Frequently Asked Questions about the Music Valve Electronics Vacuum Tube Direct Box:
- Why use the Music Valve Electronics Vacuum Tube Direct Box?
- Will it run on phantom power?
- What instruments can it be used on?
- Is it best for studio or road use?
- What are the inputs and outputs?
- Why is it called a buffered output?
- What do we mean when we say that the Direct Box has unity gain?
- How many tubes are in the unit?
- If I want one how can I get one?
- What is the price?
- How can I contact Music Valve to find out more?
Why use the Music Valve Electronics Vacuum Tube Direct Box?
Reports from many engineers and producers indicate how happy they are with the results they have obtained recording with it. Also many musicians have elected to purchase this direct box for their own use and call and tell us they feel it has provided them a way to present the best possible sound to the engineer, and that even in a live situation it is a very noticable improvement.
Will it run on phantom power?
No. The unit must be plugged into a regular AC outlet, providing 120 or 220 volts.
What instruments can it be used on?
Guitars, basses, keyboards, acoustic pickups, you name it. Engineers frequently call and describe an unusual use that astounds us. The only limit is your imagination.
Is it best for studio or road use?
The low impedance transformer balanced output is very useful for the sometimes long runs in live shows, and it mates well with studio equipment to insure lowest noise and RF rejection.
Ruggedly built with shock mounted circuit board, it is able to withstand the abuse of travel, and special internal shielding techniques reduce the hum to low levels for quiet studio recordings.
The Music Valve Electronics Vacuum Tube Direct Box is recommended for studio and live use.
What are the inputs and outputs?
There is one input and two outputs. The input accepts a regular guitar cord. One of the outputs is XLR and the other is for a guitar cord. The XLR is a low impedance, transformer balanced output capable of driving a microphone cable up to several hundred feet without signal degradation.
The 1/4 inch output is a low impedence buffered output designed to send to a guitar amp input up to 100 feet away. In typical use the XLR output would be used to go directly to the mixing console input, while the 1/4 inch guitar cord output would go to input of a miced guitar amp in another room.
Why is it called a buffered output?
The two outputs have a substantial amount of electrical isolation. In an extreme example if the guitar cable plugged into the "to amp" jack became damaged and developed a direct short circuit, this would not cut the output at the XLR.
What do we mean when we say that the Direct Box has unity gain?
The Direct Box has no gain or loss to the input signal level, at the output of the direct box when you plug an instrument into it. The level you put into it comes out of it. This is accomplished through the use of a vacuum tube amplifier inside the Direct Box. Many direct boxes have a substantial loss of up to 20 dB to the input signal, this loss has to be made up in the mixing console preamp. Putting the MVE direct box directly after your instrument puts a tube "front end" on your sound, and provides a good solid signal level to your equipment.
How many tubes are in the unit?
There are two type 12AU7 tubes inside, that can be obtained through any music store selling tubes, or replacements can be ordered directly from us.
If I want one how can I get one?
These Direct Boxes are assembled by hand in limited quantities, in production runs throughout the year. While we strive to keep them in stock, sometimes there is a short waiting period. They are only available directly from us, the manufacturer. Contact us for more information.
What is the price?
The price is $2495 US dollars, plus any applicable tax and shipping.
How can I contact Music Valve to find out more?
If you have any other questions, please contact us.
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