tubedrve

In stock

Original price was: € 799.00.Current price is: € 699.00.

The tubedrve is a stereo tube saturator module for the API 500 series also known as the ‘lunchbox’ format.

The difference between this version and the ‘mastering’ version is that this version has smooth potentiometers (knob controls) with no steps, plus this version has a bit more gain for extra distorted tones.

The tubedrve utilises 2 pentode tubes per module.The 6AS6 vacuum tube can be switched from pentode to triode operation. Triode mode provides a smoother type of overdrive with more ‘even harmonics’. Pentode mode provides an aggressive distortion with more ‘odd harmonics’.Switchable bypass and a mix knob for parallel processing provide pro audio requirements. The two channels are controlled independently from one another.

The module can be controlled with an input or ‘drive’ level, controlling the audio signal going to the tubes. A bias control sets the operating point for the distortion tube, allowing the user to control the bias current. With high and low settings this introduces asymmetrical waveform clipping, providing a more aggressive sound.

A boost switch provides 15dB of extra gain, for extra overdriven tones. An output level control controls the level coming from the tubes.

A simplified overview of how the tubedrve works can be found in the manual at the bottom of this page.

parallel mixing

The mix knob provides full dry and wet operation, allowing for parallel processing. This is a great feature to have in a saturator since they tend to compress audio. Parallel processing allows the user to dial in the exact amount of saturation they want and provides full control over dynamics.

A white led lights up when the distortion tube is being overdriven. Furthermore there is a bypass switch which switches the module out using relays for complete bypass.

An anodised black aluminium frontpanel is used, providing a long and lasting finish.

“This is essential for anyone after that saturation sound that only tubes provide, and it easily competes against – in some cases beats – saturation units I’ve owned costing 3-5x more” – Lorn, electronic musician

high voltage

Plate voltage for the tubes is 240VDC, due to a DC-DC converter which generates the high voltage from the +- 16V power supply of the API 500 format. This is needed for the best possible overdrive sound. This is unlike other designs which use the +48V supply for the plate voltage, which leads to a ‘starved plate’ sound. The +240VDC plate supply in this design allows for the best possible tube overdrive sound.

NOS (‘New Old Stock’) tubes are used, meaning they are unused tubes manufactured in the 70s or 80s.

Tubedrve has the following power consumption. Please check if your 500 rack and other modules can provide this: (+16V = 95mA, -16V = 90mA, per slot).

pricing

The tubedrve is priced at 699 euros, excl. any applicable sales tax. They are assembled by hand in small batches.

demos

Demos of the tubedrve are available at the bottom on this page, the Singular Audio Instagram and on the YouTube channel.

files

Tubedrve manual

Tech specs

Panel design for recall sheets

16 reviews for tubedrve

  1. Jasenko K. (verified owner) –

    Fantastic unit! With the mix button you can use it anywhere.

  2. Mats V. (verified owner) –

    Wonderful on the livedrumbus. So much more fun and useful and intuitive than digital

  3. Anonymous (verified owner) –

    First, be assured customer service from Singular Audio is simply flawless : UPS lost my unit, Berend dealt with this without a single peep from me and a second one was delivered in a couple of days. Some brands around could (and should) learn from SA…
    Second, this module is superbly built and capable of so many things sound-wise : mild tube compression, elegant lift-up/punch, warm triode saturation, in-your-face pentode smash, etc. without ever producing unwanted hairy artifacts. Forget the competition, the tubedrve is a gem!
    I can wholeheartedly recommend Singular Audio. Thanks and see you real soon!

  4. Pete S. (verified owner) –

    This beautiful piece of engineering is excellent. I really love the control and variability on tap via bias pot, plus the indicator LED is very helpful in tandem.

    The build quality feels great and the pots are smooth in their travel.

    The only thing I would add (and I am by no means complaining) is a link feature to accurately tie the two channels together. However I have found that by not having this it has encouraged me to be more aware of adjustments and comparison between the channels on certain stereo uses. For the price though I think this unit brings exceptional value to my studio setup. Thanks and I can’t wait to see future product releases.

  5. Waldemar –

    Tubedrv has now dotted the i.
    Everything sounds fat and warm now

  6. Richie B. –

    This unit blew me away – the build quality is solid and the tone/distortion from this is awesome, along with great customer service

  7. Balazs B. –

    Love this unit! Mine is used to sprinkle some magic over the master signal of a eurorack live techno rig. Using it in very low settings as master saturator it energizes everything, fattens the bass rumble, adds some crunch to hats makes claps dunno, sound awesome, flattens some kick transients. It glues and warms the mix maybe even better than a compressor though if you need extra punch then do use it in combination with compression. There are plenty of settings to try different flavors and the dry/wet knob helps to just add a little touch of tube-y magic dust to the sound. Recommend

  8. Craig B. –

    Amazing unit that surpassed my expectations. Along with great customer service. The tubedrve is an amazing purchase, solid build and capable of some great tone.

  9. Jordan H. –

    First of all before I mention anything about the product let me say the customer experience by Berend was nothing short of first rate. Great communication, and just a easy process from my first email to actually receiving the unit. As to the unit itself, I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far, still in the testing phase but it does what it was designed to do, and does so with absolute class. Highly recommend.

  10. Robert S. –

    awesome service – fast deliver and the product needs a star on the walk of fame!

  11. Yaris P. –

    Superb customer support ! There were complications with shipping through DHL and Berend was very fast with a solution and it was very nice to deal with him ! Build quality is excellent and the knobs turn really smooth ! I like the boxtone of the unit, from subtle saturation to distortion !

  12. Bruce V. –

    This module rocks. Super sexy distortion module. If you like to enhance your mix get it.

  13. Jason R. –

    Exactly what I wanted. I was looking at getting a Culture Vulture but wanted a wet/dry mix to precisely control the distortion which the Tubedrve has. It has a wide sweet spot and is easy to dial in. Something which I found difficult when I tested the hardware Culture Vulture. I have set the drive and bias to give a really nice crunch on drums, then balanced both channels with a test tone. I adjust and save the amount sent to Tubedrve in my DAW for recall and leave the hardware set.

  14. Joseph F. –

    product was shipped quickly to USA. Packaging could use improvement as bow was crushed but unit and tubes made it. Initial testing is very positive for nice saturated sounds!

  15. Tom M. –

    Beautiful little piece of gear, I finally have that sound I’ve been craving and at a very reasonable price. Controls are intuitive and build is solid. Shipping to Australia was also incredibly fast and Berend was very responsive and helpful by email.

  16. Helge H. –

    Love the tubedrve, i want more channels🙂!

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