2 thoughts on “Mullard 12ax7/CV4004 Short Plates Russia”

  1. New Sensor’s latest entry into the market, the Mullard CV4004/12AX7, presents a focused alternative to their standard Mullard reissue. While the previous iteration relied on a long-plate design, this new version utilizes a short-plate structure specifically engineered to combat the common headaches of high-gain amplification.

    In the studio and on the bench, the physical design translates directly to performance. New Sensor pitches this as the go-to choice for guitar gear—particularly high-gain Marshall pre-amp circuits—leaving the long-plate version to the hi-fi enthusiasts. Our testing confirmed that the “dead quiet” claim isn’t just marketing speak; with noise floor measurements sitting between -83 and -86 dB, these tubes are significantly quieter than their predecessors and boast exceptionally low microphonics.

    Tonally, you aren’t sacrificing the signature Mullard character. The sound remains warm and rich, very much in line with the long-plate versions. However, there is a measurable trade-off in raw power: while long plates typically push a gain of 95-105, these short plates clock in slightly lower at 90-94.

    Final Verdict: An essential upgrade for guitarists struggling with noise and feedback. While you lose a small margin of gain compared to the long-plate version, the trade-off for a whisper-quiet, microphonic-free performance and classic warm tone is well worth it.

  2. I ordered a pair and will post my impression after they settle in. I have a pair of the old Groove Tube 12AX7-M and Blackburn Mullard’s too.

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