Adding tube warmth with the Freqtube FT-1 - Audio demonstration
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Thursday January 4, 2024
David Mellor
David Mellor is CEO and Course Director of Audio Masterclass. David has designed courses in audio education and training since 1986 and is the publisher and principal writer of Adventures In Audio.
@AudioMasterclass replies to @philipfrench8496: You should probably check with the manufacturer.
@rickyblair8802: I WANT TEAR REAL DRUMMS!
@bobbyboyderecords: Winamp used to be able to run plugins, isotope made a plugin for Winamp.
@oldvalvemic: No output compensation for when you crank the input meaning that mostly people will be impressed with gain change regardless of audio distortion …its not a difficult thing to do these days and means you can focus on how things actually change …given your usual clinical and cynical view of actual audio rather than perceived audio Im surprised you haven’t mentioned this. As a mastering engineer i find the plugins that compensate for level changes have been a real winner.
@kawmic7: Horrible!!
@anonamouse5917: Source > DAC > Tubes > ADC > DAC > Preamp > Power Amp = Gimmicky Effect
Source > DAC > Tube Preamp > Tube? Power Amp = Tube Experience
imho.
The best sounding amp I ever owned was the Luxman LV-104u. It had an undervolted tube preamp and MOSFET power amp.
@Bob-Fields: Please tell me the name and model of your eyeglasses. I've wear similar ones that are now out of production and I very much like the ones you are wearing.
@AudioMasterclass replies to @Bob-Fields: Jelli multi-coloured from https://www.tigerspecs.co.uk/ DM
@Bob-Fields replies to @Bob-Fields: @@AudioMasterclass thank you for your reply and your great content!
@oo131193oo: Foobar2000 would be the solution here. It is a good customizable music player which can also work with VST Plugins when you install the vst adapter component for it. You can basically listen to music through your own dsp/vst chain...
Edit: I am not the first one to mention it...
@motorcaster57: I am the drummer in my band and I feel like I can hear 'drums' better than anyone else... It is quite a sensitive instrument... I am pretty happy with the ability to mix drums with the fairly robust platform in protools... But if I were doing it for a living I would want them going to tape for the warmness in the tom sound and the warmness of the edge in the snare.... All instruments are quite subjective.... I tune my drums in 4rths and when I change the interval no one else seems to notice but I wouldn't record or perform any other way at the moment... I would be like an out of tune guitar...I don't think most people hear notes on drums becasue they are listening to and for them on a drumkit..... much the same way as a guitar player is more interested in the pitch as opposed to playing in the pocket until you get really good on your insturment... Heck, most drummers don't know about pocket and groove either...
@richardvarey592: Great concept, but AUS$1500? I use JRiver Media Center to host low-cost and free-of-charge VST plug-ins.
@GadgetyMV: Audio player Foobar2000 can run VSTs with the VST 2.x/3.x Adapter; both are advanced freeware for the Windows platform. It's available for 32-bit and 64-bit.
@jonathanlake6053: I cannot see the point of this,if you have invested money in a hi-fi that has been manufactured to a certain spec why would you want to distort the output from it,unless of course your current set up is sadly lacking.
@marktuehannibal replies to @jonathanlake6053: No meant for Hi-Fi - But music production / Mix / mastering
@steenstube: Maybe someone has made that comment already: foobar2000 runs a number of plugins, among others vst-based. I'm using an EQ and a Room Correction w. microphone plugins
@apigge8723: @tactileslut should be acknowledged and fits neatly into the conversation as well.
@apigge8723: Might be dreaming, might be the moonshine, but I sense a conversation subtext within the collective comments of @frogandspanner, @Douglas_Blake_579, @Blacksheep1042, and of course the fine chap known for holding his cards to his chest, @AudioMasterclass. Anyone else? Cheers all!
@tactileslut: "The more you play with it, the better it . . ."
@marxman00: I dont think valves had anything to do with warmth , it was always the fact that tape compression /saturation was unavoidable.
@radman8321: The lengths some people go to to recreate the distortion of the past with the highest degree of accuracy is just mind-blowing. Taking a signal from the digital domain, passing it through a D/A converter, shoving it through some valves, then putting the signal back through an A/D converter. Is any of this real or is the freqtube just a piece of software with an external controller box and some fake "valves"?
@gerardoromano3436 replies to @radman8321: Indeed, there are real tubes (with neon light...) oh one thing they operate at low plate voltage, so no real tube sound, just a taste, like a guitar pedal.
@radman8321 replies to @radman8321: @@gerardoromano3436 That makes sense. I was wondering about the HV and it just didn't look right.
@rafaelfranco7041: Audiophiles talk a lot about the holographic sound stage of tubes. Can it do that? I'm just a music lover.
@AudioMasterclass replies to @rafaelfranco7041: I'm planning a video on holographic sound, probably sometime in October. DM
@isotoxin: VST's on Windows can be run with a free (there is paid version too) app: Cantabile
@adam872: To me you would use this device when you're wanting to deliberately add colouration to an individual element or full mix. It also acts as a garden variety EQ (filtering plus some parametric) too. There are some nice settings but some of them got too crispy for me and some were outright unpleasant.
@spacemissing: You don't have to use tubes. Just cut the high frequencies enough and you'll get a similar effect.
@mariokrizan399: Greetings David🙋♂️ Speaking of the choice of sound, with the limitations imposed by the website of course, I like the one with real tubes with manual tuning. The sound from the digital interface is very dry and when turned up, it has horrible distortion. And since you talked about tubes today, what do you think of the sound of CD players that have vacuum tubes on the analog output? Do you think it is justified? Or do you think that having a tube preamplifier and tube power is enough to make the CD sound warmer? I would like to know your opinion and perhaps you could allocate a chapter to the topic, just as you say that we propose topics to you. Thank you very much in advance and greetings again.
@AudioMasterclass replies to @mariokrizan399: OK I've put it in my list, which is a long list so it might not be soon. Putting tubes in a CD player is of course a crazy idea, but that's we all like isn't it? DM
@colourbasscolourbassweapon2135 replies to @mariokrizan399: @@AudioMasterclass well ngl i make music so i would use this for music tbh stuff like drums and bass and synths stuff and on the master and more on my DAW name Ableton live 11
@patricketp8356: How can it be compared to the Elektron Analog Heat? How sounds a pure sinewave throught the Freqtube?
@Stuartrusty: From what I can remember my music teacher at high school telling me, "if you want something that looks and sounds like a piano, then get a piano." This unit is exactly that. Not a software simulation, but real valves.
@paulstubbs7678: Pity you didn't take the lid off, show us what's inside.
@marxman00 replies to @paulstubbs7678: orange LEDs behind some tubes that are not in circuit.. same as the behringer vintage compressor.
@marktuehannibal replies to @paulstubbs7678: Wrong it is real tubes@@marxman00
@paulstubbs7678: Is that thing using real tubes, I got somewhat suspicious when you switched valves, whilst instant swapping on screen means nothing, the 'tubes' in the box warmed up and cooled off instantly, like your just lighting up dummies with a few LED's - as in it's just a control surface. Otherwise it having no audio in's and out's is silly.
As for a future video, a device that can be used on a home HiFi system, as in with audio sockets, would be nice.
@apigge8723: @Audiomasterclass Thanks for helping to stimulate needed meaningful conversations. I believe you introduced this device 7 months ago. To revisit the box continues to punctuate the implications of all our choices regardless of our relationship to and participation in the audio arts. Cheers!
@brannonmcevers1854: Love the comedy and cynicism of your channel. For those who love copious amounts of 2nd harmonic distortion this would be a great recording effect. Is this for hi-fi??
@johnnyrenfield: Own one and love it to death
@raycochrane3971: Almost all of the drive settings turned the batter head sound of the kick drum to splatter head. Eek. Not a sound I'd enjoy listening to. Looking at the LED orange representation of the tubes being 'warm" on the hardware was disappointing too. What are your thoughts on starved plate sonics?
@geoff37s38: May be useful for a recording engineer, but as a listener and hifi enthusiast I would find this box of tricks distracting and irritating. Listeners are at the mercy of the production quality of the recording and even the finest loudspeakers are far from perfect, especially in an average room. Constant fiddling with this box to try and compensate for shortcomings in the recording is a road to insanity.
@johnr6168 replies to @geoff37s38: Too true. I think the bigger issue here however is that some people desire a certain type of sound while not worrying much about accuracy. There's no way I would even think about having a unit like this. i'd rather have as few components in the chain as possible and go for accuracy.
@geoff37s38 replies to @geoff37s38: @@johnr6168 yes, recording quality is so variable and box will require adjusting for each album or even individual track.
@jonathanlake6053 replies to @geoff37s38: @@geoff37s38 Yes because you are adding distortion to the signal path every time you make an adjustment.
@marktuehannibal replies to @geoff37s38: It is intended for music production / Mix and Mastering
@onepieceatatime: Should work with Audirvana.
@apigge8723: @Audiomasterclass Perhaps you might be persuaded to reveal to us what causes you to bestow your ❤ symbol to the @frogandspanner comment. Cheers to you both!
@apigge8723: @frogandspanner Perhaps you could be persuaded to clarify and elaborate on your conductor/musician/architecture comment. I anticipate additional investment from you might be meaningful to us. Thanks!
@billmilosz: Many audiophiles use the Jriver media player software, and one can use VST2 and VST3 plugins with the latest versions.
@JayJamsSpams: I'd say it always sounded best bypassed. Anyone want to buy a length of wire?
@natnanatna100: I believe the effect makes more sense with strings / guitars or piano...
NOS western tubes surely sound more warm... If this device uses Chinese cheap ones, I don't thing it's going to sound really nice.
@SubTroppo: No wonder some hifi amps in the seventies came with no tone controls. There are many instances when lack of choice is a convenience.
@carlsitler9071: I have a solid state amp that leans to the warm side (Marantz) without the inherent distortion of tubes (archaic technolody). Still, like inherently distorted vinyl, tubes can sound nice. I only use it to power my quad 15" woofers.
@razisn: A short discussion about even vs odd harmonics, especially lower order ones, would have been helpful.
@kanfam replies to @razisn: Agreed, also needed clarification so I've turn to Bard and GPT. Below please find GPT-4 (Premium) answer, though it seems to clarify, I do not have the necessary background to validate it.
In music and audio engineering, the term "harmonics" refers to frequencies that are multiples of a fundamental frequency. For example, if you have a fundamental frequency of 100 Hz, the first harmonic would be 200 Hz, the second would be 300 Hz, and so on.
Harmonics can be classified as "even" or "odd" based on their order:
1. **Even Harmonics**: These are harmonics whose order is an even number (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.). In our example with a fundamental frequency of 100 Hz, the even harmonics would be at 200 Hz (2nd), 400 Hz (4th), 600 Hz (6th), etc.
2. **Odd Harmonics**: These are harmonics whose order is an odd number (3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.). Continuing with our 100 Hz example, the odd harmonics would be at 300 Hz (3rd), 500 Hz (5th), 700 Hz (7th), etc.
### Lower-Order Harmonics:
Lower-order harmonics are those closest to the fundamental frequency. They usually have a greater impact on the overall sound because they are closer to the fundamental note that's being played.
1. **Even Lower-Order Harmonics (e.g., 2nd, 4th)**: These harmonics tend to sound pleasant and musical. They add richness and warmth to the sound. The 2nd harmonic is an octave above the fundamental, so it blends well.
2. **Odd Lower-Order Harmonics (e.g., 3rd, 5th)**: These can also sound musical but are more likely to introduce a "twangy" or "nasal" quality to the sound. The 3rd harmonic creates a sound that is an octave and a fifth above the fundamental, a combination that can either enhance or detract from the original sound, depending on the context.
### In Layman's Terms:
Imagine a guitar string. When you pluck it, you hear a main note, but there are also other, quieter notes happening at the same time. These quieter notes can either make the main note sound fuller and richer (like adding seasoning to food) or they can make it sound harsh and grating (like too much salt).
- The "even" seasoning (2nd, 4th harmonics) is like adding a bit of garlic and olive oil: it generally makes things richer and more delicious.
- The "odd" seasoning (3rd, 5th harmonics) is more like adding hot sauce: it's got a kick, and a little bit can be exciting, but too much can overpower the dish.
So, when you're working with music or sound, paying attention to these "seasonings," or harmonics, can help you create the flavor of sound you're looking for.
(from GPT-4)
@marxman00: Excellent for demastering remastered music.
@slevengrungus: I'd say im probably going to be happy with my standard ableton plugins for now. I can see a use for tubes where I need to dial in extreme distortion and I want to avoid aliasing
@Stormsurf001: Nice 'Spinal Tap' Reference! 11 is normally loud enough.
@mwdiers: On Mac, there are a couple of very useful utilities from RogueAmoeba that let you insert AU plugins into your listening environment without needing a DAW. The most useful of them for listening is SoundSource. It also lets you do other nice things, like controlling the volume of individual applications. The other utility is RogueAmoeba, which is a very powerful audio routing/mixing/recording application. It also lets you insert AUs. If one is only looking to add an AU to an app for listening, such as an audio player, SoundSource is all you need. At present, it is only $39.
@slevengrungus: im quite a fan of music yea 1:30
@lenimbery7038: Well at least it goes to 12 but other than that, I've got no use for any kind of silly tube "warmth" in my recordings
@alastairgames_: SoundSource by Rogue Amoeba allows you to run audio plugins right in MacOS. Perfect for custom EQs etc.
@frogandspanner: What was really great with Rattle at the CBSO in Brum Town Hall days was the way he got the players to simulate valve distortion. This distortion was designed into Symphony Hall, thus removing the need for performer skill.
@Douglas_Blake_579: When the recording engineer thinks he's part of the band...
@Blacksheep1042 replies to @Douglas_Blake_579: Ahhhm...
Bakeingpowder, basquiat me?????
(Sounds of crude, fast, moonshine
"Strait from the bottle" drinking)
When the common wealthy man that
own High calibrated Kilo $ audiophile
boxes think he is part of the recording,
mixing and mastering chain...
N.B - some bands/artists does count their
sound engineer as part of the royalties
credits owners - material way of expressing
" your part of the creation".
Not many, not too much but that phenomena
Exists.
Be blessed, healthy, creative, free and prosper.
@Douglas_Blake_579 replies to @Douglas_Blake_579: @@Blacksheep1042
Care to translate that into English?
@Blacksheep1042 replies to @Douglas_Blake_579: @@Douglas_Blake_579
Sorry sunshine, it's the moonshine...
Just use google translate, honestly it's
not that hard - using google and/or
understand the spirit and soul of my
comment above.
English for beginners & rednecks after moonshine
Bonus:
Only - mostly in the classical / orchestral recordings
The recording and balance engineers are paid to sound
"Transparent".
Ton miesters learns up to 7 academic years to do just
so.
But even in that field some Tonmiesters are considered
A bit different then others on that topic and accordingly
they will be chosen by labels/conductors/producers.
Its: "where, what and for whom"- the recording is made for.
For most other type of music it is big deal who is the
Engineer and what he brings (sound) to the production.
Think about the dry rooms of Air montserrat studios,
The london mixing room +pair of auratons and the
sound signature of "Brothers in arms" original CD/ Vinyl.
Or the sound signature and sonic qulities of "Thriller".
If your into Jazz:" Rudy Van Gilder" - google;).
Thank you for joining me to moonshine sipping -
be blessed!
@thinkIndependent2024: Foobar200 VST plugin
@pageyjjj: let's not forget Apple's Garageband.
@baritonfelix: Very interesting, but it looks to me like a plugin with an outboard box as a gimmick. Is the sound really so much better than what software alone can achieve these days?
@AbsoluteFidelity: If I were into distortion, I would just get the Freqtube and play with it for years instead of messing with actually tubes. There is literally nothing the Freqtube cant do that a tube can. The Freqtube will literally change how your whole system sound dramatically, if you wished. Give me accuracy anytime anyday.
Could you please do vocals, male and female, the next time? Could you demonstrate how distortion and noise can give the listener a false sense of depth?
@MarcelNL replies to @AbsoluteFidelity: Yeah I also mae a post about male and female vocals and gave a few examples that he could use.
I seriously hope to hear the effect on any of them! :-)
@MichaelSchuerig: On the Mac there's Rogue Amoeba's SoundSource. With it you can insert Audio Unit plugins into the signal path.
@ricktotty2283: Love your videos but this would not be one for me. Tubs went out for a couple of good reasons. Just like vinyl and tape. Electrolytic, capacitors, sandcast, resistors, and iron core inductors. Why go back to barely acceptable.
@MarcelNL replies to @ricktotty2283: A lot of people love the tube sound, me for instance.
@ricktotty2283 replies to @ricktotty2283: @@MarcelNL good.
@MarcelNL replies to @ricktotty2283: I used to have a Decware Taboo MK III with some really good tubes. The sound that came from that was just magic!
Especially with less interesting songs from the 1980's you sometimes could hear a certain instrument that sounded far mor realistic than actual reality. Really difficult to describe properly but I regularly was really shocked and amazed! 🙂
And with more modern songs it all sounded just so much fuller and more intense.
Of course my Audeze LCD-X headphones also had a really great sound signature but this amp improved things a lot!
@@ricktotty2283
@johnr6168 replies to @ricktotty2283: I agree with your point. The problem is that the idea of listening to a system that's accurate doesn't seem to appeal to many people who have preferences about the type of sound they want their system to have. This obviously goes against the idea of accuracy and 'fiddling' with the audio signal as little as possible.
@MarcelNL replies to @ricktotty2283: Some people love extremely thunderous bass that drowns out the rest of the music, others prefer as little bass as possible, others want a completely flat response to hear the music how the artist meant it to be, others want a bump here and there, a bit of resonance, a bit of color etc. @@johnr6168
@MarcelNL: Oh hey now, what's this? I was just googling for tube amps again after many months and suddenly you make this video.
Where's my tin foil hat???
This may be just what I need, gonna watch this video. :-)
Ah, and I indeed mainly will use it for my computer, hahaha! This is getting scary!
@MarcelNL replies to @MarcelNL: Have reached the sound demo but there's too much distraction here at the moment, will watch more later.
I would however love to hear some warm vocals being influenced with this, for instance Wolfsheim - "The sparrows and the nightingales" or otherwise Deine Lakaien - "Love me to the end".
And with female vocals maybe Nightwish - "Swanheart". (The first version that you get when you google for it. Other versions are less nice.)
Also Susanne Sundfor - "White Foxes". That song is absolutely amazing, very much detail in it and it goes DEEEEEEEP. With the Decware Taboo MK III this song was insanely beautiful on an Audeze LCD-X.
@MarcelNL replies to @MarcelNL: Warched the entire video, hmmmm I'm not entirely sure if this is something for me. Too many options. I prefer plug & play. Just add some good tubes and enjoy! 🙂Although those presets do seem interesting.