Palmer DREI Manual De Usuario página 12

4) RECTIFIERS - SOLID STATE VS. TUBE
The Palmer DREI comes with a GZ34 tube rectifier.
The rectifier converts AC (alternating current) from the mains connection
to DC (direct current) required by the amplifier circuit.
The early "classic" tube amps used tube rectifiers contributing to their
spongy feel and response. With the emergence of solid state technology
silicone diodes were used for rectification resulting in a tight and im-
mediate performance. Solid state rectifiers are less expensive, more ef-
ficient and easier to integrate into amplifier circuits than vacuum tube
rectifiers. Both types can be found in today's guitar amps providing a
choice of tone and feel. Some amps even use solid state circuits to emu-
late the response of a rectifier tube.
Generally, solid state rectification responds much faster to the in-
creased current demand when notes and chords are struck hard. The much
slower rise time of a tube rectifier results in a voltage drop during the
initial string attack commonly referred to as "sag". As the signal decays
the voltage builds up again essentially providing the effect of a com-
pressor/sustainer. Many players prefer tube rectification for this and
the warm, "breathing" quality and touch sensitivity.
The maximum voltage and rise time, i.e. the time to develop the maximum
voltage, vary between rectifier tubes and types. A different tube or a
solid state plugin can change the feel, sound and power of an amp.
ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN BEFORE SUBSTITUTING A DIFFERENT
RECTIFIER TUBE OR SOLID STATE PLUGIN TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO YOUR AMP!
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