vacuum tube

Polarity has released Tubester 1, a free VST audio processing plugin for simulation of high-gain, high-sustain classic English tube amplifier and speaker combos

Features:

• Tubester 1 is a combined preamp, EQ and guitar speaker simulator designed to integrate into PC based digital audio workstation software like Cubase, Cakewalk, Tracktion, and FL Studio.
• Tubester 1 is a 3 stage preamp with input and feedback filtering implemented to match original 1960’s designs.
• Preamp tubes modelled on actual technical data for the Mullard EL83 triode.
• The EQ section gives fine control over bass, mid and treble bands (at roughly 100,300,750Hz with +/- 20db of boost and cut) with a presence control at slightly below 5KHz for additional control over tonal purity.
• Tubester 1 is a zero latency highly efficient implementation with minimal CPU overhead, and is thus suitable for real-time (live) use.
• Tubester is Free

The VST does not have any custom user interface – it will use the host interface host for control display (see example hosted in Tracktion). Download and install into the shared VST folder and Tubester should show up in the VST list.

For more information, visit the Polarity site.

Victoria Amplifer Co. has introduced two amps, the Trem d’la Trem and the Regal, that recreate classic amp designs.

The Trem d’la Trem is a classic mid ’50’s tweed design based on the venerable Fender 5E9-A Tremolux. It employs 2 cathode biased 6V6’s to produce a modest 14 watts of power. The footswitchable trem effect is achieved by modulating the bias of the phase inverter, yielding a smooth musical effect that is not affected by the volume of the amplifier. It features a bright and normal channel, master tone, speed and intensity. An Eminence Legend 15″ speaker is standard, with other configurations available upon request. MSRP $2,395.00

The Regal is an original Victoria design loosely based on the amplifiers manufactured by the Valco Co. in the 50’s and 60’s. It is powered by one 6L6 in single ended class A operation. The Regal’s controls are Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb, Speed and Intensity. The single 6L6 is perfect for discriminating tube swappers allowing for many hours of spirited conversation of the differences in tonal character of the many different brands and vintages of this workhorse of a power tube. The Regal is rated at approximately 15 watts, enough power for modest gigs and recording projects. The tremolo effect is achieved by modulating the bias of the driver tube, so, like the Trem d’la Trem, the tremolo can be enjoyed at any volume level. A single Eminence Legend 15″ inch speaker is the driver of choice. The Regal is covered in chocolate brown Tolex with a wheat grill. MSRP $2,395.00

For more information, visit the Victoria Amplifier site.

TheAirtightGarage has annouced the release of the Emily, a 5E3-based combo guitar amplifier.

Loosely modeled after the vintage 5E3 Deluxe, it features a larger cabinet, but retains the same tube compliment and 12″ speaker. The cabinet is solid wood and circuitry is point to point. Top-mounted controls are two bright and two normal inputs, volume control for each input, and a master tone control.

The Emily comes standard with a Jensen P12R Alnico driver, one 12AY7, one 12AX7, two 6V6GT’s and a 5Y3GT rectifier. Options are a bell cover for the speaker, brass nameplate, and vintage 6V6’s.

More information is available at TheAirtightGarage site.

Reverend Musical Instruments is shipping the Goblin 5-15, an all-tube, single-channel, guitar amplifier designed by Dennis Kager and Joe Naylor.

Intended for practice, studio or small gigs, the low wattage (switchable between 5 or 15 watts) and early overdrive characteristics allow for tube saturation at moderate volume levels. Also designed for versatility, the Goblin features the Schizo switch which offers three distinct voicings.

Features:

• Schizo Switch:
• • US – Transparent midrange with strong bass and treble for classic American clean and light overdrive.
  • LO-FI – More midrange and gain with a softer treble response for a bluesy tone .
  • UK – Even more gain with a distinctly British upper-mid peak for classic blues-rock and hard-rock crunch.
• Switchable Wattage: 5 or 15 watts. Use with the master volume to adjust the amount of overdrive and volume to suit different size rooms.
• All-Tone 1025 Speaker: 10 inch speaker featuring a seamed cone, high temperature voice coil and light weight, high power ceramic magnet. Exclusive design by Joe Naylor.
• Electro-Harmonix Tubes: two 6V6 and four 12AX7.
• Accutronics Reverb Tank
• All-Tube Circuit: 100% tube signal path and tube-driven reverb circuit.
• DC Filaments: all 12AX7 tubes have hum eliminating DC filaments.
• All-Plywood Cabinet

Construction features chassis mounted/hand-wired jacks, switches and controls. Independent pre-amp, power amp and control circuit boards for reliability and easy service. Ceramic flame-proof power tube sockets and synthetic low-noise pre-amp tube sockets. Tube sockets mounted to circuit boards with mechanical locking tabs.

Reverend Direct Price: $499

For more information, visit the Reverend site.

Johnson Musical Instruments has introduced the BlueLine Series of combo guitar amplifiers, designed to produce bluesy tones. BlueLine amps feature Alphatone speakers, spring reverb, high/low inputs and other features. These amps are designed in a retro-looking wood enclosure and feature top-loaded, forward-facing controls for total ease of use.

There are four different models to choose from. For a powerful practice amp, the 20-watt model features an 8″ speaker, a 3-band EQ and standard BlueLine features such as type-8 reverb and effects send and return. The 30-watt and 50-watt models feature 10″ and 12″ speakers respectively, plus a 3-band EQ. The 50-watt model also features volume and gain controls for both channels. The BlueLine 100-watt model is a performance level amplifier that features two 12″ speakers, a 3-band EQ for both channels, plus volume and gain controls for both channels.

The Alphatone speakers used in the BlueLine series were developed under guidance from Duncan Boniface, one of the world’s premier speaker designers. Boniface was once a principle engineer for Celestion International and has now provided his expertise into the development of Alphatone speakers.

All BlueLine Series amplifiers come complete with:

• Alphatone Speakers
• MDF Wood Enclosure
• Top-Loaded, Forward-Facing Controls
• Trapezoidal Shape
• Type-8 Spring Reverb
• 3-Band EQ
• Clean Channel
• High/Low Inputs
• Overdrive Channel
• Footswitch & Headphone Jacks
• Effects Send & Return
• Includes Cover

The BlueLine amps list from $179.95 for the 20-watt model to $419.95 for the 100-watt model.

For more information, visit the Johnson Musical Instrument site.