Product Description

• The Drive That Feels Alive Real analog behavior
• solved in real time. Color Drive is the Relab 176’s variable-gain tube circuit
• with transformers and all. This is true hardware saturation in software form. Saturation Built From a Real-Time Circuit Color Drive doesn’t stack algorithms or approximate “warmth.” It solves the Relab 176 tube stage
• with the input transformer
• 6BC8 variable-gain tube
• calibration bias
• and output transformer
• as a single
• living circuit. That’s why it behaves like hardware: every move changes the way the whole system responds. Harmonics that feel alive
• not static Because the full circuit is solved in real time
• density
• tone
• and transient shape interact exactly like they do in hardware. Subtle or bold – always musical From barely-there warmth to real tube crunch
• it can tuck transients
• add harmonic weight
• and give instruments presence without pushing them forward in level. If you’ve been waiting for a saturator that responds like real hardware
• this is the one that finally does it. Features Drive - The Heart of the Tube Stage:   When you increase the Drive you’re not just adding “more effect”- you’re pushing an accurate 6BC8 tube (and switchable output transformer) model inside a complete analog circuit. Harmonics build naturally
• transients round in a controlled way
• and the signal picks up that understated weight and glow you normally only get from real hardware. Switch in the Transformer
• Change the Harmonics: Switching to transformer coupling inserts the Relab 176’s output transformer back into the signal path
• completing the full analog chain. With Calibration centered
• the stage produces mostly odd-order harmonics
• adding focus
• punch
• and that familiar hardware solidity to a mix. Bias the Tube & Tune the Harmonics: Calibration adjusts the tube’s bias point
• letting you introduce just the right amount of even-order harmonics when you need warmth or contour. Especially when paired with the output transformer
• it becomes a precise way to shape the harmonic mix. You can create subtle
• musical shifts that give you real control over how the color sits in a track. Modern Controls Shape What the Circuit Hears: These controls let you decide how the signal enters the tube stage
• not just how much. The low-end crossover can route the deep bass around the drive circuit so you keep all the weight without muddying the harmonics. And the pre/post tilt or high-shelf emphasis filters let you steer exactly which frequencies push the tube harder. Together they give you precise
• musical control over the harmonic profile before any Drive is added. Mac requirements (64-bit only): OS: macOS 12 Monterey or higher CPU: Apple Silicon M1 or newer RAM: 8 GB minimum
• 16 GB+ recommended Formats: AU
• VST3
• AAX (64-bit) Auth: iLok account (dongle optional) Compatible host application (Apple Silicon–native versions): – Pro Tools: 2020.11 and up (AAX 64-bit) – Cubase: 9.5 and up (VST3 64-bit) – Nuendo: 8 and up (VST3 64-bit) – Ableton Live: 10 and up (64-bit) – Reaper: 7 and up (64-bit) Windows requirements: OS: Windows 10 and up (64-bit) CPU: Intel Core i7 (8th-gen+) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3000-series+) with AVX2 support RAM: 8 GB minimum
• 16 GB+ recommended Formats: VST3
• AAX (64-bit) Auth: iLok account (dongle optional) Compatible host application: – Pro Tools: 2020.11 and up (AAX 64-bit) – Cubase: 9.5 and up (VST3 64-bit) – Nuendo: 8 and up (VST3 64-bit) – Ableton Live: 10 and up (64-bit) – Reaper: 7 and up (64-bit) Please Note: QuantX Essentials is used as an example. Important Note: If you don't have iLok installed
• please follow the links below to install and activate it. iLok is required to use this plugin. Getting Started with the iLok License Manager Getting Started with the iLok License Manager: Windows Installation Guide Getting Started with the iLok License Manager: macOS Installation Guide Activation 1. Go to https://shop.relabdevelopment.com/redeem or click download in your Plugin Boutique User Account. 2. Enter your email address and iLok User ID > Click 'Validate Account'. 3. Go to your email inbox and locate the email from Relab Development > Click 'Verify Email'. 4. Enter the serial code found in your Plugin Boutique User Account > Click 'Validate Code'. 5. Tick the relevant boxes > Click 'REDEEM'. 6. Go back to your email inbox > You will have received an email with the download links > Click step 2's 'Available Here'. 7. Download the relevant installer. Installation Mac 1. Double click the .pkg file to begin installation.  2. Click 'Continue'. 3. Click 'Continue'. 4. Click 'Agree'. 5. Click 'Install'. 6. Click 'Close'. Your software is now installed and ready for use in your DAW! PC 1. Double click the .exe file to begin installation.  2. Click 'I accept the agreement' > Click 'Next'. 3. Click 'Next'. 4. Click 'Next'. 5. Click 'Install'. 6. Click 'Finish'. Your software is now installed and ready for use in your DAW!

Additional Information

About the Relab Development Color Drive

The Relab Development Color Drive represents excellent craftsmanship in the Saturation category.

Why Choose the Relab Development Color Drive?

• •Authentic Relab Development craftsmanship and design
• •Versatile sound suitable for multiple musical genres
• •Professional build quality and reliable performance
• •Part of Relab Development's respected Saturation lineup

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