Now available in limited quantities from Tubemodules.com!
The Solid-State Tube module.

Click on the player to hear a clip from Irron's "Robot Army" played on a Mesa Boogie with my Synthetic Tube module in V1, the first preamp.

You can have the tube sound without the tube problems!

What is it?

The "Synthetic Tube" Solid-state Tube Module is an engineered product that duplicates the response of the best audio tubes available. Because it is engineered, it can be made to have any sound profile you can describe: bright, crystaline, dark, mid-rangey, boomy, bassy, etc. If you have a special need, contact me and we can make a custom device for you.
The modules are made to replace the first and second preamp tubes, usually labeled "V1" and "V2" in most amps. These are important positions responsible for some of the sound of an amp. If the tubes in that position are not optimum, the amp can sound thin and weak, or lack bottom end. If these tubes are too low in gain, the amp will never be able to drive the output hard enough for that great "tube amp" sound!
It replaces 12AX7, ECC83, ECC803, 7025 and their equivalents.
If there are any questions as to whether you can use this in your amp, please contact me with the make and model, and I will make sure it will work.

What models are there?

There currently are three module versions:

Raw - a really bright sound for metal and distortion work

Tubular - a warmer sound that is like an old-stock tube

Hi-Gain - more gain and a deep bottom end

What does it sound like?

Reports have been that, in an A/B switched test with identical amps, it sounds like the best NOS tubes.

What other qualities does it have?

It produces virtually no heat. It is low-noise, and of course is not microphonic. It is not a vacuum tube, but its characteristic curve is like a vacuum tube. No modification of the amp is needed.

Why did you make it?

Like everybody else, I get bad tubes sometimes. If I want them tested, the price can go over $45 for each tube, and that is still no guarantee that they will be what I want in a preamp tube: low noise, low microphonics, and at least standard gain.

Why should anybody want it?

If you have a problem with microphonics in your preamp tubes, or too much noise or hiss, or low gain from your tubes, you may want to try one.
As a friend of mine said, "You can have the tube sound without the tube problems!"

I routinely come across tubes in old amps that are the original tubes. Preamp tubes made back then DO last a LONG time. The tubes made these days are not so good, in my experience. I often have to replace tubes that are less than ten years old because they die, get microphonic, or get noisy! So the claim that these will reduce the need to replace preamp tubes can be made with some qualifications if you have commonly-available preamp tubes.

Caution!

Since these are solid-state devices, they could be affected by voltage spikes on the guitar amp inputs. Lightning strikes would not be good for them. Severe static electricity could hurt them, and you.
It is strictly a first- or second-preamp tube module, usually labeled as V1 and sometimes V2. Other positions are possible, but I need to tell you that if the current draw is too much, my module will fail.
The module is not appropriate for the phase inverter position in most amps. If you have a question as to whether these would work in a certain amp, give me a call.
One thing I found recently is that some amps put the filaments in series, so if you pull the tube out that you want to replace, and none of the other tubes will light up until you put a tube back in that spot, then you can't use these as they are now.

Conclusion

I am aware of some previous attempts at a similar product. Almost all the previous designs were less than open in discussing their technology, some for good reason. I don't want to reveal the innermost secrets of my designs, either. I'd rather not release my "secret formula" to the public and the competition. But I am confident that these are better than any others ever on the market for the price.
But I think you will like what you hear.

Price is $65 to $85 per module, depending on model. Modules are guaranteed for 6 months unless they are opened or abused (that will be determined when I examine them). If a module fails in normal use, I will replace it free. If they don't work in your application and I said that they would, I will refund your purchase price.

You can buy them online right here. Just chose what style you want:

style

Version 1 (raw) $65.00 Version 2 (deep) $70.00 Version 3 (hi-gain) $85.00

Modules for Amps, Guitars and Stompboxes

• FET Transistor Booster Module $25 (about 2x Boost)
  
• Mosfet Transistor Booster Module $28 (about 2x Boost)
  
• Hi-Gain Mosfet Booster Module $34 (about 4x Boost)
  
• Module I/O Interface Connector Pigtail (8" long wires) $5
  

Showcase of amps already in service...

• Mix Knob: Stock knob only gives about a 50/50 mix maximum, and I modified it to give much more effect to mix. You can dial in 100% effect if you want!
  
• Repeat Knob: Stock knob has about 6 repeats max. I modified to have as much as infinite repeats, so it can feed back echos like a tape echo!
  
• Time Knob: I add this feature to adjust the length of time for the echo to occur. The shortest time is stock, just a slap-back effect. Maximum delay time is about 4 seconds.
  
• To play the Demo Audio, use the player and controls on the left, or just click on the image of the pedal.

Amp on a Board!

This was a fun project... an amp that can be assembled with a screwdriver alone!
Its a 12-Watt or so amp, using a standard guitar amp design. Nothing fancy, but a good-sounding amp.
I documented all the connections so that you can assemble it and modify it. Every component is shown on the paperwork and each function is detailed.
It would make a great kit or learning tool for someone who wants to know about tube amps.
I made it as a prototype for a kit amp, but there does not seem to be much demand for such a thing. I think its pretty neat.
Interested? Drop me a line or call.