NAMM 2020: Vox launches Valvenergy Series with four Nutube-loaded pedals
Vox has a new line of effects pedals in its just-launched Valvenergy Series. Integrated with Nutube technology, they include the new Mystic Edge, Copperhead Drive, Silk Drive and Cutting Edge pedals.
Nutube-loaded
Nutube technology was developed to imitate the sonics that conventional tubes provide, while remaining stable and efficient at the same time. Vox has used them in the past in amp heads as well as the Vox Continental keyboard. And though other manufacturers have been experimenting with Nutubes in pedal-circuits (eg. Ibanez Nu Tube Screamer), this will be Vox’s first foray into the territory.
This all-new pedal range comprises: Mystic Edge, made to replicate the archetypal Vox AC30-sound; Copperhead Drive, which is a more classic rock stack voicing; Silk Drive, based on a ‘legendary boutique amp’; and Cutting Edge, meant to deliver modern metal tones.
Vox Nutube-equipped Valvenergy Cutting Edge with OLED screen · Source: Vox
Three Connection Modes
The pedals are designed to be used either as a standard pedal or as a preamp. The latter can then output a line-level signal for use with an external power amp. Or finally as a DI box via an in-built analog cab sim.
Valvenergy
Each pedal’s circuit is based around Nutube ‘valve’ technology and is where the new Valvenergy series derives its name from. They also aim for a tube tone-like response via a 9-volt power supply internally boosted to 15-volts. This, in theory, should give you greater internal clean headroom and ideally, better playing dynamics too.
Each pedal has a buffered bypass, plus the ability to switch multiple pedals on and off at once via an 1/8” cable connection mode.
Valvenergy pedals can switch multiple pedals on and off at once · Source: Vox
Waveform
All the pedals feature a little OLED screen that offer a visual representation of the waveform in real-time. A neat feature, but perhaps a little gimmicky for my taste.
RRP – TBC
More Information
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