Color Drive

Real analog behavior, solved in real time

• Real-time modeling of the complete Relab 176 tube circuit

• Hardware-accurate saturation behavior without stacked algorithms

• Drive control based on a true 6BC8 tube stage

• Switchable output transformer for characteristic harmonic emphasis

• Calibration control for shaping even and odd-order harmonics

• Advanced input filtering for precise harmonic control

Color Drive models the variable-gain tube stage of the Relab 176 as a complete analog circuit solved in real time – including the input transformer, 6BC8 tube, calibration bias, and optional output transformer. Rather than stacking algorithms, the entire signal path is calculated as a single, continuous, living circuit.

This approach allows Color Drive to behave like real hardware. Every adjustment affects the whole system, with harmonics, transients, and dynamics interacting organically – from subtle warmth to dense, musical tube saturation without unnecessary level increase.

The Drive control does more than add intensity. Increasing Drive pushes an accurately modelled 6BC8 tube within the complete analog circuit, naturally building harmonics, rounding transients in a controlled way, and adding weight and presence to the signal.

Engaging the output transformer completes the full analog signal chain. With calibration centered, the circuit emphasizes odd-order harmonics, adding focus, punch, and solidity. The Calibration control shifts the tube’s bias point, allowing precise blending of even-order harmonics for added warmth and tonal contour.

Modern input-shaping controls determine what the tube stage responds to. A low-end crossover routes deep bass around the drive circuit to preserve clarity, while tilt and high-shelf filters let you target specific frequencies to drive the tube harder and shape the harmonic balance.

Mac:

• macOS 12 or later
• M1 or later
• RAM: 8 GB

Windows:

• Windows 10 or later
• Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 with AVX2 support
• RAM: 8 GB