Break-in period for tubes?

[bryan_kilco]

Hey guys, going to be installing a set of Rubys into the Mark IV probably tomorrow. Was supposed to start tracking Friday, but I decided to look up a break in period since I've heard of this numerous times before. Lots of people say to burn them in for at least 12 hours, but I received an email from the shipper saying that all tubes are burned in before being tested/matched.

Any insight here?

 

[53Crëw]

They burn in the tubes to make sure the plate current, etc., have stabilized before matching them. That being the case, I would say you don't need to worry about it. Most retailers I know of (Doug's Tubes, Tube Depot, etc.) are doing this with their tubes as part of the matching process.

If your retailer said they burn them in, you should be good to go...

Just put 'em in, and let 'er rip. \m/

 

[bryan_kilco]

Thanks bud! Gonna hopefully test em out tomorrow, at least give them a few hours of rippage!!!

 

[bryan_kilco]

Well, put these little bad boys in yesterday and tested her out. I didn't touch any settings, and I mic'd the cab and recorded a little of "old-tube-vs-new-tube" just for fun. I'm pretty sure I didn't bump the Master volume on the amp.....and the amp seemed wayyyy louder with the new Ruby tubes in (6L6/EL34 combo). Last time I retubed I didn't notice this.

What almost bugs me is: I can't really push the amp into it's sweet spot without it being WAY too loud! like, I can't even get to 2 on Master Volume without it being too loud for practice/shows. Why, Mesa, why ?!?!?!!?