6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode

DPTONE5 · 05-24-2010, 07:00 PM

I recently bought a 6100 and was wondering what people's thoughts were on playing in either half power mode (2 tubes operating as opposed to all 4) or in triode mode. What is better for the amp/tubes? What difference in sound have people experienced?

I have a 240 Watt cabinet and a 100 Watt cabinet. When I play it with the greenbacks, I don't want to blow out the speakers. Thanks!

longfxukxnhair · 05-24-2010, 07:10 PM

I always stay in full power.

Marshall Mann · 05-24-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPTONE5

I recently bought a 6100 and was wondering what people's thoughts were on playing in either half power mode (2 tubes operating as opposed to all 4) or in triode mode. What is better for the amp/tubes? What difference in sound have people experienced?

I have a 240 Watt cabinet and a 100 Watt cabinet. When I play it with the greenbacks, I don't want to blow out the speakers. Thanks!

Hey DP,

If you are planning on running reduced power for an extended period, the Triode mode is easier on your tubes, but you loose a fair amount of gain. I run at 50 watts (1/2 power) pretty regularly, but this works the center two power valves more heavily than the out side two. I offset this by switching them when I re-bias every 4 to 6 months.

Running in 50 watt mode fattens up the sound a bit, you can drive the power valves earlier, and you loose a little bit of SPL, but not much.

Hope this helps!

DPTONE5 · 05-24-2010, 08:18 PM

Thanks as always. Can you please tell me what you mean by SPL? Thanks!

tomaburque · 05-24-2010, 08:35 PM

I prefer the sound of the triode mode. I think it sounds more like a old amp.

surface54 · 05-24-2010, 10:31 PM

if i come over can we jam on your rigs?? im nicer than most people

Marshall Mann · 05-24-2010, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPTONE5

Thanks as always. Can you please tell me what you mean by SPL? Thanks!

Hey DPT,

Sorry man! SPL is sound pressure level. Basically the volume of air moved by your speakers. Wattage does not necessarily define "volume". So by dropping to 50 watts from 100 watts your not going to reduce your SPL by 50%.

I hope this makes sense and that I am not over explaining.

Marshall Mann · 05-24-2010, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomaburque

I prefer the sound of the triode mode. I think it sounds more like a old amp.

I agree man. I use Triode when I want a more vintage smoothed out tone.

Marshall Mann · 05-24-2010, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surface54

if i come over can we jam on your rigs?? im nicer than most people

Hell yeah Surface! We can bust out some detuned madness!

HOT TUBES 70 · 05-24-2010, 10:53 PM

If playing modern rock its @ full 100 watts pentode
If playing more crunchy classic stuff its @ 50 watts triode

I switch back & forth alot , its just another great feature of the 6100 !!

Marshall Mann · 05-24-2010, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOT TUBES 70

If playing modern rock its @ full 100 watts pentode
If playing more crunchy classic stuff its @ 50 watts triode

I switch back & forth alot , its just another great feature of the 6100 !!

+100 HT!

I play a more diverse catalog than most people I know. Extreme detuned metal (C#, B and A) to straight rock, punk, southern rock, classic rock and blues and every where in between. And the 61100 is the only head I have used that can do it all!

TwinACStacks · 05-25-2010, 08:32 AM

WOW. Even a half-power Option?

SO. What exactly IS one half of Shite?

TWIN

HOT TUBES 70 · 05-25-2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinACStacks

WOW. Even a half-power Option?

SO. What exactly IS one half of Shite?

TWIN

I think they call it a DSL !!!

longfxukxnhair · 05-25-2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinACStacks

WOW. Even a half-power Option?

SO. What exactly IS one half of Shite?

TWIN

its called DSL

rjohns1 · 05-25-2010, 08:43 AM

Not only can you drop the power to 1/2, but you can also drop it more with the pentode/triode switch. And don't forget the adjustable dampening. That can change the tone for certain things also.

longfxukxnhair · 05-25-2010, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOT TUBES 70

I think they call it a DSL !!!

OK, you beat me to it. But we were both thinking the same thing at the same time. So it must be true.

longfxukxnhair · 05-25-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshall Mann

+100 HT!

I play a more diverse catalog than most people I know. Extreme detuned metal (C#, B and A) to straight rock, punk, southern rock, classic rock and blues and every where in between. And the 61100 is the only head I have used that can do it all!

I love it!

So you are saying between the 6100 and the DSL that you owned, of the 2 the 6100 delivers better for all of your needs?

Seems like number of once DSL owners now turned 6100 owners say the same thing.
How many 6100 owners have turned into DSL owners are here? And playing a 6100 at GC doesnt count for anything.

Buggs.Crosby · 05-25-2010, 09:25 AM

Have you ever played my DSL?....again me thinks you guys are gonna be shocked.....or should i say rocked

longfxukxnhair · 05-25-2010, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buggs.Crosby

Have you ever played my DSL?....again me thinks you guys are gonna be shocked.....or should i say rocked

LOL
We have been thru this. Your DSL is a DSL in name only.

TwinACStacks · 05-25-2010, 10:25 AM

That's okay Your 6100 is an AMP in name only.

Digital POS....

TWIN

TwinACStacks · 05-25-2010, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longfxukxnhair

LOL
We have been thru this. Your DSL is a DSL in name only.

You are probably in essence correct about mine, BUT it still says DSL , AND IT SURE AS **** STILL SAYS MARSHALL on the front of that bad boy.

I will stand by my choice.

TWIN

Marshall Mann · 05-25-2010, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinACStacks

WOW. Even a half-power Option?

SO. What exactly IS one half of Shite?

TWIN

A DSL!!!!!!

LesPaulopolis · 05-25-2010, 11:42 AM

Half-power and triode felt more spongy. 100w pentode had more cut, which I like. Try a fuzz pedal in your loop!

TwinACStacks · 05-25-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshall Mann

A DSL!!!!!!

Oh. That must be the "IT" part.

You are then all correct.

The DSL is IT!!!! and a bag of chips.

TWIN

longfxukxnhair · 05-25-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinACStacks

Oh. That must be the "IT" part.

You are then all correct.

The DSL is IT!!!!!

TWIN

shit

longfxukxnhair · 05-25-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinACStacks

You are probably in essence correct about mine, BUT it still says DSL , AND IT SURE AS **** STILL SAYS MARSHALL on the front of that bad boy.

I will stand by my choice.

TWIN

As long as you dont mod the Marshall name we are all good

TwinACStacks · 05-25-2010, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longfxukxnhair

As long as you dont mod the Marshall name we are all good

I can't promise that. I was thinking of something catchy like SPLAWN. Or is that one already taken?

TWIN

longfxukxnhair · 05-25-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinACStacks

I can't promise that. I was thinking of something catchy like SPLAWN. Or is that one already taken?

TWIN

How about you pay tribute to Starchild and call it Crateshall

TwinACStacks · 05-25-2010, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longfxukxnhair

how about you pay tribute to starchild and call it crateshall

Capital idea!!!! Maybe even a STARSHALL

TWIN

longfxukxnhair · 05-25-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinACStacks

Capital idea!!!! Maybe even a STARSHALL

TWIN

OOOOOOOO I likes that. Trademark it!

05-24-2010, 07:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
longfxukxnhair Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 24,095	Re: 6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode I always stay in full power. __________________ Phucked up from the left side down

05-24-2010, 08:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
DPTONE5 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,956	Re: 6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode Thanks as always. Can you please tell me what you mean by SPL? Thanks! __________________ Marshall Amps - 1987XL, JMP 2204, JCM 800 2203X, 2555 Jubilee, JCM 800 2210, 6100 Cabinets - 1960BX, 1960B JCM 900 Guitars - PRS CU 24, 91' Gibson LP Classic, Fender Clapton Strat, Jackson SL-1, Taylor 410-CE, Fender Highway One P Bass Pedal Board - Boss Tuner, Fulltone Fulldrive II Mosfet, ReIssue Ibanez TS-808, Ernie Ball Volume Pedal to amp in. Loop - Boss Chorus, MXR Carbon Copy, Lee Jackson Mr. Springgy, Boss GE-7 EQ (Monte Allums Mod)

05-24-2010, 08:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
tomaburque Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 91	Re: 6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode I prefer the sound of the triode mode. I think it sounds more like a old amp. __________________ Marshall 30th Anniversary - King of Crunch Fender Hot Rod DeVille - Queen of Clean PRS SC245 PRS SE Torero PRS SE One 73 Les Paul Custom G&L Strat

05-24-2010, 10:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
surface54 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: in my head dealing with life Posts: 1,086	Re: 6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode if i come over can we jam on your rigs?? im nicer than most people __________________ my Industrial music for sale here http://surfacex.bandcamp.com/ my youtube channel www.youtube.com/surfacexmusic im free to answer any questions about anything audio though im not a expert i just know my ears well

05-24-2010, 10:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Saskatoon , Canada Posts: 8,801	Re: 6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode If playing modern rock its @ full 100 watts pentode If playing more crunchy classic stuff its @ 50 watts triode I switch back & forth alot , its just another great feature of the 6100 !! __________________ Custom pedals Pedal modifications

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05-25-2010, 08:43 AM	#15 (permalink)
rjohns1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 2,019	Re: 6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode Not only can you drop the power to 1/2, but you can also drop it more with the pentode/triode switch. And don't forget the adjustable dampening. That can change the tone for certain things also. __________________ "Everything electronic runs on smoke. Forget all that electron nonsense. Notice how stuff stops working when you let the smoke out?"

05-25-2010, 09:25 AM	#18 (permalink)
Buggs.Crosby Banned Join Date: May 2009 Location: S.Jersey Posts: 6,363	Re: 6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode Have you ever played my DSL?....again me thinks you guys are gonna be shocked.....or should i say rocked

05-25-2010, 11:42 AM	#23 (permalink)
LesPaulopolis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,903	Re: 6100 - Half Power or Triode Mode Half-power and triode felt more spongy. 100w pentode had more cut, which I like. Try a fuzz pedal in your loop! __________________ '68 RI LP Custom '93 Anniversary 6100 (6L6s) '90 JCM900 4100 (EL-34s) Epi. Valve Jr. head (Gain & Bright mod) In Front: MXR Custom Modified OD > Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive In Parallel Loop: TU-2 > Flashback Delay > MXR Carbon Copy

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