as many horrible things may happen!!!
The heat from the electrodes will go directly to the base pins and cause problems with oxidization. The heat will also cause micro-cracks on the pins of the tube / valve, which could result in failures.
So don’t do it !!…….
Guitar Amp Tubes / Valves The History Of .. EL34 s etc
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Until the introduction of the germanium transistor in the late 1950’s, there was no alternative form of high quality audio amplification to the thermionic valve (American terminology was always ‘Tube’). The 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s saw a steep decline in the usage of valves for all purposes except audio amplifiers, to the point that, with a few exceptions, they were almost entirely replaced by transistors and integrated circuits. However, since the late 1980’s, valve amplifiers have experienced a renaissance which has, in the last decade grown rapidly year on year.
The unique character of the ‘Tube Sound’ has once again attracted both amateur and professional interest in the areas of High Fidelity (HiFi) amplification, Musical Instrument (MI) amplification (notably the electric guitar) and Audio amplification. The dominance of digital technology now, means that the valve amplifier is seen as new to younger people and as nostalgic to the older generation. Please note it is estimated, that the electric guitar amplification market consume as many as three out of four of the world’s production of audio tubes.
EL34 Valve
Many arguments have been put forward as to why tube amplification ‘sounds’ better than digital. Some differences can be proved using measuring instruments, whilst others are down to the nuances of the human ear. Whatever the reason, evidence shows more and more listeners appear to prefer the sound of a tube amplifier.
The demand for tube amplifiers is rapidly growing, with products ranging from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on quality and output power, with tube sales worldwide currently standing at over $100,000,000. Today vacuum-thermionic devices hold sway over the US $100 million worldwide guitar amp business. One rough estimate shows a 10-percent-per-year growth in demand for tubes used in MI instrument amplifiers and high-end audio since the late 1980s, with no apparent slackening.
However, the problems with existing tube amplifier technology is that the circuits used are based on ‘classic’ designs developed in the 1940’s and 50’s and, although more modern technology has occasionally been applied, this is usually confined to regulating the power supplies. One of the principle disadvantages of existing tube amplifiers is that they are very inefficient in converting electrical power into audio power. This is largely due to the ‘classic’ methods of controlling them. All analogue high power amplifiers require a system known as ‘Biasing’ to be applied to them. This controls the output devices and prevents them from ‘Thermal’ overload and eventual destruction. It does, however, incur a heavy cost in loss of output power and increased heat dissipation. In addition valves also need to be used in ‘Matched’ pairs, in order to control distortion of the output signal. This process is time consuming and expensive when carried out on a commercial basis.
THE SOLUTION IS ……..
EL34
PIMP Your Guitar Amp With The TubeSync Bias Engine
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
Pure tube magic – that warm, uncluttered sound powered by superior amp technology deserves the best. TubeSync takes care of the detail, giving unsurpassed performance from any tubes.
Plugging straight into the tube powered heart of your amp, in perfect harmony with its fine tuned circuitry, TubeSync’s Bias Engine eradicates the need for bias current matching, increases tube life and takes your tubes to their optimum temperature as soon as you power up . . .
and there’s more.
The result: a well honed tone tyrant with none of the problems hampering conventional tube amps; a streamlined orchestrator of analogue magic.
Ashdown Amp With TubeSync
POWER UP HOT
The Bias Engine’s ‘Hot Anode’ cranks up the heat and has you running hot from the very first cord. It knows the optimum temperature for your tubes best performance and gets them there the minute you start playing.
JUST PLUG IN AND PLAY
The Bias Engine is easily incorporated into your amp’s systems at manufacture. It removes the need for bias current matching but still achieves the absolute best tone.
INCREASED EFFICIENCIES
Increased manufacturing efficiencies (due to reduced testing) are achieved by eliminating the need for bias current matching.
ROOTING OUT THE RENEGADE
Fear not the cherry red glow of a failing tube! The Bias Engine continuously monitors the performance of each tube during operation and searches for typical tube failure modes and trends. If the Bias Engine
detects a faulty tube, it can automatically ‘switch out’ the offending tube and run the amp, at half power, until the defective tube can be changed.
HARDER, BETTER, LONGER
Work your tubes at their full potential. The Bias Engine automatically micro-adjusts the bias on each tube to ensure its full potential is realised throughout its working life. The amplitude of drive signals supplied to the grids is dynamically measured and performance is optimised accordingly. Tubes work harder, better and for longer.
RAISING THE BAR
TubeSync revolutionises convention by completely replacing traditional testing methods. Every time you power up TubeSync runs an automatic ‘in circuit’ test and assures reliability.
MINIMUM POWER, MAXIMUM OUTPUT
Less power input, same big output. TubeSync reduces quiescent power consumption by an average of 20% compared to conventional amplifier biasing techniques.
Introducing The TubeSync Bias Engine
Friday, February 19th, 2010
KBO Dynamics is a world leading design consultancy and supplier of high performance electronic power and control devices. TubeSync® is the flagship in our range of tube amplifier products . TubeSync® was developed to overcome many of the problems associated with conventional tube amplification, such as biasing problems , tube longevity and amplifier reliability. Our goal is to improve amplifier design without changing the fundamental amplification process so tone and sound remains unaltered.
”Improving amplifier design, performance and efficiency”
We work closely with our customers to deliver the best possible technical solution that satisfies both technical and commercial needs. Our designs are created with flexibility in mind and in most cases clients will have the opportunity to create their own unique product features.
The TubeSync Bias Engine
• Eliminates the need for bias current matching of output tubes
• Increases manufacturing efficiencies
• Micro-adjusts the bias on each tube to ensure its full potential is realised
• Assures reliability
• Maintains optimum performance
• Increases tube life
• Reduces quiescent power consumption
• Easily integrated into amp systems
• Sets tubes at their optimum temperature as soon as you start playing
• Detects tube failure and prevents catastrophic damage to amp
• Switches out faulty tubes and runs amp at half power until tube can be changed
For further information email:
info@kbodynamics.com
T : +44 (0) 1207 585846
www.kbodynamics.com
Hiwatt Launches TubeSync at MUSIKMESSE 2010
Friday, February 19th, 2010
UK-based KBO Dynamics will be showcasing their pioneering technology with Hiwatt at Musikmesse this March. TubeSync® technology achieves unique benefits including vastly improved reliability and performance in guitar tube amps. Hiwatt have incorporated the innovation in new amp designs to further underline their already exemplary reliability.
TubeSync streamlines with the amp’s circuitry to constantly test and monitor the amp without altering the fundamental amplification process, tone or sound. It eliminates the need for bias current matching, increases tube life by micro-adjusting the bias on each tube, predicts tube failure and can, in the event of tube failure, even run the amp at half power, preventing catastrophic amp damage.
The result is an amp unhampered by many of the problems associated with conventional tube amplification allowing musicians to enjoy classic tube sound quality without the frustrations.
Mark Lodge Hiwatt’s general manager stated ‘Our amps have proven their reliability year after year. Incorporating TubeSync technology has allowed us to raise the bar one step further. The benefits are of great value to us and our customers.’
KBO Dynamics look forward to more exciting collaborations this year. For more information on TubeSync, please visit www.kbodynamics.com
Conventional Tube Biasing
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
A very important feature of any thermionic tube circuit is known as ‘biasing’. It has already been mentioned that a negative voltage applied to the control grid of the valve will restrict or prevent the current flowing between anode and cathode. This is also known as a ‘bias’ signal, as it is used to control the amount of current which flows under ‘no-audio-signal’ conditions (quiescent conditions).It is common practice to operate tube amplifiers in a state known as ‘Class A-B’. This means that when no signal is present, a relatively small amount of D.C. current is allowed to flow in each tube to reduce distortion of the amplified signal to a low level. The amount of quiescent current allowed to flow is obviously very important to maintain optimum operating conditions. Too much current will cause harmonic distortion, increase heat dissipation in the anode, reduce audio output power and reduce the operational life of the tube. Too little current will cause severe harmonic distortion and, under extreme conditions, could cause a condition known as ‘cathode poisoning’, which also reduces the effective operation life of the tube.
Conventional Methods of Biasing Fall Mainly into Two Categories
- (1) Cathode (or ‘automatic’) Bias in an attempt to automatically control the quiescent current flow in the tube, a high power resistor is connected in the cathode circuit to signal ground. The grid is connected via a high tube of resistance (usually 500k Ohms or greater) to earth or signal ground. The principle of operation is that when current starts to flow through the tube (and the cathode resistor), a volt drop, proportional to the current will occur across the resistor.This will effectively make the cathode more positive than the signal ground (control grid potential). In effect, this is exactly the same as making the control grid more negative than the cathode. The grid will therefore begin to restrict the flow of current until equilibrium is obtained. The value of this current will be proportional to the value of cathode resistance. Any tendency for the current to increase or decrease due to aging or external conditions will be countered by the resultant change in control grid voltage.
Disadvantages of Cathode Biasing
Cathode biasing has been used in audio amplifier circuits for many years, and although fairly effective, it also has several serious drawbacks notably:
- In high power amplifiers, the value of the cathode resistor must be made relatively large, which results in them needing to dissipate several Watts of heat (adding to the general heat dissipation within the amplifier chassis).
- Reduced operating efficiency.
- A significant amount of audio signal power is ‘lost’ in the resistor, thereby reducing the audio output power for any given input power.
- It is necessary to bypass the cathode resistor with a capacitor in order to preserve the audio amplifying properties of the tube. This capacitor is in the audio signal path and therefore has a restricting effect on certain frequencies.
(2) Fixed Bias
Higher power amplifiers tend to use fixed bias due to the disadvantages of cathode biasing already mentioned. It has a tendency to be used in guitar amplifiers where distortion due to maladjustment comes second to higher output power. Fixed bias incorporates an external negative supply to the grid, which is controlled by a manually adjusted trimmer resistor. It is common practice to supply more than one of the tubes from the same adjustment.
Disadvantages of Fixed Biasing
Setting the bias conditions requires technical knowledge and skill; therefore this operation should be performed by an audio technician.
- Once set any tendency for the current to increase or decrease due to tube aging or external conditions cannot be catered for, therefore conditions can only be optimum immediately after adjustment.
- Frequent adjustments are necessary throughout the life of the valves to preserve optimum performance.
- If a single bias control is used, at best one, or possibly none of the output valves will operate under optimum conditions.
- Maladjustment of the bias control or slight leakage in grid coupling capacitors could result in severe (very costly) damage to the power supply, power output tubes or output transformer.
Heating Effect
It is a misnomer to assume that because tubes rely on thermionic emission for their normal operation, that they cannot overheat. Power output tubes are especially vulnerable to the effects of overheating due to their high anode dissipation under normal driven conditions. Any extra heat generated due to the effects of faulty coupling components, incorrect biasing or poor design can seriously shorten their operational life. Common conditions which cause overheating are:
- Faulty (high leakage) grid coupling capacitors – if cathode bias is used this can be offset to some degree by the automatic compensating effect of the cathode resistor, although overheating and destruction of the resistors may occur before audio distortion is noticed by the listener. In a fixed bias system, it is almost certain that severe damage will result.
- Failure of the cathode resistor by-pass capacitor in cathode bias systems.
- Bias voltage maladjustment in ‘fixed bias’ systems.
- Gas in the valve envelope (‘soft valve’)