Basically, the bias is pre-set to a fixed point based on the performance of a given set of tubes. Unfortunately, the design is a bit difficult to incorporate in higher powered amps, which is one reason for the limited use in tube amps.Īdjustable fixed bias certainly sounds like an oxymoron, but it is actually the best way to describe this type of biasing. Cathode biasing is very commonly found in lower powered amplifiers and even more so in amps that use EL84's. It is basically "plug and play," however, we would still recommend buying a matched set of tubes for optimum performance. ![]() For this reason, they will normally function pretty well with a wide range of tubes without needing any adjustment. Without getting into too much technical detail/jargon, basically through a series of design characteristics - mainly a resistor - these amps balance themselves against the current draw of a given set of power tubes. ![]() Many people actually refer to them as "self-biasing" for this reason. Here are few of the more popular types found in tube amps:Ĭathode bias amps are the least work intensive, as they do not really require biasing at all in a general sense. There are a few different ways that the bias is set on an amplifier and some are more involved than others, though it is hard to say that one is really better than the next. EL84s are a very common tube in such designs, 6V6s are, too. Thus, no biasing is required when replacing tubes - but using a matched set of replacement output tubes is, once again, highly recommended for obvious tonal reasons.Īmps with cathode-biased power-tube circuits are lower-output ones - 30 watts or less. Heck, even I could understand it without too much brain ache.Ĭathode bias is often referred to as “self-biasing,” as the design ensures that the tubes - wait for it - bias themselves. Of all the ones I researched, this was, by far, the most “guitarist-friendly,” IMHO. Basically, the tubes can’t tell the difference between having the grid negative with respect to the cathode or the cathode positive with respect to the grids, so either way can be used to bias an amp, however they do sound much different.” This creates a slight positive charge on the cathodes. In a cathode-biased amp, the grids are grounded through a grid return resistor and a resistor is placed between the cathodes and ground. In a fixed bias amp, a constant negative voltage is injected to the grids of the output tubes while the cathode is grounded to the chassis. “There are two common ways of biasing the output tubes - either fixed-bias or cathode-bias. In order to explain it both clearly and succinctly, I’m going to pull a quote directly from Gerald Weber’s wonderful tome, Tube Amp Talk for the Guitarist and Tech. This type of bias circuit is a little different than the one we’ve just been discussing. You can download a copy for less than $50 (or £43 in the UK).Self bias takes care of tube drift? Please explain how it does that continoulsy? ![]() If you want a complete breakdown of how BIAS FX 2 works and what it can do, check out my guide to getting started with BIAS FX 2, it covers pretty much everything.Īll you need is a way to connect your guitar to your computer once you have that, you can start recording and sounding like you have a $1000 guitar rig.Īs noted in the intro, BIAS FX 2 is not expensive. ![]() We also have a guide detailing ALL the differences between BIAS FX and BIAS FX 2, it’s worth a look if you’re currently using the first-gen software and are thinking about upgrading.Īnd when it comes to amps for BIAS FX, you have an OCEAN of options, as you can see below… Low Gain Amps Name And the best part? BIAS FX 2 is really cheap to buy – around $50 for the basic package. I use BIAS FX for recording and when I’m practicing I just plug my headphones in – or use a pair of Bluetooth set – and I can play around with HUGE sounds from my iMac’s display. I have all my guitar gear in my office, I don’t have anymore room for amps or pedals, so I decided to go minimal and use digital amps. I switched to running my guitar through my computer a couple of years back. It’s cheap enough for every type of player, it is simple to use, and it features a myriad of amps and effects. When it comes to amp simulators, BIAS FX 2 is currently my #1 favorite software for my computer. BIAS FX 2 is the latest build of the software and below you’ll find the complete BIAS FX amp list… BIAS FX is one of our favorite guitar amp simulators for Mac and PC.
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