A saturation plug-in that calculates the Relab 176 tube stage, transformers included, as a complete circuit in real time.

Color Drive calculates the input transformer, the 6BC8 variable-gain tube, the calibration bias and the output transformer as a single, continuous circuit. As a result, density, tone and transients interact as they do in hardware, from barely audible warmth to real tube crunch. The switchable output transformer emphasises odd-order harmonics for focus and punch, while calibration blends in even-order harmonics for warmth. A low-end crossover routes the bass around the drive stage, and tilt and high-shelf filters determine which frequencies push the tube harder.

Features

• Relab 176 tube stage calculated as a complete circuit in real time
• Drive control based on a 6BC8 tube model
• Switchable output transformer for odd-order harmonics
• Tube bias calibration for even-order harmonics
• Low-end crossover plus tilt and high-shelf filters before saturation

Technical details

• Type: Effect plug-in (saturation)
• Operating systems: Windows, macOS
• Plug-in formats: VST3, Audio Unit (macOS only), AAX
• Architecture: 64-bit

System requirements

• macOS 12 Monterey or later
• Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
• Processor (Mac): Apple Silicon M1 or newer
• Processor (Windows): Intel Core i7 (8th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3000 series or newer) with AVX2 support
• RAM: 8 GB

The licence is registered with the manufacturer at https://shop.relabdevelopment.com/redeem/. You will receive your serial number and the download link by e-mail immediately after purchase.