That's a great quick intro to LTSpice. LTSpice is absolutely great. It takes some time to get to grips with and take advantage of its more advanced capabilities but it takes very little effort to get a basic circuit in it and get it to work. I can't remember what my first experience with it was 20 or so years ago when I first got to use it but I recently installed it again and I found it to be a complete doddle. I was really pleasantly surprise by how easy it was to use without having any prior training or experience in using it. It has a very intuitive UI.
Wonderful tutorial. Keep it up. I have been playing around with LT Spice for about a year to model changes I have made in AA5s. This was the most informative I have seen.
Excellent video. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to this tool. Been a technician all my life, recently decided to build an audio amp around a pair of sansui transformers I was given as a teenager. Been a student of yours for about a year now, learned so much!
It takes a few hours (days...) to get the hand-of-it but than after that, you can buzz these schematics out in 30 minutes or less. Playing with the values and running simulations is a lot of fun and it doesn't cost anything. Hope you enjoy it.
Great job on both the LTSpice models and the measurement of transformers! I too used PSpice on and off for years. Looks like LTSpice is more user friendly and intuitive. Looking forward to trying the Ayumi models. Iv'e been watching your transformer measurements videos with interest. They are a big part of the sound and the hardest circuit element to model. You have drawn me back into the subject and your channel. Can you post the link to the transformer library you show at the end? Keep the filaments glowing!
Hi Mark, Ever since I have seen your message I have looked for the file and link to the transformer parameters I showed in the video and I can't find it. I know I have it somewhere. As soon as I find it and the link where I got it I will reply to you again with the link.
Hello.. Wondering if you could give some direction on adding Norman Korens Tube Lbrary to LTSpice.. I have tried and not working.. Any help would be greatly appreciated.. Thank You..
There are several things that are important. First, name your Koren file somthing like this: Koren_Tubes.inc - you need that .inc on the end of the file. Secondly, you have to call that file in your LTSpice schematic. Use this statement: .lib Koren_Tubes.inc Third, you must call the tube name exactly as it is in the Koren file. Your Koren file must be where LTSpice can find it. I put it in the same directory as LTSPice. Send me your email and I will send you some LTSpice files that will (hopefully...) work for you so you can see. TheAudioShop@SBCGlobal.Net
I love your channel outstanding. I recently discovered LTspice and enjoy it as well. I am very fond of vacuum tube circuits. I was using the Koren tube library from a University site that is no longer active. as an inc file. I notice you are using Koren tubes as well as a library file, How do you install the Koren tubes in the LTspice. Thank You appreciate your help
The Koren Tubes file is just a file included in the same directory as the LTSpice file so there is actually no installation. If you have trouble finding any of these files let me know and I can forward to you as they are all free and I assume no restrictions about sharing with each other. I am also willing to share my amplifier files that I draw up. I don't know how to post them for free download so I would need an email address and I will be happy to forward anything I have to you. Thank you for your kind words. This part of my hobby and life is very rewarding much like amateur radio was decades ago where we shared common interests and passions and knowledge for electronics.
Is it only designed for Valve type amplifiers or can you make other circuits with it using say IC'S?? So you will be designing your own amplifier now hopefully?
It's primarily used for solid state. The fact that it can be used for vacuum tubes is because of a few guys like us that have taken the time to make models of the tubes, like Norman Koren, and share it. I have never used the Spice group of simulations programs for tubes until now. I really like LTSpice - much easier for me then PSpice. As for designing our own - I think all any of us do nowadays is select circuits or parts of circuits from well known designs and implement them in our builds. By coincidence, last night I was studying a Mullard 20 watt design and it was very much like the McIntosh design used in the MA230. I think everyone has plagiarized each other circuits since the beginning.
Here are some links to library files that will have the 6L6 in it. Not sure if there is a model for the original metal 6L6 but there are lots of other models for the 6L6GC. www.normankoren.com/Audio/Tubemodelinstr.HTM Here is a link for Ayumi tube models www.angelfire.com/electronic/funwithtubes/Spice_lesson_04.html Hope this helps.
I honesty don't know where I found that datasheet on the transformers. I have been asked for it several times before . I have searched for it multiple times and have it somewhere on my PC that I can not find. So much for having good data and then can't find it... If I ever do find it again, I will post a link to it.
@@ElPasoTubeAmps I found something here, www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/181578-spice-transformer-model-spreadsheet.html not quite the same. Thanks for the reply.
Yes, the LTSpice program is very powerful and is used for solid state equipment. We are fortunate that it can also be used for vacuum tube equipment if the Norman Koren or Aymui library of vacuum tube models is also downloaded and copied into the directory where the LTSpice program is located. You can down load it for free at the link below. It is a fantastic program based on the Spice circuit simulator program developed at UC Berkeley. There are other Spice based programs like PSpice which has a free download also that is a student version. The student version is functional with a limited library of models (I do not know if it will run the vacuum tube models or not) and a limited amount of nodes in the model. Usually, the PSpice student program is sufficient for most projects. I used is successfully when I worked for Lockheed at WSMR in the 1990's. www.analog.com/en/design-center/design-tools-and-calculators/ltspice-simulator.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImM6u8a-C3QIVTLnACh0iGQMfEAAYASAAEgJM_fD_BwE
ElPaso TubeAmps Wow! I have a mystery Amp from '76? (SS Earth Producer) I have no schematic, can't cross-reference the power transistors - not too worried, I'll just put the Peavey's in without blowing anything up? - but I've been wondering how many different transistors would do different tones. With Ltspice I could find out. Thanks!
Look for Norman Koren web site. This may help. www.normankoren.com/Audio/Tubemodspice_article.html There is also a Ayumi set of files you might want. I don't see them as any better and they take longer to run but, what the heck? If you can't find them after a good search, I can send them to you (I think that is legal...) if you email me direct. TheAudioShop@SBCGLobal.Net
Just a tip: the Koren models are grossly inaccurate. While none of the tube models accurately model clipping behavior, I have found the freely available Ayumi models to be incredibly close.
Benjamin, Thank you. I can find it easily at ayumi.cava.jp/audio/tubemodel_3.20_win.zip and it unzips easily but I can't figure out how to put it into a file like the Koren tubes and call it as a library. I try calling each tube individually but it I can't get it to work. I suppose I could copy each one into a folder but that seems too laborious and I am sure there is an easier way. Can you help?
The Ayumi models are trickier in that there isn't a single library for all of them, and that they require a bit of editing to work in LTSpice. I decided to just create a library you can add, with all of the models "fixed" for LTSpice already. This should make them easier to use. Here's a link to the zipped up library file: www.dropbox.com/s/0uhqqvdnqpq03qu/Ayumi_Tube_Model_Library.zip?dl=0 Just unzip it in a folder LTSpice can access, use a standard .inc statement to include the library, add the appropriate symbol for the tube type you want, and then edit the value field to the name of the subcircuit given in the library. The name of subcircuit is usually just the tube type.
A few other pointers, there are pre-triode strapped models for various pentodes, beam power tubes, tetrodes, etc. USE THEM. The simulations are faster and more accurate. For a triode, you would just include a triode symbol, but for any pentode, tetrode, beam power tube, etc, regardless of the number of grids, you have to use the tetrode symbol. The little readme file I wrote has more information, plus a complete list of all the tube types available, given as the exact string you want to enter in the value field when using that particular tube model.
I have been trying them and what I have had to do so far is include each tube individually in the schematic but when it runs it turns out really bad so I suspect I am not including another file in the directory that is necessary. Is there any way to put all of these files in one folder so they can be called very simply as they are in the Koren tubes with a .lib statement?
I remember Dune. I believe Spice came from those huge worms and it made their eyes blue and lips red, if I remember correctly. I don't think LTSpice can be used to create any algorithms but I could be wrong. You get it free from a really reliable source so you might want to check it out, www.analog.com/en/design-center/design-tools-and-calculators/ltspice-simulator.html#
That's a great quick intro to LTSpice. LTSpice is absolutely great. It takes some time to get to grips with and take advantage of its more advanced capabilities but it takes very little effort to get a basic circuit in it and get it to work. I can't remember what my first experience with it was 20 or so years ago when I first got to use it but I recently installed it again and I found it to be a complete doddle. I was really pleasantly surprise by how easy it was to use without having any prior training or experience in using it. It has a very intuitive UI.
Wonderful tutorial. Keep it up. I have been playing around with LT Spice for about a year to model changes I have made in AA5s. This was the most informative I have seen.
Excellent video. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to this tool. Been a technician all my life, recently decided to build an audio amp around a pair of sansui transformers I was given as a teenager. Been a student of yours for about a year now, learned so much!
good video......I always look forward to you uploading another video.......I must download this and see if I can make sense of it !
It takes a few hours (days...) to get the hand-of-it but than after that, you can buzz these schematics out in 30 minutes or less. Playing with the values and running simulations is a lot of fun and it doesn't cost anything. Hope you enjoy it.
Even better! When you have a transformer modeled the way you want, export its netlist and make a SUBCKT that you an include in other simulations!
Awesome! Thank you. More please :)
Great job on both the LTSpice models and the measurement of transformers! I too used PSpice on and off for years. Looks like LTSpice is more user friendly and intuitive. Looking forward to trying the Ayumi models.
Iv'e been watching your transformer measurements videos with interest. They are a big part of the sound and the hardest circuit element to model. You have drawn me back into the subject and your channel.
Can you post the link to the transformer library you show at the end?
Keep the filaments glowing!
Hi Mark,
Ever since I have seen your message I have looked for the file and link to the transformer parameters I showed in the video and I can't find it. I know I have it somewhere. As soon as I find it and the link where I got it I will reply to you again with the link.
You should try Micro-Cap12 as well. The software is now available for free from the spectrum software site.
Thank you. I had a program called Micro-Cap many years ago on floppy. I will check it out.
LTSpice is awesome!
Hello.. Wondering if you could give some direction on adding Norman Korens Tube Lbrary to LTSpice.. I have tried and not working.. Any help would be greatly appreciated.. Thank You..
There are several things that are important.
First, name your Koren file somthing like this: Koren_Tubes.inc - you need that .inc on the end of the file.
Secondly, you have to call that file in your LTSpice schematic. Use this statement: .lib Koren_Tubes.inc
Third, you must call the tube name exactly as it is in the Koren file.
Your Koren file must be where LTSpice can find it. I put it in the same directory as LTSPice.
Send me your email and I will send you some LTSpice files that will (hopefully...) work for you so you can see.
TheAudioShop@SBCGlobal.Net
I love your channel outstanding. I recently discovered LTspice and enjoy it as well. I am very fond of vacuum tube circuits. I was using the Koren tube library from a University site that is no longer active. as an inc file. I notice you are using Koren tubes as well as a library file, How do you install the Koren tubes in the LTspice. Thank You appreciate your help
The Koren Tubes file is just a file included in the same directory as the LTSpice file so there is actually no installation. If you have trouble finding any of these files let me know and I can forward to you as they are all free and I assume no restrictions about sharing with each other. I am also willing to share my amplifier files that I draw up. I don't know how to post them for free download so I would need an email address and I will be happy to forward anything I have to you. Thank you for your kind words. This part of my hobby and life is very rewarding much like amateur radio was decades ago where we shared common interests and passions and knowledge for electronics.
Can you use this program to create algorithms for a DSP? 🤔
"Our models are perfect." Just how perfect are the valves/tubes your using?
thank you as usual
Is it only designed for Valve type amplifiers or can you make other circuits with it using say IC'S?? So you will be designing your own amplifier now hopefully?
It's primarily used for solid state. The fact that it can be used for vacuum tubes is because of a few guys like us that have taken the time to make models of the tubes, like Norman Koren, and share it. I have never used the Spice group of simulations programs for tubes until now. I really like LTSpice - much easier for me then PSpice. As for designing our own - I think all any of us do nowadays is select circuits or parts of circuits from well known designs and implement them in our builds. By coincidence, last night I was studying a Mullard 20 watt design and it was very much like the McIntosh design used in the MA230. I think everyone has plagiarized each other circuits since the beginning.
Can you share the 6L6 model. Where did you find them ?
Here are some links to library files that will have the 6L6 in it. Not sure if there is a model for the original metal 6L6 but there are lots of other models for the 6L6GC.
www.normankoren.com/Audio/Tubemodelinstr.HTM
Here is a link for Ayumi tube models
www.angelfire.com/electronic/funwithtubes/Spice_lesson_04.html
Hope this helps.
Thanks ElPasoTA, where did you find the transformer information spreadsheet? Keep up the great videos and keep one hand in your pocket. :-)
I honesty don't know where I found that datasheet on the transformers. I have been asked for it several times before . I have searched for it multiple times and have it somewhere on my PC that I can not find. So much for having good data and then can't find it... If I ever do find it again, I will post a link to it.
@@ElPasoTubeAmps I found something here, www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/181578-spice-transformer-model-spreadsheet.html not quite the same. Thanks for the reply.
@@CraigHollabaugh That looks like some of the same data and I like their Spice model. Thanks...
Can this be relevant to '60s ~ '70s solid-state amps? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Yes, the LTSpice program is very powerful and is used for solid state equipment.
We are fortunate that it can also be used for vacuum tube equipment if the Norman Koren or Aymui library of vacuum tube models is also downloaded and copied into the directory where the LTSpice program is located. You can down load it for free at the link below. It is a fantastic program based on the Spice circuit simulator program developed at UC Berkeley. There are other Spice based programs like PSpice which has a free download also that is a student version. The student version is functional with a limited library of models (I do not know if it will run the vacuum tube models or not) and a limited amount of nodes in the model. Usually, the PSpice student program is sufficient for most projects. I used is successfully when I worked for Lockheed at WSMR in the 1990's.
www.analog.com/en/design-center/design-tools-and-calculators/ltspice-simulator.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImM6u8a-C3QIVTLnACh0iGQMfEAAYASAAEgJM_fD_BwE
ElPaso TubeAmps Wow! I have a mystery Amp from '76? (SS Earth Producer) I have no schematic, can't cross-reference the power transistors - not too worried, I'll just put the Peavey's in without blowing anything up? - but I've been wondering how many different transistors would do different tones. With Ltspice I could find out. Thanks!
Cant find Koren tube librart
Any help?
Look for Norman Koren web site. This may help.
www.normankoren.com/Audio/Tubemodspice_article.html
There is also a Ayumi set of files you might want. I don't see them as any better and they take longer to run but, what the heck?
If you can't find them after a good search, I can send them to you (I think that is legal...) if you email me direct. TheAudioShop@SBCGLobal.Net
hi, can you please post the links for downloading the program? Thanks.
www.linear.com is where you get LTSpice.
I believe this is where I got the tube library models.
www.normankoren.com/Audio/Tubemodspice_article.html
Thanks man! Appreciate it...
Just a tip: the Koren models are grossly inaccurate. While none of the tube models accurately model clipping behavior, I have found the freely available Ayumi models to be incredibly close.
Benjamin,
Thank you. I can find it easily at ayumi.cava.jp/audio/tubemodel_3.20_win.zip
and it unzips easily but I can't figure out how to put it into a file like the Koren tubes and call it as a library. I try calling each tube individually but it I can't get it to work. I suppose I could copy each one into a folder but that seems too laborious and I am sure there is an easier way. Can you help?
The Ayumi models are trickier in that there isn't a single library for all of them, and that they require a bit of editing to work in LTSpice. I decided to just create a library you can add, with all of the models "fixed" for LTSpice already. This should make them easier to use. Here's a link to the zipped up library file:
www.dropbox.com/s/0uhqqvdnqpq03qu/Ayumi_Tube_Model_Library.zip?dl=0
Just unzip it in a folder LTSpice can access, use a standard .inc statement to include the library, add the appropriate symbol for the tube type you want, and then edit the value field to the name of the subcircuit given in the library. The name of subcircuit is usually just the tube type.
A few other pointers, there are pre-triode strapped models for various pentodes, beam power tubes, tetrodes, etc. USE THEM. The simulations are faster and more accurate.
For a triode, you would just include a triode symbol, but for any pentode, tetrode, beam power tube, etc, regardless of the number of grids, you have to use the tetrode symbol.
The little readme file I wrote has more information, plus a complete list of all the tube types available, given as the exact string you want to enter in the value field when using that particular tube model.
I have been trying them and what I have had to do so far is include each tube individually in the schematic but when it runs it turns out really bad so I suspect I am not including another file in the directory that is necessary. Is there any way to put all of these files in one folder so they can be called very simply as they are in the Koren tubes with a .lib statement?
Great... Thanks Benjamin. I just sent you a message concerning what you fixed above. I will download it and try it out. Many Thanks. ..
there is a nice LTspice tuturial in which there is section on transformer. It may help you.
I found the link in diyaudio wiki.
www.gunthard-kraus.de/
Very nice - Thank You. Lots of models to work with.
All this talk about spice makes we want to go watch Dune... Lol
I remember Dune. I believe Spice came from those huge worms and it made their eyes blue and lips red, if I remember correctly. I don't think LTSpice can be used to create any algorithms but I could be wrong. You get it free from a really reliable source so you might want to check it out,
www.analog.com/en/design-center/design-tools-and-calculators/ltspice-simulator.html#