Tube Amp
by Voxengo · Saturation · Tube triode saturation
Not rated yet
A free tube saturation plugin modeled on a single-tube triode, ranging from soft warmth to fuzzy overdrive.
It adds a variable low-pass filter, a second output saturator stage, two modes and up to 8x oversampling, all at zero latency.
Best for: Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Mix Bus. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: tube, overdrive, free, low latency, bass, bus processing, oversampling, warm, electric guitar, fuzz, fuzzy, mix bus, subtle, vocals, zero-latency, aggressive, mixing, enhancement, full mix, gentle, hardware emulation, mastering, mid/side, single-band, synths, utility.
What it does
Tube Amp is Voxengo's free tube saturation plugin: "everything from a soft analog glow to aggressive overdrive." It models the behavior of a single-tube triode and is one of Voxengo's oldest plugins.
- Triode overdrive: from gentle, enriching overdrive to aggressive, fuzzy textures.
- Two modes: a subtler warm mode and a more "in your face" distortion mode.
- Filter and output stage: a variable low-pass filter for high-end roll-off and a dedicated output saturator for a second layer of harmonics.
- Routing: multi-channel support, channel routing and grouping, and mid/side processing.
- Quality: up to 8x oversampling and 64-bit floating point processing at zero latency.
Version 2.16. Tube Amp is free.
When to use it
Tube Amp is a free tube-style drive with more control than Softube Saturation Knob, a one-control free-to-cheap option; pick it for guitar and bass grit or light master-bus warmth on a budget. Soundtoys Decapitator and FabFilter Saturn 2 offer many more saturation styles than it does.
- Best for: overdriving guitars and bass, and adding harmonics to vocals, synths or a master bus.
- Genres: rock, metal, electronic and lo-fi, plus general mixing.
- Look elsewhere if: you want very subtle console-style color or a wet/dry mix knob; Warmifier or Saturn 2 fit better.
- Standout: single-triode drive with a second output saturator and 8x oversampling, for free.
What producers say
Reviewers find it a solid free tube drive, better at obvious distortion than at very subtle warmth.
- KVR users (2018–2022): "It can be pretty subtle or a very agressive, like a real tube," wrote one; another said "It holds up well."
- KVR forum (2020): a user in a favorite-Voxengo thread said "The free Tube Amp is pretty good too."
- Gripe: a 2022 reviewer wanted a wet/dry mix knob and "might prefer a different plugin when I need more subtle changes."
Where to buy
- Voxengo: Free
Tutorials and reviews
- FREE Voxengo TUBE AMP explained, analyzed & in a MIX (amagrasmusic)
- Voxengo Tube Amp Saturation Review [Free Audio Effect Plugin] (Higher Hz)
- THE VOXENGO TUBE AMP Free Plugin. (Sound-tutor)
- Voxengo Tube Amp - FREE Tube VST Plugin / Overdrive VST Plugin
- Tube Amp by Voxengo
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