The worst case is damaging the amp’s components, which can cause a fire. The best scenario here would be an oversaturated tone but a shorter tube lifespan. This can be problematic, as you’re putting more power into the amp, which can be overwhelming. Under-biased, meanwhile, pumps more electrical voltage than required by your tubes. The tubes might last longer because they don’t get a high voltage, but they won’t sound their best. Over-biased means that the tubes aren’t getting enough electricity voltage to the power amp, which can cause a dry tone that lacks tube saturation. So how will you know if your tube amp needs biasing? There are two possible scenarios where tube amp biasing is called for: over-biased and under-biased. Unlike Mesa Boogie, which conducts these tests, these tubes from amp manufacturers are likely to work, although replacing the tubes later on, will be a chore. The rationale for tube amp biasing is that many amp manufacturers skip testing the resistance of the tubes before they ship out. You won’t have to worry about biasing tube amps only when using cathode-based tube amps, which some refer to as auto-bias. More often than not, tube amps will need biasing when tubes are placed. That’s why buying a matching pair or quad tubes is advised, although it’s improbable that the tubes you get will match the current of the old tubes. It would be best if you biased a tube amp when you change tubes because, most of the time, the tubes you buy for replacements will not likely have similar resistances. Amps that don’t need biasing are called cathode tube amps, which often have a low wattage. Not all amps need to be biased, as this would also depend on the type of tube amp you use. By biasing your tube amp when you replace the tubes, you get to ensure smooth tones when you use it. Biasing is done to match the amp’s current with the valves’ capacity. If you don’t bias your tube amp, you are likely to burn the tubes faster, which can damage the amp in the long run. 7 Conclusion What happens if you don’t bias a tube amp?
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