Available for download, the Slate Digital Virtual Tube Collection is a set of modules for VMR and VMR 2.0 that model the tonal characteristics of tube circuits. Think of this Collection as a virtual tube stage for any audio source craving the warmth, depth, and vibe that only valves can provide. It's suitable for use on a variety of audio, from electric basses, to vocals, to entire mixes.
Three different tube circuits are included, each one named after the region that inspired its sound. The London module emulates vintage tube circuits from Europe. Its sound is round and warm. New York is more aggressive and tight, as it marries tube sound with solid-state circuits developed in the New York area. Hollywood provides excitement in the lows and highs.
All three modules share the same controls. You're given a saturation knob, which drives the level of effect, as well as a continuous high-pass filter, an output knob, and a mix control. Often you can get interesting tones by playing with the relationship between the saturation and mix controls.
A selector at the top of the GUI flips between Preamp and Console mode. One is more suited towards individual instruments, while the other can work better on stereo submixes. These are guidelines however; experiment to get the best tone. Another selector flips between Push and Normal mode. For subtle sonic excitement, leave the unit in Normal mode, or push each module into full-on distortion with Push mode.
VTC gives you three modules that operate in the Slate VMR (Virtual Mix Rack). When you want to use VTC in your DAW, simply instantiate the VMR plug-in, and you'll be able to access these modules, as well as any other VMR plug-in for which you currently own or subscribe. These modules are Mac and Windows compatible. They can operate in VST, AU, and AAX formats, and iLok 2 or 3 is required to run them.
Common Uses
- Preamp and Push modes for tracks that need more vibe and color
- Console and Normal modes as the first insert on the mix bus for a bit of saturation, weight, glue, and analog color to whole mix
- Preamp and Console modes for adding saturation on drums, vocals, guitars, and keys
- Preamp and Push modes with mix knob for adding thickness and warmth in parallel to vocals, snare, toms, drum bus, or even across the whole mix
- Console and Normal modes in mastering chain for reducing peaks in a warm, yet punchy way
- Preamp and Normal modes in conjunction with VMS for giving your mic tone a little extra analog warmth
