Reading material

[Brouilly]

Hi all,

Im shortly going to be starting an MPhil research degree on valve microphone preamp design, and am looking for some more reading material.

So far I have,

Both the Morgan Jones books
The tube preamp cookbook - Allen Wright
Small signal circuit design - Douglas Self

Does anyone have an ideas that would help my research?

Thanks in advance

Charlie

 

[boywonder]

Turner Audio Education & DIY:

education+diy

Pete Millett's audio book references:

Technical books online

 

[Brouilly]

thanks boywonder

 

[kevinkr]

I'd also add the RDH4 (Radiotron Designer's Handbook 4th Edition) to the list as a general reference. It should be available on Pete's site.

 

[DF96]

I assume you are already well up to speed on high quality solid-state circuit design, including noise issues. If not, try Horovitz & Hill. Also see anything written by Bob Pease.

 

[SY]

Second that.

If you can find Elmore and Sands "Electronics," it has probably the best overall treatment of noise in tube circuits that I've seen.

 

[jueic]

For research purpose, I recommend this one,

High-end Valve Amplifiers 2 - ELEKTOR.com | Electronics: Microcontrollers Embedded Audio Digital Analogue Test Measurement

It is a very recent valve amp book..I don't think you can find any other book much closer to modern electronic technologies..

 

[Guiseppe]

Second that.

If you can find Elmore and Sands "Electronics," it has probably the best overall treatment of noise in tube circuits that I've seen.

Here's an online copy...
Electronics-Experimental Techniques

 

[Brouilly]

Really appreciate that, thank you.

 

[Brouilly]

I assume you are already well up to speed on high quality solid-state circuit design, including noise issues. If not, try Horovitz & Hill. Also see anything written by Bob Pease.

Definitely 'up to speed' but still got a lot of work to do, its going to be a long 3 years, but its very exciting.

 

[Brouilly]

When I cant pay the rent because ive spent all my money on books.... at least ill be happy reading

 

[DF96]

I'm curious. Where can you get an M.Phil by researching valve preamps? Is this EE or music technology? Most EEs are taught that analogue is old-fashioned, let alone valves!

 

[Brouilly]

It would come under audio technology, my university has recently opened a research department and are keen for me to work with them.

The proposal is still in its early stages, but my main aim is to design a very quite great sounding preamp. There's also a lot of interest in modeling, that could also be a topic of the M.phil.

Its obviously not a novel study, companies have and are designing such preamps, but for me its about creating the perfect working conditions for the valves through extensive trials and test, and to hopefully have my own product at the end.

 

[DF96]

I'm not convinced that there is such a thing as "perfect working conditions" for a valve; they age, and start with wide spreads anyway. If it is not novel, how come it qualifies for an MPhil? I thought an MPhil had to be original research, but shorter and less creative than a PhD.

Anyway, I hope it goes well. Don't forget to mention us in the thesis.

 

[Brouilly]

It doesnt have to be completely original, thats how we are doing it. Its going to be an interesting 3 years, I have a lot to learn but also I think Ill come up with some original ideas.

Ill certainly be coming back to you guys for help, so thank you for putting up with me in advance.

Charlie

 

[M Gregg]

Hi,

"Perfect working conditions" for a valve.

This would only be possible if the circuit had "closed loop" control. This would have to control "all" parameters at all times.

Perhaps micro controller monitor and feedback. However are you trying to create new applications, or new variations on known circuit design?

I would have thought that most topologies have been tried through the years so you are going to have to come up with something quite radical. OTL, PP, PPP, SET, hybrid have all been done. Marshall had valve state and many mixer and preamp types.

Perhaps you should research recording studio designs through the years that would give professional ideas and applied circuit types.

Try reading The tube Amp Book Aspen Pittman. O.K. It's Groove tubes. However it will give you a "Feel" for your project!

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[Brouilly]

Thanks M Gregg,

Id have to say it would be variations on know circuit designs, as this technology has been around for a long time, and no doubt its 'all been done before'.

Like I said the proposal hasnt been finalised, at the moment im gathering information and ideas.

I guess the reasoning is that although many companies have done this before, I want to come to my own conclusions and really, I want to develop my own circuit for what I feel is the right sound. Im not sure that makes sense......

I think it will be interesting, having the ability and time to vary all parts of a preamp design im hoping some original ideas will come out of it.

Charlie

 

[M Gregg]

Charlie,

You have alot of different battles to fight with this project. High voltage and noise. Heater high current more noise. The millions of different combinations of component types and their sonic signature. The cost! The problem that limitation of frequency response will effect the quality, linked to circuit saturation. "Output swing and noise creating clipping".

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[Brouilly]

Yep, its going to be a lot of work

No doubt I will be questioning my sanity at times in the project but its going to be exciting.

Cheers

 

[M Gregg]

I suppose you could also say that you also have new technology and the ability to control the circuit characteristics.

Someone once said if you can measure something you can control it!
This will be to your advantage.

Regards
M. Gregg