Cathode Follower

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domct203

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In case anyone was wondering, V5a is a cathode follower position.

I confirmed this via email with Mesa.

I have a bunch of Mesa Russian-2 (EX) 12AX7’s that i want to try in the lead channel positions, should be no worries.
 
To put it simply, a cathode follower is an impedance conversion stage (buffer) that transforms a high-impedance signal into a low-impedance signal. It’s usually used to feed the tone stack section. Many tube amp players feel that the cathode follower adds a certain ‘flavor’ of harmonics to the signal.

Because the load is in the cathode circuit, the cathode is at a high voltage and it is often necessary to elevate the heater supply to a cathode follower. This can destroy weaker heater circuits, and Russian made tubes have proven to be problematic in cathode follower use.
 

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