Examples

Examples

Most of the time you will use the SHAPER mode. You should use the LIMITER mode only in case you are uncertain about the level of your input signal but you want to be sure that output is not above 0dB.

Shaper

You can use RubyTube on single tracks or during mastering. A good setting to start with is the following: mode is SHAPER, SHAPE knob is at twelve and the OUTPUT knob is 0dB (the DRIVE knob is ignored in SHAPER mode):

This will give you a slight saturation effect that is hardly noticable on uncompressed audio material. As a side effect, an extra of approx. 3 dB gain is introduced. Note that due to saturation, as long as the input stays below 0dB, the output will also stay below 0dB.

Experiment by turning the SHAPE knob a little bit to the left. You will notice that gain is decreased. Turning it to the right will increase gain and saturation. But be careful, as long as you donÆt want to use RubyTube as a distortion unit (which you certainly can do) make sure that the SHAPE knob is not turned too far to the right.

For most uncompressed audio material the twelve oÆclock position is fine. If your track is already compressed it might be better to turn the SHAPE knob a little bit to the left. For special effects (e.g. ôextra sparkleö on the voice track, compressing a snare), a SHAPE setting of two oÆclock or more may be appropriate.

Limiter

If your input signal is above 0dB for some reason (e.g. you are using an EQ) and you donÆt want to bother about the correct level, then you can use the LIMITER mode of RubyTube to bring the level down below 0dB. A good setting to start is: mode to LIMITER, DRIVE knob is slightly over 0 dB (e.g. +2dB) and OUTPUT knob is 0dB (the SHAPE knob is ignored in LIMITER mode):

This gives a reasonable amount of saturation and extra gain equal to the drive setting. Note that the minimum amount of saturation in LIMITER mode (when DRIVE knob is set to 0dB) is much higher than minimum saturation in SHAPER mode (when SHAPE knob is set to SOFT). This is because in LIMITER mode a certain amount of saturation is necessary to keep the signal below 0dB at all times.

For most audio material a drive of 0 .. 3 dB is reasonable. Higher drive values are suitable for low signal levels and special effects, such as distortion for a guitar track.