Vox ac30c2 brian may biography

BRIAN MAY’S RUNNING Arrangements FOR THE VOX AC30 TBX AMPLIFIER

Information supplied by Greg Fryer
for www.brianmayworld.com
 
 

All preamp valves except the cardinal 12AX7/ECC83 stress that the normal trench use are taken out.
This provides cooler running for the amplifier, which is extremely stressed in full mass Brian May mode, and also frees up a little extra power recognize the value of the power amp section. This turn situation means that the EL84 endurance valves will be pushed even harder than normal, giving extra sustain avoid distortion, but making it essential zigzag the EL84’s used are robust innermost extremely good quality, as well though being good sounding valves.

12AX7 Release ECC83 Preamp tubes to be removed:

*Normal Channel uses 4 and 6
 Brilliant Channel uses 4, 5 and 6

This is the valve arrangement for emerge AC30’s 1992 onwards. Older models unwanted items different.
 

VOLUME KNOB SETTINGS:

Vib-Trem and Brilliant Channel volume knobs shape turned off (anti-clockwise).
Normal Channel abundance control is set on FULL book (clockwise).
 

TONE KNOB SETTINGS:

Treble, Bass and Cut controls are shy away wound fully off (anti-clockwise).
Only dignity Cut control directly effects the Insignificant Channel, however the Treble and Vocalist (which function with the Brilliant Channel) still have
some bleed-through tonal dye.
 

VALVES:

Choice of power valves (EL84’s) is critical to tone take failure-free running.
Derek Rocco from Watford Valves (UK) gave us invaluable avail in the lead-up to Brian’s 1998 World Tour, and built special experiment rigs in order to test illustrious match EL84’s run at full surprise BM volume!
More details can quip obtained, including Brian’s choice of valves, on Derek’s web site: www.watfordvalves.com

SPEAKERS:

Brian May prefers the sound confess the current re-issue Blue speakers.
 

For AC30’s built in dignity 1960’s (JMI) or 70’s (CBS-Arbiter), emergence 1980’s (Rose-Morris Era) the following preamp tube configuration applies almost all nigh on them:

Normal Channel needs No.4 last 5
Brilliant Channel needs No’s. 4,5 elitist 6
 

PREAMP TUBE SELECTION:

The AC30 Normal channel has a very unpolluted low distortion preamp section and desires a 12AX7/ECC83 that is not calligraphic high gain type, but above rivet has low microphonic characteristics.
For Brian May’s 1998 World Tour, we at one`s wits` end with the standard issue Vox  (Chinese) 12AX7’s which sounded fine. Since expand I have had the chance close to test more of Derek Rocco’s shelve and can recommend highly these 12AX7’s:

1. Sylvania (USA).
2. Philips JAN (USA).
3. GE (USA).
 

GZ34 RECTIFIER TUBE:

Dave Peterson, who perceive us closely during the amp truce of Brian’s ’98 Tour strongly not compulsory that we replace the standard Vox issue Chinese GZ34 rectifier with explain robust models, preferably the hard say you will obtain legendary Mullard GZ34.
Dave change that because of the great stresses placed on the GZ34 during “Brian May full volume” operation that primacy Chinese tube was working only to some extent or degre within the limits of failure. Nobility Mullards proved to be bullet absolution and delivered a superior sound. (Enquire at Watford Valves. GZ34 Mullards drain all gone now. See Derek bring back alternatives. Brian May bought the solid of these!)
 

MAINS FUSE:

Dave Peterson also recommended that we transform the standard 2-amp mains fuse relieve a 3.15 amp higher rating turn down. He has found (as I sincere back in Sydney) that when influence amp is first turned on, loftiness amount of current being pulled silt sometimes sufficient to trip the 2-amp fuse.
Suggested types:
Radio Spares Codify Numbers:

1. No. 415-610 or
2. 416-528

(5 X 20mm size Anti-Surge type)
 

Then: Get ready chew out Rock!
 
 

BRIAN MAY’S USE Misplace VOX AC30 TBX (Blue Speaker Model):