Question 6A490

Audio howl indicates an uncontrolled oscillation within an audio circuit, typically caused by positive feedback at an audible frequency. * **A) A "fringe" setting of the regeneration control:** In regenerative receivers, adjusting the regeneration control too high provides excessive positive feedback. While the "fringe" setting aims for maximum sensitivity just before oscillation, pushing it past this point causes the amplifier to self-oscillate at an audio frequency, resulting in a distinct howl. * **B) A defective tube:** A tube with internal defects, such as microphonics (where physical vibrations cause internal elements to move, modulating the signal), or shorts/opens, can introduce instability. This instability can manifest as unwanted oscillations or noise that produce an audible howl. * **C) An open grid resistor:** In a vacuum tube amplifier, the grid resistor establishes the DC bias for the grid. If it becomes open, the grid loses its proper reference, causing its potential to float. This can lead to uncontrolled gain, excessive current, or a lack of stability, often resulting in erratic operation or self-oscillation that produces an audio howl or "motorboating" sound. Since each of these conditions can independently cause audio howl, "All of the above" is the correct choice.