Relab Development's "Color Drive"—a saturation plugin that faithfully reproduces the real-time operation of the 176 hardware compressor's variable-gain tube circuit—is now 50% off at $39.
Relab Development's "Color Drive"—a saturation plugin that faithfully reproduces the real-time operation of the 176 hardware compressor's variable-gain tube circuit—is now 50% off at $39.
True analog behavior, resolved in real-time. Color Drive models the variable-gain tube circuit of the Relab 176, including its transformers.
It is, quite literally, hardware saturation brought to life in software form.
Saturation built from a real-time circuit. Rather than stacking algorithms or approximating "warmth," Color Drive resolves the Relab 176 tube stage—featuring an input transformer, 6BC8 variable-gain tube, calibration bias, and output transformer—as a single, living circuit.
That is precisely why it behaves like hardware; every movement alters the system's overall response.
Harmonics that are lively, not static.
Because the entire circuit is resolved in real-time, density, timbre, and transients interact exactly as they do in the hardware unit.
From subtle to bold, it always delivers musical expression.
Ranging from a hint of warmth to authentic tube crunch, it tames transients and adds harmonic weight, enhancing an instrument's presence without simply pushing the volume forward.
If you’ve been waiting for a saturator that responds like genuine hardware, this is the one that finally delivers.
Features
Drive – The heart of the tube stage: Increasing the drive doesn't just add "more effect"; it drives an accurate model of the 6BC8 tube (and switchable output transformer) within a complete analog circuit. Harmonics are generated naturally, transients are rounded in a controlled manner, and the signal takes on a subtle yet substantial sheen—the kind usually found only in real hardware. Switching Transformers to Alter Harmonics: Engaging transformer coupling reinserts the Relab 176’s output transformer into the signal path, completing the all-analog chain. With the Calibration set to the center position, the stage primarily generates odd-order harmonics, adding focus, punch, and the solid sound characteristic of hardware to your mix.
Tube Bias Adjustment and Harmonic Tuning: The Calibration function allows you to adjust the tube bias point, introducing the right amount of even-order harmonics when warmth and definition are needed. When combined with the output transformer, you can precisely shape the harmonic blend. By creating subtle, musical changes, you gain full control over the tonal character of your tracks.
Sculpting Circuit Tone with Modern Controls: These controls let you manage not only the amount of signal entering the tube stage but also *how* it enters. A low-end crossover allows you to bypass the drive circuit with the sub-bass, preserving low-end weight without compromising harmonic content. Additionally, pre/post tilt filters and a high-shelf emphasis filter give you precise control over which frequencies drive the tubes hardest. Combining these features enables precise, musical control over harmonic characteristics before the drive circuit is even applied.
Until 31th July.
