Korg Forums

chad9477 · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 2:41 pm Post subject: Tube life expectancy?

Has anyone ever blown the tubes on their EMX or ESX? Not by dropping the unit or overdriving it to death, but through normal use?

I'm wondering how long tubes should last, give or take. Also, whether they go instantly or by slow death.

What are the signs that it's time (or nearly time) to change them out? And yes, I know the first sign is a chamber containing stock tubes. Razz

I figure this info could be useful so that people don't misdiagnose problems. Thanks.
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Ruso · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:36 pm Post subject:

Man, my buddy Novatron has had his boxes for years... since like 2004 if not earlier he has not had any problems with tubes.

If the tubes were to go I am almost certain it would be an over time decay. In fact I do believe they are constantly doing so since the day you put them in.

Some of the signs of a tube going would be weak distorted gain. Here let me try to simulate it using ableton live's tube distortion effect...

http://audio-ruso.com/Tubage.mp3

I hope that helps!
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Ruso · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject:

Actually, it could be a sudden death too if the heater on it burns out. No heat = no tube.
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TrondC · Full Member Joined: 30 Apr 2008 Posts: 238

my (original) tubes have lasted me fine the last 5 years in my ESX
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reddone · Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 12:34 pm Post subject:

my tubes on emx1 sounded flat & dull after about 4-5 years .. was going to replace them with the same tubes but just got better ones instead .

I think if you overdrive the tubes alot they loose their clarity over a few years . in fact i read a korg officail statement somewhere , saying tubes should ideally be replaced every 2 years !!

I think its down to how the tubes are used . I used to have them up almost full all the time back in my d&b days ... them tubes sound dead now !