Resistor question

[SacredGroove]

What is the difference between 1/2 watt and 1/4 watt resistors in our modules?

 

[JKD]

Power handling...you use a higher wattage resistor where you expect a higher current to flow.

Electrical Power = Current * Voltage (Watts)

 

[SacredGroove]

Thanks and I understand that. I'm just confused about how MrScary has mostly 1/4 watt in places that another module may have 1/2 watt. Also, I remember seeing Egnater modules with primarily (maybe all) 1/2 watt carbon comp's everywhere. I've read the Egnater modules are "richer", are carbon comp's the reason?

Could one (1/4 or 1/2) change the other, for better or worse, in our modules? Does it matter much?

On another note. Have you tried a lower gain tube in the SuperV, if so, how did it sound? I have one on the way and I've read your praises of the SuperV--that's why I ask.

Thanks!

 

[JKD]

On another note. Have you tried a lower gain tube in the SuperV, if so, how did it sound? I have one on the way and I've read your praises of the SuperV--that's why I ask.

Thanks!

Can't answer your other questions...only ever tried to increase the gain and thicken up the Super V sound....I think I went back to the stock tubes in the end.

I expect it would be stellar with a 5751 or an EH 12at7 in for cleaner tones.

 

[muzapstar]

bump can anyone answer?

 

[riff man]

On another note. Have you tried a lower gain tube in the SuperV, if so, how did it sound? I have one on the way and I've read your praises of the SuperV--that's why I ask.

Thanks![/quote]

sorry i can't answer your techy question
BUT
the Super V ROCK's .. even with stock tubes ...

 

[axecellent]

Thanks and I understand that. I'm just confused about how MrScary has mostly 1/4 watt in places that another module may have 1/2 watt. Also, I remember seeing Egnater modules with primarily (maybe all) 1/2 watt carbon comp's everywhere. I've read the Egnater modules are "richer", are carbon comp's the reason?

Could one (1/4 or 1/2) change the other, for better or worse, in our modules? Does it matter much?

On another note. Have you tried a lower gain tube in the SuperV, if so, how did it sound? I have one on the way and I've read your praises of the SuperV--that's why I ask.

Thanks!

As long as the power rating (in watts) is high enough to handle the power it won't matter. By 'high enough' I mean to prevent catstrophic meltdown/destruction. In other words, if you were to replace all you 1/2 watt resistors with 5 watt resistors you would not hear a difference in tone. You would however have to figure out how in the heck you're going to get 5 watt resistors to fit on an MTS/Eggie module. Then there's getting your now hulking module into the slot.

Back on point...There is one caveat to the above. But I have to get to work right now, so later.....

 

[axecellent]

The caveat being that small wattage resistors don't dissipate heat as well as larger wattage resistors. This is partly due to larger surface area of the (higher wattage) resistor itself and the fact that most resistors I've seen over one or two watts have built in heatsinks.

How would this affect tone? If you are using a 1/4W resistor when you should be using a 1/2W resistor, it is going to get very hot. The 1/4W resistor may not completely fail, *but* as temperature goes up, so does impedence (resistance). So in this scenario you will still have a functioning circuit, but since the 1/4W resistor is very hot, it's resistance may be much higher than expected. If this 1/4W resistor is in the 'right' part of the preamp cicruit, it could have a noticable affect on your tone.

Remember, it is more accurate to say that you are playing an electrical circuit than to say you are playing an electric guitar. Plus it sounds cooler. Well, to me anyway, but I'm a bit geeky that way.

Thomas

 

[SacredGroove]

Thanks a lot, Thomas! I forgot all about this thread.