Posts Tagged ‘how to’
Monday, August 16th, 2010
Tired Pony, the supergroup featuring Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody and REM’’s Peter Buck, played their first LIVE gig with the help of an Audio Kitchen base amp fitted with TubeSync.
Tired Pony was formed by Gary Lightbody (of Snow Patrol), who had a “long-term ambition” of making a country album. He revealed the project’s existence in May 2009. In the interview, he expressed his love for country music, which he said he had loved for a long time: “I always thought I had a country album in me and it turns out I did.” The rest of Snow Patrol expressed excitement for their band-mate, “delighted that [Lightbody was] getting to exorcise all his crazy ideas.”In October 2009, Lightbody in his blog on Snow Patrol’s website revealed the members of the group to be Richard Colburn (of Belle & Sebastian), Iain Archer, singer Miriam Kaufmann (Archer’s wife), and Jacknife Lee. He talked about two more members whom he was very excited about, but didn’t name them. He also stated that the album won’t be country as was being reported, but would be “country-tinged”. In January 2010, Hot Press reported Peter Buck (of R.E.M.) to be a member of the group. Lightbody described Buck as one of his “all-time heroes” and admired his talent for playing a variety of instruments. Lightbody looks at the project as something he has “wanted to get out of his system”, and said that “he doesn’t know whether people will dig it or not.”He has expressed doubts about the commercial viability of the group’s work, mainly in the United States.
Tired Pony played their first ever live show at London’s Forum venue in Kentish Town on July 14th 2010 with the help of an Audio Kitchen Base Chopper fitted with TubeSync!!
For further information regarding TubeSync Audio Kitchen Amps please email info@tubesync.co.uk or steve@mutronics.co.uk
Tags: 6v6, Audio Kitchen, Belle & Sebastian, Custom, Gary Lightbody, gig, guitar, how to, Iain Archer, Kentish Town on July 14th 2010, live music, London, Miriam Kaufmann, mutronics, Output transformer, REM, Richard Colbur, Snow Patrol, technician, Tired Pony, TubeSync, UK, valves
Posted in Tube Amplifiers | No Comments »
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.
Tags: 100, amp, Bias Engine, current, Frankfurt, hiwatt, Hiwatt at Musikmesse, Hiwatt custom amp, how to, KBO Dynamics, Musikmesse, Musikmesse 2010, orange, Output transformer, tube failures, Tubes, TubeSync, TubeSync Bias Engine, valve, valve failure modes, valve matching, valves
Posted in Tube Amplifiers, TubeSync | 3 Comments »
Thursday, April 1st, 2010
Famed for their legendary reliability and tone, Hiwatt have gone one step further in the reliability stakes by employing TubeSync® technology in their already bulletproof amplifiers.
Over the last year, Hiwatt and Durham-based KBO Dynamics have developed their own version of a pioneering technology called TubeSync®, which Hiwatt will launch at Frankfurt Musikmesse 2010 in March. The technology has been developed in order to overcome problems associated with conventional tube amplification such as biasing, tube longevity and overall reliability. What the collaboration has achieved is to improve amplifier design without changing the fundamental amplification process yet retaining the classic Hiwatt tone and sound.
Although not an integral part of the amplification process, Tubesync® is connected to the heart of the amp’s circuitry, constantly testing and monitoring; it’s like having an amp technician working full time inside the box every time the amp is powered up. This technology eliminates the need for tube bias current matching, increases tube life by micro-adjusting the bias on each tube, predicts tube failure and can, in the event of a catastrophic tube failure, even run the amp at half power. The result is the eradication of many of the problems hampering conventional tube amplifiers and peace of mind for the musician wise enough to have taken this route.
KBO Dynamics Chief Exec Andy Fallon: “It has been a pleasure working with Hiwatt who have been extremely receptive to change and have embraced the new technology. They have seen the benefits it can bring to them and of course, their customers, and we are looking forward to further exciting collaborations. This technology genuinely has raised the bar concerning reliability and classic tube amps, and what’s more. It’s been developed exclusively in the UK.”
Tags: anode, bias, Bias Engine, bias problems, Frankfurt, gain, guitar, Hiwatt at Musikmesse, Hiwatt custom amp, how to, Musikmesse, Musikmesse 2010, Tube Amp Doctor, tube failures, Tubes, TubeSync, TubeSync Bias Engine, valve, valve matching, valves
Posted in Tube Amplifiers, TubeSync | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
KBO Dynamics are making their mark in the international music industry. They will be showcasing their technology with a number of major customers at the high profile international music fair, Musikmesse in Frankfurt this March. Hiwatt is just one of the world’s most prominent guitar amp manufacturers and KBO Dynamics are delighted to have TubeSync technology incorporated in their latest amp designs.
 KBO Dynamics Win Innovation Award 2009 KBO Dynamics, winners of the Durham and Wearside Innovation Business Awards 2009, stated : TubeSync technology achieves unique benefits including vastly improved reliability and performance in tube amps. Securing orders from Hiwatt and others is a significant achievement.
 KBO Dynamics Power and Control Devices ‘The scale of the companies that KBO Dynamics are working with is impressive. They have ambitious plans for growth and have been performing very well since receiving investment from us. KBO Dynamics is an excellent example of successful innovation coming out of the North East and is testimony to the region’s strong knowledge base,’ Dr Richard Exley, North Star Equity Investors.
The company has also been supported with market research, manufacturer introductions and early product launch activity by think M., a leading strategic marketing and research agency specialising in technology and innovation.
Andy Fallon, KBO Dynamics, ‘think M.’s channel research played an important part in helping us to secure investment by providing the market evidence required to prove TubeSync’s growth potential. It helped us to refine our offering to amp manufacturers and was instrumental in getting us through the door at some really high profile organisations.’
 TubeSync As KBO look forward to Frankfurt they already have further collaborations underway and anticipate generating more interest from manufacturers, amp technicians and musicians alike. If you would like any more information on TubeSync technology, please visit www.kbodynamics.com.
Tags: 100, amp, Ashdown, bass, bias, bias problems, Frankfurt, hi gain, Hiwatt at Musikmesse, Hiwatt custom amp, how to, KBO, KBO Dynamics, Laney, Marshall, Musikmesse, Musikmesse 2010, orange, Output transformer, Pacemaker 100, Think M, Tube Amp Doctor, tube failures, Tubes, TubeSync, UK, valve failure modes, valves
Posted in TubeSync | 1 Comment »
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
Tags: Bias Engine, current, guitar, hiwatt, Hiwatt custom amp, how to, Marshall, orange, Tubes, TubeSync, TubeSync Bias Engine, valve, valves
Posted in Tube Amplifiers, TubeSync | No Comments »
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
Tags: amp, bass, bias, current, Custom, hi, hi gain, hiwatt, Hiwatt at Musikmesse, Hiwatt custom amp, how to, Musikmesse, Musikmesse 2010, technician, tube failures, TubeSync, UK, valve, valve failure modes, valves
Posted in Tube Amplifiers | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
“What I like about TubeSync is that gives us the opportunity to create our own features which enables us to have our own unique USPs.“
(Marketing Manager)
“Not changing the sound is very important to us because the sound is the main reason why customers buy our amps. TubeSync offers a long list of benefits without changing the sound. Amplifier reliability is a big one for us as some of our order designs have design problems which can result in field failures. Failures are very costly and results in a large amount of hassle for both us and our customers especially when an amp output transformer blows up! The TubeSync reliability features is what we like best, it saves time, money and of course our reputation.“
(Lead Development Engineer)
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“TubeSync does what it says on the tin! We are looking to incorporate it into our next generation of amps!“
(Technical Director)
“Not matching tubes that’s a big one – it’s a pain in the neck – it’s key to getting a successful tube amp ‘fantastic’. if you don’t need to use matched pairs and there’s no need to bias, then that’s amazing, the efficiency savings on the factory floor will be a awesome. Who needs a Six Sigma Black belt!“
(Amplification Product Line Manager)
“You’re saying all of the things that we hear on a regular basis, i.e. ooh, tube longevity – these are things that crop up that keep me awake at night. I’d say it’s pretty unique“
(Marketing Manager, Guitar Amplifier Manufacturer)
“We are currently going for the ISO 14001 environmental accreditation. The energy savings resulting from TubeSync will be part of our continuous improvement plan. If everyone does their bit, the world will be a much greener place.“
(Operations Manger, Guitar Amplifier Manufacturer)
“There is only so much power a tube can throw out before it dies. So it’s an efficiency thing? It gives you more power for less heat? Useful, yeah“
(Lead Development Engineer)
“TubeSync can optimise the running temperature of the tube down considerably, and as a function of that, the life of the tube increases. And that’s something that’s far more interesting than putting more power through it.“
(Technical Director)
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Tags: anode, bias, how to, Sound, technician, tube failures, Tubes, TubeSync, valve
Posted in TubeSync | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Catastrophic Failures. These are failures that occur suddenly, without warning, making the equipment unusable.
Examples of catastrophic failures are: -
- Glass failure, loss of vacuum due to mechanical damage or thermal stress.
- Heater failures open circuit or partial short circuit due to excessive heater voltage or high initial surge current and normal on off cycling over many thousands of hours.
- Arcing, due to low cathode temperature, causing damage to the cathode and grids.
- Bias failure due to component leakage or valve characteristic spreads using fixed or auto bias.
Degenerative Failures. The slow but eventual, deterioration of all tubes, which can contribute to the end of life of the tube.
Examples of degenerative failures: -
- Gas is present in all tubes and if the tube is used within its characteristics should not be a problem, however excessive dissipation can liberate gas from the tube structure and lead to eventual premature failure.
- Getters are patches of evaporated metal, which are deposited on the inside of the glass. The purpose of the getter is to absorb any gas that may be evolved during the life of the tube and work best at normal glass bulb temperatures.
- Spurious emissions are uncontrolled unwanted emissions usually caused by gas released due to excessive dissipation and elevated temperatures.
- Inter electrode leakage. This is current, which flows between the electrodes of the tube, which are not connected in any way. The cause is metallic vapours released by the hot metallic structure of the valve being deposited on the insulating micas and eventually leading to a conductive path.
- Cathode depletion can occur due to arcing, which can strip the cathode coating reducing the active area of the cathode. Arcing will vaporise the cathode material and generate gas, which can poison the cathode material. This can also be caused, by passing excessive cathode current before the heater has reached its normal operating temperature.
Subjective Failures. These are tubes, which will normally pass tests but do not perform satisfactorily due to for example: – hum level, microphonics and noise.
Examples of subjective failures: -
- Hum is an unwanted mains frequency signal, which is superimposed on the wanted signal. It can be caused by heater to cathode leakage or due to electrostatic or electromagnetic fields within the equipment.
- Microphonics is defined as a signal originating inside the valve caused by mechanical vibrations being amplified by the tube.
- Noise is a signal originating from inside the tube, but not due to hum or microphonics. It can be due to intermittent short circuits, open circuits or arcing due to leakage paths between the electrodes.
Characteristic Variables. These are variations or spreads in the tube characteristics, due to manufacturing tolerances and follow a normal distribution curve.
Examples of characteristic variables: -
- The Standard is usually a tube that complies with the manufactures published data. The Upper and Lower limits are values that any tube within these limits can be considered acceptable for normal use.
- Characteristic Spreads is the degree of deviation from the standard tube.
- Design Tolerances is the normal variations of standard parts, which a well-designed piece of equipment will operate correctly.
The Solution Is ……….TubeSync!
 TubeSync Amp Biasing
www.kbodynamics.com
Tags: amp, bias, bias problems, biasing, cathode, hiwatt, how to, Mar, Marshall, orange, tube failures, TubeSync, valve, valve failure modes, valves
Posted in Tubes | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
TubeSync has many advantages over other bias methods. An amplifier with fixed bias needs to be set manually and adjusted frequently to maintain the correct bias. Also unless each tube has its own bias setting, at best the results can only be a compromise due characteristic spreads in the valves, which in push pull amplifiers can lead to saturation of the output transformer on high signals due to DC magnetization of the core due to unbalanced anode currents. TubeSync continuously monitors the bias current and ensures perfect DC balance. Auto bias can compensate for valve characteristic spreads providing the characteristics of the valves are closely matched. However auto bias introduces loses by subtracting the bias voltage from the power supply voltage and with some types of valve the losses can be considerable and this means that the anode of the valve has to be operated at a much higher voltage to compensate for the auto bias losses.
Using TubeSync these losses are eliminated and the HT power supply voltage can be reduced or the amplifier can deliver more output power due to having all of the power supply voltage available to supply the load. TubeSync can compensate for much large spreads in valve characteristics without the need to use specially selected or matched pairs of valves and still maintain the linearity of the output stage.
Tags: amp, bias, cathode, how to, Marshall, technician, Tubes, TubeSync, valve, valves
Posted in TubeSync | 2 Comments »
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