Ashdown CTM-AAE Valve Pre - amyone using them?

[TheRumour]

I've acquired one, and can't seem to get any response from Ashdown (support).

 

Can't get the USB-C interface to work, nor front end a power amp for live sound.

 

Any reviews or advice?

 

 

[BassmanPaul]

Did you get the manual that comes with the unit? If you did then read the manual carefully.

 

Maybe you bought a faulty unit and it needs to be returned to Ashdown for service.

Edited July 26 by BassmanPaul

[amir93smith]

Hello, user and fan of the ctm - aae. Did you manage to get your unit working? Mine sounds incredible.
 

The usb interface took a little minute to figure out. On windows it doesn’t load as asio. It loads as “windows audio” or whatever it’s called so if you have an audio interface, that would be far better for latency and quality.  

[TheRumour]

I did buy this second hand.  No manual was present, and none on the Ashdown site (and none found on the internet).  Ashdown did get back to me and suggested a solid state preamp (IMG Stage Line MPA-102).  It's from Germany and I'm in the US. I tried an ART Tube MP and it was awful.  Now using a Rodyweil R003 Microphone Preamp Booster (solid state) and it sounds much better.

 

BTW, I opened up the unit to find a JJ ECC81 in V1, but two identical unlabelled long-plate tubes in V2 and V3.  I'm not sure if there was a swap made.  I've got a set of all three JJ's (ECC81, ECC82 and ECC83) coming in and will see if that makes any improvement.

 

I will re-try the USB-C with a Thunderbolt 4 cable and will try the Windows Audio setting.

Edited 1 hour ago by TheRumour

[TheRumour]

On 11/08/2025 at 01:59, amir93smith said:

Hello, user and fan of the ctm - aae. Did you manage to get your unit working? Mine sounds incredible.
 

The usb interface took a little minute to figure out. On windows it doesn’t load as asio. It loads as “windows audio” or whatever it’s called so if you have an audio interface, that would be far better for latency and quality.  

Where does it show up in Windows Device Manager, and what is it called?

[TheRumour]

2 hours ago, TheRumour said:

Where does it show up in Windows Device Manager, and what is it called?

OK, when I used a USB-C to USB-C cable (I've three USB-C ports) Windows would not recognize it. Tried all sorts of USB-C to USB-C (including Thunderbolt 4).

 

But, a USB-C to USB 3.1/3.2 cable worked!  Who knew?

 

P.S. Device Manager lists it as >Sound, Video and Game Controllers>USB audio CODEC.

 

Now to roll the tubes...