bendymusic wrote:You say you are using it without input transformers? With microphones?
BTW, this thing makes a pretty rad guitar amp with no modifications...
Andy
Yes, and yes.
Just look at the schematics, some ppl like transformers. I'm still looking for a transformer that I like better than the EF86 without the transformer. Im sure someone here will find one some day and send me one free for all my efforts (LOFL)
You should try the guitar throught the ef86 stage. If you use it unmodified you are only using 1 stage of the 4 existing stages in this amp. (1/2 of a 12ax7) most simple circuit you could built!
I have one I built for my son that matches the EF86 stage to a guitar impedance and he can then select 1 of 3 outputs and 2 inputs (one at in at the EF86 and one at the first stage of the 12ax7):
IN - EF86 - out
(optional IN) - 12ax7 stage 1 - out
12ax7 stage 2 - out
Or the speaker out using the powertube stage.
You can really get some different sounding distortions, but he is always looking for a better clean sound. It was fun to build.
Richie Blackmore made lots of recordings with these preamps.
I have got to get some better recordings posted. I use these mostly to mic guitars and drum overheads. The natural compression make them sound pretty good as OHs and clean guitars.